How should a Christian view politics? | GotQuestions.org

The Christian Faith and Political Views

In today's video I'll answer your question, How Should a Christian View Politics? Then afterward, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end. If there is anything that will spark debate, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving politics, even among believers.

As followers of Christ, what should be our attitude and our involvement with politics? It has been said that religion and politics don't mix, but is that really true? Can we have political views outside of the considerations of our Christian faith?

The answer is no, we cannot. Our faith should inform our political views. The Bible gives us two truths regarding our stance toward politics and government. The first truth is that the will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life.

It is God's will that takes precedence over everything and everyone. God's plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is invaluable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will.

In fact, it is God who sets up kings and deposes them Daniel 2, verse 21, because "...the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes.". Daniel 4, verse 17. An understanding of this truth will help us see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will.

Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Government Is Not the Remedy for All Social Ills

Romans 8, verse 28. Second, government is not the remedy for all our social ills. We are not safe through politics. Only God can save, and He provides the answer to society's problems. We never read in the New Testament of Jesus or any of the apostles schooling believers on how to reform the pagan world of its idolatrous, immoral, and corrupt practices via the government.

The apostles never called for believers to demonstrate civil disobedience, to protest the Roman Empire's unjust laws or brutal schemes. Instead, they preached the gospel and lived in a way that gave evidence of the gospel's transforming power.

There is no doubt that government is necessary, and our responsibility is to obey the laws and be good citizens. God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, to commend those who do right, 1 Peter 2, verses 13–15.

It is the government's responsibility to rule, hopefully for our good, to collect taxes, and to keep the peace, see Romans 13, verses 1–8. Good citizenship includes taking seriously our duty to be informed and vote for leaders who promote Christian principles.

Where we have a voice, we should exercise the right to vote. Candidates or proposals at odds with the Bible's teaching on life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported, see Proverbs 14, verse 34.

The Church's Mission Is Gospel Transformation, Not Political Reform

Those who uphold biblical values should be helped. Even as we advocate for godly values and vote for principled leaders, we recognize that our hope for morality and the culture does not depend on politicians.

A nation's hope for change is not to be found in any country's ruling class. People Need the Lord. The government has its purpose, and so does the Church. Our primary mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God.

Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ. Yes, we take a stand against the sins of our time, and we advocate for political policies that would help curb wickedness. Through it all, we pray that individual hearts are changed by Christ.

Only as individuals are transformed through the new birth will the culture begin to reflect godliness. Believers throughout the ages have lived and even flourished under antagonistic, repressive pagan governments.

This was especially true of the first-century believers who sustained their faith under merciless political regimes that created immense cultural stress. They understood that they were the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

They adhered to Paul's teaching to obey their governing authorities, even honor, respect, and pray for them. And they trusted in the protection that only God supplies. Political entities are not the Savior of the world.

Jesus Christ as the Only Savior

The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics.

Peace of mind, contentment, hope and joy, and the salvation of mankind are provided only through Jesus' death and resurrection. Christians should be voters, and they should be bearers of the gospel. Want to learn more?

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