This Is What The Bible Says About Politics

Biblical View of Politics

This Is What The Bible Says About Politics

With each passing year, the emphasis on politics continues to grow. New policies, procedures, and laws are causing American Christians to question their stance on how much of a role politics should play in our everyday lives. Especially in election years, like the one we are currently in, we are finding that it is incredibly important to develop a Biblical view of politics. This will help us to navigate complex political issues with confidence, educating ourselves and others on important issues regarding our political stance.

What does the Bible say about politics? We know that, like every other aspect of our lives, God is in complete control of politics. Several verses clearly state that God places our leaders in positions of authority, calling us to respect and honor their leadership. While we are to respect our political leaders, the Bible also clearly states that we are to honor God above all.

Are politics and religion really separate issues? Or, as Christians, are they really one issue? How do we approach our involvement in politics in a world that is quickly changing? In this post, we will take a closer look at what the Bible says about politics. We hope that this information provides you with encouragement and insight into how to navigate politics in our current political climate.

Developing a Biblical View of Politics

As with every area of our lives, we must develop a Biblical view of politics. While politics may have looked completely different in the times of the Bible, the concepts taught about leadership still apply to our lives today. By understanding what the Bible says on the topic of politics, we can more effectively work to promote equality, liberty, and justice for all.

But where do we draw the line? Are certain political parties more “Christian” than others? Is it important that every member of your church body agrees on certain political policies or agendas? These are important topics that must be approached with wisdom and humility, always seeking Biblical insight before coming to a conclusion on the matter.

What Are Politics?

Merriam-Webster defines politics as “the art or science of government; the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental; political actions, practices, or policies; political affairs or business”.

In more broad terms, politics involve the leaders of our cities, states, and countries. Politics govern policies, procedures, and laws. Unfortunately, many Christians choose to separate themselves from politics, stating that politics and religion should not mix. However, it is important Christians in American remain informed and active in the political world. In doing so, we can work to restore and preserve the strong Biblical foundations on which our country was built.

Biblical Outlook on Politics

As we navigate the topic of a Christian’s involvement in politics, we can gain important insight from the pages of Scripture. While the establishment of political leaders may have looked a bit different in the days of the Bible, the concepts remain just as true today. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say on politics.

God Uses Our Political Leaders to Serve a Purpose

Romans 13:1-2 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” 

We know that God places political leaders in their positions above us, using each leader to serve a distinct purpose. This can be a hard concept to understand when considering the numerous political leaders throughout history who were directly opposed to God’s Word. However, we can have confidence in knowing that all political leaders are “instituted by God”, serving a unique purpose, even if it is impossible to see at the time.

Biblical Leaders Who Served God

Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we find accounts of leaders who served God. It is easy to see how God used these leaders to accomplish His will in the world. Joseph, for example, was used by God to directly save the Egyptian people. Through the preservation of the Jewish nation, Joseph made it possible for the Messiah to be born. 

Israel had a long line of faithful leaders, each serving a very distinct purpose in saving the nation and leading the Egyptian people out of slavery. In a roundabout turn of events, Mordecai used his position of leadership to allow the Jewish people to protect themselves, paving the way for the coming of the Messiah through their line.

These are just a few of the political leaders who paved the way for the coming of Christ through their leadership. We find countless examples of leaders who served God through their positions of leadership, both in the Bible and in the history of our modern world.

Biblical Leaders Who Did Not Serve God

But what about leaders who did not serve, or directly opposed, God? Examples of these leaders exist throughout the Bible and our modern history books. It can be hard to see how God is working when the method is unclear to our human eye. However, through evil leaders such as Pharoh, God raised Moses to lead his people out of slavery. Through King Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus, God fulfilled important prophecies about His son. 

Ungodly political leaders throughout history have sought to threaten and condemn the Christian community. However, Christians under their leadership not only seem to survive but to flourish in the midst of oppression. Even when it is unclear to us, God is using leaders in all levels of politics to further His mission and bring glory to His name.

Knowing this truth provides Christians with incredible confidence and peace in uncertain political climates such as the one we are currently facing.

Christians Are Called to Participate in Politics

We have confidence in knowing that God calls political leaders to serve Him in their respective positions. But what is a Christian’s role in this process? As Christians, we are called to participate in politics. We are called to be salt and light to the world around us. While not everyone has the giftings or desire to lead in a political capacity, each of us should carefully consider how we are to participate.

