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Does God expect Christians to vote?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

22
Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
It is our contention that it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to vote and to vote for leaders who promote Christian principles. God is most certainly in control, but that does not ...

July 01 2013 6 responses Vote Up Share Report


8
05a00e36 4298 4314 84c7 d5f047bb0a9a Rotimi EWEDEMI Supporter Very keen Bible Researcher
The straightforward Biblical answer to the question, in my opinion, is NO.

A christian is a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the One that God has chosen to rule the world. 

Once you accept to be a follower of Christ in truth, you have already cast your vote for the candidate that God has chosen to be the ruler of the world and the one to head the only government that will take control of the world. 

For biblical support for the above, please read the following scriptures:

Daniel 7:13,14; Luke 2:30-33; Psalms 2:1,2,6,8; Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 12:21; Matthew 6:9,10; Isaiah 9:6,7.

So, having cast your only vote for God's chosen candidate, you cannot at the same time cast the ballot paper or vote for an opposing candidate, who is being presented by God's arch enemy, Satan the devil! 

And, what evidence is there for the above statement? 

Revelation 13:1-3 show that the world rulers...depicted as wild beasts...get their authority from the dragon, that is, the devil, whom the Bible says misleads the inhabited earth, Revelation 12:9.

Indeed, the Devil claimed that the kingdoms of this world have been delivered to him, and offered to give them to Jesus if only the latter would worship him, Luke 4:5-7. So those who rule the nations must bow to the devil in one way or the other to be given the authority to rule.

God allows this to happen, for now. When the time arrives, God, by means of Jesus, will overthrow the rulers and give the rulership to the one of his choice, as depicted in Psalm 2:1-4

That the kingdoms or government of this world will soon be removed by God and be replaced by his own government is confirmed in Revelation 11:15. The prophecy about their removal is stated in Revelation 19:11-21.

Should a disciple of Jesus, then, be an integral part of a system that the Bible says will oppose his Master Jesus when the latter is coming to take over rulership of the world? 


We recall the bible record in John 6:15 in which Jesus resisted the efforts of Jews to make him a king or ruler. This example is worthy of emulation by Christ's true disciples. So, true disciples will not present themselves for elections or even selection into the rulership of the nations. 

In summary, true Christians do not participate in the quest and tussles for rulership in the nations of the world. They neither vote nor seek to be voted for. 

Tha above is the viewpoint of the Bible.

February 07 2014 8 responses Vote Up Share Report


6
Stringio Phillip Ramirez Supporter Actor-Musician-Bible Student
WWJD. Seriously.

Search the scriptures and see if Jesus EVER got involved with politics. He knew, as God's only-begotten son, that mans' governments would never properly address the issues facing mankind. If he had confidence in human governments, he would have included them in the model prayer (Matt. 6:9-15). In fact, when the Israelites sought to make the greatest man who ever lived their king, Jesus literally headed for the hills (John 6:15).

So, if we're footstep followers of Jesus... and Jesus NEVER got involved in politics... should WE get involved in politics? Jesus stated very plainly that his kingdom is no part of this world (John 18:36), and that his followers are no part of this world (John 17:15,16)... therefore it makes perfect sense that we are to focus on a HEAVENLY government and not an earthly one (Matt. 6:9,10; 19-21; 33). Look at it this way: would you be able to vote in Great Britain, Canada or Mexico if you weren't a citizen of those countries? Of course not.

If our heart is complete towards Christ and his heavenly Father, then we should have no part in earthly governments because they do not have God's interests in mind... and because of that, they will ALL be destroyed (Dan. 2:44). Not one will be left standing after the battle of armageddon.

February 08 2014 13 responses Vote Up Share Report


6
Mini James Kraft Supporter 74 year old retired pipeline worker
All through the old testament the bible talks about good kings and bad kings. When we have godly rulers the people rejoice. When we have bad rulers there is oppression and all kinds of evil.

Are you loving your neighbor when you let the government take more taxes from hm to give to someone that won't work?
Are you loving your neighbor when you allow an oppressive government to rule over his business.
Are you loving your neighbor when the government says you have to pay for people to kill their baby's.
Are you loving God when the government is trying to destroy marriage between a man and a women.

