Today we celebrate Independence Day, the birthday of the United States of America. I suppose you could make an argument that we gained our freedom through a process that occurred over time. Did we become free when the colonies banded together in rebellion against Great Britain? Or did it happen when the Declaration of Independence was signed? Was the magic moment when the war for independence actually began? Or did we officially become free when the treaty to end the war was signed?

While this might be fun to discuss, it won’t prevent any patriotic American from celebrating the Fourth of July. Many of us will enjoy a cookout, spend time with family, watch a fireworks display and be thankful for the veterans who risked their lives to gain and preserve our freedom.

When it comes to the freedom we Christians have in Jesus, it is easier to pinpoint the time when mankind’s freedom was gained. When Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins, he said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30). At this point in time, Jesus had completed all that God had given him to do to save us. He had given his life to give us freedom from sin, guilt and punishment.

Let’s take some time today to celebrate the freedom we have in Christ.