The Christian and Politics
Politics have to do with the art of science or government. They concern the welfare of man for his fellows, and according to the political persuasion of the government so the lives of men and women are shaped and directed. One of the misfortunes of life is that it lacks a unified view of the ideal and most beneficial form of governments. Thus life so very easily becomes filled with dissatisfaction over the way in which the powers that be exercise their control over us, projecting their political points of view into the daily sphere of our lives.
Should Christians act now?
How should the Christian view this unsatisfactory state of affairs? Is there anything he can, or should, do about it? Can he see in these circumstances an admirable way in which he can better the lot of his fellow creatures? Of all people, the man or woman that is a Christian should uncomplainingly accept all situations in life that come their way, because of a personal persuasion that
and that nothing man can do will change the purpose He has decreed.
The politics of the future
What does this mean? In the realm of politics it demands the acknowledgement that
and that
His purpose is to “judge the world in righteousness” by Jesus Christ returned from the heavens (Acts 17:21 and 1:11) and to do this It will be necessary for
Then will be established in the earth a just and righteous rule to the benefit of ALL men and women. A time when war will be banished from the earth when fear and violence will be eradicated; when there will be plenty of food for all the earth's inhabitants; when life will be enjoyed to the full and people will live longer in peaceful and happy surroundings (Isaiah 11:1-9; Psalm 46; Micah 4:1-4; Psalm 72; Amos 9:13; Isaiah 65:17-25).
Man's ways will not stand
All this and more, is contained in the divine political manifesto to be found clearly spelt-out in the Bible. It is of no avail to trust in the political programme of men. They are all destined to be swept away.
On the other hand,
POLITICIANS OF THE FUTURE
A Christian believes these things because they are spoken of by God. He also believes that his personal salvation is related to them. His hope is, not only to partake of these promised blessings, but to actually help in the administration of the divine order which will bring peace and joy to the peoples of the earth. In that day, those who have become Christians because they have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus will declare that they have been made “kings and priests to reign on the earth”
The future assured only through God
In recognising that God is in control of the political affairs of the nations, the Christian submits to its implications that he is powerless to interfere with it, either by open support for so-called laudable peace movements, or by taking part in fighting wars with other countries, or by his secret vote for any political party. Our wisdom is to forsake the empty plans of men which are doomed to failure. The only lasting environment giving longevity of life filled with happiness and contentment is to be brought into the world by the God of heaven. If a man or woman claims to be a Christian, this is the God whom he serves. And it is this God who will reward each of His faithful followers with eternal life never again to experience pain, sorrow or death (Revelation 21:4). When that time comes they will then be fully occupied in teaching the divine politics to the peoples of the earth, so that they, in the final outworking of God's purpose, may also ultimately enjoy the blessings of everlasting life and eternal association with the God of heaven and His Son Jesus Christ.