Was not Daniel in politics? Was not king David not in politics? Was not Joseph involved in politics?

Evil will reign when good men do nothing.
But we are to be wise a serpents and harmless as doves.

We are to pray for our leaders but somedays I have trouble with it.
If we don't vote for good men, then we might as well expect evil. 
If we don't fight evil today, what will tomorrow be like.

What are you going to do when the government says your church has to promote gay marriage or be closed because of a hate crime.

Our out of control government has spent our chidrens inheritance by giving it away to other country's that hate us, and by giving it to illegal aliens that we have let come into our country to sell drugs and commit acts of terror. 

As a nation we are about to reap what we have sown. Political correctness has replace the bible, and more and more so called christians are buying into it like it does not matter.

So if you do not vote, expect to suffer, although I really think it is to late to do much. God will not allow a nation that He has given so much to totally neglect His laws. As a nation we have turned our backs on the one that provides for us. If you think us christians are not to blame for letting it happen you have a nother think comming.

We are going to have an economic disaster the likes which we have never thought possible. You cannot spend your way out of debt. But you can keep printing funny money until that no longer works. Inflation will destroy all wealth in this country, because good men do nothing.

So if you do not want to vote I don't want to hear from you when you loose your business, your home, and all your money, and can no longer provide for your family. Don't say you have not been warned.

February 13 2016 2 responses Vote Up Share Report


4
Stringio Vin Smith Supporter Concert Pianist. Piano Tuner. Talk Show Host. Novelist.
...There is an argument for both sides--even in scriptural terms. Such arguments--pro and con--were well put forth in the previous answers. Here is my view, based on logic AND comparing all the Biblical verses that speak to the issue...

1.) If an individual is moved to enter the political arena, without fear of any reprisal which may occur--which means not compromising his/her beliefs and faith...

2). If it is understood that the requirement to witness for Jesus does not end with the latest political poll that clearly states the current status of public opinion... 

3). If the reasons for serving have NOTHING to do with ego, any kind of power trip--even career advancement...

4). If the sole reason for running for political office is based on a strong desire to serve--and increase the ability of government to do good in accordance with Christian principles--thus making the boundaries of political office, be it city, county, state or Federal a better place from which to spread Godly tenants... 

Then running for political office would be very good thing. Failing in any of those four areas is an indication that a Christian contemplating running in an election should not seek political office...

Next, VOTING...

To allow the political landscape--local, state, national--to be controlled by godless forces because of a timid approach to political involvement, thus hindering the spread of the Gospel by the Christian segment of the constituency is to abrogate a fundamental core of the Christian ideal. It is analogous to allowing lax law enforcement because of a lack of sand necessary to stand up to evil. 

"But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
(Proverbs 1:33) KJV

The big problem occurs when Christians begin to nitpick issues, appear to be heavy-handed to the non-Christian elements, and fail to project Christian love and charity. That totally fails to sell Jesus Christ and his mission. It ends up giving Christians a bad name, which is undeserved. 

Such fanaticism portrays our Lord and Savior incorrectly. It undermines the basic message that life must be lived under the doctrine of free will. We are to love God willingly--or reject Him outright. 

Think of historic Christianity and the series of Medieval Inquisitions. Political opposition in the form of the Protestant Reformation was a good thing, as it stood up to the permanent nature of the Papal inquisitions.

February 08 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


3
Mini Shelley Studdard Supporter
Jesus was involved in politics in the most perfect and least expected ways, ways we have still yet failed to find victory in. Jesus told us to help the widows and orphans, and to seek justice for the oppressed. He went against the Sanhedrin and called King Herod a fox, destroying the Pharicees way of using the law to oppress others and who were using it to Lord over others. The only involvement with the Romans that Jesus had, was to tell His disciples to go out and spread the good news to them, and to tell them that He would die that they all may live. Jesus was demonstrating how His father was present with His people not by aboloshing the law but by fulfilling it with only two laws that were to love God above all, and your neighbor as yourself.

