Bought By Blood!

by Micky Galloway

Political Freedom Is Bought By Blood. On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. In essence, this declaration amounted to an announcement to the world that the American Colonies were declaring themselves free and independent states, being completely absolved of any allegiance to Great Britain. The Revolutionary War had already begun over a year prior, on April 19, 1775, with “the shot heard round the world” when colonial troops clashed with British soldiers at Lexington, Massachusetts. This war officially ended eight years later when, on September 3, 1783 “the United States and Great Britain signed the final peace treaty in Paris.” The last paragraph of the Declaration of Independence contains these words, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.” Fifty-six brave men, pledging to each other their lives and fortunes, signed the Declaration. The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge, age 26, the oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin, age 70. Two of the signers went on to become Presidents, John Adams (2nd President), and Thomas Jefferson (3rd President). However, all signers of the Declaration, knew full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Five of them were captured by the British and were tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in battle. More could be said regarding the sacrifices other signers made, but enough has been said to establish that political freedom came at a great price! (From an article by Bobby Witherington)

Spiritual Freedom Is Bought By Blood! The question is asked, “Can God forgive someone for even murder?” Yes!! Christ prayed for those who murdered Him, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). As Stephen was stoned to death, “he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). It is here that we are introduced to a young man named Saul who held the garments of those who stoned Stephen to death. About twenty years later he testified in Jerusalem, “And I said, Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: and when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of them that slew him” (Acts 22:19-20). Writing to Timothy, he said, “I thank him that enabled me, (even) Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to (his) service; though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:12-15). The cost of forgiveness? The blood of Jesus. The apostle Peter said, “you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19; cf. Ephesians 5:25; Acts 20:28).

Spiritual Freedom Is Not Unconditional! The Jews who crucified Jesus were forgiven when they obeyed the gospel in Acts 2:40-41. Saul of Tarsus was forgiven when he arose and was baptized, washing away his sins (Acts 22:16; Acts 9:18). Thanks be to God for the freedom from the awful things we have done! The apostle Paul said, “For when ye were servants of sin, ye were free in regard of righteousness. What fruit then had ye at that time in the things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life” (Romans 6:20-22).

In order for sinners to be set free by the blood of Jesus Christ, they must cease being “servants of sin,” and become “servants of righteousness”! But how? “… thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Such obedience involves hearing the word of God which produces faith (Romans 10:17; Acts 2:22), believing the gospel (Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6), ceasing the practice of sin (Romans 6:12), thus repenting of all sin (Acts 17:30), confessing one’s faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37), and being “baptized into Christ” (Galatians 3:26), “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

Many today are focused on our political freedom. Let us remember as we do each Lord’s day, the blood that was shed for our spiritual freedom. “For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). Let us thank God that through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord, we can be free at last from the bondage of all our sins.