An Agreement Established with Blood
On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was adopted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by representatives of the people. It was established upon the blood of many men and women who gave their lives so America would stand on its own laws with authority. Its creation came almost 11 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In the first two sentences of the Declaration of Independence, the founders acknowledged that the Creator of all, God, was where the authority inhered to form the United States Constitution. Since that time many a citizen has pledged their loyalty and given their blood to maintain what was established.
On January 6, 2011, the 112th House of Representatives became the first to read the full constitution as they were gathered (though they had to go back and read two pages that had been stuck together). This comes at a time when men and women are recognizing the failure of their representatives to uphold the constitution for which they had taken oaths to uphold. Remembering the authority for the document comes from God, the failure of previous representatives is just another example of man turning from God to serve their own interests.
This is certainly not the first time an agreement established in blood with the authority of God has been violated. The people of Israel formed as a nation by the deliverance of God were given the Law of Moses with the Authority of God. As part of that law, the blood of calves and goats was needed for its inauguration (Hebrews 9:18-20). It did not take long for that people to disregard the law and disobey it. It did not take long for its keepers, the priests, to falter in their duties. Hundreds of years later, in a historic gathering, the priest Ezra would take the law before the people again and read it in their presence (Nehemiah 8). The people rededicated themselves to upholding the law (Numbers 10) and acknowledged their past failures in doing. They realized they had served themselves and not God.
The people had been told there would come a day when a new agreement would be established. It would not just be for the Israelites, but for the entire world. That agreement was to come with Jesus Christ. Indeed it did. He gave his life being crucified upon a cross. His blood inaugurated a new covenant (Hebrews 7:22, 8:6-7, 9:11-16, 10:19-20). The blood which was shed was done so in love and by the authority of God (John 3:16). The entrance of people under the new agreement came on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). On that day, men heard the words of the agreement and put themselves under allegiance to it. Yet, sadly, as before, men have forsaken their oaths and allegiance so that they may serve their own interests.
The 112th House of Representative provided a good example of rededication on January 6, 2011. They recognized there was something greater than themselves. They declared repentance, a changing from what had been done before, and a return to what should be done. It is hoped they stand strong in their declaration, if not, there will be undesirable consequences. For those who have declared allegiance to Christ, yet have forsaken the agreement established by His blood, it is also time to return to dedication (Acts 17:30). No longer live a life based on personal desires, but live the life God has established for all. Good laws followed result in a multitude of blessings. Good laws ignored lead man to dishonesty, self-interest, and abuse of others. God’s law is the perfect law. Upholding it and obeying will only result in blessing to those in allegiance to it (James 1:25). Disregarding it will lead to destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
For America to ignore its constitution is the same as rejecting it. If its citizens do so, the result is making worthless the blood which was shed to give freedom to the citizens of America. Such a loss holds a parallel to those who would ignore the will of God. Christ gave his life so that man might experience freedom. Casting that sacrifice aside would make what he has given worthless. His death gave liberty to all those who would hold strong their allegiance to him. Rejecting the Covenant of Christ and the Constitution of the United States are great atrocities. If the importance of these agreements created by blood can be fathomed, do not forsake God or country.