It’s not every year that July 4^th, America’s birthday, falls on a date that we publish, but when it does we enjoy taking the time to celebrate and to remind our readers of America’s Christian heritage. In light of the occasion, George Washington – America’s father – may have the best take of all when he stated, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.” Say what you want about Washington or the founding fathers, but do not say they were theists. Clearly they invoke not only God as creator, but state repeatedly the importance of the Bible.

One of the Bible’s themes is that God is not a distant clock-maker who wound up the universe and left it on its own, as many try to persuade the public. Instead, the Bible constantly affirms God’s interaction in time and space, his hand of providence guiding the world to a conclusion of victory over sin and all evil. Every time America’s founders make claims about the Bible it is with respect and acknowledgment of its divine origins. Theists they were not, Biblicists they were.

George Washington was a great man, with an understanding not only of military tactics and of governance but of the methods and tactics of Heaven. He stated in one address to the nation, “We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” Sometimes I amazed at how far we have strayed from his wisdom, and other times I am overwhelmed with relief of God’s longsuffering and patience toward us.

This holiday is celebrated by all Americans, but it ought to be celebrated by all Christians around the globe as evidence of God’s work in the world. Extra-biblical as our nations birth and history may be, it is nonetheless a part of the story God is writing and it is a very good part. So while we grill bratwurst and launch fireworks with family and neighbors, remind each other of God’s role in the life of this great nation with these final words from our first president:

“You do well to wish to learn our arts and our ways of life and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.”

Happy Fourth of July, to all our brothers and sisters in Jesus, from all of us at Think-Biblically.com

Food for thought:

“For God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves. Honor all people, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the [governing authorities].” – 1 Peter 2.15-17