The Christian's Politics

by D.A.J. SMITH | Category: General | Sept 1963

The most common system of government obtaining among nations today is that of democracy, defined long ago as "government of the people, for the people, by the people". This involves periodically the election by secret ballot of candidates sponsored by different political parties.

The purpose of this brief article is that we might ascertain from the word of God how the believer on the Lord Jesus Christ ought to act towards the politics of this world. Although living in the world, the believer is not of the world, but is called with a heavenly calling to a place of separation. As the Lord expressed to His own when He said, "Ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world" (John 15.19), and again confirmed in the prayer to His Father, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17. 16). Chosen to serve Him and to live to the glory of God is the honoured privilege of every believer, something far surpassing the changing choice of men. Those who appreciate the cross-work of Christ find great joy in this, that He "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil world (or age)" (Galatians 1.4).

It may be contended that the purpose of the Christian's participation in politics is to change this "evil world" for good. The Scriptures know nothing of this. Many deny the existence of God, and the gospel message is largely rejected. Is there regret, far less repentance, among men today for the decision of the multitude in Pilate's hall, when the will of the people prevailed and they said, "Crucify Him", "Away with this man"? "Evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived," and men shall be "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God". God knew the spiritual state of the world when the apostle wrote, "Love not the world," for all that is in the w6rld is not of God (1 John 2.15 16).

With a citizenship in heaven and a heavenly inheritance yet to be possessed, the believer is thus seen as a pilgrim and a sojourner with no continuing city here, and with no authority from God to meddle in the affairs of men.

As far as God's present purposes in this world are concerned, His Man has already been chosen, not by popular vote but by divine appointment, for it was the glorious person of the Lord Jesus Christ that God addressed when He said:

"Thy throne, 0 God, is for ever and ever;

And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom."

"Sit Thou on My right hand,

Till I make Thine enemies the footstool of Thy feet."

(Hebrews 1. 8,l8)

Thus at the right hand of the Majesty on high is the Man with all authority in heaven and on earth, who can never lose His place; He is exalted and honoured by all the hosts of heaven.

To many it may seem foolishness that people should stand aside from politics, from what would appear to be the vital concern of all in this dangerous nuclear age. But despite man's misrule and the threats of aggression, "the heavens do rule". "The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will" (Daniel 4.25). "He removeth kings, and setteth up kings". Even the great powers of our time have their place according to God's decree. "For there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13.1). To those powers the Christian should live in subjection, abiding by the law and rendering to all their dues. For those who are in authority we are commanded to pray, regardless of their political views. But never are we called upon to share in the rule of this world or to strive for the success of one man and the defeat of another.

Today men's hearts are failing them with fear, as to what might take place, if the great powers should unleash those destructive weapons that they possess, but

"God everywhere hath sway,

And all things serve His might."

The affairs of this world can never get out of hand with God who, in spite of all human plans, is patiently working out His own purpose for the glory of His name and for the honour of His Son, and in consequence the blessing of men.

Can we therefore indulge in party politics when the Scriptures affirm that the believer is one called apart from the world to follow and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, whose rejection by men stands for ever recorded at Calvary? Surely our first obligation is to Him, then to our fellow-men. The best that we can render as ambassadors of Christ is to bring them the good tidings of peace through the gospel, testifying by our lives to the power of Christ, following after peace with all men (Hebrews 12.14), and walking honestly toward them that are without (1 Thessalonians 4. 12).

We should not look for an ideal society here, but rather look for a Saviour from heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver us for ever from

the presence of sin.

D.A.J. SMITH | Sept 1963
General