[T]he law is ignored and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted. (Habakkuk 1:4)
November 19, 2013, was the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The speech is iconic, but is it Biblical?
Unfinished Work
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.
The Confederate soldiers who lost their lives at Gettysburg and in all the other battles of that war would certainly find it treasonous if any of their descendants were to dedicate themselves to furthering the unfinished work of the United States Constitutional Republic’s aggressive and escalating imperialism. They died with the hope of freeing their posterity from this ungodly abuse of power.
It’s been argued that the Confederates fought for the right to govern themselves. However, without Biblically qualified “governors” ruling on Yahweh’s1 behalf, this too is unbiblical. God intends that we be governed by Him and only those submitted to Him2 (unless otherwise as a judgment when we fail to seek Him and His administrators—Daniel 4:17). Anything else is executive and legislative usurpation:
…their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves. …imputing this his power unto his god. (Habakkuk 1:7, 11)
The New American Standard Bible renders verse 7 more accurately: “their justice and authority originate with themselves.” This sounds very much like the Preamble of the United States Constitution that begins and ends “WE THE PEOPLE,” for various reasons, do “ordain and establish this Constitution….”
Yahweh’s Constitution (His triune immutable moral law as reflected in His commandments, statutes, and judgments) was established long before 1789. Because the federal Constitution was not based upon Yahweh’s Constitution, We the People’s constitutionalism is a collective form of humanism. The framers would have done well to have heeded Moses’ warning:
Ye shall not do after … whatsoever is right in [every man’s] own eyes. (Deuteronomy 12:8)
Unlike the secular United States Constitution, some of the Colonial constitutions in the 1600s were based upon Yahweh’s constitution:
In June of 1639 the leading men of New Haven held a convention in a barn, and formally adopted the Bible as the constitution of the State. Everything was strictly conformed to the religious standard. The government was called the House of Wisdom…. None but church members were admitted to the rights of citizenship.3
In contrast, the Preamble for the Constitution of the Confederate States of America didn’t fare much better than the Union’s:
We, the people of the Confederate States, each state acting in its sovereign and independent character, in order to form a permanent federal government, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity [sic], and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity—invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God—do ordain and establish this Constitution for the Confederate States of America.
It does not matter that the Confederate Constitution replaced “in order to form a more perfect union” with “each state acting in its sovereign and independent character.” Without Yahweh’s law as the declared standard, the Confederate Constitution was merely another contemporary form of “every man [whether individually, collectively, or by representation] doing that which was right in their own eyes,” per Judges 21:25.
Not only did the Confederate Constitution fail to designate Yahweh’s moral law as the standard for government and society, in the seditious tradition of the Union’s Constitution, it specified itself as the supreme law of the land and also banned Christian tests for its civil leaders (Article 6, Sections 3 and 4).4
One need look no further than the Constitution of the Confederate States (particularly Article 6) to find reason the South lost the war. Their Constitution contains many of the same grievous violations as the Union’s Constitution. The South had the opportunity to do it right(eous) and failed.
It is of little consequence that the Confederates included the phrase “invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God.” We must do more than merely invoke Yahweh’s guidance. We must execute His guidance (most of which is already provided in His inspired Word) at all levels of society. This is the unfinished work of Christians: The advancement of Yahweh’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10, 33).4
Dying in Vain
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—….
When we scrutinize the war’s principle cause (the perpetuity of its Biblically seditious Constitutional Republic5) by the Bible, it’s evident that those who gave their lives for it did, in fact, die in vain.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Abraham Lincoln was wrong. It is vain for men to die for any cause other than Yahweh’s, particularly one so ungodly as the War of Northern Aggression.
See Part 4.
Related posts:
The Gettysburg Address: Iconic, But is it Biblical? Pt. 1
The Gettysburg Address: Iconic, But is it Biblical? Pt. 2
Preamble (Biblical rewrite)
Article 1 (Biblical rewrite)
Article 2 (Biblical rewrite)
Article 3 (Biblical rewrite)
1. YHWH, the English transliteration of the Tetragrammaton, is most often pronounced Yahweh. It is the principal Hebrew name of the God of the Bible and was inspired to appear nearly 7,000 times in the Old Testament. It was unlawfully deleted by the English translators. In obedience to the Third Commandment and the many Scriptures that charge us to proclaim, swear by, praise, extol, call upon, bless, glorify, and hold fast to His name, we have chosen to memorialize His name here in this document and in our lives. For a more thorough explanation concerning important reasons for using the sacred name of God, see “The Third Commandment.”
2. Exodus 18:21-22; Romans 13:3-4; etc.
Article 1 (Biblical rewrite)
Article 2 (Biblical rewrite)
Article 3 (Biblical rewrite)
3. John Clark Ridpath, History of the United States, 4 vols. (New York, NY: The American Book Company, 1874) vol. 1, p. 181.
4. Law and Kingdom: Their Relevance Under the New Covenant
5. Bible Law vs. the United States Constitution: The Christian Perspective
Mr. Weiland- THANK YOU! I had no idea that the Southern States had NOT based their fight on declared biblical principles, and this, after twenty years of reading southern apologists, who either presumed, or were blatantly LIARS in not saying what you have said so eloquently. I am extremely grateful. This puts the death of this nation into very clear perspective. At no time, and in no area since 1789, have we had a nation that was even considered a CHristian Kingdom, as Britain once was.
