The late Dr. Jack L. Arnold agreed with John MacArthur that the Revolutionary War was rebellion against God:
In our own American Revolution, Christians were divided over how to understand their responsibilities to the state and over the right to revolt. Some, especially those of the Church of England, fought on the side of the British in an attempt to be faithful to Romans 13:1. Others fled to Canada. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was a Tory and sided with England rather than with the Colonies because of his biblical conviction. Yet the Reformed Churches, especially the Presbyterians, felt the revolution justifiable. This revolution was somewhat different from others as it did not result in a breakdown of law and order. Political, social, and economic order was maintained. In fact, the Congress of 1774 had no thoughts of revolution and tried for two years to gain equal representation by lawful means. History shows that Britain, not the Colonies, forced the issue. It was in 1776, after much prayer, that the Continental Congress decided to declare its independence. This ultimately led to the formation of our Declaration of Independence, which acknowledges God as the Creator of all men. Our Constitution and form of government were set forth to a nation that was God-fearing, Christ-living, and biblically oriented. However, this does not prove it was biblically correct to revolt…To resist government is to resist God because government is merely an instrument of God.
The Founding Fathers believed and preached two theological positions to justify their civil disobedience.
1. Rebellion against tyranny is not disobedience to human government.
The Fathers agreed that citizens should obey God ordained government but not tyrants. They cited Biblical examples: Daniel, the three Hebrew children, etc., and others listed in Hebrews 11 who chose to obey God rather than the dictates of tyrants. For example, the three Hebrew children did not bow down and worship the king's idol. Daniel did not obey the law that forbad praying. In 1750, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Mayhew preached a sermon which was summarized in the first national motto: “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.”
2. Offensive war does not honor God, but defensive war or self-defense does.
Even Dr. Jack Arnold admitted above: “In fact, the Congress of 1774 had no thoughts of revolution and tried for two years to gain equal representation by lawful means. History shows that Britain, not the Colonies, forced the issue. It was in 1776, after much prayer, that the Continental Congress decided to declare its independence.”
America did not fired the first shot. Not at the Boston Massacre in 1770, or the bombing of Boston and the burning of Charleston in 1774, or the attacks on Williamsburg, Concord, or Lexington in 1775.
There is a Biblical basis for “Just War.” Ecclesiastes 3:8 says there is "a time of war, and a time of peace." Jesus was not a pacifist as seen in Luke 22:36-38. Jesus told His disciples that if they did not have a sword to sell their garments and buy one. Swords were for self-defense not killing snakes.
The colonies had sought reconciliation on numerous occasions, including the “Olive Branch Petition” in May 1776 which was rejected. Instead, King George III sent 25,000 British troops to imprison colonists which was a violation of British Common Law, English Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta. Americans simply defended themselves and their property.
When we wave our American Flags, shoot off fireworks, grill hamburgers and hotdogs, and sing “God Bless America” we are celebrating independence not insurrection.
In my next post, I will draws some applications for us today in reference to Dietrich Bonhoeffer being compared to the murderer of late term abortion doctor, George Tiller.
Before we seek to correct the justification of the murder of abortion doctors like George Tiller by referencing Deitrick Bonhoeffer's plot to murder Adolf Hilter, we must remember our responsibilities to God ordained human government.