FENTON, MI – This month we celebrate the birth of our nation. Many today are about the business of revising history to fit their philosophy of life and to justify moral proclivities or the lack thereof. Some do so out of political motivations or to promote a personal cause. No matter what some may say, an accurate and unbiased study of our history reveals that our nation was founded on the Word of God and Christian beliefs. To try to devoid our nation of it’s rich Christian heritage and foundation is not only unethical, but is also untrue.
As I have studied the writings and records of our founding fathers, I have come to the firm belief that these men looked to God’s Word for direction and guidance in forming our government. Not all of them were believers and some were deists, but their understanding of and belief in the guiding principles of the Bible are evident. The following are just a few statements from these great men that confirm such convictions. To even the casual reader, there can be no doubt as to where their faith and allegiance abided.
George Washington -- It is impossible to govern rightly without God and the Bible.
Benjamin Franklin -- God governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
James Madison -- Religion is the basis and foundation of the government.
Patrick Henry -- America was not founded by religionists, nor on any religion, but by Christians on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Samuel Adams -- (after signing Declaration of Independence) We have this day restored the Sovereign, to whom alone, men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun may His kingdom come.
Thomas Jefferson -- Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a convictions in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?
Abraham Lincoln -- I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man...But for this Book we could not know right from wrong.
Andrew Jackson -- The Bible is the rock upon which our republic rests.
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
WHY HAS GOD BLESSED AMERICA?
I believe that God has blessed America because we were founded, as a nation, on Biblical principles and as a result, has been the premier country on this planet in the promotion and propagation of the Gospel. The reason we are still a nation today is because God has preserved us to be the vessel by which He pours out the Gospel to the whole world.
God bless America. And He will, as long as we are a blessing to Him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board.