And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.” Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” Acts 22:25–28
On March 23, 1775, when delegates of the colony of Virginia met in Richmond to vote on a resolution to join the American Revolution, Patrick Henry delivered a brief speech that has become one of the most famous in history, concluding with a call to arms: “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” This week the United States will celebrate the 241st anniversary of their independence from Great Britain. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence set forth numerous reasons for dissolving these ties. The signers of this document acknowledged, “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.” While their preference was “to suffer, while evils are sufferable,” the “long train of abuses and usurpations” on the part of King George III––no fewer than two dozen listed in the Declaration––had become insufferable. Since the Revolution, this nation has highly valued its freedoms, but even if human government should attempt to revoke these cherished liberties, we have greater freedoms as citizens of heaven that can never be taken away.
Heaven’s citizens are free from so many ills that plague the balance of humanity. When we obey the gospel of Christ, we become free from sin and its wages (Romans 6:12–23; 8:1–4). When we put the old man of sin to death with his deeds, we become free from the guilt of sin as well (Romans 6:1–7, Acts 23:1).
Even in prison, heaven’s citizens are free. Joseph spent many years in captivity, and yet even Pharaoh did not know the freedoms that belonged to his slave. None of the officers in Nebuchadnezzar’s court possessed the liberties known to Daniel and his friends. Paul spent at least four years in prison (Acts 24:27; 28:30), and yet the only time he was in bondage was when he kicked against the goads (Acts 26:14). Wherever the child of God is, he is free (2 Corinthians 3:17)!
Heaven’s citizens can never be robbed of their freedoms. If our treasures are in heaven, they are more secure than any vault can make them on earth (Matthew 6:19–21). To the Jews who trusted in their nationality, Jesus said, “A slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:35–36). Those liberated by the authority of the U.S. government will be free only as long as this government stands. Contrary to what Nebuchadnezzar may have thought (and many Americans may think), only God’s kingdom stands forever (Daniel 2:44), and he who is freed by the Son of God will forever be free! Someday the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Declaration will all be reduced to dust and ash, but the Word of God will abide forever (Matthew 24:35; John 12:48)!
Just like the freedoms we enjoy in this country, the freedoms belonging to heaven’s citizens come at great cost. While it is good for us to set aside a day to celebrate our freedoms and to honor those who have given their all so that we may have them, let us never neglect our weekly opportunity to honor the sacrifice that has made liberty possible in Christ (Hebrews 10:25–29)! Sadly, there are many who will choose death over liberty. While we make every effort as Christians to share our liberties with others, there are many like Agrippa who refuse it (Acts 26:28). Nevertheless, let us never grow weary in doing well, but let us continue, as Paul did, to “speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:25).
I love America, but America is not my true home. I am only a stranger here (Hebrews 11:13): my citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Where is yours? You have two options––liberty or death. Which will you choose? “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty!”