Liberty and Freedom

This July 4, 2016 the citizens of the United States will observe the annual holiday of what we call “Independence Day.” Americans will observe this holiday as they have dating back to the historic event of the approval of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This declaration is considered to be the birth of the nation.

Many events followed that momentous declaration. There was, of course, the Revolutionary War with England, who resisted the colonies becoming independent. Once the war was ended, the thirteen colonies got down to the business of becoming states and a nation, including drafting and ratifying a Constitution.

One of the interesting things that helped define the new nation was forging the famous Liberty Bell. The bell was actually forged in 1751 prior to the Declaration and the Revolutionary War to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Charter of Privileges (their state constitution written by William Penn). According to the historical record, the bell was rung to call the citizens of Philadelphia to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776.

Virtually all of the founders of this nation were Bible believing, God fearing men. Quaker Isaac Norris, the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly, is credited with selecting the words that were forged on the bell. The words were “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” which is a quotation from Leviticus 25:10.

It should also be noted that the Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges focused on religious freedom, Native American rights, and citizens participating in the legislative process. It was this forward thinking at the time that took issue with the King of England. The Church of England was the official religion of the ruling nation England, and the King made all laws without citizen participation. The famous expression “no taxation without representation” was the expressed protest against the laws of England being forced on the Colonies without considering the citizens. This is the kind of thinking that gave birth to the Declaration of Independence.

Here is another fact. The founding fathers who wrote the Constitution, including the first president, George Washington, were godly men who based the supreme law of the land on Biblical principles, just as the Pennsylvania Assembly did in writing their state constitution. There are some who do not follow the Bible who argue this point, but the overwhelming evidence is found in directly comparing the Constitution and Scripture, besides the personal quotations and writings of the founding fathers. 

The very idea that the Constitution defines the three branches of government (judiciary, legislative, and executive) was based on this Scripture:

For the LORD is our judge, The LORD is our lawgiver, The LORD is our king; He will save us— Isaiah 33:22

There is a judicial element, a legislative element, and an executive element to God’s leadership. Thus, the founders followed this model in developing the Constitution.

Those who hold high federal offices in our government have to swear an oath on the Bible because the very definition of our government was based on the principles of the Bible and on the God of the Bible. In fact, the oath of office as specified in all of the original states included a very specific declaration of faith in Jesus Christ (God) to assure the assembly that the oath taker was subject to both blessing and punishment based on his performance in office. Today, this oath has now been shortened to “So help me God.” Some just “affirm” their commitment.

For the founders, the very heart of what they defined as liberty and freedom was based on the Biblical description of those words. They took example from the Scripture in this manner.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:17

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:25

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

James 2:12

Newsweek Magazine made an incredible statement in an article entitled, “How the Bible Made America,” on December 27, 1982, “historians are discovering that the Bible, perhaps even more than the Constitution, is our Founding Document.” Shane Idleman wrote a recent article in Christian Post entitled, “America: Then vs. Now, It’s Almost Unbelievable” that, “If a proposed article for the Constitution was not supported by, or rooted in the Bible, it was not considered. In their early writings, many of the Founding Fathers quoted or referenced the Bible nearly four times more than any other source.” He goes on to quote President Lincoln, “Nobody has the freedom to choose to do what’s morally wrong.” As others have concluded, the Constitution and the First Amendment were based on the bedrock of Scripture.

Dr. James Taylor, in his book It’s Biblical, Not Political, addresses other elements of this topic, all pointing to the overwhelming fact that the founding fathers used their faith and the Bible for the basic framework of the Constitution and our entire government down to individual states.

Today, those principles have been discarded and a “separation of church and state” doctrine has been systematically forced upon the country by leaders, representatives, and judges who have all violated their oaths of office and departed from the intent of the founders. They don’t disagree when charged for abandoning the earlier understanding and basis; instead, they justify their changes with the argument that the Constitution should be a “living document” subject to change as the times change. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia, who passed away recently, stood against this thinking, arguing that the Constitution was not a “living document” but was instead a “legal document” with a specified amendment process. The next Supreme Court justice could well tip the scale to completely depart from the intent of the Founding Fathers.

In the course of liberal and progressive efforts to make the Constitution a “living document,” the oft-quoted words of the Constitution concerning religion and state have been demeaned and twisted into something that was never intended.

Here are the words in question. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or inhibiting the free exercise thereof…”

In the drafting of these words, the historical record of the many drafts for these exact words were primarily concerned with no single Christian Church doctrine dominating any other Church denominations’ doctrine. The founding fathers were leaders in their respective churches and they included the Baptists, Roman Catholics, Quakers/Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Deists, to mention a few. Fifty-two of the fifty-five signers of the Declaration were Orthodox Christians. In fact, the word “religion” used in the Constitution was only referring to Christianity. The founders did not want one particular denomination to “rule the roost” as the Anglican church had done in England.

