For as long as I can remember my favorite holiday has always been the 4th of July.
There’s just something about the fireworks, cookouts, celebrations and great weather that has always brought a lot of joy to this Midwestern girl.
But I’ll be honest, for the most part I never really spent much time thinking about what we as Americans were actually celebrating.
Sure, in the 1700’s there was a war. The good guys won and now our country, the United States is independent of any other. But what does that freedom really mean for us today?
As Christians, the 4th of July takes on a whole additional meaning, because it reminds us that the foundation of our country in the first place is based Christ Jesus.
And every day our freedom in Christ is just as important, if not more so, as living in a free country.
So as we all get ready to celebrate Independence Day this year with our families, it seems like the perfect time to reflect on these bible verses for 4th of July that remind us what real freedom is all about.
Bible Verses About Freedom in Christ
These Bible verses all remind us that by the grace of God, we are not chained to our old self and our old life anymore! When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we accept His gift of forgiveness from every wrong doing and every mistake.
We have God-given freedom that allows us to focus on His plan and purpose for our lives instead of being held down by our own shortcomings anymore.
1. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12
This Bible verse reminds us that when we follow the spirit of the Lord, our nation will be blessed. The strongest foundation we can build our country and our families on is the will of God and His Word.
2. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
THIS is the ultimate and true freedom. When we come to Jesus and surrender our sinful nature, we become a part of God’s family. When we’re living for God, we walk in spiritual freedom, no longer held down by the chains and devastation of sin. (Read more in John 8:31-47.)
3. “Consequently, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:1-2
As believers, we’re free from condemnation because the Holy Spirit has kept us from the consequences of sin which is death. This freedom means through faith in Jesus, we can live in accordance with the Spirit, experiencing the life God created us to live.
4. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
We’ve been liberated through Jesus so we can live in freedom. We have no reason to return to the bondage of legalism or sin when we can rely instead on the grace and liberty provided by Christ.
5. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
If you are a follower of Christ, you are chosen by God to be a special and holy community, entrusted to proclaim His praises. Through God’s calling, you’ve been brought from darkness into light, serving as an example of His grace and glory.
6. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Paul emphasizes that the presence of the Holy Spirit brings freedom. This freedom means liberation from sin, legalism, and spiritual bondage, enabling us to live in accordance with God’s will and plan.
7. “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:22-23
Through faith in Christ, we’ve been saved from the power of sin and can now be devoted to God. This transformation leads to a life characterized by holiness, love and becoming more like God as we prepare for eternal life with Jesus!
8. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
Just because we’ve been set free, doesn’t mean our lives should just be about us doing whatever we want. Our freedom in Christ means we can move on to doing good work, helping others and being a light for Jesus in a dark world.
9. “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” – 1 Peter 2:16
Our freedom in Christ is all about him and not about us! Don’t use the freedom and liberty God gave you to cover up evil, but to be an example to the world of who God is.
10. “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” – Psalm 118:5
So many of us like this psalmist have been through seasons of distress and fear. But when we bring all of those worries to our Creator, we can cling to God’s promise for us and go through life without the weight of those burdens that we’ve handed over to him.
Read this next: 35 Powerful Bible Verses on Our Identity and Purpose
Bible Verses for Our Nation
Leading a nation is such a great responsibility, and the leadership of a nation or community can set the course for generations to come! While we can’t always control who is in leadership above us, we can seek God’s wisdom and study these verses on how to recognize and pray for wisdom for our nation.
1. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
God has promised restoration and healing for a repentant nation if they humble themselves, pray, seek His presence, and turn from their sinful ways. This verse highlights God’s willingness to forgive and restore when His people genuinely seek Him with contrite hearts.
2. “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” – Acts 17:26
Regardless of our political differences, opinions or beliefs, the whole earth and every nation was made by ONE God. In the end, He is in control of everything that happens and we will all have to submit to His authority.
3. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” – Proverbs 11:14
We all need wisdom and guidance, especially our nation’s leaders! The source of our wisdom and the people we lean on and rely on will have a big impact on the future of a nation.
4. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34
When a nation upholds righteousness, it elevates itself. But when it embraces sin, it brings shame upon its people. This verse underscores the importance of moral integrity in shaping the prosperity and reputation of a society.
5. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1
I know this can be a hard one for a lot of us… especially when decisions are made by our government or those in authority that we don’t agree with. But there is no authority except that which God has established. The good news? God is over all of it, and ultimately He is in fact still in control.
6. “A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.” – Proverbs 28:16
A ruler without wisdom tends to be harsh and oppressive. This verse shows the importance of integrity and wisdom in leadership for the well-being of a society or community.
7. “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.” – Psalm 67:4
God judges with fairness and gives wise guidance to everyone who asks for it. This verse highlights God’s concern for justice and guidance, and how He brings joy to those who acknowledge His sovereignty.
8. “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2
When righteous people rule, there’s joy and satisfaction among the people. But when the wicked are in power, it brings about hardship and sorrow/ This verse shows the profound influence that leaders have on the well-being and morale of their society.
9. “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” – Deuteronomy 28:1-2
The best way for us to find success and peace as a nation is to follow God’s voice and His commands! The best blessings are found in living in a way that glorifies God first above all else.
10. “For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” – Psalm 22:28
We can’t forget that ultimate sovereignty belongs to God, as He reigns over all nations and kingdoms. This verse emphasizes God’s supreme authority and His role as the ruler over the entire earth.
11. “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” – James 1:25
We were made to not merely listen to God’s Word but to actively engage with it and live it out. By persistently obeying the perfect law of liberty, we can receive blessings from God for staying faithful to Him and His ways.
God bless America and we hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th holiday this year!
