Bulletin Articles
Politics and the Gospel
Is the gospel political? No… and yes. This takes a little unpacking. As we think about this, please understand that this is not about who to vote for in a current election cycle. This is about timeless principles that Christians need to understand in any given time and within any given nation.
To the question, is the gospel political? First, no. The gospel is not about parties and political power. It is not a brand of worldly government, for it transcends all governments (see Isa 2:1-4; Dan 2:44-45). We can be Christians regardless of the political system under which we live; indeed Christians around the world live under a variety of systems. Some are more friendly than others, of course, and we do support freedom (cf. 1 Pet 2:16), but we do not require a specific form of government to be what we are as followers of Christ. Even among the first disciples of Jesus, Simon the Zealot (who would have been vehemently opposed to the Roman Empire) and Matthew the tax collector (who worked for the Romans) would have needed to drop political differences to serve Jesus.
As Christians, we submit to governing authorities (so long as we are not being required to do what the Lord forbids, Acts 5:29), we pray for those in positions of leadership, and we desire quiet, tranquil lives as we strive to be lights in a dark world (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Tim 2:1-4; Matt 5:14-16; Phil 2:14-16). The Lord wants all to be saved eternally (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9), and that is more important than any temporal leader who will be gone and out of power again within a few years. We are first citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20). Christians need to keep things in perspective and understand their need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (cf. Matt 6:33).
Again, we ask, is the gospel political? Second, on the other hand, yes. The gospel does speak to matters that will impact any government, and if individuals in government became Christians then that would certainly affect their behavior and the way they vote, what they support, and how they operate. We do care about moral issues and will seek to encourage doing what is right. The greatest issue here has to do with the fact that Jesus Christ is our King (Isa 52:7). Over against all worldly dominions, the Kingship of Jesus and His kingdom rule will challenge any government that might harm His people. To see that, read the book of Revelation and see God’s power and sovereignty over the dragon and beasts that manifest themselves in the ungodly Babylon. The King of kings and Lord of lords will not be usurped by any political beast of this world (see esp. Rev 16-19). God’s kingdom outlasts all.
When our allegiance is called into question, and it will be, our commitment is always to be the Lord first; this should never be in question. That may mean at some point a public reproof of worldly leaders who wish to control religion. It may mean public testing as to whether we are truly allegiant to Christ as Lord, and that could trigger physical persecutions. Yet our loyalty to the Lord must be firm and unwavering even as we are tested and tempted to give in to the world.
Two prime principles should help Christians navigate through the various political systems of this world, whatever they may be:
1. Worldly powers are ultimately in God’s hands. “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings” (Dan 2:21). Likewise, “the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men” (Dan 4:17). At the end of the day, God has this, and Christians need to trust Him as in all matters.
2. Christians, as citizens of heaven above all else, are also to be valuable citizens wherever they live on earth. Even as God’s people had gone into Babylonian exile because of their sins, they were nevertheless told to build houses and plant gardens, to get married and have children. “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare” (Jer 29:7). This is an important principle for God’s people. Though we long for our eternal home with God, we live in our present circumstances by God’s will and to do God’s will on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10). We ought to be a blessing to the nation in which we live and demonstrate our love for neighbors. Any political activity, then, needs to have this principle in mind so that ultimately God is glorified.
Christians need not fret over what’s happening in this world. We address problems. We identify issues. We try to make an impact on those around us. We work to win others to Christ. We seek the welfare of where we live and we trust God to work out the details, for all worldly leaders are ultimately in His hands.
