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Many countries have a designated day to celebrate their independence. In Canada they celebrate July 1 and in Mexico, September 16. In the United States we celebrate July 4. For the original thirteen colonies it was, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, “when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism” that they took action. They realized “it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.”
As Americans we understand that while we still live in a mostly free society, this nation is not ruled by the laws of God. In fact, our society and the whole world is hostile toward God's law and those that try to live by and uphold it. Satan is the actual ruler and deceiver of this world until Jesus Christ returns and establishes His worldwide government (Rev. 12:9). The people of God anticipate and long for this day of true independence from Satan’s abuses and usurpations. But while we wait for God's government to be set up over the world, we constantly fight the battle for independence from Satan’s influence over us. How can we better combat Satan’s tyrannical rule?
The results of Satan’s government
God has promised us that if we follow His laws, which are the basis of His government, we will be blessed abundantly as a nation and as individuals (Lev. 26:3–13). God also warned that He would remove those blessings if we chose to turn our backs on Him and follow Satan’s way. Do we recognize the curses associated with following Satan’s way? God states “I will even appoint terror over you…I will break the pride of your power…your land shall not yield its produce…I will send wild beasts among you…your highways shall be desolate” (Lev. 26:16–22). God goes on to state that if we don’t return, He will send out a sword, pestilence will increase and our bread supply will be cut off (Lev. 26:25–26). Finally, we will suffer national captivity and slavery (Lev. 26:39). Can we see the results of following Satan’s rule as blessing after blessing begins to be removed from our nation due to our collective disobedience? These terrible curses don't have to happen to our nation or us individually—we could just return to God.
We must ensure our future security
Like our founding fathers, we must seek to provide guards for our future security. What security measures have we set in place to be a part of God’s government? The word God uses over and over is “return” (Jer. 3:12). Have we, as individual Christians, fully returned to God, or could we possibly be discounting some things we feel are no big deal or minor? God does not categorize sin as major and minor. God tells us in Jeremiah 35:15 to “turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them….” Are we in complete submission to God? In James 4:7–8 we are instructed to “submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” The biggest security measure that we can implement is making sure we completely return to God and draw near to him.
Independence won’t come without a battle
Just as the thirteen colonies’ struggle for independence did not come without fighting, we too must be prepared for battle. Satan understands what the government of God means for him and for us. He will experience crushing failure and the agony of defeat when we replace him and rule with Christ here on this earth. However, he has no intention of giving up, but will fight to try and prevent the success of any who would be in God’s Kingdom. Notice the battle that true Christians fight: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). The battle we face is spiritual and our armor is described in verses 13–18: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Without this spiritual preparation and protection, the battle is over. Beware of Satan’s determination all the way to the end. He pursues the Philadelphians who are taken to the place of safety. When that doesn't work he attacks those who comprise the Laodicean era (Rev. 12:14–17). He will fight to the end.
Finally…Independence day!
Some nations achieve a form of independence for themselves after much turmoil. When will our true independence be declared? The Day of Atonement pictures this day we all long for: “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years…” (Rev. 20:1–2). What an awesome event that will be! If we take the time now to contemplate the result of Satan's way, implement the security measures needed and suit out in complete battle armor, we will be there to declare true independence.