True Freedom From Within

John 8:31-38

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" 34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father."
NIV

On July 4, 1776 our nation declared her independence. For years Kings ruled us and controlled the destiny of the world. The American Revolution introduced the concept of government of the people, by the people and for the people. The most profound concept introduce by this revolution was a democratic form of government. The essence of a democracy is the belief that all men are created equal and has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

However, on July 5, 1776 nothing had changed for Blacks and Native Americans. They still did not the rights declared on July 4, 1776. How did slaves cope with this dilemma another eighty-nine years? They understood that true freedom comes from God and though they were in physical bondage they were Spiritually free. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”