It is interesting to see how these particular words evolved to the final form in the Constitution. Dr. Taylor’s book (pgs 44-46) explains how careful our founders were in developing the proper wording. Historical documents show that the First Amendment was rewritten twelve times in order to obtain the most effective language as we see it today.

Upon detailed examination, the words “church,” “separation,” or “state” were never used in any draft nor in the final wording of the First Amendment. How odd. How did we get so far off track from the original intent of the founders?

Today, the government of the United States and all three branches defined by the Constitution no longer resemble the government conceived and established by the founders. There are many examples where the President has established laws through executive orders, set aside laws he didn’t like, and used “prosecutorial discretion” without Congressional approval. Of all the lies spoken that we hear today, there is none greater that when some politicians take the oath of office “to support and defend” the Constitution when the “checks and balances” of the Constitutional separation of powers are being offended. In my humble opinion, and knowing there are exceptions, the only true oath takers for the words to “support and defend the Constitution” are the men and women of the Department of Defense (the military veterans of this country). I believe they are the remaining few in this country who understand what is meant by the words Liberty and Freedom. I base that conclusion on the present day state of affairs and the inability of new leaders to stem the flow away from the Constitution. There is a militant radical godless minority that is leveraging the courts coupled with “millennials” who know nothing of this country’s history or Scriptural foundation.  

As we celebrate and remember the original intent of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States this month, I would like to take you back to those biblical principles that led them to form a whole nation. Those are the very principles of the Kingdom of God. Our faith in the Messiah and the Torah (the Law of God) is the very basis for us to have corporate and personal relationships with God and one another.

Let us examine a little deeper how God has set-up His government and the principles our nation was to follow.

EXECUTIVE

The founders of this nation wanted to build an executive branch completely opposite to the monarchy led by King George of England. One of the most profound elements of the definition for the Constitution was the decision that there would never be a King over the nation in the form of a man. Instead, they asserted very strongly that only God would be their King. They based their assertions on this Scripture.

And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one. Zechariah 14:9

For them, the Lord was King, the Lord is King, and the Lord will be King forever. No man would be king over the United States. They equated the kingship of George to a corrupt dictator. Instead, the executive leader, the President, as they defined the office, would serve God and the citizens of the nation. However, they knew that no single man could accomplish such a massive and complex task.  He would need an administration of cabinet officers to accomplish the task.  Therefore, a popular vote for one man would not allow the people to choose wisely. Instead, they devised a system where the states would determine the Presidency through an electoral college. The emphasis on all positions in government was based on the concept of service, the exact opposite of a monarchy. Kings and princes are not servants.

In man’s government, other than a monarchy and a dictatorship, the leaders of nations are called “Ministers.” The single leader of a nation is often called the “Prime Minister.” The word “minister” actually means “servant.” All members of the government are to be “servants” of the nation, thus they are called “ministers.” Although in the U.S. we don’t use those terms for our leaders, we do refer to the president’s government as the “Administration.”

Those who commit their lives to serve God and His people are called “ministers” of the Gospel. Paul was a “minister of the Gospel.” In fact, Paul even uses the term “Ambassadors” (another title for those who serve as a governmental representative to differing peoples and nations) as to how we are to serve God before those outside the faith.

There is no question that God’s executive branch of government has authority in all things. God’s authority to carry out His will is boldly expressed, and we are to serve, not in our own authority, but in His authority to carry out His will in the kingdom. God expects us to be loyal and to not subvert His authority by going after false gods.

When a President or a Minister moves out from under God’s authority, asserting his own self-will above God, he is now in rebellion against God.

LEGISLATIVE

There is One Lawgiver. The God of Mount Sinai gave us His Law and Commandments. These are the ordinances of His kingdom. Even if there are some who do not obey His Laws, His Laws are still in effect. There is no man nor group of men, no matter how they organize or credential themselves, who can change one single law of God. They have no authority to annul, modify, or repeal any of His laws. For those who would argue that God, through the Messiah has changed His laws, they are in error. The Messiah has addressed this matter specifically, first, by asserting that He did not come to abolish the laws of God, but instead, to fulfill them. For those of us who love God, we are reminded that loving God is equated with keeping the commandments (God’s laws). The Apostle James reminds us there is One Judge and Lawgiver (referring to the Messiah).

Our role in this branch of God’s government is to “teach” the commandments of God first to our children and then to our neighbors. This is a truth. Any group of citizens that is not informed of the laws for that nation are not excused from the punishment of the law. You have heard the expression before, “Ignorance of the law is no defense.” This is true in our faith as well. While God’s mercy is extended to us in our ignorance, the willful disregard of His laws is a wholly different matter met with God’s justice and judgment.

