Guiding Principles for Christian Politics

With another midterm election cycle behind us, and the results here in the Commonwealth of Virginia that I find deeply grievous, I thought it would be helpful to consider how we, as Christians, ought to engage in politics. There are certainly reasons to lament what has transpired, but our convictions, our conduct, and even our responses to political defeat must be governed by the Word of God.

We begin with God's Word as the primary shaper of our politics. As we say here at Life, "God's Word is Life." Since Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, our principles must be informed and shaped by it. These principles are meant to help guide how we think about politics, challenge our assumptions about how Christians should interact with politics, and encourage us to live up to our responsibilities as servants of King Jesus.

1. KNOW THE REAL ENEMY
Our Battle Is Ultimately Spiritual

Our battle is not ultimately against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil at work in this world. Although many human actions are certainly evil (along with human ideologies, and human institutions), we must remember the spiritual nature of our struggle and never lose sight of our true enemy.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Ephesians 6:10–12 
• 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 
• 1 Peter 5:8–9 

2. HONOR THE TRUE KING
Christ's Lordship Extends Over All of Life

Although our battle as Christians is ultimately spiritual in nature, that does not excuse us from engaging in earthly matters. As Christians, we acknowledge Jesus as Lord over every sphere of life, which includes politics and government. Therefore, we should pursue what is righteous, defend the good, seek to glorify Christ in all things, and encourage others to do all that as well.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Matthew 28:18 
• Colossians 3:17 
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 
• Micah 6:8 
• Matthew 5:13–16 

3. STAND FIRM, SPEAK WITH GRACE
Uncompromising Conviction, Christlike Conduct

We must remain faithful to God's Word without ever compromising on biblical truth. Our conviction must always be accompanied by humility, respect, gentleness, and love, even toward those who oppose our Biblical truth. We must not surrender truth for the sake of peace, nor should we abandon Christian charity for the sake of victory. Instead, we must speak the truth faithfully, communicate with humility, treat everyone with respect, love our enemies, and pray for their repentance and salvation.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Ephesians 4:15
• 1 Peter 3:15–16
• 2 Timothy 2:24–26 
• Matthew 5:43–48 
• Jude 3 

4. PRAY FOR JUSTICE
Seek the Restraint of Evil and the Vindication of the Innocent

Never forget that it is good and righteous for Christians to pray that God would restrain wickedness, break the power of evildoers, protect the innocent, and bring about His perfect justice. Such prayers must not be expressions of personal vengeance, but appeals to the righteous Judge of all the earth. We should pray both for the repentance of the wicked, yes, but we must also pray for the destruction of their ability to harm others, trusting that God will act according to His wisdom and righteousness.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Psalm 10:12–18 
• Psalm 82:3–4 
• Psalm 94:1–7 
• Romans 12:19–21 
• 1 Timothy 2:1–4 

5. BE JOYFUL WARRIORS
The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength

Joy should be the prevailing disposition of all Christians, even as we engage in the conflicts of this land of death that we inhabit. There is a proper time and place for lament over suffering, grief over injustice, and righteous anger toward wickedness. Yet these must never overshadow the joy we have in our risen and reigning King. Our hope is not rooted  in political victories, earthly powers, or favorable circumstances (although, we should thank God for such victories and circumstances), but in Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world. Therefore, we engage courageously, contend faithfully, and persevere joyfully, knowing that our King reigns and His Kingdom will never fail.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Nehemiah 8:10 
• Philippians 4:4–5 
• 2 Corinthians 6:10 
• Habakkuk 3:17–19 
• Romans 12:12 
• Galatians 5:22–23 

6. REPENT OF OUR SILENCE
The Church Must Faithfully Proclaim the Whole Counsel of God

As Christians, we must first examine our own faithfulness before condemning the failures of earthly rulers. We must repent of the ways we have neglected our responsibility to proclaim the whole counsel of God, especially when His Word confronts those in positions of authority. Too often, fear of man, the desire for political favor, or the temptation to avoid controversy have led the Church to silence or compromise its witness. We must not expect magistrates to honor God's righteousness while we neglect our responsibility to proclaim it. While our goal as the Church is not to merely achieve political victories, we must boldly and faithfully declare Christ's lordship, God's righteous standards, and the call to repentance and faith, entrusting the results to the Lord.

Scriptural Foundation:

• 1 Peter 4:17
• Acts 20:26–27 
• Ezekiel 33:7–9 
• Psalm 2:10–12
• Acts 24:24–25 
• Proverbs 29:25 

7. THE MAGISTRATE IS GOD'S SERVANT
Civil Authority Is Ordained by God and Accountable to Him

All earthly authority ultimately comes from God, who establishes governing authorities as His servants for the promotion of good and the punishment of evil. Civil magistrates are therefore accountable to God for the exercise of their authority and have no right to govern contrary to His commands. When rulers abandon their God-given responsibilities, citizens should use the lawful authority and means entrusted to them to seek justice, hold rulers accountable, and, when necessary, remove and replace those who fail to fulfill their office. We must honor the institution of civil government without treating any earthly ruler as beyond correction or removal.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Romans 13:1–7 
• 1 Peter 2:13–17 
• Daniel 2:21 
• Daniel 4:17 
• John 19:11 
• Proverbs 31:8–9
  

Obviously, these 7 seven principles are not the end all be all for Christian Political engagement. In fact, I would say this is more of a primer into the deep waters of Christian Political Philosophy. As we know, our hope is rooted in Christ, and therefore no political party or candidate will ever take His place. Until He returns He has entrusted us with responsibilities in our great nation: we should repent of our failures, proclaim His word to the magistrates, stand firmly for firmly for righteousness, pray for all men, and engage everyone with truth and grace. Our King already reigns over all the universe, so may we act like it.