It is increasingly important for us as Christians to understand the foundations of our Christian Nation. The essence of sin is to attempt to rewrite history, and today, there is an effort to erase the role of faith in America’s origins.
Our forefathers fought not to protect the government from the church, but to protect the church from the government. They sought freedom from an oppressive king who restricted religious liberty, ensuring that faith could thrive without interference.
Political scientists have determined that the most frequently cited document surrounding the Constitution was the Bible. Many of the governing principles in America are directly rooted in Scripture:
• Three branches of government – Isaiah 33:22
• Constitutional wording – Deuteronomy 17:6
• Thomas Jefferson: “The Bible is the cornerstone of all liberty.”
• George Washington: “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”
• Massachusetts (1647) – “The Old Deluder Law” mandated schools to teach the Bible.
• Delaware (1776) – Public officials required to profess faith in God.
• Congress (1782) – “The Holy Bible should be used in all schools.”
• Abraham Lincoln: “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”
Of the first 108 universities, 106 were distinctly Christian:
• Harvard (1636) – “The main end of your life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ.”
• Yale – Morning & evening public prayer was mandatory.
• Princeton – “Cursed is all learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ.”
Our forefathers built the Constitution on biblical principles, ensuring justice and governance:
• Age requirements for leaders – Ecclesiastes 10:16, Isaiah 3:4
• Citizenship requirements – Exodus 18:21, Deuteronomy 1:13-15
• Representation by population – Deuteronomy 1:15
• Impeachment power – 1 Samuel 13:13-14
Many state constitutions acknowledge God:
• Alabama (1901): “We the people… invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God.”
• California (1879): “We, the People of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.”
• Pennsylvania (1776): “We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God.”
Our forefathers built America’s foundation on principles unparalleled in world history. Today, it is our responsibility to uphold these truths.
