Our Nation Is God’s Gift to Us

As we celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States of America, we ought to give thanks to God for this nation as an extension of His grace—both upon its citizens and upon many around the world. We do not deserve it.

When Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention in 1787, a woman asked him what form of government the delegates had decided on. She was particularly curious whether it would be a monarchy.

“Well, Doctor, what do we have—a republic or a monarchy?”

“A republic, madam, if you can keep it,” Franklin replied.

We have kept it for 249 years. It has faltered and stumbled along the way, but it is still here.

Not a Perfect Union

Far from it. I’m sure many nations around the world—even our allies—would shout “Amen” to that statement. But that is the beauty of this government: it is humbly founded not on the principle of human greatness, but on the recognition of human sinfulness.

No leader, no matter how noble, is incorruptible. Therefore, every leader must rule under accountability. From the Caesars of Rome to the monarchs of Europe, history is filled with wicked rulers—and many more of mixed moral character—all who used nearly unfettered power to do great harm.

Our nation was founded on the principle that citizens should evaluate the qualifications of those who govern and vote accordingly. Even those elected should serve only as executors of the law—not as its originators or final judges. The separation of powers reflects this principle. Thus, we have three branches of government, each accountable to the others. Even presidents are subject to the Supreme Court, and even the Court is subject to the law.

This brilliant formulation of human government is rooted in the biblical principle that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Rule of Law, Not Rule of a Person

Old Testament kings were subject to the Law. They did not write it, change it, or rule over it (Deuteronomy 17:14–20). While I am not advocating for Theonomy today, I do recognize the wisdom of the rule of law over the absolute rule of a monarch. When God established the Old Testament system, He demonstrated this principle.  Old Testament Kings were subject to the Law like everyone else.

Some might argue that God endorsed monarchy in Romans 13. But I would contend that Paul was giving Christians instructions on how to live under a pagan regime, emphasizing trust in God’s sovereignty—not advocating for the rule of Caesars or a Roman imperial system.

Freedom of Conscience

The separation of Church and State, which we have lived under since the ratification of our Constitution, is also rooted in biblical principles. This may be difficult to grasp for Bible students who read about the Old Testament nation of Israel, with its many civic and religious laws handed down at Sinai—or for those who look forward to the future reign of King Jesus, who will rule with a rod of iron.

But consider this: the Old Testament Law did not produce righteousness. It only revealed unrighteousness (Galatians 5:15–23). Its purpose was to show us the holiness of God and drive us toward Christ.

Paul’s teaching, under the inspiration of the Spirit, emphasizes that people should obey God with sincere hearts, following the dictates of their own conscience (Hebrews 10:22; Romans 14:4–13). Our goal is not to rule the religion of others or impose our faith on them, but to win them to salvation and to willing obedience to Christ. Our greatest hope is to live out our faith without interference and to freely share it with others (1 Timothy 2:2). We do not want compulsory religion—we want the freedom to share our faith in the open marketplace of ideas.  We trust the Holy Spirit, not the government, to produce change hearts and lives.

Our deep commitment to this principle as a nation has even driven us to grant religious freedom to those who would take ours if given enough power.

This freedom is constantly under attack in our Republic, but there have always been those who rise up to defend it based on our Constitution.

And So Much More

Add to that the importance of an economic system grounded in personal responsibility (2 Thessalonians 3:10) and equal justice for every citizen (Leviticus 19:15). We have not upheld these ideals perfectly, but we continue to strive toward them.

This republic is a gift. And every good gift comes down from the Father of Lights (James 1:17). We must strive to keep it. Meanwhile, on its 249th birthday, let us fall to our knees and humbly thank God for it.