By Pastor Doug “Doc” Stauffer
As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday next year (1776-2026), every American should take a moment to reflect on the spiritual foundation laid by our forefathers. Their timeless words echo the eternal truths found in the Bible. These were not idle musings; they were convictions shaped by a profound reverence for God and His Holy Word.
Patrick Henry once declared, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians.” This truth resonates directly with Scripture: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). The health of America has always depended upon the spiritual heartbeat of the faithful. The Bible declares, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). When Christ is central in any society, righteousness exalts that nation.
George Washington affirmed, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” Without the guidance (the light) of Scripture, a nation loses its direction and forfeits its God-given blessings. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Washington understood that leadership without God’s guidance is like a ship without a rudder. The Bible provides the moral clarity and divine direction that every leader and citizen needs. America’s problem today is clear: God and the Bible have been pushed out of public discourse, and efforts intensify to silence those who still unapologetically proclaim His truth.
John Adams, our second president, wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Morality without the Word of God is like building on shifting sand. The Bible says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Laws alone cannot restrain a corrupt heart. Only hearts transformed by God’s truth will consistently uphold liberty.
Noah Webster, known as the father of American education, once said, “The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best book for regulating the concerns of men.” The Bible declares, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Webster believed the Bible was not merely informative but truly transformative. Education without the Word of God lacks the power to shape intellect and form godly character. The founders recognized these truths. And let us be reminded: Education without salvation ensures eternal damnation. Knowledge alone cannot redeem a soul—only Christ can do that. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
America’s founding was not perfect because flawed men built it, but most of the founders were grounded in a perfect Savior. They acknowledged divine providence and sought wisdom from above. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to the faith that shaped our past and must guide our future—if it is to be bright and blessed.
Let us never forget the words of our first President: “The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality.” Washington’s thoughts were undoubtedly rooted in Scripture. “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).
May we do what the righteous can do—pray, proclaim, and persevere. These United States are worth the sacrifice and commitment. Our heritage is not only American; it is also spiritual, and America is worth saving with the help of Almighty God.
