America’s War for Independence was a revolution, but what does this word mean? One dictionary defines revolution as an extensive or drastic change. John Adams dealt with this matter regarding America in an 1818 letter.[1] “But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments of their duties and obligations.” Their awakening came before the war.
“This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people, was the real American Revolution.” In Adams words, this was not a common event. “The colonies had grown up under constitutions of government so different, there was so great a variety of religions, they were composed of so many different nations, their customs, manners, and habits had so little resemblance, and their intercourse had been so rare, and their knowledge of each other so imperfect, that to unite them in the same principles in theory and the same system of action, was certainly a very difficult enterprise. The complete accomplishment of it, in so short a time and by such simple means, was perhaps a singular example in the history of mankind.”
The real revolution was their recognizing and accepting God’s principles of authority rather than man’s. It is rare, only happening twice in human history. The first time with ancient Israel and the second with America. All other revolutions merely replaced one man’s ideas of authority with another. That is not extensive or drastic change, but only replacing one master with another—each with their own ideas of justice and mercy.
America’s Covenant
Turning to God is the first step. Making Him part of our life, in covenant, is the second. A covenant is a sacred promise between two parties. Neither party takes the promise lightly. Each party has something to offer the other. This promise is so important that one is to sacrifice a family member or themselves in order to keep it. America made such a covenant with God, as individuals and a people. We see it in our Declaration of Independence. It is echoed in the writings of our Founding Fathers, and presented in our Constitution. The Aitken Bible is a sign of America’s covenant.
I was very deliberate in mentioning dates in America’s First Bible for several reasons. First, so we could see how events unfolded and their relationship. More important, however, it was done to see what America’s covenant date might be. I believe that date is September 11. It is the date set by Congress for the embargo of British goods to begin (1775). A peace meeting occurred on Staten Island the following year between Admiral Howe and patriots including John Adams and Ben Franklin. Howe ordered the Colonies to renounce the Declaration. They refused. Realizing God’s freedom lies within our declaration. It is also the date Congress considered the clergymen’s petition to print Bibles in America. They decided to import them instead as there were problems with getting the necessary materials to print them.
Finally, it is the date members of Congress considered whether to authorize Robert Aitken’s Bible. The Chaplains of Congress reported back to them on 9/10/1782. Congress declared its approval in a statement written on 9/12/1782. The approval came from both the individuals and the body, just as we are called as both individuals and a people.
Keeping the Covenant
How do we know if we are keeping a covenant? Moses answered that question for the Israelites. It is the same answer for us.
“Look! I am presenting you today with, on the one hand, life and good; and on the other, death and evil — in that I am ordering you today to love Adonai your God, to follow his ways, and to obey his mitzvot, regulations and rulings; for if you do, you will live and increase your numbers; and Adonai your God will bless you in the land you are entering in order to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, if you refuse to listen, if you are drawn away to prostrate yourselves before other gods and serve them; I am announcing to you today that you will certainly perish; you will not live long in the land you are crossing the Yarden [Jordan] to enter and possess.” (Deut. 30:15-8)
God does not remove his promises to us. They are always present. However, we lose their blessings when we turn away from Him. Life becomes very hard.
How Have We Done?
September 11 continued to be an important date for America. We won the Battle of Plattsburgh on that date in 1814. This ended the British invasion of the northern states during the War of 1812. The Pentagon’s ground breaking occurred on September 11, 1941, just before America entered World War II.
But since then America’s government, with its people’s submission, has;
- Removed prayer and the Bible from schools,
- Made abortion a human right,
- Created policy supporting transgenderism nonsense.
Since then we had the Starr report released on September 11, leading to President Clinton’s impeachment. However, the Senate did not vote to remove him from office. Of course, the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon occurred on 9/11/2001. Finally, the attack on the Benghazi consulate also occurred on September 11 just eleven years ago. When our country turns away from God, we lose His blessings—including His hedge of protection.
Today
We’ve seen lies, deceit, and deception from our government, media, health professionals and others related to the China virus and 2020 election fraud. The people are pushing back against transgenderism and ideas like critical race theory. Such notions are morally wrong. We are indeed living through a revolution. One of man returning from what is lawful to lawlessness. Lawlessness does not come from God, but rather the Enemy. Just look around. If we cannot see it today, I’m not sure we ever will. Ask yourself are we still receiving God’s blessings?
It’s been a time of testing. Satan has found hands willing to assist in his work. His fruit is easily seen. But there has been an awakening, not just in America but globally. It continues to grow and find its feet. There remains much work to do. Many are hearing. God’s glory is already here. But we need to awaken to see it. Creation is still God’s, but we need to occupy what He frees from evil as His stewards. It’s time to reclaim what is ours.
What Do We Do?
The following passage comes immediately after Peter’s calling Jesus the Messiah. The apostles awakened, then saw the glory.
About eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter, John, and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him. (Luke 9:28-32)
Invite the Holy Spirit into your life. Allow His presence to both guide you and bring His light to others. Just like America’s Founders, let His spirit change your religious sentiments of your sense of duties and obligations. It is through serving others you’ll find fulfillment, and God’s blessings.
I wish you His Peace and Joy in 2022.
Footnote:
[1] Adams, John, Letter to H. Niles, 2/13/1818, Founding.com, A Project of the Claremont Institute, https://founding.com/founders-library/american-political-figures/john-adams/letter-to-h-niles/, accessed Jan., 2022.