John, thanks for the encouraging words.
Dear Brethren, We should be thankful for the light and truth
that Bro Ted has tirelessly shed in so many areas too numerous to mention in
this short treatise.
.
The US constitution
is one of the most brilliantly written governing documents in human history but
as Bro Ted has clearly shown, it is without a doubt, secular.
John
Adams pointed out… ““Our Constitution was made only for
a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any
other.”
Adherence to the laws and
principles of “Yahweh” must accompany any human institution or
endeavour if it is to succeed morally and endure the test of time. The
governing of a country, a marriage, or even ones self, will ultimately
and inevitably end in disaster without following the operating instructions of
The Creator.
The root of the downfall in America or
humanity for that matter is the heart of man “that is deceitful above all
things and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9)
Had the constitution been more theocratic
in nature or even had been eliminated and replaced by the Ten Commandments from
the start, the end result would have still been directly proportional to our
response and relationship with Yahweh. It’s not as if we here in America have
never heard of the Bible.
Israel, after being
liberated from Egypt,
was provided with the Ten Commandments as their constitution and Yahweh as
their King. The end result was they rejected both in favour of the “golden
calf”. Moses, after politicking
with Yahweh not to wipe them all out, murdered 3000 of them with some help from
the Levites. (Exodus Ch 32)
Our constitution as a document is not at fault in America’s downfall, the problem
just as in the time of Moses is “idolatry”! We give our allegiance,
or should I say worship, to the idols of Self
(We The People), Sex, Materialism,
and above all Money….our one true god!
“Government”
and it’s various synonyms are mentioned over 4400 times in the Bible
while
we have been told that we are not to talk about government in Church!!! After
all, exposing the corruption might cost them their tax exempt status.
“HUSH MONEY”
The
countless and massive multi million dollar temples (501 c 3 corporate lobotomy
centers) that we call churches, has the body of Christ up to her eyebrows in
unscriptural corporate debt to pay for buildings and gymnasiums etc. While the
“Great Commission” (Matthew 28) that is, spreading the Gospel into
all the world, is the supposed reason to collect staggering amounts of money.
In reality, they will break their necks to avoid taking on missionaries and the
ones they do take on are lucky to get the crumbs off the table.
Israel, Gods Chosen People have been conquered 4 times….
1 Peter 4:17 For the
time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first
begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of
God?
If the people of Yahweh were not so unrighteous they would not
have to worry so much about what is unconstitutional.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Faithfully, In His Service.
Rev. Vernon York
Vernon, thanks for joining the discussion and for your insights.
If I may, I would recommend not using the John Adam’s quotation. Here’s why:
President John Adams wrote that: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
This is an accurate quotation. However, it’s often employed by Christians as if Adams was referring to Christianity and Yahweh’s morality as codified in His
commandments, statutes, and judgments. This is untrue. Adams emphasized that the same “moral liberty resides in Hindoos and Mohametans, as well as in Christians” (John Adams, Letter no. 13 to John Taylor (1814), in “Works of John Adams,” 6:474.)
He once asked, “Where is to be found theology more orthodox or phylosophy [sic] more profound than in the introduction to the [Hindu] Shast[r]a?” (John Adams, December 25, 1813, letter to Jefferson, in “Adams-Jefferson Letters,” 2:412.)
According to Adams, “religion and virtue are the only foundations, not only of republicanism and all free government, but of social felicity under all governments and in all the combinations of human society.” (August 28, 1811, letter to Benjamin Rush, in “Works of John Adams,” 9:636.)
Any nation’s constitution and government benefits from moral Christian citizens, even those nations whose constitution are not based upon Yahweh’s morality as found in His perfect law and altogether righteous judgments (Psalm 19:7-9) – such as the United States of America. However, when such constitutions are not based upon Yahweh’s law, it is inevitable that such nations will become more and more immoral and corrupt, being they do not have a Biblical standard to fall back upon. Case in point, the United States of America today.
I would also challenge that the Constitution is not at fault for America’s downfall. Of course, any and all departure begins in man’s wicked heart. Nevertheless, the Constitution is a reflection of MAN’S WICKED HEART as much Yahweh’s triune moral law is a reflection of YAHWEH’S RIGHTEOUS HEART.
The Constitution is equivalent to the traditions of the elders Christ condemned in Matthew 15:6-9 and is at the core of why America is teetering on the precipice of degradation and destruction. (See Point #3 of “5 Reasons the Constitution is Our Cutting-Edge Issue” at http://www.constitutionmythbusters.org/sample-post/.) It’s our national idol and like Gideon of old, our fathers’ (and our own) idol need to be exposed and repented of before any real progress can be made for King and kingdom.
Blessings!
Dear Bro Ted, Thanks for your response!
Let me first be clear that your scholarship regarding the US Constitution is impeccable, invaluable, educational, and greatly appreciated!
