Today marks the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln. The brief speech is often cited because of its memorable expressions about our nation’s government, and the ideals of that government – equality and freedom. At the time, the nation was in the midst of Civil War, with two major battles only a few months behind it – the siege at Vicksburg and the one at the battlefield where Lincoln spoke. Lincoln appeared as part of the dedication ceremony for the cemetery at the site, and the nature of the occasion prompted several religious references in his 272-word presentation.
Practically every American recognizes the opening line – “Fourscore and seven years ago….” Further into the speech are perhaps less familiar words about freedom – “we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom.”
Freedom is one of the great blessings to be enjoyed in our country. The greatest freedom is spiritual freedom, which can be enjoyed no matter where one resides.
Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free….If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:31-32, 36).
Paul wrote, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1-2).
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