The mood was no doubt solemn and determined in that cramped assembly room. After months of debate and argument, the time had finally come for the conclusion of the matter at hand. One after another the men walked up to the table, dipped a quill in the inkwell, and made the strokes that would determine the future of the entire world. One by one, 56 men signed a proclamation of their liberation from tyranny.

The signers, though most are now forgotten by many, signed the most momentous and remembered document in the history of our country: the Declaration of Independence. The colonies would later have to endure years of bloodshed to officially earn their liberty but freedom was in sight with the signing of this memorable manuscript.

In a letter to his wife, signer John Adams made a reference to the day of the signing by saying: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” How insightful.

We as Christians celebrate another declaration of independence. We celebrate our day of deliverance every Sunday when we remember the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior; Jesus the Christ. Every Sunday we celebrate and honor the day that Jesus “signed” the declaration of independence from the tyranny our sins. He did this by offering His own blood and body as a sacrifice on the cross. Now, In a solemn act of devotion we share the emblems that Jesus Himself instituted to memorialize His sacrifice, and our freedom from tyranny.

The “tyranny of sin” or the “law of sin and death” is this: the soul that sins shall die (Ezek. 18:20). But Paul said in Romans 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Paul tells the Ephesians likewise saying “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). This freedom is certainly something worth celebrating!

Let us then make every effort to fight for and remember our independence. Our freedom, both worldly and spiritually, was paid for in blood. Don’t take it for granted. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled