In Jefferson's declaration, he addresses three inalienable rights: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. These rights are not rights but gifts of grace granted by the Sovereign God Almighty.
We often think of ourselves as independent, but are we? I mean, who among us can create life? Sure, we may be able to procreate, but we cannot create life. And who among us can sustain life? The very breath you just took was a demonstration of God's grace in sustaining your life. We are so dependent!
Paul, in His letter to the church in Ephesus, clarified what it means to have life. In Ephesians 2:1-10, he makes it clear that humanity is born to death. Not born to die; born into death. When we are born, we are born without Christ, and we remain so until God breaths the breath of life into our spiritually dead corpse. It is only then that we are able to respond to His prompting and act on the faith He has given to us to receive the gift of life He offers.
Life is only possible through faith, by grace, in Jesus Christ (This is also known as salvation.) Our salvation is dependent upon God, it is not by any work of man. (Remember, we were dead.)
So, if we are going to celebrate, let's celebrate our dependence on God. To God Be The Glory!!
For the full message shared on 07-08-12 at First Church of God, Racine, WI go to:
Declaration of Dependence: For Life
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