Posted on 04/26/2010 8:27:11 AM PDT by justme346
Christians rightly square everything with the principles and precepts of the Holy Scriptures. So, is there Biblical approbation and authority for State secession?
Before answering the Biblical question, let me briefly touch upon the Christian reaction to State secession both here in America and overseas. First, overseas. I doubt that there are many Christian pastors and churchmen who would be willing to denounce, denigrate, or declare as illegitimate the nation-state of Norway today. What Christian would advocate cutting off trade or diplomatic relations with Norway? Where is the Christian denomination or Church that would not recognize the right of Norway to peacefully exist?
Of course, Norway's parliament dissolved the union between Sweden and Norway on June 7, 1905. While an attempted dissolution that had taken place in 1814 was squashed by a Swedish military victory, the separation of 1905 was done peacefully and without bloodshed (although Norway was willing to shed blood, had it been required). Since Norway's secession in 1905, the two neighboring countries have enjoyed extremely close--even brotherly--relations.
So, where is the spiritual condemnation for Norway? Who among us would quote Romans 13, et al., in an attempt to demonize the brave, independent spirit of the Norwegians?
By the same token, where is the spiritual outrage over the dissolution of Czechoslovakia? On January 1, 1993, the federal State of Czechoslovakia separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This has been called the "Velvet Divorce" in political parlance, due to the amicable and peaceful nature of the separation. (Of course, Czechoslovakia itself had come into existence by the breakup of Austria-Hungary at the end of World War I.)
We could go on an on with historical examples of how nation-states separated--by either violent or non-violent means. So, why is it that Christians, pastors, and churchmen will not so much as bat an eye at the numerous State separations that have taken place over the centuries, but suddenly become righteously indignant when discussing the American South's attempted separation from the Union in 1861--or even of the 13 Colonies' separation from Great Britain in 1776?
And while we are on the subject of hypocrisy, how dare any Church or pastor denounce State secession or separation on one hand and then turn around and celebrate Independence Day on July 4? How dare they host "patriotic" services and invite special patriotic speakers and singers to come into their churches? How dare they encourage civic involvement and responsibility (such as voting)? How dare they promote participation in the US military, if they believe that there was no legitimacy to America's separation from Great Britain? Plus, how dare today's preachers and Bible teachers condemn what George Washington and the boys did in the American Revolution, and then turn around and celebrate the freedom and independence that was produced and preserved by that same Revolution?
Now, let's look at the Biblical record.
The right of State secession is rooted and grounded in the Word of God. Did the Holy Spirit not inspire the New Testament writer to say, "Now all these things [Old Testament history] happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come"? (I Corinthians 10:11 KJV)
The last time I checked, the Holy Bible contained 66 Books, not 27; and Jehovah's introduction of civil government in the Old Testament is replete with examples of State secession.
Did God not separate the nations at the Tower of Babel in Genesis chapter 11? He certainly did. In fact, the goal of global union was first attempted at Babel. At this point, it was God, Himself, Who was the sponsor of "State separation."
Also, did God not "separate" Israel from Egypt by a mighty and miraculous deliverance? Even the theocracy of Israel under Moses served as a presage for future State autonomy. God divided the nation of Israel into 12 independent tribes. Each tribe had its own individuality, leaders (under Moses, of course), territory, etc. Remember, too, when Israel crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land that 2 1/2 tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh) chose to stay on the east side of Jordan. This was happily allowed by Joshua and the other 9 1/2 tribes.
In fact, the Book of Judges is simply a redundant account of tyrannical powers enslaving God's people and the subsequent rise of deliverers (directed and empowered by God) to separate the nation, thus providing His people with freedom and independence.
Furthermore, the divided kingdom of Israel provides a classic Biblical example of the right of State secession. As a result of Solomon's sin (I Kings 11:11-13), God allowed the nation to be divided. "Israel" was the name of the Northern Kingdom, comprising 10 tribes. Its first king was Jeroboam, and the capital was Samaria. "Judah" was the name of the Southern Kingdom, comprising 2 tribes, Judah and Benjamin. Rehoboam was Judah's first king, and the capital was Jerusalem.
