Top
 

I was asked recently, “Should the church be involved in political matters? Should the church tell people from the pulpit how to vote in matters concerning laws of the state? Should the church tell the members to vote yes on the abortion matter in the state?” What does the Scripture say?

First, one must understand what the church is and is not. The church is not an ecclesiastical organization that pronounces edicts to its laity. The church of Christ is composed of saved people (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22-23; Heb. 12:22-23). The Lord has arranged these saved people into local churches, organized and functioning in worship and work according to God’s revealed pattern (Acts 14:22-23; 20:17, 28; 1 Pet. 5:2). The work of local churches is not to be a political action committee.

According to the Scriptures, the church does not tell anybody anything “from the pulpit.” The gospel preacher does not speak “for the church,” he preaches the word of God to the church as well as to the lost (2 Tim. 4:2-4; 1 Tim. 4:6; Rom. 1:15-16; 10:14-15).

Christ’s kingdom is not of this world (Jno. 18:36). It is also clear that God ordained civil government to protect the innocent and the punishment of criminals (Rom. 13:1-6). Some governments allow their citizens to participate in their political decisions (for example, the representative republic of the U. S.); others do not (for example, a ruling monarchy). To whatever degree each Christian chooses to participate in or abstain from politics is entirely their choice and right as a citizen of society, depending on the form of government under which they live. Of course, such participation must honor God and man (1 Pet. 2:17).

May we preach God’s word on topics that find application in the political arena? Absolutely. Otherwise, we must immediately stop preaching on all Bible subjects that find their way into politics. For example, we would have to cease teaching God’s word and its political ramifications on such topics as paying taxes (Matt. 22:15-22), capital punishment (Acts 25:11), protecting the innocent from oppression (Jas. 5:1-6; 1 Tim. 2:1-2), and the sin of same-sex marriages (1 Cor. 6:9-10). It would mean no more bulletin articles like this one. Preaching the whole counsel of God means we speak God’s word on “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3; Acts 20:27, 20).

In countries where citizens are allowed to vote, Christians should support candidates who promote godliness and virtue (1 Tim. 2:1-2). As for abortion, it is the taking of innocent life; it is a sin (Rom. 13:9). How can Christians support such unholy conduct and vote for those who do without involving themselves in sin (Eph. 5:11)? Remember, we will answer for our conduct while on earth (2 Cor. 5:10). That includes whether we stand up for the will of God by our politics.

Individually, we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16). Christians must be influencers for good in this dark world of sin. Our politician decisions are one way to do so (1 Pet. 2:11-12). 

-Reprint, The Spirit’s Sword (Oct. 15, 2006)

Top
 

Top