That is the title of one commentary's section on Romans 6.  How appropriate for us.  This Sunday we will be celebrating a number of baptisms on Independence Day.  How ironic...or should I say "providential"?

As Paul continues to unravel the mystery and beauty of God's righteousness (his faithfulness to his covenant and his saving justice), he demonstrates how baptism is our means of identifying ourselves with Christ in his death (and the forgiveness of our sins), and also in his resurrection (and our newness of life in him).  

Like Israel led by Moses out of slavery through the waters of the Red Sea, so we enter the waters of baptism out of slavery to sin.  Like Israel led by God toward the Promised Land, so we are led by the Holy Spirit of God to the New Heavens and New Earth and the life to come.  In the meantime, we continually remove and renounce the shackles of sin, and willingly become servants of God and his righteousness.  That is true freedom.  And that's the heart of the message that we will explore Sunday.  Let's celebrate this true independence together!

God's grace and peace be with you all,

Dave