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Church and Politics in the Bible: A Biblical Perspective
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Church and Politics in the Bible: A Biblical Perspective

Introduction

As a Christian, the intersection of politics and the church can be a tricky and contentious topic. How much should the church be involved in political affairs? How should Christians approach political disagreements and differing viewpoints?

What does the Bible say about the role of government and the church in society? These are important questions that require careful consideration and reflection.

In this blog post, we will explore the topic of church and politics from a biblical perspective.

Using the New King James Version of the Bible, we will examine what Scripture has to say about the role of government, the role of the church, and the dangers of political idolatry.

We will also consider how Christians can engage in political affairs with biblical values and a kingdom perspective, seeking to promote justice, righteousness, and the common good.

While the topic of church and politics can be divisive, our hope is that this blog post will provide a thoughtful and biblically grounded perspective.

As Christians, we are called to seek the welfare of the city and to be salt and light in the world (Jeremiah 29:7, Matthew 5:13-16). By engaging in political affairs with humility, grace, and love, we can be a positive influence in society and work towards the common good.

Church in the bible

The Role of Government According to the Bible

The Bible clearly teaches that God has established human governments for the purpose of maintaining order and promoting justice (Romans 13:1-7). In other words, God has given civil authorities the responsibility to protect their citizens, punish wrongdoers, and promote the common good.

As Christians, we are called to submit to these authorities and pray for their leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

However, we must also remember that human governments are fallible and subject to corruption. They can be used for evil purposes, and we should never place our ultimate trust in them.

The Bible warns us against putting our faith in human leaders or political systems (Psalm 146:3), and reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

In addition, the Bible emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in government. The book of Proverbs states that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan (Proverbs 29:2).

This means that as Christians, we should be concerned with promoting justice and righteousness in all areas of society, including politics.

The Role of the Church in Political Affairs

While the Bible acknowledges the importance of government, it also emphasizes the unique role of the church in society. The church is not a political entity, but it does have a prophetic voice that can speak truth to power.

This means that the church should be actively engaged in the public square, advocating for justice and righteousness.

The book of Amos is a prime example of this prophetic role. Amos was a prophet who spoke out against the injustices of his day, including the mistreatment of the poor and the corruption of the ruling class.

He called on the people of Israel to repent and turn back to God, warning them of the consequences if they failed to do so.

Similarly, Jesus himself spoke out against the political and religious leaders of his day, criticizing them for their hypocrisy and their failure to care for the marginalized (Matthew 23).

He also taught his followers to love their enemies and to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:43-48), which has important implications for how we should approach political disagreements.

The apostle Paul also provides guidance on the role of the church in society. In his letter to the Galatians, he encourages them to do good to all people, especially those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

This means that the church should be actively involved in promoting the common good, including through political engagement.

The Dangers of Political Idolatry

One of the greatest dangers facing Christians today is the temptation to turn political beliefs into idols. When we place our ultimate trust in a political leader or party, we risk losing sight of our primary allegiance to Christ.

This can lead to a host of problems, including division within the church and a lack of witness to the world.

The book of Revelation provides a powerful warning against this kind of idolatry. The church in the city of Laodicea was rebuked for being lukewarm in their faith, neither hot nor cold (Revelation 3:15-16). They had become complacent and self-sufficient, thinking that they had everything they needed.

But Jesus told them that they were actually wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17). Their true need was not political power or worldly success, but a deeper relationship with Christ.

It is important to remember that our identity as Christians is not defined by our political beliefs or affiliations. Rather, our identity is rooted in our relationship with Christ and our commitment to follow his teachings.

As Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2).

A Call to Engage in Political Affairs with Biblical Values

As Christians, we are called to engage in political affairs with biblical values and a kingdom perspective. This means that we should be concerned with promoting justice, righteousness, and the common good, rather than simply advancing the interests of a particular political party or ideology.

We should seek to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, seeking common ground with those who hold different views.

At the same time, we must be willing to speak truth to power and challenge injustice, just as the prophets of old did. This may involve taking positions that are not popular or politically expedient, but are consistent with our biblical values.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible teaches us that government has an important role to play in maintaining order and promoting justice, but it also warns us against placing our ultimate trust in political leaders or systems.

The church, on the other hand, has a prophetic voice that can speak truth to power and advocate for justice and righteousness. We must be careful not to turn our political beliefs into idols, but instead to seek a deeper relationship with Christ and to engage in political affairs with biblical values and a kingdom perspective.

As we navigate the complex intersection of church and politics, let us remember the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote,

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10).

May we seek to promote justice, righteousness, and the common good in all areas of society, including politics, and may we do so with humility, grace, and love.

Pastor duke taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.