A clear understanding of, and firm faith in, the coming of God’s Kingdom
means that we will recognise that human Government is unable to bring about
perfection. Jesus prophesied that things would degenerate from bad to worse
in “the last days” just prior to his coming (Lk. 21:9-11, 25-27). It is not
possible to believe his words and at the same time hope to radically improve
the world’s position through human politics. On an individual level, we are
simply to do good to all men as opportunity may allow (Gal. 6:10).
The
record of the early believers shows them to have been committed to living a
spiritual life in anticipation of Christ’s return, chiefly manifesting their
concern for the surrounding world through preaching to them.
“... the
way of human beings is not in their control ... they ... cannot direct their
steps” (Jer. 10:23 NRSV); giving these words their weight means that we will
recognise that human leadership is something which God’s children will never
seek. Voting is therefore inconsistent with a true understanding of this.
“The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He
chooses” (Dan. 4:32). He is the power that is above the high ones of the
present governments (Ecc. 5:8 NIV). Human rulers are thus ultimately given
their power by God (Rom. 13:1); to vote in a democratic system may therefore
involve voting against one whom God has chosen to be in power. Thus it is
recorded that God gave certain nations into the control of Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon (Jer. 27:5,6).
Because of our recognition that God has
given nations into the hands of their rulers, we should be very careful to
be exemplary citizens, abiding by the laws of the country where we live,
unless they conflict with the law of Christ.
“Let every soul be subject
to the governing authorities ... the authorities that exist are appointed by
God ... for because of this you also pay taxes ... render therefore to all
their due: taxes to whom taxes are due ... honour to whom honour” is due
(Rom. 13:1-7).
The involvement of Christian organisations in forms of
political protest and tax boycotts is therefore an indication of their
studied disregard of these basic Biblical principles. However, Peter’s
example of continuing to preach Christ when forbidden by the Government to
do so, is an indication of how we can only obey human commands when they do
not conflict with the law of Christ: “Whether it is right in the sight of
God to listen to you more than to God, you judge ” (Acts 4:17-20; 5:28,29).