Ten Doctrines of a Christian Political Theology
1. There are opposing kingdoms vying for our allegiance in this world: the domain of darkness and the kingdom of Christ.
- Colossians 1:13;
- Joshua 24:15;
- 1 Peter 2:9;
- 2 Corinthians 6:14 (we are under the rule of one or the other).
2. God has ordained two spheres of sovereignty to rule the earth: a temporary, civil authority called the State and an eternal, spiritual authority called the Church.
- Romans 13:1-4 (public servants are called “ministers”).
- 1 Corinthians 6:2 (the saints will judge the world).
- Revelation 5:10 (the saints will reign on the earth).
- There are two views on why God ordained the State: the Thomistic view is that the nature of creature requires it; the Augustinian view is that the sinfulness of humanity requires it. The Belgic Confession, Article 36, affirms the latter view.
God has ordained two spheres of sovereignty to rule the earth: a temporary, civil authority called the State and an eternal, spiritual authority called the Church.
3. God has ordained government as a temporary authority to promote the common good, to punish evil, and to provide for a peaceful, godly life.
- Romans 13:3;
- 1 Peter 2:14;
- 1 Tim 2:2.
- Christians through history adhere to a “common good” ethical philosophy. Cf. Augustine, City of God; Thomas Aquinas, On Kingship; also Westminster Confession of Faith, Article 23.
4. God has ordained the Church as an eternal, spiritual authority, endowed her with the power of the Spirit, and placed her in the world as a light in darkness.
- Matthew 5:16;
- Romans 13:1-14;
- 1 Peter 2:13-17
5. Christians must submit to the civil authority of the State unless it would require disobedience to God.
- 1 Peter 2:13;
- Acts 5:29.
- Cf. The Augsburg Confession, Article 16.
6. Christians must be willing to suffer for civil disobedience to unjust laws.
- 1 Peter 2:20, 3:14-17, 4:19;
- Revelation 2:10
7. Christ was neither passive nor violent toward his political enemies, and neither should Christians be.
- Isaiah 53:7 (Jesus did not respond angrily or violently);
- Matthew 26:63-64 (Jesus did not argue but spoke the truth);
- John 2:15 (Jesus used a whip in the Temple but did not aim to strike anyone);
- Hebrews 4:12 (the Word of God is more effective than a two-edged sword);
- 1 Timothy 3:3 (an elder is an example of the gentleness intended for all believers);
- Hebrews 12:14 (strive for peace with all people).
8. The State neither gives nor can it remove the Church’s authority, which is given to her by God alone.
- Matthew 22:21 (Jesus’ acknowledges both the legitimacy and the
distinction of civil and religious authority) - 1 Timothy 3:15-16 (the Church is the upholder and supporter of Christian doctrine).
- Cf. 39 Articles of Religion, Article 37;
- Westminster Confession of Faith, Article 23.3.
The State neither gives nor can it remove the Church’s authority, which is given to her by God alone.
9. Jesus is our Lord; not Caesar, nor the President, nor the Prime Minister, nor any other head of State.
- 1 Corinthians 12:3;
- Romans 10:9.
- This early, basic Christian confession was both theological and political. The Lordship of Christ means that we pledge unconditional allegiance and unwavering obedience to Christ alone.
10. The Son of God is the Elect One, and all who are united in Him will reign eternally.
- Matthew 12:18;
- Luke 9:35;
- Ephesians 1:4;
- 1 Peter 2:6-9;
- Revelation 17:14.
- Christ was the Elect One before the foundation of the world. There is no end to His kingdom. All other elections are merely momentary decisions and have no bearing on the essence of Christ’s reign.
A Voter Guide for Christians
1. Campaign for Jesus as Lord. It’s always a winning campaign. (And leave all messianic references to Jesus alone.)
- Matthew 28:18 (Jesus has already been elected; our campaigning is
merely sharing the Good News). - Philippians 2:11 (in the end, all must confess Jesus as Lord, either willingly or unwillingly).
2. Pray before your vote, then keep praying for those who are elected whether you like them or not.
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2;
- 1 Peter 2:17,
- Theophilus of Antioch wrote that Christians honor the emperor, first, by praying for him. Cf. Letter to Autolycus.
3. Voting is not a moral duty, but it is a civil privilege and right.
- Romans 13:8 (our whole Christian duty is to love as God loves).
Voting is not a moral duty, but it is a civil privilege and right.
4. Vote according to your Christian conscience, knowing that other Christians will do the same while voting differently than you.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12;
- 1 Timothy 1:5;
- Hebrews 13:18 (The “conscience” test will produce difference results among Christians.
5. Vote for virtue. A candidate without real virtue is unfit for God’s design for civil government.
- Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 include God’s expectations for civil
rulers. - The Bible offers no guidance on how to remove an unjust or
unfit ruler. - Rather, as Daniel 2:21 says, God removes and raises up kings.
6. Share your testimony for Christ more loudly than your vote for a political candidate.
- 1 Peter 3:15 (Peter speaks of our readiness to speak of Christ and the
hope we have in Him); - Matthew 5:16.
7. If your candidate wins or loses, praise God that He alone is sovereign. Nothing happens without His providence.
- Drawing on Romans 8:28, the Heidelberg Catechism, Question 1, says, “All things must work together for my salvation.”
- As Dr. Andrew Graham frequently says, “There is nothing beyond God’s power to redeem for His glory and for our edification.”
- Cf. The Belgic Confession, Article 13.
8. Don’t expect more from politicians than they can do; our hope, joy, contentment, love, and faith does not rest on them at all.
Don’t expect more from politicians than they can do; our hope, joy, contentment, love, and faith does not rest on them at all.
9. Gospel-centered harmony in the Church is infinitely more important than your political persuasion.
- 1 Corinthians 1:12-13
10. Make your own election sure, that is, your election in Christ.
- 2 Peter 1:10
