The Bible was the most frequently cited source in the writings of the United States’ Founding Fathers,[1] 1. Donald Lutz, The Origins of American Constitutionalism (Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 1988), 136-149. yet today the Word of God is scarcely referenced in political writings, speeches, or debates. This sad reality was made clear to me in October 2011 when I attended the Values Voters Summit in Washington, D.C. The Republican presidential primary season was just getting under way, and the candidates were giving speeches at this event, along with several other prominent figures from politically active Judeo-Christian circles. The focus of the speeches and the numerous booths representing various political action groups and other activists was to appeal to the Judeo-Christian religious values of the attendees. However, from what I observed, only one of the speeches mentioned the Scriptures, and none of the booths had any Scriptural references at all. It seemed evident that the Christian community had largely discarded the authority of Scripture and was clinging solely to the appeal of human reason for promoting its political agenda. The disturbing conclusion that I carried with me from that weekend was, “No wonder we are experiencing defeat in the political arena and are suffering from so many national problems—even Christian political gatherings have forsaken the Bible!”
Ephesians 6:10-12, 17 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places … and take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” This passage makes clear that we, as Christians, are to take a stand against the “wiles of the devil” by using the Scriptures as one of our primary weapons. We are to expose and oppose evil with the truth because God Himself hates evil (Genesis 6:5-7; Proverbs 8:13; Psalm 97:10; Romans 12:9). Some argue that in order to make an impact we must modify our methods and promote the principles of Scripture without referencing the Bible, but these people fail to recognize that Christ set an example for us when He stated that He did not come the first time to establish an earthly kingdom but to bear witness to the truth (John 18:36-37). His message was met with public mocking and led to His eventual crucifixion. The prophets of the Old Testament, Jesus’ disciples, and many other Christians through the centuries have suffered similar fates. Yet it is important to remember that our mandate is not results-oriented but process-oriented; we are to preach the truth in love for the glory of God and leave the results up to Him. Even when the final political victory is won at the triumphant return of Christ to Earth, He will use the sharp sword of His Word (Hebrews 4:12) to smite the nations (Revelation 19:15). Secure in His power, we should boldly obey God in using the Scriptures to expose and oppose the lies of Satan and promote God’s original design for civil government.
Though it is certainly not a thorough commentary on political philosophy, history, or issues, the intent of this booklet is to equip and encourage fellow Christians to bring the Bible back into our political conversation so that God’s glory may be made manifest through His people in this needy arena. By restoring the Word of God to the political discussion, we confront others with the all-important question “Who determines truth: God or man?” My earnest prayer is that in the midst of a culture full of political deception and wickedness, “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many” even if “they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days” (Daniel 11:32-33). As we faithfully bear witness to the truth, we must not become discouraged by the results. Instead, we should keep in mind the advice of John Quincy Adams: “Duty is ours; results are God’s,” and trust the promise of Proverbs 24:24-25: “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.”
↩ 1. Donald Lutz, The Origins of American Constitutionalism (Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 1988), 136-149.