We’ve been talking about the seven great angelic powers in scripture and how these powers reflect the character, nature, and presence of God to humanity. This is necessary because Scripture tells us God is Spirit, and a Spirit can’t be seen. So, he reveals himself to us through these mighty angels. But, since the election in America is next week, I’m interrupting our series on these angels to discuss what God thinks about Christians participating in the workings of earthly governments. Is God political? Should God and government be separate? Should believers vote or not? Was Jesus a social activist? We will answer these questions in this episode, which I’ve entitled, What Jesus Thinks about Politics.
Like many things in the modern world, Scripture doesn’t give us direct guidance on today’s political situations. But there are principles in the Bible that can help us make decisions about government, politics, and other societal agencies and institutions. How should believers interact with today’s political and societal influences? To answer these questions, let’s look at 1 Peter 2:13-17. What principle about interacting with politics do we get from this passage?
First, Submission to Authority: Does this mean we must do what politicians and government authorities tell us? We’re called to respect the laws of the land, but we’re also called to follow God’s laws first. In today’s world, there is a lack of respect and submission to any rules, man’s or God’s. But what should we do when a governmental law conflicts with God’s law? Let’s look at a situation in the Bible where we can get some guidelines (Acts 5:25-32).
Peter and the Apostles submitted to being arrested and faced the consequences of their actions. Earlier in Acts 5, the church is increasing, and the Jewish leadership is jealous, so they have the apostles arrested and put in jail for preaching that Jesus rose from the dead. But an angel freed them from prison and told them to go to the temple and tell the crowds about the life Jesus gives to all who believe in him. It’s reported back to the priests that the apostles were freed and teaching Jesus in the temple; they’re arrested again, without resistance, and brought before the leaders. They submitted to being re-arrested even though God freed them from jail. Their actual submission was to God because it was clear if God didn’t have a purpose for their arrest, they couldn’t be arrested, just like they weren’t kept in jail. As believers, we are submissive to the laws of the land because there is only one authority: Jesus Christ.
Faith to Speak God’s Truth in the face of reprisal and persecution. The apostles were strictly ordered not to teach in the name of Jesus. What they were teaching was the truth about who killed Israel’s Messiah. This was a message that everyone needed to hear. The leaders were responsible for the denial of God’s salvation of the nation. They would eventually bring the destruction of Israel by the hand of the Romans and the final judgment of God on Jerusalem, the temple, and the people of the Mosaic Covenant—the faith to speak God’s truth about the direction of a country.
Hold authorities such as governments, politicians, and societal influencers accountable to God’s judgments. Peter and the apostles were holding the Jewish leadership responsible for the “murder” of Jesus. The Jews wanted the Romans to get the blame for the death of Jesus, but the apostles were holding the Jewish leaders responsible for God’s judgment of their actions. Believers are accountable today to hold our government authorities, politicians, and social influencers responsible for their actions against God’s laws.
Believers are witnesses, not accomplices, of God’s message about His kingdom and king. As witnesses, we have the Holy Spirit given to us by God. That Spirit is God’s image of Christ in the world, reflecting in us so that the world can see God (Matthew 5:14-16).
From the example of the apostles, we have Four Christian Guidelines for Voting: 1) Respect the rule of law but obey the law of God. 2) Speak God’s truth in faith. 3) Hold authorities accountable for God’s judgment (Both in the world and the church). 4) Witness God’s kingdom. Don’t enable Societal Politics and Sin.
Believers are to promote the kingdom of God throughout the entire world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are, therefore, encouraged by the Spirit of God to engage with society in a way that honors God. Voting is a form of stewardship and an opportunity to influence government toward justice, righteousness, and Jesus Christ. But we must be careful when interacting with this world of government agencies, politicians, and societal influences that our participation aligns with God’s will. We’re not responsible for the sins of our leaders as long as we speak up against injustice, unrighteousness, and oppression of the voiceless and needy. However, we are responsible for selecting wisely when supporting a candidate to ensure their values align with biblical principles. Believers are encouraged to keep the commands of Christ, trust God, respect his power and authority, and be mindful that they are reflecting God to the world in their vote.
Is God political? No, with God, there are no liberals or conservatives, no democrats or republicans, no men or women. There are no Baptists or Muslims and no Palestinians or Israelis. Everyone is either a believer or an unbeliever. Should God and government be separate? No, because God recognizes only one government: the kingdom of his Son. Should believers vote? Yes, God wants you to vote, but not blindly. Jesus wants us to cast our votes respecting God’s law, faith, truth, and accountability. Was Jesus a social activist? No, he was a kingdom of God achiever.
