31 Dec What The Bible Says About Voting

Understanding a Biblical Perspective of Voting

Many varying beliefs surround how Christians should approach topics such as government, political involvement, and voting. Unfortunately, this leads to a large number of Christians shying away from political involvement. Does the Bible call us to vote or is voting something that should not be a concern of Christians in America? It is important to develop a Biblical perspective on this matter. 

What does the Bible say about voting? While the Bible does not provide us with direct instruction or teaching on the topic of voting, we learn much about our proper response to the government. Christians are called to speak truth and defend the oppressed, two things that can be effectively accomplished by electing strong leaders through the voting process. Because of this, we can assume that Christians are called to vote in order to influence positive change in our society.

So, is there one political party that Christians should with over the other? How do we determine which candidates are worthy of our vote? These are important topics that are discussed far too frequently in Christian communities in America.

In this post, we will take a closer look at the many reasons we believe Christians are called to vote. We will also share some practical tips on deciding which candidate you will vote for in an upcoming election as well as learning more about developing a Biblical perspective of government. 

Should Christians Vote?

There are many topics today that the Bible does not directly address. This does not mean that we are to make decisions on the matter without Biblical insight. Although the Bible may not directly address the topic of voting for our government leaders, we can glean important truths from what the Bible does say about our proper response to government.

Here are just a few of the reasons why we believe every Christian in America is called to exercise their right to vote:

Voting Allows Us to Elect Leaders With Strong Morals

The primary purpose of voting is to elect leaders that reflect our morals, convictions, and beliefs. If the Christian community as a whole fails to vote, our voice will not be heard. It is important to take advantage of our right to vote as it allows us to elect leaders who we believe will protect and defend our religious freedoms and causes we support.

To vote for leaders who support our convictions, we must educate ourselves on where each candidate stands on a variety of topics. It is important to remember that just because someone claims a certain political party, that does not automatically mean that they will align with our beliefs. 

As Americans, and more importantly, as Christians, it is our responsibility to research candidates leading up to the voting process to ensure that we are electing leaders and officials with strong morals and integrity.

Voting Makes an Impact On Our Society As a Whole

The government officials and leaders of our country have an incredible impact on our society during their time in office. Through the voting process, we elect leaders who will be making laws, rules, and regulations for the future of our country.

We have the responsibility and privilege of impacting our society for good through the election of political leaders. Through our vote, we can elect leaders who will defend the oppressed and protect our religious freedoms, maintaining a country that provides equality, liberty, and justice for all.

Voting is Our Right & Privilege As American Citizens

Americans are truly blessed to experience the many rights and privileges that we far too often take for granted. Many other countries do not have the privilege of electing government leaders that reflect their beliefs and convictions. As Christians, we must not waste this great privilege. 

We must make sure our voice is heard, taking the time to vote with conviction for leaders we believe support our beliefs.

Christians Must Vote With Conviction

It is important that Christians do not blindly vote for candidates based on the way others are voting. As Christians, we must vote with conviction. 

By educating ourselves on the beliefs of various candidates, researching what the Bible says about topics that are pertinent to their platforms, and soaking all of our decisions in prayer, we can make a decision that truly reflects our religious values. You can find a few great scriptures to read before voting here.

We Must Identify With the Bible Over a Political Party

For far too long, political parties have been divided by religion. It is important to realize that our calling as Christians is to identify with the Bible over everything else. Yes, this includes political parties.

Before each election, we must carefully research candidates representing all political parties. In doing so, we will truly be able to vote for the leaders who we believe are best qualified to lead with authority and wisdom in their unique roles.

Regardless of the Outcome, God is on His Throne

Many Christians experience frustration when they hear the outcome of an election. We must remember that although it is our responsibility to vote, God is the one who makes the last call. Even if the candidate of our choosing was not electing, God remains on His throne. 

God often used leaders to accomplish His will in ways that are evident to us. However, there are countless Biblical examples of God using evil leaders to accomplish His will in the end. God is working to achieve His will, both in direct and indirect ways. This will happen regardless of the government officials in leadership.

As Christians, we can have confidence in knowing that our true hope is in heaven. Regardless of what happens during our time on earth, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. 

What the Bible Says About Government

Although the Bible does not have any direct guidance on the topic of voting, we can gain valuable insight through what the Bible says about government. Throughout the Bible, we find examples of good leadership and bad leadership. We find that, even then, people questioned the role of government in the life of a Christian. 

Christians Are to Respect Government Authorities

So, what does the Bible say about obeying the government? Throughout passages in both the Old and New Testaments, Christians have a calling to respect and obey government authorities. One of the most detailed passages on a Christian’s response to government is in the book of Romans. 

Romans 13:1-7 reads as follows, “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. 

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 

Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

In this passage, we can gain incredible insight into how we are to respect and respond to government, even in our current society.

Our Ultimate Duty is To God, Not Man

We have a calling to respect and obey our earthly leaders. However, we must also remember that our ultimate duty is to God, not man. There may be a time when our government calls us to do something that directly opposes our beliefs. In these times, we must consider whether we must act in civil disobedience as displayed by individuals throughout the Bible.

Christians Are Called to Encourage & Pray for Our Government

Regardless of whether or not we agree with the political stance of our current leaders, we are all called to encourage and pray for our government. The life and role of an elected official is one of incredible stress and hardship.

1 Timothy 2: 1-4 we read, “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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Not every Christian has a calling to participate directly in politics. However, this verse is a clear calling to pray for our officials and the people who hold positions of leadership. 

Stand Up for Your Religious Beliefs Through Your Right to Vote

As Christians, and as Americans, we have the calling and privilege of participating in our government through the voting process. We must not take this duty lightly. By carefully educating ourselves on candidates, praying about our vote, and taking the time to participate in the election, we can influence our society for good.