Some Christians argue that it is not our business to be involved in politics. First, because we have other matters on which to concentrate: getting people to heaven is more important than trying to straighten out a fallen world. Second, because politics is so corrupt that we must keep a distance, lest we become contaminated. A third argument is that God is sovereign, so he can be trusted to take care of politics. We have to be very careful that appealing to God's almighty power is not a convenient excuse for avoiding our own responsibility. The Bible says a great deal about humans being God's vice-regents in the world and one of God's first commissions to humanity is for us to rule, subdue, and be fruitful in the earth. This is not only significant for how we live our own lives but for how we engage society as a whole. In fact, much of Britain's governmental system was developed using Christian principles. There are three significant principles I would like to highlight in regard to government:

  • There is a need for government
    Human nature is so twisted by our rebellion against God that a government of some sort is essential to protect the weak. The worst government is not a dictatorship, but no government at all; in the resulting anarchy everyone is a tyrant and the weak are mercilessly crushed. This principle explains the essentially positive view of government that is found in the New Testament (Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Our God is a God of order who protects all, cares for all and emphasises the innate dignity of all human beings.
  • There are limits to government
    The power governments wield is loaned to them by God (John 19:11). We are not God but we are his vice-regents on the earth. Because fallen human beings govern political systems, there is potential for corruption (sin). For this reason, limits need to be set on governments. There may even come a time when we can no longer, in all conscience, obey a government that has become too mired in sinfulness and injustice.
  • God hasn't given us a template for a Christian political system
    In the Old Testament God established a pattern for how Israel should be governed, with rules for tribes, priests, kings, legislation and rituals. There is nothing comparable in the New Testament: instead there is silence on how the new people of God are to be governed. Christ's followers should be prepared to live among all nations as salt and light throughout the world. We are not to isolate ourselves to any particular region, location or nation. So the Christian has no biblical commitment to a particular political structure. Christianity has survived - and even flourished - under regimes of left, right and centre and Christians are found in all the main political parties.


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From shame to Grace;
 From Grace to Glory