In the United States, as in the case of many other nations, we are living in a time in which our national problems seem to defy solution. Though there is nothing new under the sun as King Solomon would say, it may be that we are approaching that time in history in which the Lord Jesus Christ said there would be "distress of nations" Luke 21:25. As we face such a time and nations are vexed with various adversities and threats, perceived or real, disagreements often arise on how to deal with them. And what may be perceived as a problem by one person may be considered unimportant by another. We have competing interests and concerns that give rise to political parties. This has always been so but as the Lord puts the pressure on, this becomes magnified.
Whether one is a Democrat or a Republican, liberal or conservative, few seem to be truly or completely satisfied with how things are going. Whatever is wrong with this country, it is either "George Bush's fault" or "Barack Obama's fault," depending on your politics. No one is surprised by this. One might suppose, however, that Bible believing born again Christians who we expect to be able to better discern good from evil would be more unified in their political views. That supposition would be wrong. It may be that the Republican party enjoys much greater support from the so-called "religious right" but there are Christians who I would have to regard not as Christians in name only but as gospel accepting saved by grace true believers who believe the vision of the Democratic party is more in line with what is right and just.
When it comes to politics, Christians either believe that their viewpoint is more in line with "what Jesus would do" or they imagine that God is so apolitical that the only thing He cares about is getting people saved and what goes on in government is not even on His radar screen and so turning to the Scriptures for guidance in this realm seems not to enter into their thinking. Again, we should not be surprised if unbelievers and otherwise secular minded people ardently oppose mixing religion and politics. But if it is the will of God that Christians "shine as lights in the world" "in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation" Philippians 2:15, does not this include the political realm? How can we do this without being unequally yoked with some very worldly people?
In the title of this article, I refer to "The Great Commission." This is commonly understood as the Lord Jesus Christ's final instructions to His disciples before His ascension and to therefore be setting forth the mission of the church. In Matthew's gospel, the disciples are told "teach all nations...teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you" Matthew 28:20. It is not uncommon for Christian teachers to limit this to the message of personal salvation but such a limitation is not in harmony with Christ's instruction to teach them all the things that He commanded. In Matthew 5:17, we have the Lord warning us not the think He had come to destroy the law or the prophets. So it would seem that Biblical law is included in the things to be taught as a part of the Great Commission. In Isaiah 10:1, the Lord says, "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees." This is a reference to those in positions of authority who pass laws for the nation that are wrong in the sight of God. It is not a reference to personal sins. If God will hold civil leaders accountable for passing unrighteous laws, will He hold people accountable for continuing to vote for those who do? Should Christians pray before voting? Of course, we are faced with some difficulty in this realm when neither side is right on everything.
In Psalm 2:10-12, God says, "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." It seems from this passage that God is very interested in the position that kings, rulers and judges take with respect to "the Son," that is, the Lord Jesus Christ. Is it not apparent that the time is coming when God will require that the Lord Jesus Christ not be shut out of the halls of government? Will the time come when God will not be satisfied with a leader claiming church affiliation but as a public servant refusing to honor the Lord and His statutes for the nation? As Christians strive to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, should they proclaim this warning?
Do you think God will change His mind on this if someone protests, "But Thomas Jefferson said..."? It all may seem remote but people can be walking in defiance of God one moment and when God's time comes, they can be on their knees trembling in the next saying, "Lord, what wilt thou have me do?Acts 9:6.