Freedom and Providence: A Nation Blessed by Design

A Free Grace Reflection for Independence Day

This article is a revised and expanded version of a message originally shared by Pastor Freddy Cortez during our recent outdoor Independence Day celebration, graciously hosted at the beautiful home of one of our church members. While first delivered in a joyful, informal setting, it has been prayerfully adapted here as a deeper spiritual reflection. Written from a Free Grace perspective, it reminds us that while national liberty is a blessing from God, true and lasting freedom is found only in Jesus Christ.

Opening Verse

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12)

Freedom is not man’s greatest achievement—it is God’s gracious gift.

As we pause to reflect on the birth of our nation, we must also reflect on the greater liberty offered to us in Christ. Civil freedom may protect our way of life, but only spiritual freedom can transform the soul. From the Founders' deep respect for Scripture to the soul liberty given in salvation, our celebration of Independence Day should always point us back to the source of true and lasting freedom: the grace of God.

Five Key Themes to Anchor Our Thinking

1. God’s Design for Freedom: True freedom begins in the soul, not at the state level (Galatians 5:1; John 8:32).

2. The Divine Institutions: Volition, marriage, family, nationalism, and government are God’s means for preserving order and liberty.

3. Providence and America’s Founding: God's unseen hand guided the formation of this nation.

4. Patriotism vs. Idolatry: We give thanks for our country without placing it above our God.

5. What Preserves a Nation: Righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34), not just strength or policy.

I. Freedom Begins in the Soul

True liberty begins not in Washington, but in the heart. The Bible makes clear that spiritual bondage is far more devastating than political oppression.

“Stand fast… in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.” (Galatians 5:1)
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Man can be politically free yet spiritually enslaved. But when a person believes in Jesus Christ for everlasting life, they are made truly free—forever. This is the essence of Free Grace theology: that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It’s not earned, it’s not maintained by behavior—it’s secured by God Himself.

And it all begins with volition, the first of God’s divine institutions. Without the God-given ability to choose, even the gospel would be meaningless. Our national and spiritual freedom both rest on this sacred responsibility.

II. The Divine Institutions That Preserve Liberty

In His grace, God established institutions for all mankind to provide structure, protection, and stability—even in a fallen world:

• Volition: The freedom to choose, especially to believe (Genesis 2:17).

• Marriage: The foundation of society (Genesis 2:24).

• Family: The training ground for truth and character (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

• Nationalism: God’s design to limit evil and centralize accountability (Acts 17:26).

• Government: A tool of restraint against chaos (Romans 13:1–7)

These were never man’s inventions—they are God’s grace gifts for every culture and every age. And when they are weakened or redefined, freedom inevitably erodes.

III. God and Government: The Founders Understood

Many of America’s earliest leaders understood that you cannot separate liberty from the Lord.

George Washington: “No nation can expect God’s favor while ignoring His rules.”

James Madison: “We have staked the whole future of our civilization... upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments.”

Alexander Hamilton: “The sacred rights of mankind... are written, as with a sunbeam... by the hand of the Divinity itself.”

Gouverneur Morris: “There can be no two Supremes—God is ultimate.”

Even the Declaration of Independence appeals to “Nature’s God” and acknowledges rights as being endowed by our Creator, not invented by human systems.

IV. Providence in Our Past

From the storms that guided the Mayflower, to the odds-defying survival of the Continental Army, God’s providence is woven into America’s origin story.

Alexis de Tocqueville remarked that “America is great because America is good,” and that her strength came from the moral character produced by her churches.

Did you know that 34% of all quotations during the founding era came directly from Scripture? These weren’t just philosophical musings—they were biblical convictions.

V. The Danger of Forgetting God

“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God… when you have eaten and are full.” (Deuteronomy 8:11–20)

This is the danger of prosperity: we begin to think we built the house, fought the war, wrote the freedom. We forget grace.

America’s greatest threat is not international—it’s internal. When a people forget the Source, the blessing will fade.

VI. What Truly Preserves a Nation

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

It’s not policy that preserves a nation—it’s the personal walk of believers. As the church goes, so goes the nation. If we walk in truth, teach the Word, and model grace, we become salt and light in a decaying world.

