“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”
(Psalm 33:12)
This weekend, we celebrate Independence Day. It was 233 years ago – July 4th, 1776 – that our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and declared our freedom from British rule. Today, there is some debate whether America is a “Christian” nation or not. But, it is an undeniable fact that our founding fathers believed in God and America was founded on Christian principles. Take a look at a few quotes from some of the men who signed our Declaration of Independence…
- “God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever….” (Thomas Jefferson, author)
- “Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.” (John Hancock, first signer)
- “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.” (John Adams, signer)
- “Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped. (Benjamin Franklin, signer)
- “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Patrick Henry, signer)
Of course, we are all familiar with the words in the opening of the Declaration of Independence itself, but take a look at the closing words, as well…
- “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.” (beginning)
- And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” (closing)
The first President of the United States was a Christian, as well. His words are a good reminder for all of us…
- “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” (George Washington, first President.)
Clearly, our founding fathers believed in God. Clearly, America was founded on Christian principles. As you celebrate the “fourth” this weekend; celebrate our Christian heritage, as well. May God bless America!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this great nation in which we live,
and for Your many blessings on America over the past 233 years.
We pray for revival in our nation!
May Your Holy Spirit draw us back to Yourself!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