God’s law is specific about criminal law with degrees of offense; in other words, the difference between manslaughter and murder, and what He considers kidnapping. His laws even specify degrees of punishment and retribution; i.e., theft of a sheep returned and not returned. His law also covers civil matters including the matters of loans and borrowing items. There are even laws for assessing damages done and compensation for said damages. In particular, His laws address certain behaviors that harm the entire community such as immorality and quarantining contagious persons.

The intent of the founders of our nation was for the legislature to ensure that all laws were consistent with the laws of Scripture. In all matters that went beyond what Scripture said, the individual states were given the power to legislate those laws. This meant that the federal government was only to see to the righteousness of the nation, maintain the common defense, and regulate interstate commerce. All other matters were up to the individual states.

This was also the understanding in the establishment clause for religion. While all religious bodies were subject to the Lord, individual denominations and congregations were to determine their specific rules of order apart from any singular authority except God. Personal conscience was not only given to individuals but also states. While many think that slavery was the core issue for the American Civil War, they are mistaken. The core issue was states’ rights; slavery was only one of many defining issues in that debate.

JUDICIARY

The Lord is Judge. He is the judge of us all. He is the Supreme Judge—the only one who will determine the final judgment for eternity. Our own civil and criminal courts are modeled after the Lord and His court. Coming before the Lord (the Judge) has a very special decorum and order. The same is true of our courts. The judge actually sits above the courtroom and wears robes of judgment and is called “Your Honor.” You have heard the expression “Order in the Court.” God’s law requires that everything be done “decently and in order.” Paul echoed that same understanding in how we are conduct ourselves in any godly assembly.

But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. 1 Corinthians 14:40

The Lord also requires that the pursuit of justice in His court be done in a just way. This is the very definition of what our courts today call “due process.”

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16:20

God’s law allows for a distributed court process, meaning that small issues are judged by a judge selected by the people. If the matter is to be appealed or elevated because of its seriousness, then appellate judges consider the matter. The highest court in the land is the Supreme Court. This is the same court process counseled to Moses.

It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening. Now when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?"

Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws."

Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people's representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” Exodus 18:13-23

In God’s kingdom, He is the Supreme Court. In the same manner, we as men of God are also called upon to render judgments on behalf of our brethren for conflicts among us. In fact, the criteria the Apostle Paul listed for elders is about the candidate for elder being able to make judgments without bias or partiality.

The Laws of Justice absolutely forbid bribery, which is the worst corruption of the judicial process. Perjury is also forbidden and the Law states that a false witness is to receive the same punishment as the guilty would have in the matter. All judgments are to be impartial without favoritism to the rich or poor.

The day is coming at the end of the Millennial Kingdom when we will sit with the Messiah and render judgments with Him.

This Independence Day let us examine the nation we live in now…

Not only has our nation departed from the original intent of the founders and the biblical principles in the Constitution, we as a nation have turned away from God Himself. It is ironic. Our money that we handle daily says, “In God We Trust.” It is not for lack of reminders that God is the source of all good things for our nation, we have willfully and intentionally disregarded God, our own Constitution, our own goodness, and pledged oaths to go a completely different direction.

What is to become of us?

I believe I know the answer to that question. We are in the process of being judged by God. We are deficient on the scales of righteousness.

For the last couple of decades, I have heard various Christians and Christian leaders quote from II Chronicles 7:14 calling our fellow citizens to repentance and restoration of the nation.

[If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2Ch 7:14

But the same brethren calling for this promise of God refuse to follow God’s Torah, dismissing it with their “replacement Christian theology.” How is God going to fulfill His good promise for a people who have thrown out the Torah and replaced it with their denominational doctrines? While repeating the promise of God, they refuse to repent of their own disregard for His laws and commandments, and these are the “righteous” citizens of the nations. Consider how much more God’s judgment is deserved for the unrighteous.

We as Messianic believers are a small minority within this nation, yet the LORD sees every heart. In Ezekiel 9:4-6 God calls for destruction to begin at Jerusalem spreading to the world, yet He promises to send a special envoy to mark the foreheads of those who sigh and groan over all the abominations against God’s laws and then send destroyers to go in and destroy others but not touch those who were marked. It is a sobering scene. Those days are before us. It will be the sealing of the 144,000 at the start of the Great Tribulation.

What manner of men ought we to be? Let us be strong in our faith, realizing God sees our hearts. Let us pray to be found pleasing in His estimation and not careless in our daily lives. Let us respect the founding fathers’ designs of Liberty and Freedom and obey the laws of the land. God had blessed the establishment of this nation, and it cost dearly generation after generation to maintain it. Let us appreciate His blessings as we ponder our part in history.