He was showing His elect how to live parallel to the world, in it but no part of it. By living our lives in such a way as to have people want what we have and inquire about it. The best teachers don't tell you what to see, but where to look. Jesus was not passive/aggressive but assertive and efficient. God put us under the authority of the leaders today with His son having the keys to His kingdom which was no part of this world. He uses the nations to pour out His wrath, and to demonstrate why even Kings after His own heart, will never be able to be their own gods and saviors, thus the need for Him. This shows the awe, and glory of God and His wisdom, and our need for Him. We are to be salt and light by inspiring the nations, not enabling them to keep choosing between the lesser of two evils, just so that things are more comfortable for us here while we deliver that message.We have had years of rulers and nations, and yet we learn nothing. We are refined through suffering and fire, and people observing our going even to death for this, this is the ultimate light in darkness, and begs them to ask, what great thing do they have, that they would do this. In studying the trial of Jesus, He was afforded no real aide from the law that those questioning were professing to love and keep so well. The same way our government does today with a constitution that now looks like swiss cheese. Look how many have shed their blood trying to keep all that is sacred and dear to us, but that means nothing to hard hearted stiff necked, people where evil and not God reside. If we are bearing fruit and spreading the gospel, we will create a harvest of more to do the same, until evil is not able to thrive, and no man can arise in power to stifle that. I would even go as far as to guess that God is waiting (because he hopes none will perish and all may live) for us to focus on and complete this task of planting the seed so He can grow it, so that the gate can finally close, and Jesus can return the keys of the kingdom to His father who is all in all, and we will finally know true peace, and God will know all that would listen had heard.

Creating a theocracy any other way is forcing people to serve our God, instead of giving them the free will to come to Him themselves, the way God deemed the best way. Voting between the lesser of two evils only shows we can push back when pushed, and strings along the idea of a false hope that this government can be good and be ran by man. We don't change hearts, we plant seeds. We don't force things to ensure comfort, but welcome the opportunity for persecution like Christ suffered, and to lay down our life that others may live.

My grandfather fought in WWII. I love and respect him deeply. This is not what he fought for, and I take solace only in that he is not here to see what his friends standing along side him died for. He died for freedom, for free will, for the opportunity to dwell in a world that only God himself can create, and govern perfectly. How much longer will we fight our God who is begging us to hear and believe that He is the only way and each other who thinks we know how best to create this ourselves. Isn't that the opposite of the two new commandments?

February 09 2014 2 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Emilio 1992 Emo Tenorio Supporter Shomer
Yes He expects those who are called by His name to be in the public square with their light shining for those in the darkness to see and stumble forward. 
(Psalms 55:11; Mark 4:21)

There is no retirement here, we are to be active and vocal in changing this world and bringing glory as a living testimony to our God. (Psalms 118:16)

Any freely elected government be it local, state, or federal is a representation of the legal authority of those governed. The solemn duty of the Christian is to lend his voice and authority to elect the BEST of those who have stepped forward! (Psalms 149:8-9)

This duty must be executed with due diligence, who are they really, and what have they backed, said, or written in their past, (not just today for your vote). Does the true character of this person mirror what you value, would you leave your children with them, or stand and answer to your GOD for the transfer of (HIS) your on loan authority to them? (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 11:14)

It's said only about twenty five per-cent of Christians vote regularly.

I searched for a man to stand in the gap for the nation, but I found none,
(2 Chronicles 7:14) is it any wonder we find ourselves where we are today!

This right was paid for by the blood of nameless patriots from our history. Many still remain in VA hospitals, some will complete their tour of duty there.
They have done their part honorably and bequeath the battle worn torch of freedom to you. (Psalms 90:16)

Consider:
Why would a Christian follow the directions of our secular enemies within the synagogue of Satan and willingly choose to be silenced on any matter? (Mark 10:42)

Many within Christendom labor under a misconception and allow various self imposed pieties to make themselves second class citizens

His blood paid for your freedom and liberties; And I humbly submit that no Christian should ever-ever be comfortable in having no voice on any matter. (2 Corinthians 11:4)

Bottom Line
As Christians we are looking for a kingdom that can't be shaken and will never end. (Psalms 75:3)

America is not that kingdom and how we vote will not bring in that kingdom.
Never the less, we must seek for the welfare of our country by voting for the candidates that will enact policies to promote good and restrain evil according to biblical norms. (Luke 22:53; John 7:24)

"The malice of the wicked, is reinforced by the weakness of the virtuous"
Winston Churchill

In the Lord's freedom always now exercise it...........warrior on

October 28 2016 3 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Aurel Gheorghe Supporter
The Bible doesn’t give clear indication if and how Christians should vote, or if they should be politically involved. Looking at Christ’s life on earth we notice that He kept above the political fray and refused to be appointed king over Israel (John 6:15); although He is the Kind of Kings (1 Tim 6:15). 

