Politics: God's Sovereignty and the Christian's Role

Politics encompasses the activities associated with governance, policy-making, and the exercise of power within a society. For the Christian, politics is neither to be idolised as the world's saviour nor dismissed as irrelevant, but understood under the overarching sovereignty of God, who establishes and deposes authorities according to His will.

God's Sovereignty Over Political Power

Regardless of man's schemes and seeming power, the will of God stands supreme over every political structure and authority. Scripture affirms that human rulers only "do what your power and will decide beforehand should happen" (Act 4:28). God raises up authorities and also deposes them, for "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes" (Dan 2:21, 4:17,34-35). What He has purposed, He will bring about, and no one can stop Him.

Dominant people sometimes manipulate the facts and so control outcomes in their own favour, perhaps even resorting to emotional blackmail to pressure opposing parties to yield. Yet such manipulation operates within the bounds God permits and never thwart His ultimate purposes.

The Christian's Engagement with Politics

Paul instructed Timothy not to entangle himself in worldly affairs, so that he could give himself fully to his calling of teaching Kingdom truths (2 Tim 2:4). For others, however, it is their God-given vocation to serve within the policymaking structures of democratically run societies. Political intervention is often necessary to bring about social change, and what nation does not need a return to good morals, ethics and justice through God-honouring laws and plain common sense?

Most advanced, civilised countries originally had the Ten Commandments as their framework for policymaking, supported by the Christian values of God-fearing leaders. Biblical principles rather than liberal thinking should govern a Christian politician's viewpoints, discussion and decision-making, while no one is to show favouritism to those who have money or influence (Jas 2:1-9). Leaders should be impartial, fair and dedicated to serve the best interests of the people, making policies that enhance life and good values while not catering to their own egos. When successive leaders who do not hold to these principles gain power, societies sink into anarchy, rebellion and lawlessness.

The Bible should still govern every aspect of our lives

It is our responsibility to pray for those in authority, to obey the laws and be good citizens, displaying the gospel's transforming power, for God established these authorities (Rom 13:1-2; 1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13-15). If we cannot obey because of a direct violation of a Biblical command or principle, we should clearly state our reason, perhaps offering an alternative or compromise solution, while being prepared to suffer the consequences for non-compliance (Dan 1:8-14, 3:12-18; Act 4:19). When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding (Prov 28:12).

The Church's True Mandate

Throughout history, Christianity has flourished under repressive, ungodly governments, with believers being lights for Christ in spite of many being martyred for their faith. The apostles never called for believers to engage in civil disobedience to protest against the Roman Empire's unjust laws or brutal schemes. Instead, their teaching — and by which we should also live — is to proclaim the gospel and live lives that give clear evidence of the gospel's transforming power of love and forgiveness, not hate and bitterness.

The light shines brightest in the darkness

The church's unique, God-given mandate does not lie in political activism or trying to change culture through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God, for only as individual hearts are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change. We are to spread the gospel of Christ, preach against the prevailing sins and live as children of the light (Eph 5:8; 1 Thes 5:5).

Pray for believers who suffer under wicked political regimes to remain loyal to Christ. We need a true perspective: do not fear man who can only kill the physical body but has no control over our spirit as God does (Lk 12:4-5). Some early believers were commended for their godly response when insulted and persecuted, which even included the confiscation of their property (Heb 10:34).

Governments and political entities are not the Saviour of the world. Jesus fulfilled that role, with His salvation particularly effective for the next life, yet only for those who accept His offer. His redemption was not accomplished by human effort, military might, economic manipulation or politics but through the power of God (Zech 4:6; 1 Pet 1:5). A commonly held belief of the New Apostolic Reformation movement is the mandate to infiltrate every facet of society to bring much needed reform. While this is a worthy goal, unless the heart of man has been radically impacted by the power of God this is missing the mark of the great commission of making heaven-destined disciples who have voluntarily chosen to follow Christ (Mt 28:19-20).

We are to be as salt and present Jesus to the world

Increasingly the laws and rules being implemented worldwide are being orchestrated from One World Order leaders who want total supremacy over all humanity. However, God is over them, and although these corrupt humans — under Satan's power — think they are in charge, they have not factored God into their schemes. He comes out the winner, and because we as believers are His children, washed in the blood of the Lamb, we are winners too, destined for an eternity in heaven. In contrast, all the workers of sin and those not in His Kingdom will be doomed to eternal damnation.

Unfortunately, politics or natural, carnal viewpoints also determine much of what happens in Christendom and the policies adopted. Different people have their own agendas and interpretation on various matters and think that their stance is the only correct 'God-appointed' way.

Reflection and Application:

How does the truth of God's sovereignty over political authorities shape your attitude toward current world events?
In what ways can you faithfully pray for and support those in government, even when you disagree with their policies?
Where is the line between responsible civic engagement and compromising the church's mandate to make disciples?
How can you be salt and light in your sphere of influence without placing ultimate hope in political solutions?