Biblical Patriotism

The concept of biblical patriotism is deeply rooted in the understanding that God's hand has been instrumental in the formation and sustenance of the United States of America. This belief can be traced back to the early Puritan settlers like John Winthrop, who envisioned America as a "city upon a hill," a beacon of hope and righteousness for the world to see. As we celebrate Independence Day, it is essential to recognize that our nation's freedom is intricately linked with our dependence on God.

Biblical patriotism acknowledges that God provided the United States with a divine framework, similar to the one He gave to Israel. This framework is designed not only for national prosperity but also to serve as a vessel for His purposes on Earth. Throughout history, God has shown a pattern of delivering His people from persecution and oppression into provision and promise. The story of the Pilgrims fleeing religious persecution in Europe and finding a new home in America parallels the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.

In Deuteronomy 7:6, God declares Israel as His chosen people: "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." In the same way, many of the Founding Fathers believed that America was chosen for a special purpose. They saw the new nation as a place where religious freedom could thrive, and where people could worship God without fear of persecution.

This divine purpose is further emphasized by the metaphor of being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" as stated in Matthew 5:13-16. God puts a plan in place so that His people can influence and transform the world around them. As Americans, we are called to uphold values of justice, mercy, and humility, reflecting God's character to those around us. Our independence is not just a political or social freedom; it is the freedom to live out our faith boldly and to impact society positively.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we must remember that our true dependence is on God. The liberty we enjoy is a gift from Him, and our continued prosperity and security depend on our adherence to His principles. The founding documents of our nation, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, reflect biblical values such as the inherent worth of every individual and the importance of justice and equality.

Today, our nation faces many challenges. To navigate these challenges, we must return to the foundations of our faith and seek God's guidance. 2 Chronicles 7:14 offers a powerful reminder and a source of hope: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, and repentance in national renewal.


As I wrap this up, I like to leave you with this final thought. Biblical patriotism calls us to celebrate our independence with gratitude, recognizing that our true strength and freedom come from our dependence on God. As we reflect on our nation's history and look forward to its future, let us commit to being the "city upon a hill" or the “house on a hill in Hacienda Heights as John Winthrop envisioned, shining God's light brightly in a world that desperately needs hope and healing. If we LIVE & share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and fulfill the divine purpose for which our nation was established.