Biblical Civics: God's Law for the Nations

There is a common misconception that Biblical commands in the Old Testament were entirely limited to the nation of Israel, but the truth is that in both the Old and New Testaments, both Jews and Gentiles were held to God’s moral and civil laws. As Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:8-11, the law is useful if one uses is usefully. Christians have been far too timid about bringing biblical commands into the civil arena. God designed governments to be ruled by laws (His laws), not by the whims of the populace or the pride of tyrants. The founding fathers of the United States understood the role of God’s Law as the foundation for a just society. This is why they cited Deuteronomy more than any other book and why they regularly prayed in the meetings. This sermon addresses the issue of the lawful use of God’s law in the civil realm. Quick Historical Review on the Relationship Between the Church and the State in the United States:There is no mention of a "separation of church and state" in the constitution. Rather, the "establishment clause" of the First Amendment to the US Constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."Thomas Jefferson, in his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association (Jan 1, 1802), is who referred to the establishment clause as "building a wall of separation between Church & State" to ease their fear that the state might try to take control of the church (not vice versa). The establishment clause exists to keep the state out of church business and is a separation of governments, not a separation of lawfulness or religion. Standard laws related to theft, murder, etc. still apply to the church, and Christians are still to influence the state through non-coercive means.At the drafting of the Constitution, most states had "state churches" and this was permitted. The establishment clause ensured that there would be no "national church/denomination" (like the church of England which established a single denomination of Christianity).The founding fathers presumed us to be a Christian nation, and cited Deuteronomy more than any other book as the basis for our constitution.In the majority opinion of the SCOTUS decision on Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, 143 U.S.457 (1892) the court acknowledged that the USA is a Christian nation.The USA was established on God's Law and led to peace, prosperity, and liberty.Quick Historical Review on the Results of Atheism in the French Revolution:The French Revolution rejected Christianity and established "The Cult of Reason" as an atheistic substitute for Christianity.Three days after forcing the Christian bishop out of Notre Dame, on Nov. 10, 1793 the Christian vestments were removed from the temple, a woman was dressed as "The Goddess of Reason," statues of enlightenment thinkers were erected, and a congregation sang, ""Come, Holy Liberty, dwell in this temple; become the Goddess of the French people." The French people publicly rejected Christianity and adopted atheistic religiosity in defiance of God.The Cult of Reason spread quickly but ended quickly when it's leaders, Chaumette and Jacques Hébert, were taken to the guillotine (March 24, 1794).The French Revolution saw multiple government changes, multiple constitutions, and years of bloodshed.The atheistic French Revolution was marked by "The Reign of Terror" (5 September 1793 – 27 July 1794) in which "The Revolutionary Tribunal" killed many, including many of their own allies. The bloodshed continued until Napoleon brought 'order."The French Revolution had no objective moral law (because they rejected it) but had "inequality" as its chief enemy. Anyone who was perceived to have more could be considered an enemy of "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity."The French revolution was established on atheism and led to bloodshed, poverty, and tyranny.Quick Review of the Role and Function of the Law:We are NOT saved by obeying the Law. We are saved by grace through the saving work of Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).We should obey God's law unless He specifies otherwise (Acts 10:15) just as the sacrificial and ceremonial aspects of the Law have been overridden in the New Covenant and are no longer applicable (Hebrews 1-13).The apostles believed that the moral commands of the Law were essential as a guide for right living and that the civil and punitive aspects of the Law were just as valid as ever (1 Timothy 1:5-11)