The Bible and the Constitution

The writers of the Constitution believed that God’s word was relevant to all aspects of life including law and government.  When Jesus said in Luke 12:4 “render onto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” He was acknowledging that we do owe some things to a higher authority, a civil government, and some things to God.  The scripture also tells us in Romans 13:3-4; “For rulers are not a terror to good work but to evil…. For he is God’s minister to you for good,” which means that civil governments’ duty is to be God’s minister to the people.  This is far different from what we think of our government leaders today.   The founders expected civil government, through the limits in the Constitution, to provide a place where the people could live peaceably, worship God freely, and pursue their own happiness without interference.   

To compose a document that actually protects and ensures freedom for all and even those yet born is quite an accomplishment.  A document that recognizes God as the ultimate authority over man and protects his God-given rights very plainly, deserves praise.   The U.S. Constitution prohibits one man or a government of men from coming between God and man.  This unique design would only be possible with the help of God.  The whole idea of such a truly free country was and still is so unique that one would believe it could only be a gift from God.   The very sinful nature of man would make any optimist believe it impossible for a country to be self-governed.  James Madison, the main author of the Constitution, knew this to be true.  He wrote in Federalist #51 “In framing a government which is to be administered by men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.  History had shown time and time again that greed and desire to control destroys all it touches.  Fortunately, our Founders had faith in God and knew that with God, all things are possible.  If man remains righteous, his government remains righteous. To keep men righteous or to restrain sin, governments are instituted by men.  The answer to this would be a republican form of government made up of God-fearing men of faith.  George Washington said it like this “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.”  And John Adams words are this “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.”  They wanted a government that would protect the borders and prevent invasions and at the same time not be too powerful.  They would be attempting something never even thought of much less tried before!  A government of laws based on God’s Law alone was the desire.  When taking an oath, one swears or affirms in the presence of Almighty God, with a hand placed on the Bible.  Man cannot make it alone without God, and therefore a government of men without God will not survive either. The reality is that our Founders were absolutely right when they knew this republic would only survive with the aid of the Lord and Savior and that without Him, America would fall.  Our country began on the biblical principles and the laws were based on the Ten Commandments.  Our patriotic songs are wrapped in the belief in God, our currency declares our trust in God, our people overwhelmingly confess their belief and faith in God. Our Founders would find it absurd to hear what is being said today of America or see the blatant immorality on display. They knew the truth that America would never remain free without the support, influence, and the firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence!