JESUS SIGNED OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Celebrating July 4th and the Concept of Freedom
2. A Greater Declaration: Signed in Blood, Not Ink
3. Colossians 2 – Freedom from the Law and Sin
4. Ephesians 2 – Reconciliation Through the Cross
5. Romans 3 – The Gift of Righteousness by Faith
6. Romans 5 – No Wrath for the Righteous
7. Galatians 5 – Stand Fast in Liberty
8. Closing Blessing and Final Encouragement

Introduction: Celebrating July 4th and the Concept of Freedom

Pastor Leonard opens by greeting the congregation with love and appreciation from both himself and Pastor Lori. He wishes everyone a happy Fourth of July and reminds them that July 4th marks the celebration of the Declaration of Independence in the United States, originally signed in 1776 by 56 delegates representing the 13 colonies. This historic act marked a new era of liberty from tyranny. But Pastor Leonard quickly shifts the focus to an even greater declaration made over 2,000 years ago, not by politicians, but by God.

A Greater Declaration: Signed in Blood, Not Ink

Unlike the Declaration of Independence, which was signed with iron gall ink on parchment, the believer’s eternal declaration of freedom was signed with the blood of Jesus Christ. This declaration grants liberty from sin, sickness, disease, and all forms of spiritual bondage. Pastor Leonard emphasizes that this was not a symbolic act—it was a real, eternal provision made by God through the sacrifice of His Son. Jesus signed our document of freedom with His own blood, giving us access to a new kind of liberty.

Colossians 2 – Freedom from the Law and Sin

Pastor Leonard reads from
Colossians 2:13-15– "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

This passage reveals that Jesus not only forgives our sins but also erased every requirement and ordinance that stood against us. These rules were nailed to the cross, completely removed from the believer’s life. Jesus disarmed spiritual enemies and made a public display of their defeat through His victory on the cross.

Ephesians 2 – Reconciliation Through the Cross

Next, Pastor Leonard shares Ephesians 2:15-18:
"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father."

The law once separated people from God and from each other—especially Jews and Gentiles. But Jesus abolished that separation by taking the enmity (hostility) into His own body and reconciling all people into one body through the cross. Now, through the Spirit, everyone who believes has direct access to the Father.

Romans 3 – The Gift of Righteousness by Faith

Pastor Leonard then references Romans 3:24-26:
"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

God’s justice and mercy intersect at the cross. Jesus became the sacrifice for sins, and through faith in His blood, we are justified—declared righteous. This act satisfied God’s justice while pouring out mercy. Before Jesus’ death, God held back judgment in patience, but now, His righteousness is freely given to those who believe.

Romans 5 – No Wrath for the Righteous

In Romans 5:9, the promise goes further:
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Those who are justified by Jesus’ blood are not only righteous—they are also safe from God’s wrath. Pastor Leonard underscores that this includes freedom from guilt, punishment, and the power of sin. Jesus' sacrifice has permanently shifted our standing before God. We are not waiting for wrath—we are declared righteous and free forever.

Galatians 5 – Stand Fast in Liberty

Pastor Leonard ends with a powerful call from Galatians 5:1:
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Now that Jesus has signed our declaration of independence with His own blood, it is up to believers to remain in that liberty. This means refusing to return to the bondage of legalism, guilt, or religious performance. We live by the Spirit, not the law. When ruled by love and led by the Spirit of God, external law is no longer needed. Jesus’ blood has set us free—completely.

Closing Blessing and Final Encouragement

As he closes, Pastor Leonard reminds everyone that this liberty is not just a holiday celebration—it’s a daily reality. Jesus signed our declaration not with ink, but with His blood. He and Pastor Lori express their heartfelt love and gratitude to the congregation for their support—through prayers, letters, encouragement, and financial gifts. He encourages everyone to celebrate their spiritual freedom every single day, not just on July 4th, and to live boldly in the freedom Jesus died to give.

We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they too may know the freedom, righteousness, and love found only in Jesus Christ.