Whether we are in an election year or not, we should constantly be praying for our country, our government, and our leaders. Many times Christians can become divided over politics as one of those subjects that “we aren’t supposed to talk about.” But as citizens of the same King, children of the same Father, we all should submit to the word of God since it is Truth.
Many arguments are made during this time whether they are true or not, sometimes just to stir the pot, but typically just to trash the other person. If we believe the Gospel and rely on that for our salvation, then we can believe everything in the Bible is 100% true. That being the case, what does the Bible have to say about this?
Here is Scripture on Politics:
Romans 13:1-7 – 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 alsofor 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.
1 Peter 2:13-17 – Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Psalm 33:12 – Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
1 Timothy 2:1-6 – 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. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Titus 3:1-11 – Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so thatbeing justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
What other Scripture would you like to share on politics and government? Feel free to add by commenting below.
Many of the prophets were actively involved in the government in the old testament. Isaiah among many was both a statesmen and a prophet and many prophets including John the Baptist called the governmental leaders out on certain issues as led by God to do so. I don’t believe we should be obsessed with government but neither should we leave the decisions up to the non believer to make especially in elections.
Thanks Mike, I never wrote in the post that Christians shouldn’t be concerned with decisions being made by our government. Rather, the point is that we shouldn’t jump in and argue in ways that don’t glorify God or love others. All too often, we are all guilty of arguing with others over matters that ultimately won’t concern anything about the Gospel or loving one another…Jesus is typically far from those conversations. Appreciate the comment!
Excellent post
Thanks Michael!