There have always been two mutually exclusive and antagonistic forms of governance in the world: the Israelite theocracy and secular politics and governments. True theocracy has not been seen in action for at least 3,000 years but will return in the Millennium. Nevertheless, we are to prepare for its return and implement it to the extent that is possible, because of the constraints and permissions of national laws, in our congregations and gathering places.
The Scriptures require five things with reference to politics that believers must do:
- 1. Respect those in authority for the sake of the office they hold (Rom.13:1-3; 1 Pet.2:13-16);
- 2. Put the mitzvot (commandments) of Yahweh ahead of any demands made by politicians or national laws (Ac.5:27-29; 4:18-19; Is.33:22);
- 3. Pay taxes, even if we don't want to (Rom.13:6-7; Mt.22:19-21);
- 4. Pray for our leaders (1 Tim.2:1-4); and
- 5. Seek justice, defend the oppressed and help the poor (Is.1:17; Prov.31:8-9; Jer.22:1).
It follows, then, that believers cannot hold political views, or engage in practices or activities otherwise made lawful by the state, that in any way are opposed or contradicted by the express revelation of Scripture. The will of Yahweh permeates and supercedes every aspect of the believer's life because it is Yahweh's will that takes precendence over everything and everyone (Mt.6:33). No government can prevent His will (Dan.4:34-35; 2:21; 4:17). Secular politics is merely a method that Elohim (God) uses to ultimately - though not necessarily always in the short-term - accomplish His will by means other than the power of the Besorah (Gospel) acting in, through, and on individuals. We are to obey those laws which do not contradict Yahweh's and in every way be the best citizens we possibly can.
Nowhere in Scripture are we ever directed to spend our energy, time, or money in governmental affairs. The mission of Elohim's (God's) people lies not in changing the nation through political reform (the false 'Christian' doctrine of 'Kingdom Now'), but in changing hearts through the Davar Elohim (Word of God). The growth and influence of Messiah cannot be allied with government policy without the corruption of the Messianic Community (Church) being the end result, as has been amply verified historically. When the Messianic Community marries or allies itself to the secular state, as it so often has done, the former always becomes corrupted. The Christian/Messianic mandate is to spread the Besorah (Gospel) of Yah'shua (Jesus) and to preach against the sins of our age. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by the indwelling Messiah will the culture begin to reflect that change. Transformation cannot be effected through the mere outward imposition of state law which can only restrain sinful activity by force rather then by conviction.
It is both possible, and necessary, for believers to flourish and prosper under repressive secular and/or religious systems of government. The state and its ruling politicians are not the light of the world or the salt of the earth. Our hope ultimately rests in the protection that Yahweh alone can provide.
Politicians and political parties are not, and can never be, saviours of nations or the world. We are not to put our hope in political entities or persons. One is the Saviour and Deliverer of the Christian/Messianic, the Master Yah'shua the Messiah (Jesus Christ). The redemption of mankind cannot be accomplished through the power of man, his economic strength, his military might, or his politics. Peace of mind, contentment, tiqveh (hope) and simcha (joy) — and the salvation of mankind as a whole — is only ever accomplished through the work of emunah (faith), ahavah (love), and chesed (grace).
Whilst NCAY does not forbid its members from being involved in politics, we do, as a rule, discourage it, whilst recognising that there are times when Yahweh may, on occasion, wish to use someone in political service. Contemporary party politics involves such a wide, varied and impassioned spectrum of man-made beliefs, mixed morality and humanistic or false religious philosophy that they tend to have a polarising and divisive effect on those believers actively involved in them. It is hard these days to find a political party that does not have as part of its written (and unwritten) manifesto or platform ungodly and repugnant policies to which its members are expected to give their public allegiance. Abortion, sexual immorality, the forced redistribution of wealth, repression of free speech, corruption and totalitarianism in general, tend to marr nearly every political manifesto. Association with such, through party politial support and membership, encourages disobedience to the mitzvot (commandments) of Yahweh, endangers the covenants we have entered into, sets a bad example to the public in terms of our witness, and has a way of seriously breaking the spiritual echad (oneness) between believers.
It is up to Messianic Evangelicals whether they vote in democratic elections or not. That will in part depend on the way the political system in their country functions. If you can elect an individual with known moral credentials rather than a party, then there is often a good case for electing such individuals over another who might otherwise work to destroy morality and just governance. Not all governments are, in any case, democratic any longer, let alone libertarian, and believers must with increasing frequency learn to live under the menace of totalitarian régimes. All governments will, in the very end, become satanic, until Messiah returns.
The articles in this register will hopefully enable you to sort out some of the issues and dilemmas facing believers in a contrary world that is becoming increasingly devoid of righteousness. Also take a look at our Alternative Media website to get reliable political news no longer reported by the mainstream.
(14 June 2018)
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