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Elections and Voting
November 5, 2011

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day in the United States. During the odd-numbered years like 2011, there are no regularly scheduled elections for the federal government. Should there be an occasional vacancy in office, this date can be used to hold the election to fill that office. During the even-numbered years that coincide with the Summer Olympic Games is when we hold elections forPresident. During each even numbered year, members of the House of Representatives are elected, and during each even-numbered year one-third of the Senate is elected. Among various Apostolic first-century Christians are varying beliefs regarding politics, generally related to discussions regarding ourparticipation as a voter in the process. In the end, I do not believe that there is definitive scriptural evidence to prohibit or require one's participation. I believe that the decision whether or not to participate in this process is a personal matter, and what is relevant is our relationship towards God. One verse cited by those who abstain from the voting process is from the Book of Romans.

Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Those who abstain from voting believe that they challenge God's authority when they vote. Chapter 13 is a chapter about obeying the rule of law and not being afraid of those in power. The question arises when the rule of law involves citizen input in who the rulers are. In the United States, and in countries around the world, this happens on a periodic basis. The Bible does not give clear direction on this. I respect those who choose not to vote for whatever religious reason they may have. I think some fear that they may not vote for the winning candidate, and therefore their vote was against the will of God. I understand that when I vote, that all power comes from God. Should I vote for a candidate that is not the winning candidate, I do not see this as a vote against God. This just indicates to me that God's will is different than my will, and this is routinely affirmed to me when prayers are answered in a manner I was not expecting. How I handle myself when I understand my will is different than God's will is important to me. Even when we have rulers with policies with which we cannot agree, God expects us to be respectful.

1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

How we go about honoring the king, in part depends upon how our government is structured. In a country like the United States, there is no king. There is a President, of the executive branch, but constitutionally, there is also a legislative branch, and judicial branch, and these three are separate and equal to provide a system of checks and balances. Is the king, using the Biblical scripture, the President, the three branches of government,the constitution, or all of the above? In a country where the rulers rule by the consent of the governed, I believe that we should participate in elections and that it is not scriptural to not participate. As we participate in elections and voting, we must remember that our calling is not of this world. We do have to live in this world. We also have to realize we live in a dying world. The rulers of this age will, at the return of Jesus, cease to rule.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

What is important for us is that we do not allow a political viewpoint interfere with our religious faith. There are some who believe conservatism is the politics for Christians. Others believe liberalism should be the political viewpoint. In the end, we must focus on what God expects of us. Our religious faith cannot be defined by politics. This does not prohibit our participation in the political process. Participation is how we in a democracy honor the king. To end with the words of Paul, our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men. There is no politician, or ruler, that replaces the power of God. Our wisdom comes from God and God's power.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
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