Introduction: A Matter of Conscience, Freedom, and Faith
Every Fourth of July, Americans celebrate the hard-fought freedom that gave birth to a new nation. But for Bible-believing Christians, a deeper question often arises:
Was the American Revolution biblical?
Some say it was a God-honoring stand against tyranny. Others believe it was a violation of Romans 13. In this post, we’ll explore both sides, using the New American Standard Bible (NASB), and reflect on its meaning for us today.
The Case For the Revolution: Resisting Tyranny and Defending God-Given Liberty
Many Christian colonists believed they were not rebelling against God but standing up for God-ordained liberty, justice, and human dignity.
1. Rulers Are to Promote Good, Not Evil
Romans 13:3–4 NASB:
“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 servant of God to you for good.”
Reflection: If rulers become oppressors and begin punishing the righteous, they have abandoned their God-given role, justifying lawful resistance.
2. We Must Obey God Over Human Authority
Acts 5:29 NASB:
“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
Reflection: When human government commands what God forbids—or forbids what God commands—conscientious resistance becomes a biblical necessity.
3. Liberty Reflects God’s Heart
Galatians 5:1 NASB:
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
Reflection: While spiritual in context, the theme of freedom resonates with God’s desire that His people live free from spiritual and moral bondage.
4. God Delivers His People from Oppression
Exodus 3:9–10 NASB:
“And now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them. Now come, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people out of Egypt.”
Reflection: Like Moses, the American colonists saw themselves as being sent to break free from tyranny under divine direction.
The Case Against the Revolution: Submission to God-Ordained Authority
Many Christian Loyalists and pacifist groups argued the Revolution violated the Bible’s call to submit to governing authorities, trust God’s timing, and avoid vengeance.
1. Submit to Governing Authorities
Romans 13:1–2 NASB:
“Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.”
Reflection: These verses seem clear. God establishes all authority—even unjust ones—and to resist them is to oppose God’s order.
2. Honor Those in Power
1 Peter 2:13–17 NASB:
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors… Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”
Reflection: Peter wrote this during a time of persecution. Yet he still commanded submission, not rebellion.
3. Do Not Take Vengeance
Romans 12:19 NASB:
“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Reflection: Revolutionary justice may have crossed into human vengeance, rather than trusting God’s righteous judgment.
4. Jesus Rejected Political Insurrection
John 18:36 NASB:
“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not from this realm.’”
Reflection: Jesus refrained from revolution, even though He had divine power to overthrow Rome. He pointed to a greater kingdom.
Living Between Two Kingdoms: What It Means for Us Today
Whether or not the American Revolution was biblically justified, the deeper question is:
How do we live as faithful citizens of both heaven and earth?
Practical Ways to Glorify God in Any Political Climate
- Submit with Discernment Submit to authority when it does not violate God’s law, but be prepared to stand firm when it does.
- Pray for Leaders
“First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority…”
(1 Timothy 2:1–2 NASB)
- Use Freedom to Serve Others
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”
(Galatians 5:13 NASB)
- Be Salt and Light
“Let your light shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:16 NASB)
Conclusion: Wrestle With Conviction, Walk With Grace
The American Revolution challenges Christians to think deeply about authority, justice, freedom, and God’s sovereignty. There are sincere biblical arguments on both sides.
The key is to walk in humble wisdom, glorifying God whether we live in freedom or under pressure, always representing His kingdom first.
Let’s Reflect Together
What’s your view on the Revolution? Did God bless it, or was it a warning?
Share your thoughts below, leave a comment, and share this post with others reflecting on faith and freedom this Independence Day.