If someone has a burden, or is impressed in a special way to support a particular candidate, party or political issue, that decision should be personal and no one should try to pressure or urge everyone else to do as they do. 

Being faithful in our civic duties is Biblical, but we all need to remember that our citizenship is in heaven not here on earth (Phi 3:20). Every time we are tempted to became irrationally distraught in regards to a particular policy or politician, we should be mindful that God is in control and we are Christ’s children and Christ’s kingdom is not here on earth but in heaven (John 18:36).

February 15 2016 1 response Vote Up Share Report


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Data Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ
No! I don't believe God EXPECTS or requires believers to get involved with the political process. Instead of a GODLY duty I believe we ALL have a CIVIC duty whether we answer the call to duty or choose not to. To say that "christians" are obligated to choose gov't leaders is unbiblical bordering on something even worse.

When Israel grew weary being governed by the Lord and His priest / prophet / judge system they asked Samuel for a king 1Sam 8:5. After talking to God about it Samuel began his search for a king (secular) to rule over the people. The people were not given a chance to say yay or nay for Saul, the Lord's choice for the kingdom. God pointed Saul out to Samuel and told him to anoint Saul king. He did the same for Saul's replacement, David. And He is still doing it to this very day Dan 2:21. Rom 13:1 states " there is no authority except from God."

This notion of "Christians" being spiritually compelled to cast a vote makes it sound as if ALL "Christians" share the same political views, and that is laughable in my opinion.

An example: I personally don't think that women belong in combat for the armed services of a nation, and if given the chance to vote on a referendum on the issue would vote no. There are "Christian" women I know personally who disagree with me, and can use scripture to show where women in the bible took up arms against the enemy. 

We interpret scripture differently so it is no wonder that we think differently about the function of government and who should lead. 

I will always cast a vote and that vote will be for a politician not a theocrat. I don' believe the pastor makes a good governor of ALL the people of a republic such as the one we live in. I'll wait for Jesus to fill that office when He returns Acts 1:11.

February 16 2016 2 responses Vote Up Share Report


0
Open uri20160117 32493 1m0mwrg Poup Roll Supporter
God's Reign is not a democracy. So I believe in the beginning before modern politics, kingdoms on earth is what God established through His will and lineage, NOT democracies where people vote for a leader or a government to rule. The Bible teaches that kingdoms are God's work but I believe that modern democracies are established by men's will. That's why modern politics can and will NEVER solve today's crisis, because it is in all forms the aim of the godless and evil, to REJECT & EXCLUDE God's Kingdom authority. 

Glory Hallelujah! "Maranatha" my Brethren when Jesus comes, then God's authority will again bring peace and perfection and life. That's why we sons of God pray as Jesus taught: "... Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done on earth as in Heaven...." (Mt 6:9-13) I'm so overcome at this moment and long for His return. Maranatha and a great Shalom to all who have this hope BURNING in their hearts. Amen

February 14 2016 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


0
Mini Kenneth Heck Supporter
In my opinion, the concept of voting derives from the old proverb "the voice of the people is the voice of God." This proverb is a little controversial since mob activity is never exemplary. 

Even though a person may not hear from God directly, there can be a godly influence in that person's thinking leading to casting a correct vote. But those who do hear from God should follow what God tells them to do, rather than presuming that casting a vote is his true will for every election. The best advice for Christians is to pray for guidance in voting, because voting can be an effective way to improve their individual and community circumstances. For Christians, voting must be an individual, personal decision.

Those who have dedicated their lives to Christian ministries, shepherding
churches, functioning as priests, etc., should in no event also run for political offices. Otherwise, running for office is a personal decision to be made by individual Christians.

To answer the question, God does not expect all Christians to vote at every election. He does expect every Christian to fulfill their religious duties and responsibilities as perfectly as possible.

October 29 2016 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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