The founding of America holds a unique position in the annals of history. Though other nations since America have fought for their freedom, America is the first nation known to winn its independence from tyranny and establish itself as a democratic country. America’s experiment in liberty was groundbreaking. Americans are right to rejoice in their heritage. Some Christians seem to think that America is unique in history and unique in the plan of God. America is thought to be a Divine nation uniquely established by Him to accomplish great things for Christianity. 

Some facts about the founding of American are indisputable. Many of the early American settlers came to this continent pursuing religious liberty. A large percentage of the first colonists were born again Christians. Many of the founding fathers were devout Christians and almost every single one of the earlist leaders of the United States of America were devout men who believed in the existence of the Christian God and who looked to the Bible as an authoritative source of moral instruction. America was founded on Biblical ideas. The Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution are built on Biblical presumptions. The founding fathers recognized and publicly acknowledged the hand of God in the establishment of this nation. 

These historical facts cannot be questioned. The question is not if the founding fathers were devout or the American system of government was built on Biblical ideas. The question is about the specific role America plays in God’s plan for history. Does America hold a place in the plan of God that is different from all the other nations of the world? We have no idea. The Bible does not say. God’s providential guidance in the formation of America is clear, but Scripture says God establishes all nations and all governments. America appears to have been established for the promotion of good and righteousness. However, that conclusion is an interpretation of circumstances and history. History and circumstance are unreliable guides. The only definite source of information about God’s will, the Bible, is silent about the role of America in God’s plan.

Does America hold a special status as God’s favored nation or as a covenant people with God? Is America like Old Testament Israel? Absolutely not. America’s founding was unique in history, but it is nothing like the establishment of Israel. Israel was established by God through His covenant with Abrahama, Isaac, Jacob and, at Mt. Sinai, the entire nation. God made no covenant with America. God promised to send His Messiah, the Savior, through Israel. The Messiah is not going to come, or come again, through America. God used Israel to reveal His Word to the world. The majority of the Bible was written by Jews, and the portions not written by Jews were written under the direct observation of Jewish men. God has given no Scripture to the world through America or Americans. The role of Israel in world history is unique and unreplaceable.

God does have a chosen people today, a people He uses to proclaim His Word to the world. God has a people set apart from all others for Himself. God does have a covenant people. That people is the church, not America.