CAN TRUE CHRITIANS VOTE ?

• Pod Prep: Can True Christians Vote? 2-19-16
THE BIBLE COMMANDS THAT WE BE GOOD CITIZENS

Paul and other inspired writers make it clear that we should be good citizens of whatever government we are under. Since we live in a country that was founded on Biblical principles and a Constitution that has given us the opportunity and responsibility to vote in elections we should be good citizens and follow the law. We should vote for candidates that appear to encourage Godly principles and never vote for policies that are against Godly principles.(Proverbs 28:12) We know God is in control but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t vote for candidates that will do their best to follow God. (Proverbs 14:34) We are told to pray for secular rulers as well. Note Romans 13:1-2. Christians are commanded to also pay taxes and respect authorities such as policemen and judges. See Romans 13:5-7.
Since Paul and the other Christians were in the Roman Empire, we can assume it had to mean pray for rulers who were not wonderful Godly men. See I Tim 2:1-2. Pray for the best government possible. Remember the Roman Empire allowed the truth to spread throughout the civilized world along with open and safe free commerce and travel.
PAUL USED HIS RIGHTS GRANTED TO HIM AS A CITIZEN OF THE EMPIRE
Because Paul was a Roman Citizen, and his rights were violated, he demanded and got an apology from the local political leaders. See Acts 16:35-39. They had denied him due process before punishment, assuming that he was not a Roman citizen. Could the lack of due process happen here someday to citizens? Paul used his citizenship again, to halt a scourging. These were horrible beatings. See Acts 22:24-29. He later appealed to Caesar (Like our Supreme Court) for a fair trial assuming he could not get one in Jerusalem. See Acts 25:10-12. This appeal saved Paul. Can we or should we follow Paul’s examples?

THE CASE FOR ENCOURAGING CHRISTIANS TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS
Some enlightened western governments request the input of its citizens in the selection of its rulers and in the formation of legislatures and the making of laws. A few even fined people for NOT voting in the past. By voting we are OBEYING the request of our government for high participation rates in elections and for our opinions on issues. Only 2 out of 5 Christians have been voting in many elections. Note Titus 3:1-2. Peter one of the top three early Apostles said that we should make the master proud by being good citizens. WE SHOULD DO OUR CIVIC DUTY. (Matthew 22:21). We need to respect the authorities at whatever level they are because they are tasked with keeping order and we are to be good examples. Voting might dissuade some foolish person from thinking we are a threat to society. We should exercise our freedom by serving God and not breaking the rules. We are to respect and cooperate with the government. Unless of course the government is asking us to violate Gods laws. See I Peter 2:13-17.
Even amendments and candidates that barely win or lose sends a message to rulers about the sentiments of the public. Therefore wasted votes may not be totally in vain. Unwise trends and decisions may be influenced in the future thereby. Should we vote against the party that embraces abortion even when we lose on that issue? Of course we should! Even if we live in a pro-abortion state.

THE CASE FOR DISCOURAGING CHRISTIANS FROM VOTING IN ELECTIONS
Some famous clerics have opined that it is not only ill advised to vote but even a sin. The theory is that since God is in control of the nations, He alone will determine the nature of political changes. If God wants a particular ruler in place He will raise him up. If He wants a ruler deposed He will take him down. All these decisions are done by God’s will. He might raise up a very ungodly man to high office like Herod. Since we cannot know God’s will about the matter we may be voting against what God wants. If God wants an evil man in power he will be in power. They say we should not be part of this world or society. See John 18:36. Daniel said that the most high God sets up whomever He wishes to rule Kingdoms. Note Daniel 4:17. This would include evil or reasonable kings and emperors.

IF WE LET UNGODLY PROGRESSIVES DO MOST OF THE VOTING WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME?
We are free to decide in a free country. We can all make up our own minds on voting but it is clear what a tremendously evil influence government can have on us and our families if the ungodly rule at the ballot box. Think about the power of judicial appointments. God wants us to pray for our leaders. We should pray for the best environment in which to spread the gospel and to raise our children and grandchildren. In America, the first nation to shock the world with religious freedom the people are Caesar. In Matt 5:13-16 we are told to be a good influence like a light or salt. Progressives misquote Jefferson who wrote that the state should keep out of the business of the churches. The modern world has deceptively reversed his words.
A conflict does not exist between the ideas that God, when He wishes, sets up rulers and deposes them and that we citizens should be good influences and carry out our civic duty.

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