Speaking Truth -
Are Christian Principles in the Declaration of Independence? -
CLAY CENTER - During the early meetings of the second session of the Continental Congress for the 13 colonies (1775-1781), delegates observed a British military buildup and sensed the approaching hoofbeats of war.
By the providence of Almighty God this led delegate, William Livingston (New Jersey), to offer a resolution for a day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer across the colonies. It was approved by Congress on March 16, 1776, and the day of prayer was set for May 17, 1776—49 days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The first paragraph of the resolution states how at times “…it becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and happy Colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publickly [publicly] to acknowledge the over ruling providence of God; to confess and deplore our offences against him; and to supplicate his interposition for averting the threatened danger, and prospering our strenuous efforts in the cause of FREEDOM, VIRTUE, AND POSTERITY.”
I communicate this to share one small piece of overwhelming evidence that our nation has a rich Christian heritage. From our founding fathers to our founding documents, our history is built upon Christian principles. This includes our most cherished document, the Declaration of Independence.
God’s moral law. The declaration states, “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” This is referring to the God of the Bible and His natural moral law. The Bible says that when people, “…who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.” (Romans 1:14-15) This Christian principle became the foundation for America’s system of laws.
Innate Human Rights and Dignity. The declaration states, “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.” This addresses how the Lord God, not atheistic evolutionary theory, created mankind. The Bible says, “… God created man in his own image…male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) It also addresses how God created all people of equal value and how He, not government, gave all mankind certain rights— like the right to life and to live as free people.
Go v e rnment by consent. The declaration states that “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” The Founders knew there were three parts to governing: God, the state and the people. God created people, instituted governments and knew those governments could only operate successfully at the consent of the people. The Bible teaches this principle with King David, “So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.” (1 Samuel 5:3) The people knew God appointed David, but they also voluntarily accepted that and submitted themselves under His governing authority.
Right to Seek Redress. The declaration states, “…it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…” When the people’s natural, Godgiven rights are violated by their government, they have a divine right to address those grievances. The Bible says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) These are just four of many Christian principles in the Declaration of Independence. The founding principles are what makes America unique among nations. They also force us to a higher moral standard, by which we have both succeeded and failed at times in the past and present.
A prayer for you – I thank you for the 56 signers of our Declaration of Independence that gave their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor so we can live as free people. Help me to protect this gift and use this freedom for your purposes and my neighbors’ good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