The blogoshere can consume ones entire life if they are not careful, so I try to limit the amount of time that I allow it to steal.Unfortunately there is a great deal that needs to be said in today’s world of misinformation, half truths, and out right lies, and if we as Yahweh’s people don’t take time to set things straight it is probable that no one else will. So from time to time. I will make an effort to do my part.
I understand completely the thrust of “myth busting” as it concerns the
widespread fantasy that the US Constitution is somehow literally Biblical.
It is couched with high sounding ideals, that profess to insure freedom, liberty and security for all, however in the bright light of Biblical scrutiny
it becomes crystal clear that it is “a form of godliness and denies the power(authority) thereof”.2 Timothy 3:5 A government that is foremost “of the people by the people and for the people” can not be “of, by, and for, Yahweh”.
Nevertheless, It is academically unchallengeable that it is unrighteous people, not unrighteous laws that brings judgement on a nation.2 Chronicles 7:14- Jeremiah Ch 18
Unrighteous laws are a product of unrighteous people, not the other way around. Gods people have often found themselves living under unrighteous laws and corresponding governments, but repentance followed by righteousness is the promised formula to set them free.
The church at “Corinth” were well aware of the Ten Commandments, but yet still maintained over 1000 temple prostitutes. The church at “Ephesus” once again succumbed to paganism in the second century.
Quite obviously the ills of neither was perpetuated by the US Constitution or equivalent national laws. They knew what was right and chose to do wrong.
It is also abundantly clear that based on the content and context of the character of John Adams, that it is reasonably doubtful that his words may not have coincided with his core beliefs or his lack of integrity as to what is moral. Notwithstanding, water is still wet even if Satan himself says so. Correspondingly, the constitution does not force Christians to perpetuate sodomy or infanticide or the myriad of other such things, but the pulpits of America and the stinking committees that rule them continue to protect these ungodly practices and the politicians that endorse them by their silence and lack of action.
If I were to venture a guess, i would be surprised if over 5% of the people or Christians in the United States have ever even read the US Constitution, much less worship it, and even fewer can comprehend to any degree what we are discussing. They do however know and comprehend the core Ten Commandments and CHOOSE to disobey them.
On the other hand 100% are motivated to one degree or another to pursue money…the love of which is “the root of ALL evil”.
In conclusion, the selfish, greedy, and prideful human heart and the lust thereof, not the spiritual deficiencies of the US Constitution, is where the cause of our personal, historic, and present downfall lies.
In Spirit and In Truth,
Rev. Vernon York
Well said, and we’re in agreement. Let me repeat: “Of course, any and all departure begins in man’s wicked heart. Nevertheless, the Constitution is a reflection of MAN’S WICKED HEART as much Yahweh’s triune moral law is a reflection of YAHWEH’S RIGHTEOUS HEART.”
However, I would caution you about anything that might be construed as a promotion or justification of that which IS the reflection of man’s wicked heart or those who penned it.
This idol has been set up in the hearts of our people and needs to be exposed and dismantled that we might replace it with a true devotion to Yahweh as God, King, Judge, and Lawgiver and Christ as Lord and Savior.
I may have very well misunderstood you, but you’re first post concerned me as perhaps a little double minded. Forgive me if, in fact, I did not interpret you correctly.
Pastor Weiland: Based on your knowledge of the years between 1770-1791, do you stand that the Bible (KJV or Geneva) could have been “ratified” as a governing legal document for all the 13 colonies in forming the “United States of America”?
Gregory, I don’t think it was any more likely (with where the people were spiritually) then it is right now. Well, perhaps a little more likely then than now.
That said, that doesn’t mean that those of us who literally accept Psalm 19:7-9 for what it says don’t have a responsibility as Kingdom ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20 & 10:4-6) to be doing everything we can now for the sake of a future generation of our posterity doing it right(eous) the next time.
In 1788, eight years prior to his Farewell Address, Washington wrote: “[T]he [federal] government … can never be in danger of degenerating into a monarchy, an oligarchy, an aristocracy, or any other despotic or oppressive form so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people.”
Indeed, Masonic George Washington, like the majority of the framers and founders, relied upon the virtue of the people to uphold their humanistic Constitutional Republic of, by, and for the people. Where else could they look? They certainly didn’t point them to Yahweh as their sovereign King or Christ as their savior or provide them any Biblical guidelines from Yahweh’s law in their Constituiton. Such non-Christians have no choice but to try to prop up there humanistic efforts by what they hope is a virtuous society. But, don’t be fooled, what Washington and many of the others meant by virtue or morality was not the same that you and I, or more importantly, what Yahweh means by those terms.
For more on what these men meant by these terms and where they were coming from religiously, I recommend Dr. Albert Mohler’s interview with Dr. Gregg Frazer at http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/09/10/what-did-americas-founders-really-believe-a-conversation-with-historian-gregg-frazer-transcript/, as well Dr. Frazer’s book in which he proves using their own writings that the key founders were neither Deists in the pure sense of the word, nor were they Christians in the Biblical sense of the word. They were instead theistic rationalists. (Dr. Mohler is President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Frazer is Professor of History at the Master’s College in California.)
AGREED! VERY WELL PUT!