[When available, audio recordings of these devotions are posted at http://www.redeemerclc.info/audio-devotions]
John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
*LIFE*, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
In the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence it is stated that God ("the Creator") has given people certain inalienable rights and that among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The point is, these are rights of citizens that their government should be protecting, not assaulting.
The U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights speaks to the right to life when it prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and unlawful imprisonment. For this--and for honest police forces and the armed services--we American Christians should be grateful to our Father above. At the same time the fact that the right to life is denied to so many unborn children should be a cause for fervent prayer and firm action on our part.
When we consider the words of the Declaration, it is even more important that we remember that the life that this document speaks of is limited to a person's time on earth. The life which is ours through faith in Jesus Christ does not end with death. When Jesus says He came into this world that we may have life and have it to the full, He was talking about a life lived in fellowship with God now-- and life in glory with God after this life.
The right to life of which our founding fathers spoke finally could not be guaranteed by any document or government. The life which is in Christ both here and eternally is guaranteed to all who believe by the doing and dying and rising to life of Christ our Lord.
