The biggest reason why Americans ought to love America is because of freedom. Freedom is the most precious commodity in the world. It is our freedom that makes the world a more prosperous and satisfying place to live. Without freedom, mankind would be miserable.
Mankind discovered freedom because it was God who authored freedom. We can have true freedom from God if we conform to the following points:
First, freedom comes only through knowing the truth through Christ. In John 8:31-32, the Lord assured His disciples that it is possible to have a knowledge of truth. True freedom from sin is achieved only through the truth. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Second, Christ redeemed us from the Law of Moses so that we will have the liberty to serve Him. Galatians 3:13-14 says, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” No longer do we have to adhere to the many laws and sacrifices which cannot save. Now we have access to the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25).
Third, liberty cannot be used for sinful purposes. Galatians 5:13 says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Freedom from Jewish observances did not mean freedom to indulge in what was forbidden. No relaxation of the commandments of Christ was ever intended when Paul wrote of being “under grace” instead of being “under law.”
Fourth, we have to stand fast for the liberty which is in Christ. In Galatians 2:4-5, Paul would not tolerate compromises to that liberty we enjoy. It is wrong to change the gospel of Christ and therefore our liberty. We “contend earnestly” for it against those who “crept in unawares” and were “ordained to this condemnation” (Jude 3-4).
Fifth, liberty can only be truly enjoyed in eternal life. In heaven, we will be free from all of the problems of this world. We will be free from all of the persecutions and afflictions that come from being a Christian. We will be free from all the defilements of sin. Romans 8:21 says, “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
Do you have this kind of freedom? Men and women have died for over two hundred years for the freedom we enjoy in the United States. But two thousand years ago, one man hung on the cross so that you and I might be free. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5).
The Gospel Teacher, 11/24/19