Takeaways: Then and Now

A Free Grace Call to Action

As believers, we are not called to politicize our faith, but to live it out. Here’s what we must do:

1. Return to Scripture: Let God’s Word shape your thinking every day.

2. Pray for Awakening: National change starts with spiritual revival.

3. Walk in the Spirit: Let grace govern your liberty (Galatians 5:13–16).

4. Teach the Next Generation: Train children in truth intentionally.

5. Speak the Truth in Love: Grace must be vocal and visible in our culture.

Final Exhortation

The early church turned the world upside down with no buildings, ballots, or budgets. What did they have?

• The Word of God.

• The power of the Holy Spirit.

• A confident, clear gospel message.

If we are to reclaim the soul of our nation, we must first recover the soul of the church.

Let us be thankful:

• Not just for the flag that flies,

• But for the cross that saves.

Let us teach our children:

• Not just who signed the Declaration,

• But who secured our redemption.

Let us pray:

• Not just for protection,

• But for revival.

“If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

A Personal Invitation to Freedom in Christ

As we reflect on freedom and providence, there is no greater liberty than the one offered through Jesus Christ. National independence is a gift, but it cannot compare to the spiritual freedom Christ purchased for you with His own blood.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

This verse is simple, yet profound. It doesn’t ask for promises, performance, or perfection—it simply invites you to believe.

To “believe in Him” means to personally rely on Jesus Christ as the One who paid for your sins and gives you everlasting life by grace. It is not about trying harder, turning over a new leaf, or working your way to heaven. It is about receiving a gift—a gift that cost Jesus everything, but costs you nothing.

At the very moment you believe in Him, the Bible promises that you are saved forever. You are given everlasting life, forgiven of all sin, and set free from spiritual death. That is the beginning of true independence—freedom from condemnation, guilt, and fear.

If you’ve never made that decision, I lovingly invite you today: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). There is no better time than now to receive the life that only He can give.

Five Founding Takeaways: A Legacy Worth Remembering

1. Worship Was Central, Not Optional: Our Founders didn’t tuck faith away in a corner—they built it into the nation’s DNA. Religious freedom wasn’t a fringe issue; it was the very heartbeat of their vision. They understood that liberty without conscience was empty, and that freedom must begin with the freedom to worship.

2. Rights Came from God, Not Government: The Declaration of Independence doesn't say we are granted rights—it says we are endowed with them by our Creator. This simple but profound truth means our value isn’t decided by culture or politics. It is anchored in God’s eternal design.

3. Crisis Was Met with Corporate Prayer: When the early Americans faced war, drought, and economic disaster, they didn’t just rally troops or pass laws—they called the nation to fast and pray. Leaders openly acknowledged that without God's help, freedom would fail.

4. Morality Had a Biblical Foundation: Scripture was not merely quoted—it shaped laws, education, and public life. From public school primers to courthouse inscriptions, the Bible was seen as a guidebook for both personal conduct and national integrity.

5. Freedom and the Bible Were Interwoven: Even state constitutions referenced Scripture. The Bible was viewed as essential to liberty because it spoke to the conscience. Without truth, freedom becomes dangerous. With truth, freedom becomes purposeful.

Five Cultural Takeaways: Where We Are Today

1. Worship Is Resisted, Not Revered: Expressions of public faith are increasingly mocked or censored. What was once honored is now often seen as offensive. But freedom of worship isn't a threat to liberty—it is its guardian. As believers, we must keep worship central without shame.

2. Rights Are Redefined by Culture: Instead of recognizing God-given rights, today’s society invents new ones based on emotion or majority rule. But if man can redefine rights, he can also remove them. The only unshakable foundation for liberty is God's eternal truth.

3. Grace Is Ignored in Public Discourse: We live in an age where outrage is louder than mercy. But Free Grace reminds us that God still offers salvation freely, even to a hostile world. Our message must be clear: grace is still available—no strings attached.

4. Truth Is Treated as Personal, Not Absolute: From gender identity to moral standards, we’re told that truth is whatever you want it to be. But real freedom requires real truth, and that truth is not subjective. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

5. Freedom Is Twisted into Self-Rule: Autonomy has replaced accountability. Many now define freedom as “doing whatever I want,” but that leads only to bondage. True freedom is found in living under the grace and authority of the One who made us.

This post was written by Pastor Freddy Cortez of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!