There is no authority except from God. – Romans 13:1
“By their Creator” are three important words that evidence this nation’s government was established by God. America’s national birth certificate, the Declaration of Independence, affirms that all authority comes from Him when it states that all people are “endowed by their Creator” with rights—in fact, unalienable rights, rights that cannot be taken away, because they were given by the Heavenly Father.
On occasion, former presidents have allegedly omitted “by their Creator” in reference to citizens’ unalienable rights in proclamations or speeches. Such omissions should be a wake-up call to Americans because if rights are given by God they cannot be taken by government or governing officials through proclamations, speeches, or even executive orders.
When the Founders wrote and signed the founding document of the United States, they did not separate God from the state. The placement of Judeo-Christian values and biblical morality into the founding documents and laws was clearly intentional. They knew that the goal of government is to protect its citizens’ God-given rights. One of the Founders, Benjamin Rush, said, “Without religion there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty, and liberty is the object and life of all republican governments.”
As you pray over those in office in your local and national government today, ask the Lord to draw their hearts and minds to the reality of His sovereignty. Pray for discernment for the president, officials in his Cabinet, members of Congress, and every justice and judge in the federal judiciary to uphold biblical and moral values in America. Pray also that those who currently serve in public office will humble themselves before the Lord’s authority and recognize that all rights are given only “by their Creator.”
Today’s Verse: Romans 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Titus 3:1-11
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
