One of the common nicknames of the United States Flag is "Old Glory". William Driver, a U.S. ship captain, first coined the phrase *Old Glory* for the U.S. Flag. The Flag's colors are a great picture of the greatest story ever told – the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The flag is often referred to as the old “Red, White and Blue,” never the “White, Red, and Blue,” or the “Blue, White, and Red.” The Red always comes first, because Blood has to be shed for freedom. Wherever there is Freedom, there always has to be a Substitute.
Many soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen have laid down their lives as substitutes so we could live free in America today. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Freedom is not Free.” The same is true with Salvation from Sin and Death. Someone had to shed their blood for our nation’s freedom. And Someone also had to shed their blood for our spiritual freedom from Sin and Death – His name was Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Great Substitute that laid down His life for all sinners 2,000 years ago. God, your Creator, became a Jewish man; His name was Jesus of Nazareth. God was manifested in flesh and shed His life's blood to take away the sin of the world. Mark this - The three colors of the U.S. Flag represent three things spiritually:
* Red: Blood – The red stripes on the U.S. Flag represent Jesus’ atoning blood. We have all sinned and our sins have brought us into bondage, and Jesus had to die to set us free. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23) Jesus had to die for your sins and mine. For all of our lies, stealing, cursing, dirty thoughts, lust, selfishness, hatred, greed, rebellion, and the like. “The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin. (I John 1:9) In whom we have redemption, through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1:14) Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Without shedding of blood is no remission" of sins (Heb 9:22). God Almighty will forgive human sin through faith in the atoning Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus offered up Himself as a sinless Blood Sacrifice in order to atone for your sins, and satisfy the the divine justice of God on your behalf.
* White: Righteousness - The Lord Jesus Christ’s Righteousness is needed by all to enter Heaven. Our Sins have left a deadly stain on our hearts that separates us from God, a stain that cannot be wiped away by any of our human efforts. You will need perfect righteousness to enter Heaven and get past the judgment of God. Perfect Righteousness (Christ Himself) is what God will be looking for at the White Throne Judgment. Jesus came to Earth and lived a sinless life (pure and white) and worked out a perfect righteousness just for you. Jesus will give His Righteousness as a free gift in exchange for your sins, if you will only humble yourself and submit to Him (Romans 10:3-4). Your self-righteousness (natural goodness, self-effort) is as filthy rags and dung in God’s sight. You can never satisfy God's holiness and justice with your own righteousness, because it is tainted with your sin every day. Ye must be born again (John 3:7).
* Blue: Heaven - The Blue part of the U.S. Flag is called the Union. This is where the Stars are placed. The Blue in our flag is a picture of Heaven. Jesus rose again the third day and is now in Heaven pleading our case before the Father (Hebrews 1:3; 7:24; 10:12). The Only way we can enter Heaven when we die is by simply trusting to the Blood and Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. You can only obtain His blood and righteousness by simple faith (trust, reliance, dependence) in what Jesus did for you at the Cross and the grave.
* Stars – The Bible says, that saved sinners (the righteous) will shine as the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3). Are you going to heaven when you die? What are you trusting right now to get you to heaven? If you are relying on yourself in any way whatsoever, you won't make it to Heaven. Reject yourself once and for all, and receive Christ now. Remember, only the Blood and Righteousness of Jesus can save your immortal soul from the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:15). Life is short, Death is sure, Sin the curse, Christ the Cure. Please turn to Jesus today: Admit you’re a guilty sinner, acknowledge your inability to help save yourself from sin, be willing to turn from your sins (Repent), and believe and trust the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save your soul today. When you come to the Cross, you will need no good works - you don't have any good works, so don’t try to bring any, sinners can't produce any good works (Romans 3:12). Come on to the Cross just as you are. Right now, ask God to wash away your deadly sins in the Precious Blood of Jesus and freely give you His Righteousness. Humbly seek the Lord Jesus Christ's mercy through His Precious Atoning Blood.
