 |
Citizens of two kingdoms
Christians are citizens of two kingdoms: the church (i.e. the kingdom of God) and the state (i.e. civil government).
The kingdom of God is the ruling activity of Christ in the hearts of believers (Luke 17:21). Our citizenship in this kingdom began when the Holy Spirit worked faith in our hearts through the gospel in Word and sacrament.
Most of us became citizens of the state when we were born. The state uses the tool of reason to maintain order and protect its citizens.
Though our membership in the church is far more important, we have a responsibility to submit to the governing authorities since they are established by God (Romans 13:1). What a blessing that in our government, we have a voice to determine who we want setting policies for us! Certainly our Christian faith will guide us in our choice.
Is there a Christian party?
God is not a Republican. God is also not a Democrat. Correctly understood, he is independent of any political leaning. Those are terms that pertain to our citizenship in the state, not the church. We need to be careful that we do not give the impression that there is only one political party for a Christian. No party is perfect. Rather, as citizens of the state, Christians will be guided by God’s Word and seek the good of their neighbors (Galatians 6:10), even with the choice of candidate for public office.
Two Christians can disagree on which candidate will best serve their neighbors. No candidate is perfect, and so Christians must use reason guided by the Word to make a choice.
Take for example, abortion. Abortion is murder. Therefore, one Christian may decide that opposing abortion is the most important consideration and cast a vote for a candidate who opposes abortion despite that person’s failings in other areas of policy. I know dear Christians who vote this way. Another Christian may reason differently. This person may support a pro-choice candidate because this Christian decides that the government will not change the laws about abortion in the terms of either candidate, but the pro-choice candidate will do a better job of improving the healthcare, education, and welfare support of those in the greatest need. That may result in cutting down on the number of abortions performed. I know dear Christians who vote this way as well.
Which is right? Since there is no perfect choice, both can be right as they seek to give God glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and serve their neighbor.
Remember what changes hearts
Laws that protect all of the state’s citizens are important. But remember that we can make all the laws in the world, but if people’s hearts and minds are unconvinced to follow them, laws do no good. To change hearts, you must convince them at their core. Laws do not change hearts; the gospel does (Romans 1:16).
A few years ago, Brazil’s government tightened restrictions on legal abortions. Did the law change peoples’ attitudes? No. Mothers carrying their apparently unwanted children were still outside picketing for abortion rights.
What is the one thing that can change hearts? The truth of God’s Word. Not picket signs, not legislation, not the right people in office. It is you and me, holding out God’s loving hand of truth and proclaiming what he’s done for us. Then the Holy Spirit can change some hearts.
God be with you as you decide for whom you should vote.
Author: David Scharf
Volume 107, Number 10
Issue: October 2020
- Q&A: What would Jesus think about all the different Christian denominations?
- Q&A: Are there times when it is okay to lie?
- Q&A: What advice does the Bible have for single people?
- Q&A: How do I know I am elected by God?
- Q&A: Why is Pontius Pilate immortalized in our creeds?
- Q&A: How does remembering my baptism help with the guilt I carry?
- Q&A: Do parts of the Bible teach works righteousness?
- Q&A: How can I overcome my struggle with lust and pornography?
- Q&A: How should I help my child struggling with same-sex attraction?
- Q&A: Should Christians pray to saints?
- Q&A: Is anger sinful?
- Q&A: How can parents encourage adult children who wander from the faith?
- Q&A: Does the doxology belong in the Lord’s Prayer?
- Q&A: Is God fair?
- Q&A: When we pray, “Your kingdom come,” what are we praying for?
- Q&A: How can I better manage what God has given me this year so that I glorify him?
- Q&A: What are ways to glorify God besides singing in church?
- Q&A: I have no special gifts, and I mess up all the time. Does God really need me?
- Q&A: How do I overcome the feeling that my life has no purpose and I don’t make a difference?
- Q&A: My friend died and was not a professing Christian. What do I say to the family?
- Q&A: How can my mother and I forgive my father for being unfaithful and causing my parents to divorce?
- Q&A: Why were demon possession, gifts of healing, and gifts of tongues more prevalent in biblical times?
- Q&A: Is Christianity the only religion that gives the certainty of heaven?
- Q&A: If people go to hell, isn’t it their fault because God gave them free will and they rejected him?
- Q&A: Why are the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension important for the disciples and for us?
- Q&A: Can you explain Jesus’ words to the wailing women he met on his way to be crucified?
- Q&A: What if spouses don’t “love” each other anymore?
- Q&A: Is it wrong to have a cross with Jesus’ body on it?
- Q&A: Is our time of grace really unchangeable?
- Q&A: I know that we are saved by grace apart from works, but how can it be that easy?
- Q&A: Are there degrees of glory in heaven as a reward for good works?
- Q&A: Do Lutherans take the Bible literally and teach millennialism?
- Q&A: Are there different interpretations of the Bible?
- Q&A: How can we be sure the Bible includes what God originally gave us?
- Q&A: Why does it seem like Christianity is so negative?
- Q&A: How can I explain how Jesus’ resurrection is possible and if the Bible is reliable?
- Q&A: Is it okay to live together if we are planning to get married?
- Q&A: How is the Bible God’s Word?
- Q&A: Were we “created to make a difference”?
- Q&A: Am I being judgmental if I point out someone’s sin?
- Q&A: Do I need to read the Bible to have a relationship with God?
- Q&A: Can a Christian vote for a political candidate who supports abortion?
- Q&A: Does God really care?
- Q&A: Does it really matter how God made the world?
- Q&A: Does God send people to hell?
- Q&A: Is death natural?
- Q&A: How can I forgive and forget?
- Q&A: Does God help those who help themselves?
- Q&A: How can we say that the Old Testament God is the same as the New Testament God?
- Q&A: Is Jesus the only way to get to heaven?
- Q&A: Doesn’t God want me to be happy?
- Light for our path: Does God hate us?
- Light for our path: What kind of comfort can you give someone when a loved one commits suicide?
- Light for our path: What does a submissive wife in a Christian marriage look like?
- Light for our path: Is it a sin to want to die from a terminal illness?
- Light for our path: What advice can you give about applauding in church?
- Light for our path: Can you please explain Matthew 5:20?
- Light for our path: What is karma?
- Light for our path: Can the devil personally be tempting me and a lot of other people at exactly the same time?
- Light for our path: Does the word Easter refer to Ishtar, the Babylonian fertility goddess?
- Light for our path: What role does emotion play in contrition?
- Light for our path: What does the white stone in Revelation 2:17 mean?
- Light for our path: Is the cross symbol now anti-Christian?
- Light for our path: Were Joseph and Mary engaged or married when Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy?
