July 4th - Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day! This is a day to celebrate American independence and the founding of our Republic. Yet there is coming a greater day in which the whole world will declare their independence from sin - it is the plan of God, the founding Father of humanity.  

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted… to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1, 3).

“His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

God allows humanity to be broken, divided and bruised because of its sin. However, God intends to change humanity into a new creation, “trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified". All humanity will one day bow before Jesus in grateful thanksgiving for their salvation. 

“...at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:10-12)

Jesus will liberate humanity from death in Hades. It will not prevail against us.

"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God...on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:16-18)

"Hades" (hell in the KJV) is the state of people after death. It means “unseen” or “grave”. The word "church" is the Greek word “ecclesia” and means “called out ones”. Christ Jesus is the first to die and be called out of death never to die again. He is the “rock” and foundation stone of our faith. 

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)

The day of our salvation is coming, and it will be Independence Day for Humanity!

"...as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:21)