Zach’s Theological Musings

  In my first post on this topic, I described why some of the theological claims made in the Declaration of Independence are sharply at odds with the theological truth God has revealed in the Bible. Here we will continue to trace back to the roots of America’s poisonous obsession with ENTITLEMENT and RIGHTS.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation….

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

  America’s founding document begins with a declaration that “Nature’s God” has ENTITLED mankind to live under one form of government as opposed to another. Indeed, it is “their RIGHT, it is their DUTY, to THROW OFF such Government [emphasis added].” Really? This statement certainly resonates with much of contemporary American foreign policy, it certainly resonates with the general anti-authority sentiments that burn strong in American culture, it certainly resonates with man’s tendency to attempt to throw off the yoke of The Almightly under claims that His absolute sovereignty is despotic, … but does it resonate with the Bible? No.

Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. - Romans 13:1-7

  The “governing authorities” that Paul was talking about here were the type that cut Christians down with the sword (Romans 8:35), fed them to lions, and burned them at the stake. For fun. My impression, though I acknowledge that my historical vision could be distorted, is that the governing authorities to whom Paul commanded subjection would make King George of England look like Mr. Rogers. In any case, I can say with certainty that the Declaration of Independence leaves no room for the kind of humble submission under authority, even bad authority, that the Son of God Himself demonstrated and thereby called us to:

Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. - I Peter 2:18-25
  I don’t mean to paint too negative a picture of the American Declaration of Independence. Its theology is not any worse than the typical words of man. But it is not any better either. Indeed, it is simply that: the typical words of man — “I deserve something better than this, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to ensure that I get it.”

  The real tyrant in this world is not King George, Emperor Nero, Saddam Hussein, or George Bush. The real tyrant is the sin that takes every human captive and turns each one of us into rapists, pillagers, and murderers. Of the Dark Lord of this fallen world it can truly be said, “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.” And the way he has done it is through the power of sin in my heart and yours.

  The gospel of the Kingdom is not a gospel of democracy. On the contrary, a kingdom is ruled by a king with absolute sway, a king who does as he pleases. And the Lord God is no wishy-washy King in that regard. He makes His authority known:

But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.
- Ps 115:3

“You shall have no other gods before Me… You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” - Ex 20:3-6

The gospel of the Kingdom in Jesus Christ is not at all about freedom from authority. Rather, it is about an exchange of authority. From living under the dominion of sin to living eterally under the absolute authority of a good and loving King.

  When we are brought, by grace, into the Kingdom of God we are no longer desperate to see one corrupt form of human government replaced by another corrupt form of human government. Yes, we do long for, pray for, seek, and work for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. But we know that it doesn’t come by guns or bombs. God’s Kingdom comes through the weakness of a bleeding man hanging on a cross, and through the foolishness of lambs preaching a message of forgiveness to fierce, hungry wolves.

  I am ENTITLED to death. My only RIGHT is to reap the fruit of my selfish, sinful thoughts and actions. Oh Lord, have mercy; don’t give me my rights. Thank You for wicked dictatorships and wicked democracies that keep me looking for hope and peace and security and justice and righteousness in the only place that these things will ever be established — in You.