A Pastor's Ponderings: Revisiting July 4th 1776
Like
many other Floridians, I love the great state of Florida, surpassed only by my love
for our country. America has a long and distinguished history that patriotic
Americans revisit every Independence Day, celebrating with family, friends, feasts,
and fireworks. We must examine our past to understand the biblical
justification for America's independence.
Motivated
by shocking ideologies, the acceptance of historical revisionism is on the rise
at an alarming rate. We need to educate and reeducate the populace to ensure
that we keep our freedoms. Patriots must explore creative ways to help others
rediscover the foundational truths of America. I choose the most untapped resource
for finding the answers—God’s word.
The
Bible best explains the justification of America's independence from its
tyrannical king. Yet, some teachers use the Bible to teach that rebelling against
a government is never justified by its subjects. According to them, the
government’s subjects are to "be subject" and never "resist the
power."
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.
For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God…” (Romans
13:1-2a).
Were
the founding fathers rebelling against God when they sought to rebel against
the injustices of the king of England? Some teach that citizens of a country
are to subject themselves to all institutions of government. They are to
subject themselves regardless of their leaders' usurpation of authority and
violation of God-given rights. Yet, as the passage continues, God's word
provides the context and the clarity.
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to
the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and
thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for
good” (Romans 13:3-4).
The passage's
context says that God-ordained governments and rulers are against evil and
supporters of good. Every God-ordained government is the "minister of God."
For what purpose? FOR GOOD! So, when any government ceases to fulfill these
parameters, the constituents are not required to be subject to these higher
powers. Notice that these "ministers of God" not only praise good
works but also use the force of law to punish evil.
“But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he
beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to
execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:4b).
In the passage, the Bible twice defines God-ordained
governments as the "minister of God"! As such, these ministers of God
reward good and punish evil. With these truths in mind, the context of
subjecting oneself to the government becomes crystal clear. Constituents are not
required to subject themselves to governments that fall outside the parameters
of a God-given government. Therefore, the thirteen colonies ceased to be under
obligation to subject themselves to King George III in 1776.
What
happens when governments do just the opposite: punish good and reward evil?
Their subjects are under no obligation to subject themselves to such unjust
usurpations. What happens when a government ceases to be the "minister of
God"? It ceases to be God-ordained and frees its subjects from obligation.
In 1776, these were the historical realities on this continent. This is the
justification for America's rebellion in 1776! Learn it; teach it; proclaim it!
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