These two nations--which shared the same history, heritage, ancestry, language, etc.--engaged in friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) commerce and trade, participated in mutually beneficial dialogue and diplomacy, and even sometimes allied themselves in times of war. And, yes, they also occasionally became mortal enemies against each other. Between the two, the Southern Kingdom enjoyed far and away more of the favor of Heaven. It had (for the most part) better leaders, had a more vibrant spiritual life, and was afforded more peace. In fact, Jehovah, through His prophets, often warned Judah against the propensity to become entangled with the idolatrous affairs of the Northern State. In general, the more Judah remained separate from Israel, the more successful it was. Conversely, the more entangled Judah became with Israel, the more dreadful the consequences became.
Judah's secession from Israel not only gave it a more peaceful and productive existence, it extended its liberty by over 100 years. Israel went into Assyrian captivity in 721 B.C., while Judah went into Babylonian captivity in 586 B.C.
It should be obvious to any reasonable person that there is absolutely nothing in Scripture that would preclude states from seceding, separating, or declaring independence from one another. In fact, just the opposite is true. The examples from the Bible should be plentiful enough for any rational person to understand that the God of Heaven has given mankind the individual and collective volition to choose (or reject) our leaders, government, etc. (I have already dealt with Romans 13, et al., so I will not belabor that issue again at this juncture.)
Chuck Baldwin
Peaceful separation if rapidly becoming the most viable option remaining for freedom loving, independent, and fully responsible people. The DC Empire is so corrupt that repair is not a useful option at this time.
There are “Biblical Justifications” for a lot of things that people are not going to like ... LOL ...
For instance, is there a Biblical Justification for scrapping the United States Constitution and doing away with the right to own guns and doing away with jury trials by your peers — yes, there certainly is ... :-)
I can tell you the Biblical justification, too, for that happening... and I would imagine a lot of people won’t like it ... LOL ...
Wanna get in on a “hot topic” ... LOL ...
It hasn’t gotten hot yet, but it soon will ... :-)
Oh, and one more thing, I should say I’m also “looking forward to it” too ... those things happening ... :-)
hmmmmm.
thx.
How about just one; I'd think it would make for good food for thought.
How about just one; I'd think it would make for good food for thought.
Yeah, I certainly think it's good food for thought or I wouldn't have brought it up in the first place... certainly one should think about scrapping the Constitution, doing away with trial by jury of your peers and doing away with your right to own guns... that's pretty good food for thought ... :-)
The way I see it, those in positions of power have broken their oaths to the Constitution and have in effect separated themselves via usurpation. We should insist on everyone subjecting themselves to the highest authority. In our case that is the "highest law of the land", which all are under, especially those elected to federal offices.
Aw, come on...you are the one that brought it up; I just want to hear how you spin what ever argument you had. ;-)
Aw, come on...you are the one that brought it up; I just want to hear how you spin what ever argument you had. ;-)
Oh..., okay. You wanted to hear what the Bible has to say about that... I see... :-)
Okay, the righteous government set up by the Messiah of Israel, will have the government of the world originating from Israel -- it will be a "direct rule" (not representative government) of a man who is "king" over all the world.
When the Messiah returns to this earth -- He goes to war against all those who oppose Him and His one-world government. There will be a one-world government already in place and the Messiah of Israel will militarily defeat that, and kill millions upon millions of people who oppose Him and His government.
All rule will originate from Jerusalem, Israel, from the Messiah of Israel, seated on the Throne of David. The law will be dispensed from there, and as a result no other laws will be allowed other than those of His government and what He sets up.
All war and killing will be eliminated. There will be no freedom of religion as we know it in this country, as that will be eliminated too. There will only be one religious rule and that will be His.
Justice is said to be instant and it will come from Him, as He will know all things and will "judge" according to what He knows [hence no need of juries or your "peers", doncha know].
There won't be any voting of people into office, as that's all done by the King, Himself. He has His own people ruling over all the nations of the world, and it is said that He rules with a "rod of iron" -- no room for deviation here... :-)
Now, this is the perfect and just government that we have coming and that's what all Christians look forward too... and not the imperfect and sin-laden governments that we have today, run by voters and rulers -- both of whom are not perfect and are full of sin and their opposition to God in their lives.
That won't be the situation in the future.
And that's not too far away, being within the lifetimes of many here, who read this. Expect it to be coming soon (as in the lifetimes of those who are presently alive).
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