America’s Sins and America’s Hope

The British Empire brought the evil of African slavery to America, but when the Founders separated from the Crown, they began dismantling the institution. – Clint Decker

John Adams was the 2nd President of the United States and signer of the Declaration of Independence. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, he reflected on the founding of America, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” Noah Webster shared similar views. He was a Revolutionary War soldier and also known as the “Schoolmaster to America.” He wrote, “The moral principles and precepts found in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws.” (Image from standingforfreedom.com)

When one studies the speeches, diaries, and letters of the Founding Fathers of the United States and does the same for important documents like the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and others, he will see the principles of Christianity and the Scriptures embedded in them. The Founders were intentional with this, because they wanted to have a just and moral foundation for which their new nation would be built on. They knew just laws could provide a restraint on the evil actions of people and promote virtuous conduct.

This began on July 4, 1776. Prior to the date of independence, America’s 13 colonies were bound to the laws of Great Britain and were under the authority of King George. After Independence they were bound to their own laws, which were built on Christian principles. Between 1776 and 1804, according to Wall Builders, “nearly half of the states passed laws to abolish slavery”. Wall Builders also reports that “from 1790 to 1810 the number of free blacks in America increased from 59,466 to 108,395.”

The British Empire brought the evil of slavery to America, but when the Founders separated from the Crown, they began dismantling the institution. Why? Because it was inconsistent with the laws of God. However, only half of the states were for abolishing slavery, while the other half (southern ones), persisted in continuing the evil trade. This illustrates a point, that just because the Founders sought just laws did not mean it automatically created a just and moral people. The law can restrain evil in people, but it cannot eliminate it. This is why among some places in America slavery was held onto tightly, and why some in the government committed atrocities against the Native Americans. And today, this is why millions of women have aborted their babies, and why Jewish students are threatened and abused on some college campuses.

Laws, systems, structures, institutions…they can only go so far, and our Founders knew that. They knew we needed to encounter God personally. This is why from time to time there would be a call for days of prayer and fasting. On May 15, 1776, just weeks before America’s independence came, General George Washington stated, “The Continental Congress having ordered Friday the 17th instant to be observed as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, humbly to supplicate the mercy of Almighty God, that it would please Him to pardon all our manifold sins and transgressions, and to prosper the arms of the United Colonies…”

Our nation needed God in 1776, and we desperately need Him now. Our hearts must be changed to rid our cities of the wickedness displayed in them. And the heart is where the root of our problems lay. Jesus said, “…out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.” (Mark, 7:21-22) So many of the vile periods in our history and today, come from these sins. Because of this we deserve the judgement of God. But due to His mercy, He sent His only Son to be our hope. If we as a people, humble ourselves and call upon the Savior of all mankind by faith, then hearts of stone can receive new life.

A prayer for you – Lord God we confess our sins individually and as a nation. We all have sinned and are only deserving of your judgement. Come Lord, humble us this hour I pray. Bring a great and mighty move of your Spirit upon our country that millions would turn to you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.