Use Our Ability to Vote

One way in which every Christian should participate in politics is to use their ability to vote in not only national elections but also state and local elections. It is important to encourage and promote political candidates who uphold our religious freedoms and beliefs. As we enter the voting booths, we must carefully research possible candidates and weigh their platforms against the truth found in the Scripture. 

Pray for Our Political Leaders

It should go without saying that every Christian should pray for their political leaders. This is an easy calling when the leaders agree with your political stance. However, it becomes much more challenging when you struggle to respect your political leadership. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

It is important that, as Christians, we pray for every person in a position of leadership, whether on a city level or national level. Pray that they have the wisdom to lead as God continues to direct their steps. And most importantly, that God’s will is carried out through each of their actions and decisions.

Engage With Our Political Leaders

It is easy to be discouraged when we see various laws, legislations, and policies introduced. However, we must not stand idly by! There are many ways to make sure your voice is heard. One of the most effective methods is by directly contacting your congressional representative.

Clearly communicate your views on specific topics and seek to develop a more comprehensive understanding of their policies. You can also engage with political leaders on city, state, and national platforms by volunteering or participating in fundraising efforts. You can learn more about how to participate in politics here.

Serve in a Political Capacity

While we are not all called to serve in a political capacity, there are countless Christians who possess this important set of skills and giftings. By stepping out of our comfort zone to serve in a political capacity, Christians can more effectively influence change in their communities. If you have a desire and willingness to serve your community in this way, seek out opportunities to participate in city leadership or contact your local politicians for further guidance.

God Is Our Ultimate Leader

In every area of politics, we must remember that God is our ultimate leader and authority. There may be times when we must decide to obey God over man. This act, known as civil disobedience, may have negative consequences. However, we must hold fast to the knowledge that obeying God’s ultimate authority is our highest calling.

Important Bible Verses On the Topic of Politics

The best way to learn more about what the Bible says about important topics such as politics is to conduct our own Biblical study. In doing so, we allow God to speak to us through His word, informing our opinions and beliefs. Here are some of the most popular Bible verses about politics:

 

  • What The Bible Says About PoliticsActs 4:18-19
  • Acts 5:29
  • Daniel 2:21
  • Daniel 4:17
  • Isaiah 33:22
  • Matthew 5:13–14
  • Matthew 6:33
  • Romans 8:28
  • Romans 13:1-3; 6-7
  • 1 Peter 2:13-16
  • 1 Timothy 2:1-4

 

 

By studying the Scriptures, we can form a more effective framework surrounding the topic of a Christian’s relationship to politics. This will allow us to share our beliefs and convictions with greater fervency. Encouraging other Christians to participate in politics through a Biblical worldview.

Can Christians Belong to Any Political Party?

There is great division currently influencing our world, much of which is centered on the topic of political parties. For decades, churches and religious leaders have struggled with this topic. Can Christians belong to any political party? Are there certain beliefs or opinions of one party that directly oppose the Christian faith? Is this even a topic that should be discussed within the church

This topic is not directly addressed in the Bible. However, we can apply many Biblical concepts to arrive at a conclusion based on the truth. It is important that, as Christians, we carefully research our political beliefs, siding with one party not because it is what our parents have done but because we believe it is what Scripture commands us to do.

Investigate each issue in the light of Biblical truth and align yourself with the political party who most closely reflects this truth. While Christians can belong to any political party, they must remain steadfast on important topics such as religious freedoms, abortion, and other hot topics.

A Christian Response to Our Current Political Climate

So, how are Christians supposed to respond to our current political climate? Unfortunately, many Christians withdraw from participation, stating the false claim that religion and politics should not co-exist. As we have seen throughout the Scriptures, this could not be further from the truth! 

As Christians, we must educate ourselves on current political topics, seeking to develop a Biblical perspective at all times. We must be in constant prayer for our county and its leaders. Having confidence in the fact that each leader is selected by God to serve a unique purpose. 

Finally, we must consider whether God is calling us to serve more directly. By involving ourselves in politics, we can more effectively act as salt and light to the world in which we live. 

Christians must actively participate in politics, always seeking to learn more about what the Bible says about leadership. In doing so, and by promoting common sense rules for government, we can continue to maintain the strong Biblical foundations on which our country was built. Regardless of what the political future of our country holds, we can have confidence in knowing that God has established these current events ahead of time, perfectly planned to accomplish His will in our lives.

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