“…You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32

Tomorrow is Independence Day. In preparation for this day of celebration, I thought it might be good to be reminded of the foundational truths that shaped the liberty we proclaim as a nation, and often take for granted. These are framed for us in the words of some of our founding fathers and others. I wonder how many of our grandchildren know about them?

Wm. Bradford, The Mayflower Compact

Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together…

Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness… And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. 

Patrick Henry

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here. 

Thomas Jefferson

The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.

John Adams

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. 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.

And on July 4, 1821, now President John Quincy Adams said, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: “It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.”

Your grandchildren need to know the truth about their national heritage. A nation without God will become a nation without freedom. Teach them that the celebration of freedom is really a celebration of God’s rule and grace through Jesus Christ.

GRANDPAUSE: There are two freedoms: the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where man is free to do what he ought.  –Charles Kingsley