Other Baldwin Articles:
Is America The Revived Roman Empire?
Bush Betrays Pro-Life Cause Again, Backs Federal Aid To Overseas Abortion Providers
Bush Blunders Are Hard To Keep Up With
By Pastor Chuck Baldwin
May 30, 2003
NewsWithViews.com
The United States of America was built upon three fundamental documents: The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Taken together, these documents form the basis of all our laws, principles and heritage. To destroy the principles contained in these documents is to destroy the country. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has been happening for many years now.
The destruction of America's founding principles can be directly traced to the country's willful rejection of the Bible as our source of divine authority. America has done more than expel God and the Bible from our schools; it has expelled God and the Bible from politics, commerce, and even our very way of life. Should it be any wonder then that our founding documents are also being expunged? After all, America's founding documents are themselves predicated upon God and the Bible.
The Declaration of Independence states, "[Men] are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It also states that these rights are "self evident" and that they constitute the "Laws of Nature." These principles are taken directly from the Bible.
The Law of Nature can be viewed in Romans 2:14-16. That our Creator is the Author of life is seen in Genesis 2:7. That God, not government, grants liberty is seen in Galatians 5:1. The "pursuit of happiness" is found in Ecclesiastes 3:13.
Beyond that, virtually every one of the ten articles contained in the Bill of Rights has Biblical foundation. The First Amendment recognizes the natural right of freedom of speech, religion and assembly. Christians are clearly given divine instruction regarding each of these responsibilities. Our founding documents properly established a government designed to "secure these rights." Therefore, under the First Amendment, Christians are free to preach the Gospel and to assemble for worship.
Likewise, the Second Amendment has Biblical foundation. Our Lord said in Luke 11:21, "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace." In Luke 22:35, 36 He said, "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."
Other articles contained in the Bill of Rights also have Biblical basis. For example, the Fourth Amendment comes from Deuteronomy 24:10, 11. The Eighth Amendment originates in Deuteronomy 15: 2, 3. Again, these principles are "self evident" truths which come from "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God."
Even America's constitutional form of government consisting of three co-equal branches, legislative, executive and judicial is taken directly from Isaiah 33:22.
Therefore, when citizens, especially Christian citizens, allow their elected representatives to ignore or violate these founding documents, they are in essence allowing them to destroy the very basis and foundation of our country.
Christian citizens should demand that their elected leaders not merely talk like Christians, but that they actually govern like Christians. That means holding their political leaders accountable to the laws and principles contained in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
However, elected leaders from both parties today are totally ignoring or egregiously violating the laws and principles contained in our founding documents. As such, they are helping to destroy this republic, all of their Christian rhetoric notwithstanding. But that's not their fault-it's ours!
© 2003 Chuck Baldwin - All Rights Reserved
Chuck Baldwin is Founder-Pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. In 1985 the church was recognized by President Ronald Reagan for its unusual growth and influence.
Dr. Baldwin is the host of a lively, hard-hitting syndicated radio talk show on the Genesis Communications Network called, "Chuck Baldwin Live" This is a daily, one hour long call-in show in which Dr. Baldwin addresses current event topics from a conservative Christian point of view. Pastor Baldwin writes weekly articles on the internet http://www.ChuckBaldwinLive.com and newspapers.
To learn more about his radio talk show please visit his web site at: http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com. When responding, please include your name, city and state E-mail: chuck@chuckbaldwinlive.com
"The destruction of America's founding principles can be directly traced to the country's willful rejection of the Bible as our source of divine authority. America has done more than expel God and the Bible from our schools; it has expelled God and the Bible from politics, commerce, and even our very way of life."
