Recently, someone called in to the Back to the Bible Canada office wanting to know, if I had been an American, how I would be voting in the upcoming US election. Of course, there is no upside to answering such a question. And furthermore, Back to the Bible Canada exits to declare the gospel by remaining faithful to expositional Bible teaching. In many places, our ministry and teaching have been accepted because it is not about politics. Rather it focuses on the gospel, the Bible, and faithfulness to our Lord Jesus. Political discussion is not our ministry mandate, nor mine.
This is not a new idea for me. Long before coming to Back to the Bible Canada, I had refused to use my pulpit as a means of encouraging the election of one candidate over another. I’m aware that, especially among our neighbors to the south, it’s quite common for prominent churches to invite presidential candidates to speak. During my 15 years pastoring a large church through multiple election cycles, several candidates requested to come and greet our congregation. I welcomed them to join us in worship and even acknowledged them, but I held firmly to my principle. Using the “Lord’s Day,” the worship of God’s people, or the pulpit to promote one candidate over another was simply out of the question.
Is this a Biblical approach? I am not unaware of the significance of some of the moral issues that we face. I still believe that the abortion of children is a great crime against God and humanity. I am fully aware of the candidates that support this evil practice. There are other matters, such as euthanasia, whose long-term effects will dull the value of human life. I might also cite the new ethic surrounding sex and sexuality. Why not draw attention to these matters at election time?
Several things come to mind. First, the nature of the New Testament, and the context for the growth of the gospel. New Testament Christianity was born in a time when elections were non-existent, and when the Church had virtually no power to affect the politics of the day. And yet despite this, the Church not only grew, but given time, was found in Caesar’s own household. The influence of the gospel was pervasive, and the corridors of earthly power were not immune to it. In time, the Christian faith would make an impact on the abandoning of children and the basic value of human life.
Second, the Church of Jesus understood itself to be separate and distinct from the state. The New Testament presents our citizenship in heaven, and not on earth. We are called out of darkness, into His marvelous light. Our conversion resulted in a transfer from this present kingdom into the kingdom of God.
Years ago, I had invited Preston Manning, well known Canadian politician and Christian, to briefly address a gathering of pastors. He stated that whenever the Church feels they are building a pipeline into the government, to their surprise, they find that the government has built a pipeline back into them. And when it comes to advocacy, the government knows a great deal more on the subject than do Christians. In short order, they use the Church to accomplish their ends. Rather than being an influence into government, the government becomes a primary influencer into the Church. Soon, its aims are subverted. We all know of churches and denominations that are not known for their proclamation of Jesus and His gospel, but for their views on everything from the environment to gender identity.
Always and in every context, the enemy our faith seeks to subvert us. We must never imagine there is anything more vital to the moment than the glad proclamation of the saving news in Jesus.
Does that mean Christians have nothing to say at election time or when it comes to politics? No, we have a great deal to say. For one, many Christians have served in political office and have made a significant impact. We need look no further than William Wilberforce and the tireless work he did to bring slavery to an end in England. But there is a great difference between the message of the Church, and the calling of an individual. Christians do go into politics, but their churches should not.
And so, let me answer the person wanting to know how I would vote, if I had been an American and were going to the ballot box. My response is that I am a gospel preacher, and not a political influencer. And so, like a shrewd politician, I answer: “No comment.” But about the Bible and the gospel, I will comment with every breath God gives me.
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