The Other Unalienable Rights

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

As we celebrate the founding of our great country with picnics, barbecues and fireworks, we commemorate the date that the Continental Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. Many of us can quote the most famous part of that document which begins in the second paragraph. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Just what is an unalienable right? Thomas Jefferson wanted to make sure it was abundantly clear that the Creator God has given every human absolute rights that cannot be taken away or denied by any government. Therefore they are permanent rights just as the Creator who gave them is permanent.

We are all familiar with the three famous unalienable rights contained in the Declaration of Independence: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. But did you know that God has given us other unalienable rights? He makes the following unalienable rights available to anyone who will receive them.

The right to be loved and cherished by God. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

The right to receive God's grace, His unmerited favor.  “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we who are in Him may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

The right to the guidance of God's Holy Spirit.  “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit Whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

The right to be righteous and in right standing with God.  “For our sake God made Jesus Christ who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthian 5:21)

The right to contain the character of God.  “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The right of citizenship in God's kingdom.  “Blessed are those who are humble in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

The right to health and personal wholeness.  “The Lord God forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” (Psalm 103:3)

The right to be adopted into God's forever family.  “See how great a love Abba God has given to us, that we should be called the children of God, and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)

The right to have all your needs provided.  “God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

The right to have the wisdom of God.  “Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to instruct Him? But we have been given the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

This weekend as we celebrate our country’s independence and the freedoms that are ours, let's take time to remember the other unalienable rights that God has given to us. He promises us in John 1:12: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

If you have never received Christ, say “yes” to Him right now, and step into all your unalienable rights!

Please join us this Sunday at 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM. My son, Pastor Gabriel Ahn will be speaking, and his message is entitled, “Coming into Your Convergence.”

I want to take this opportunity to invite all of you to our annual Fourth of July picnic on Sunday, July 6 from 11:30 AM until 3 PM on the lawn adjacent to Ambassador Auditorium. Come enjoy delicious barbecue, a classic car show and special treats and surprises for the kids. Tickets available for purchase after both services on Sunday.

Pastor Che