The Divine Inspiration of…the Constitution?

I was listening to Glenn Beck’s radio program and heard Him say that the Constitution of the United States is a Divinely inspired document. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, hoping that perhaps Mr. Beck doesn’t understand what Divinely inspired means. Perhaps he meant, not so much inspired, but influenced by God. In other words, their knowledge of God and the scriptures were the foundation for the writing of the document.

He could have meant perhaps that they were influenced Sovereignly by God, and that the Providence of God was manifested in the Constitution. The founding was surely the Providence of God, but so it is for every other nation. But I do not think that he meant that because he went on to say that our founding documents are not the same as the Magna Carta or other constitutions, not because of the superiority of content, but because of their origins, meaning our constitution is superior because ours was from God. Then hearing him say that Americans need to “preach the gospel of Madison” sealed the deal for me, I think he believes that the founders were Apostles of God.

The Constitution of the United States was not inspired by God. It is a man made document. This may be unsettling for those who are more American than Christian, but it’s a fact.

II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Scripture is given by inspiration of God. If the Constitution of the United States is Divinely inspired, then it is Holy Scripture and should be added to the Bible. God is unchangeable, His Word is unchangeable and pure and perfect. So if God inspired the Constitution, that is part of His inerrant, unchangeable perfect, holy Word. (By the way, it would make Constitutional amendments blasphemy and very dangerous, right? Revelation 22:18) What does it mean that God inspired the bible. The Greek word translated “inspiration of God” is Θεόπνευστος (theopneustos). The word is a compound of θεός (Theos)or God and πνέω (pneō) which means to breathe, so the word translated inspired by God means that it is divinely breathed in; given by inspiration of God. The Holy Scriptures are not merely the ideas men have about who God is; rather it is God speaking through men. II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Paul did not take the ideas of God and relate the theme in his own words, but penned God’s very words. Every word, every sentence is of God.

Though the Constitution of the United States is a remarkable document and though it is the greatest example of manmade government the world has ever seen, it is, none the less from the minds of men and not inspired of God.

Scriptures are authoritative because they are the Words of God. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word of God is powerful, living, penetrating truth. God’s Word is absolute truth; it gives us the truth about God and about ourselves, displaying even the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Constitution has been amended and ratified because it was not perfect, but every word of God is pure (Proverbs 30:5). The Word of God contains the truth about wickedness of man and his need of a Saviour. God tells us in His Word the gospel of Jesus Christ; the only way to Heaven, by Grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, dying on the cross as a substitue for sinners, paying their sin debt, then rising from the dead after three days and three nights for our justification. There is power in the Word of God, not in the Constitution.


Remember, when you read the Constitution, you are reading a document conceived in the mind of a man who is long since dead and gone. It has a beginning, and like every other nation that has come into being, it will have an end. The Constitution of the United States will pass away. Heaven and Earth will pass away, and that includes the Constitution and the founding documents, but, Jesus said till Heaven and Earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. God’s Word will not pass away, God’s Word cannot be defeated. The best that men can do and the greatest men can achieve will ultimately come to an end.

I think most Christians are like me, freedom loving men and women, and agree with most conservative pundits. I caution you if you listen to Glenn Beck not to get caught up in this deification of this country’s founding to the point of making the founding documents God’s Word. This is idol worship and blasphemy.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalms 19:7-10

(Corrected gramatical errors 3-3-10.)