The Bible had a significant influence on America’s founding 250 years ago. In The Origins of American Constitutionalism, Donald Lutz’s research found that the Bible was the most cited source in founding-era political literature. Author Daniel Dreisbach adds that it was the era’s most accessible and authoritative text—and often the most common book in American homes.
The founding fathers, being familiar with the Bible, often drew from it whether or not they were Christians. Scripture and biblical values helped shape and build our nation. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (ESV)
Constitution
Biblical principles echo throughout the U.S. Constitution, including fair and impartial justice, the equality and dignity of all, and the right of the governed to have a voice. The first constitutional amendment grants freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
Another Scriptural principle—the fallen nature of man—is central to the setting up of checks and balances within the Constitution. Daniel Dreisbach states it this way: “man is a fallen creature, and where power is given, that power must be checked.”
Scriptural foundation
The principles found in the following Scripture references are woven into the fabric of our nation’s founding.
Justice and fairness: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:17 (ESV)
Additional Scripture references: Leviticus 19:15, Zechariah 7:9, Deuteronomy 10:17-18
Freedom and liberty: “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16 (ESV)
Additional Scripture references: John 8:36, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13-14
Rights and responsibilities: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Additional Scripture references: Micah 6:8, Philippians 2:4, Titus 2:11-13
Love and compassion: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (ESV)
Additional Scripture references: Ephesians 4:32, 1 Peter 3:8, 1 John 4:7-8
Unity: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalms 133:1 (ESV)
Additional Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 3:14
Respecting authority: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” Titus 3:1 (ESV)
Additional Scripture references: Romans 13:1, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:13-17
Perseverance: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
Additional Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Galatians 6:9, James 1:12
Prayers for guidance and wisdom
America, like any nation, needs God’s guidance and wisdom to uphold the principles that shaped our beginning. Romans 12:12 instructs us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Through prayer, we seek God’s wisdom as we choose leaders and as those leaders make sound, just decisions. We should all pray for our nation. We’ve designed a downloadable to help you get started. Let’s be diligent to pray for our nation and continue to live godly and peaceable lives.
