Protect the Church from the overreach of the State.

The phrase “separation of Church and State” is not found in the U.S. Constitution. Still, it’s deeply rooted in the writings of the Founding Fathers—particularly to protect the Church from the overreach of the State, not the other way around.

✝️ 1. Scriptural Foundation: God’s Authority vs. Governmental Authority

“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.”— Matthew 22:21 (KJV)

This is the original, divine declaration of jurisdictional separation. Jesus clearly teaches that Caesar (the state) has its own realm of authority—but some things belong exclusively to God.

➤ Principle:

God’s Kingdom and man’s kingdom are not the same—and one should never try to dominate the other. Faith must remain free from coercion, and civil government must never attempt to take lordship over what belongs to Christ.

🏛️ 2. Historical Anchor: The Danbury Letter (1802)

“I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people… that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.”— Thomas Jefferson, Letter to the Danbury Baptists, 1802

This phrase has been ripped from context for decades. Jefferson wasn't warning against churches influencing government—he was assuring Baptists that the federal government would not interfere in their right to worship freely.

➤ Resource:

Library of Congress archives confirm this letter was written to protect religious freedom—not to erase religion from public life.

🖼️ 3. Illustration: The Church Under Tyranny

Imagine a church under an empire’s rule. We don’t have to imagine too hard—Nazi Germany and Communist Russia both controlled or outlawed churches. Why? Because when the State owns religion, truth is silenced and power is corrupted.

In contrast, early America was a haven for religious refugees—Pilgrims and Puritans escaping government-run religion. They knew a State that tells you how to worship will eventually tell you who to worship.

📜 4. The First Amendment: A Shield, Not a Sword

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”— First Amendment, U.S. Constitution

The Establishment Clause prevents the creation of a national church (like the Church of England), while the Free Exercise Clause defends your right to follow Christ without State interference.

➤ Founders’ Intent:

• James Madison said religion must be left to “the conviction and conscience of every man.”

• George Washington warned that national morality cannot prevail without a foundation in religious principles.

  
  

🧭 5. Christ-Centered Conclusion: The Church Must Remain Holy, Not Hushed

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29“Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord…” — 2 Corinthians 6:17

This separation is not isolation—it’s sanctification. It protects the prophetic voice of the Church from being neutered by government manipulation. The Church must be free to call sin what it is, to preach Christ crucified, and to serve as the moral compass for a drifting nation.

🛡️ Summary:

Purpose of Separation	Explanation
Protect the Church	From government control, persecution, or an agenda
Not to silence the Church	But to keep it free to influence the nation
Rooted in Scripture	Matthew 22:21, Acts 5:29, 2 Corinthians 6:17
Confirmed by Founders	Jefferson, Madison, Washington, and the First Amendment

Pastor Terry

One Truth At A Time

docbmedia.com