Originally Published by Right Side Broadcasting Network: https://www.rsbnetwork.com/news/opinion-an-appeal-to-heaven/
During the American Revolution, the patriots borrowed the saying “An Appeal to Heaven” from the English philosopher John Locke. The patriots begged God to intervene and bless their conquest for freedom.
When they ran out of options, the freedom fighters turned to their Creator for guidance. For Christians, the same standard must apply today. If God is not the priority of your life, government, and daily affairs, you should never expect His blessings.
The idea of falling to one’s knees and seeking God is not new, and many prominent leaders in history sought the Lord in battle or in political affairs. From the campaigns of Oliver Cromwell to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s D-Day prayer to Dwight Eisenhower’s adherence to “In God We Trust,” such leaders sought the benediction of God.
The pine tree flag (An Appeal to Heaven) remains popular today with American patriots. It should not be controversial, as some on the far left have determined it to be. Early American leaders, including George Washington and Patrick Henry, believed that God played a role in their fight for freedom. They often spoke about His involvement in their victories.
In the fight for freedom, Great Britain had the upper hand. Yet, against all odds, the colonists achieved victory and grew to become one of the most blessed people groups in the world’s history.
Does the idea of appealing to God still apply today? For Christians, absolutely. In traditional Christian teachings, the government is under the will and sovereignty of God (Romans 13:1, Colossians 1:16). This is often difficult to comprehend. Still, anyone familiar with the Scriptures realizes God’s involvement and even judgments or bestowed blessings on ancient Israel were determined by His will. Using the same logic, God is similarly with His creation today.
Several Founding Fathers were neither devout Christians nor Biblicists. Many were deists, believing God did not interfere with His creation. However, it is also confirmed that Christians played a crucial part in the government and formulated principles that reflected the standards of the Scriptures. Devout Christians died for the liberty to practice their faith and for political freedom based on their belief in freedom from sin and salvation in Jesus Christ.
Maintaining a biblical worldview is at the core of the Christian belief system. This correlates to all of life’s affairs. Mike Huckabee received criticism and mockery from the media for his views on natural disasters resulting from God’s will. Maybe such a position is not popular among Americans today, but it was a biblical posture to take. At the core of the Christian doctrine is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, acknowledging He is both Lord and Savior. The Bible is clear that God is involved with His people, using disasters, famines, and even wars for His own purpose.
Today, nothing has changed as the world continues to be in turmoil. God is present and expecting His creation to surrender their lives to Him entirely. Imagine the difference a Christian government would make in the world. “An Appeal to Heaven” is a phrase that acknowledges humanity’s imperfections but expresses hope with God’s blessings and guidance.
Secular humanism leads to disappointment and morality originating in mankind. On the contrary, surrendering to the providence and instruction of God answers all of life’s questions, as your standards come from God and not this world.
Christians continue to be a significant part of the voting bloc. They should remember the principles of the Scriptures when approaching the ballot box. Their allegiance to God should come first as they pray for their nation and leaders who desperately need the Lord’s guidance.
Believers will be mocked like Huckabee was, but they must stand firm in their commitment to God, His principles, His will, and His involvement in the nation. Despite the country’s deviation from Christian principles, there is hope for a return to them. It starts and ends with an appeal to heaven.
