POLITICS AND RELIGION
July 4, 2010 5:15 pmPart one of a (short) two part lesson
I have a few ideas that I want to discuss and the ideas are centered around the two main topics which all people are told to refrain from whenever anyone is socializing: religion and politics. However, I firmly believe you ought not ever have a discussion about politics without discussing the role that God has in it. Religion must have a role in such a discourse because even a politician's right to exist is first found in Genesis chapter nine, as God was setting up human government.
Let me give you a couple of definitions of the word: politics. The word (politics) comes from the Greek word politika and that word means: “the art or science of government.” Another definition is: “the total complex of relations between people living in society.” I'll say it another way; beginning with the writings of Moses the Bible gives commands that teach men how to set up government on Earth: therefore, a politician's only right to exist is given to them by the teachings from God which are found throughout the Bible.
There are only three institutions still practiced on Earth today that can be traced directly to teachings from God: these concepts and decrees were faithfully recorded for posterity by holy men of God as they dutifully recorded words from the Holy Spirit and God preserved them for us in His Bible. The three institutions are: MARRIAGE... HUMAN-GOVERNMENT... CHURCH. (All Bible verses for this blog, as always, will be from the KJV. It just makes sense to me that since we are talking about the Bible we ought to use verses from the Bible... the KJV!
I decided to write this because of a message I heard preached earlier today: all-in-all the message was solid and presented well. Afterward I asked the visiting preacher if (after greeting everyone) I could speak to him? I had two questions I would like for him to answer. “Of course,” he said.
It is not my intention to divulge his answers to my two queries, as our conversation was private. I have decided though to write this today just to be certain that everyone understands sound Bible teaching about human-government, and our role (as believers) in it.
My first question to him was about Romans 13:1: it states, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (My question was primarily concerned with the third truth in that verse.) I asked, “Do you believe the Bible teaches that these powers are the men in office, or just the office itself?” (THE POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD.)
Of course, nowhere in Scripture has it ever been taught that the “powers that be” was ever speaking about the man or woman holding the power or the office: it has always been the office itself that has been ordained by God. (If anyone believes otherwise, please keep reading and I hope to show with companion verses that this is true.) I am going to now type the following verses in Romans 13 down to verse seven, then let's see which the Bible supports... the “man” or the “office” as what has been “ordained” by God.
Please read carefully what follows. Romans 13:1-7 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
Now, read again verses three and four. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
Keep in mind the following fact. If God “ordained” the man holding office, then these verses are patently false! And that would mean the Bible has error and is not worth carrying or studying. Because if these verse are found to be untrue, then how do we know that John 3:16 is true?
But, when you understand properly that God never ordained a particular man to an office, rather He ordained the office itself, then it makes sense and of course we can trust that the Bible is factual and always true! Simply stated, the office is good, but there might well be evil and lost people holding that power and office.
Let me say it another way. Tell the Baganda Christians of Uganda who died under Idi Amin that Amin was not a “terror to good works” and that he was their “minister of God” to them for their good. Tell the more that two million (mainly Christians) who died under Pol Pot during the Khmer Rouge period that Pol Pot was not a “terror to good works” and that he was their “minister of God” to them for their good.
Tell the six million Jews who were slaughtered by Hitler that Hitler was not a “terror to good works” and that he was their “minister of God” to them for their good. Sadly, I could keep typing names of lost leaders who were evil and killed millions of God's children until my hands would become too tired to touch the keys, but if you are without understanding now I'm afraid you still would be after all of that time I would spend doing it.
However, if you understand the Bible correctly that God ordained the office and not the individuals who hold the office... then, it all makes sense. Now, you could unashamedly tell the believers who died under Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Hitler, Stalin, Attila the Hun, Emperor Hirohito, Saddam Hussein, Ivan IV, etc. etc. etc., that evil men usurped an office which was ordained by God to be controlled by men of God... that, they could understand. Now, put names of some Godly men who has held office and wielded power over people and then the verses make sense. Remember: “for they (office holders) are God's ministers.”
My second question was this: “How do you ask people to pray for their elected leaders?” I'll tell you how I do it and the only Bible way that I know how to do it. I always... and forever-more pray FOR THEIR SALVATION!
Part two will follow soon as I will clarify what I mean by the above statement.
You can always email me at clarkmatthews1@aol.com
posted by Robin Johnson @ 5:14 PM
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