God’s Influence in the Constitution Essay Example

The Constitution created in 1787, is still taught in schools today. However, society has not taken a close look at the constitution and its inspiration, the Bible. (Which is quite depressing actually) Although not studied, the Constitution was based on many of God’s rules in the Bible. But of course, modern-day America does not take enough time to study the country's history, let alone the Bible. People forget to look at God’s work in the Constitutional convention, Biblical inspiration in the Constitution, large issues in modern America, and our responsibility to the poor.  

God’s work through the Constitutional convention  

In 1787, representatives from the 13 states meet at the Constitutional Convention. However, they also meet some unexpected problems. The representatives each had their unique idea for the Constitution. Because of their different ideas, they could not agree. After disagreeing for four or five weeks, Ben Franklin addressed the situation and suggested taking a break. He wisely noted, “And have we now forgotten this powerful friend, or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance?” Mr. Franklin reminded the group of older times when others would hold bible studies in that very room. Because of his suggestion, everyone took a three-day break to pray, listen to sermons, and focus everything back on our God. When they came back together, they could accept other ideas and work together. Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Rush, and many others saw God working through the people and in the Constitution. [3] God worked through the hearts of the men in the convention. When we take our eyes off God, we stumble through the day. However, when we focus our life on living for His glory, we can easily make it through the day. Back in 1787 and even today, we must always focus and live our lives to the Glory of God. Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” We cannot love one another without Christ in our life. Because of our human nature, we tend to be extremely self-centered, but when we love one another, we put our differences behind us and can work together.   

Biblical inspiration in the Constitution   

The Bible is quoted many times in the Constitution. This is not surprising, since they prayed and went to sermons before agreeing on the Constitution. Isiah 33:22 says, “For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us.” Three different jobs are given in this verse; judge, lawgiver, and king.” Isiah 33:22 inspired the three branches of power; the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judiciary branch. The legislative branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which forms the United States Congress. Using majority votes, the House and Senate can pass laws and send them to the president to be finalized. The legislative branch is the lawgivers. [5] The judiciary branch members are appointed by the president and completed by the Senate. These federally appointed judges are known as the Supreme Court. Given away in the name, the judiciary branch judges cases and settles them. [4] Finally, the executive branch consists of the president. The president takes responsibility for problems or benefits. He acts as the head of state and chief commander of the army. The president is like the king of a country. The three branches are still in practice today. [6]  

Ezekiel 18:20 states “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son.” This verse inspired the bill of the attainder. For a serious offense, the bill of the attainder allowed someone to be put to death without trial. However, in 1789, the bill of the attainder was banned because it violented the constitution’s separation of power.   

Issues in modern American   

In 1958, the court case, One, Inc. V. Olesen, gave LGBTQ the right to freedom of speech. From there, many different cases would give or take rights to homosexual people. Homosexuality is now accepted and celebrated in our culture. However, it is clearly a sin. Deuteronomy 22:5 says, “A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.” Leviticus 18:22 “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” So many “Christians” nowadays believe homosexuality is completely fine if the individual is happy. However, God created man and women in the Garden of Eden, not man and man, or woman and woman. Although many believe this, Jesus dying on the cross did not allow Christians to sin in any way they please. Paul writes in 1st Corinthians 6:9-10 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality.” Paul also says “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!”   

Our Responsibility to the Poor  

Although not as serious as in some countries, poverty is still an issue in America. Especially during Covid, working and making money was particularly challenging for many American citizens. Sadly, the government gave money to some citizens who could not get a job and they continue to be supported by the government. Deuteronomy 15:11 says “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land’.” Acts 4:34-35 states, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any has need.” [7] The Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, a charity founding cancer research, has a 60% rating. However, Disciple Makers, a Christian-based foundation, has an 87% rating. [1] Even my church supports missions through our giving. When the government creates charities, most of the money goes to marketing and funding other things. However, churches normally give an exceedingly high percentage of the money to the actual people. As Christians, we are called to give to the poor with a cheerful heart. Matthew 25:31-46 descrides the final judgment where Jesus calls out those who took care of others, and we need to strive to be part of that group. When we serve the poor, we are bringing glory to God. [2]  

If we choose to believe it or not, God plays a significant role in historical and modern America. He worked through the men at the Constitutional convention, His work inspired the constitution, His rules still apply today, and His love for us shines through us to others.   

Works Cited   

[1] American Institute of Philanthropy. Rating by Charity Navigator. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/330491030   

[2] Good News Publishers ; Crossway Bibles. (2007). The holy bible Esv.   

[3] Liberty University. (n.d.). The Constitution .   

[4] The United States Government. (2021, January 15). The judicial branch. The White House. Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-judicial-branch/   

[5] The United States Government. (2021, January 15). The Legislative Branch. The White House. Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-legislative-branch/   [6] The United States Government. (2021, January 17). The executive branch. The White House. Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-executive-branch/   

[7] What does the Bible say about poverty and the poor? biblestudytools.com. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-the-bible-say-about-poverty-and-the-poor.html