The Faithfulness Behind the Declaration of Independence - The Crosswalk Devotional - July 4
The Faithfulness Behind the Declaration of Independence
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” - Galatians 5:13
On July 3, 1776, Founding Father and First Vice President and Second President of the United States John Adams wrote to his beloved wife, Abigail, about the high price of freedom paid to construct the Declaration of Independence.
“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
Adams is also noted as saying that the American Revolution was preceded a generation or so by the spiritual revival in the hearts and minds of the people.
America’s Spiritual Awakening Led to Freedom
As Christian historians believe, the spread of “The Great Awakening” across the colonies greatly influenced and strengthened Patriot leaders leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, where prayer and fasting played a critical role in helping America to establish its freedom.
“The Great Awakening absolutely helped the cause of independence,” writes author, historian, and Providence Forum Executive Director Dr. Jerry Newcombe. “Even before the Great Awakening, the ministers, especially the ones from New England, helped shape the thinking of the Colonists as to their God-given rights. Meanwhile, a lot of Bible-based views were circulating long before the Great Awakening. That movement helped re-awaken people’s commitment to God and the Church.”
Adams supported the spiritual awakening in our country, seeming to recognize and make the connection to where true freedom originates. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 explains, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
As well, in regard to the Declaration of Independence, Adams wrote to his wife, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other, from this Time forward forever more.”
Faith of Our Founding Fathers
Along with Adams, our Founding Fathers included men who believed in God and His providence in establishing the United States of America.
Called the “Father of the Constitution,” James Madison, who became our nation’s 4th President, was pivotal in the drafting of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
Beginning as a state legislator in 1776, Madison worked hard to ensure there would be no federal religion imposed on citizens. He argued tirelessly for freedom of religion rights during the making of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, demanding that the wording be changed from citizens having their religion fully tolerated to having the “free exercise of religion.”
Madison firmly stood his ground and strongly believed the government had no right to direct an individual’s religion because it is a matter of conscience, which he spelled out in his influential petition called “Memorial and Remonstrance,” containing 15 arguments against government support of churches.
Likewise, Benjamin Franklin’s writings recognize and reveal his respect for Christians and how they were influential in lowering crime and raising interest in self-government. During the Great Awakening, it’s estimated that three out of every four colonists became Christians.
Franklin is noted for saying, “A Bible and a newspaper in every house, a good school in every district, all studied and appreciated as they merit, are the principal supports of virtue, morality, and civil liberty.”
Miracles in American History author, historian, and speaker, William J. Federer, writes, “In defending the Declaration, Adams told the Continental Congress, July 1, 1776: ‘Live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence forever!’”
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you celebrate July Fourth and the Declaration of Independence, consider the faith of our Founding Fathers behind its creation. Thank God for their fortitude, bravery, and boldness in paving the way for the freedom we enjoy in our nation each and every day.
Further Reading:
How the Church Paved the Way for America’s Freedom
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tetra Images
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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