Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
FACT: The term “unalienable rights” in the Declaration of Independence means rights that cannot be changed. The Founders wrote, “... endowed by their Creator (not creation) by certain unalienable Rights." This idea was so different than their European counterparts. Up to this time, King George the 3rd, (king of England) determined what rights men had or didn’t have. In fact, prior to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Americans weren’t allowed to own their homes. They couldn’t even make pans for cooking. The king forbade it. So ridiculous were the king’s demands that he even decreed that Americans had to ship to England the materials needed to make their pans, and then repurchase purchase the pans from England. The king also told them what church they had to attend. Refusal resulted in persecution, property confiscation, and imprisonment. Our founders insisted that “inalienable rights” to own property and worship free of the State came from God not the king of England.
Obviously, the king didn't like the founders’ definition of “inalienable rights” and stationed loyal English governors in the colonies to govern on behalf of the crown. When asked by the English Board of Trade how things were going in America, the English governors replied, "If you ask an American who is his master, he will tell you he has none, nor any governor, but Jesus Christ."43
The desire for inalienable rights grew so strong in the heart of Americans that one of the rallying cries heard across the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War was "No king but King Jesus!"44
Our forefathers knew that Christ was the Risen King who paid the way for our “inalienable rights”. They knew we have peace with God and access to our Heavenly Father who loves us. As a result, God has graced us with His rights and privileges now. We have the right to approach Him freely without guilt or shame. We have the right to the abundant life Jesus came to give us (John10:10). We have a right to healing (1 Peter 2:24). We have right to peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We have a right to good success (Joshua 1:8). Why settle for anything less? To settle for less is giving up our rights, in Christ.
When we don't know our rights, we're likely to wander around the same old mountains, waiting for things to change somehow. We’re likely to let our situations dictate our lives, rather than letting our lives dictate our situations. Are you ready to break out of the same old rut? Are you ready to look at a doctor’s report and claim it as fact but not as truth? Are you ready to look at the storm and tell swells to sink? Are you ready to live in total freedom, knowing that no matter what life may look like you have the right to change it? I challenge you to boldly spend time with God today. Spend time reading the word and find out your rights. Don’t allow man or religion to tell you what they are. Let the power of Jesus’ sacrifice reveal your rights. Find out for yourself and step into the free life our founders desired for us.
Action steps
- Read - Re-read Romans 5:1-2
- Think - Where are you not experiencing freedom? In your body? Jesus came and healed us (1 Peter 2:24) In your finances? God is your supplier (Philippians 4:19) Whatever the area, God has the answer.
- Write - Journal the area(s) where you're not currently experiencing freedom. What does God have to say about that? Write down His answers (i.e., Scriptures that give you the answers to those problems you're facing) and meditate on those throughout the day.
- Pray - Ask God to help you see what He has to say in His Word about your freedom. Ask Him to help you grab hold of His truths and to keep your eyes on Him.
- Take away - Jesus paid the biggest price for our freedom. He loves you, and He wants you to experience His Best! Thank God for your freedom you have in this country.
“The framers of the Constitution recognized the eternal principle that man’s relation with his God is above human legislation, and his right of conscience inalienable. Reasoning was not necessary to establish this truth; we are conscious of it in our own bosoms. It is this consciousness which, in defiance of human laws, has sustained so many martyrs in tortures and flames. They felt that their duty to God was superior to human enactments, and that man could exercise no authority over their consciences. It is an inborn principle which nothing can eradicate.”