The ringing of the famous Liberty Bell from Independence Hall once summoned the people of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, signed by our founding fathers on July 4, 1776. Fittingly, the bell is inscribed with this Bible quotation: PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF (Leviticus 25:10).
In many ways, the bell reminds us of another symbol of liberty: the cross of Jesus Christ.
1. IT PROCLAIMS LIBERTY. Jesus said, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin (John 8:34). Sin is the transgression of God’s holy law (1 John 3:4). Pride, lying, lust, hatred, theft, covetousness, selfishness - those are all things God hates (Psalm 5:5). What’s more, they subject us to His righteous judgment (Acts 17:30-31).
The problem is that ALL have sinned (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:2). But what’s the solution? It’s not religion. Not church. Not good deeds. It’s Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, according to the scriptures. THAT is the gospel message that is able to save your soul (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). All who believe on Him are set free from sin’s penalty and given everlasting life (Romans 6:23).
What liberty! The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus HATH MADE ME FREE from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
2. TO ONE AND ALL. The freedom God offers through Christ is not exclusive to a specific class, a certain race, a particular denomination, or a select group of people. The Bible says God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
The one condition for freedom from sin’s eternal penalty is one that all can meet: admit your sin before a holy God and cling to what Jesus Christ did for you as your only hope of salvation and forgiveness. The righteousness of God is by faith of Jesus Christ UNTO ALL and UPON ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE (Romans 3:22).
Today, the Liberty Bell sits in a museum in Philadelphia. It’s cracked. It no longer rings. It is valuable only as a memorial. On the other hand, Jesus Christ, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). And he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him (Hebrews 7:25). Won’t you trust in Him today and let Him make you free indeed (John 8:36)?
