The Christian’s Position in This Present World
Twenty years ago, on September 11, 2001, the country which had long taken great pride in being the most powerful democracy in the world was attacked by terrorism from without. That tragic event brought the country together and unified it, for a short while at least, in a way that had not been seen for some time. Almost 20 years later, on January 6, 2021, the same country was attacked by terror from within, and that frightening event has resulted in solidifying the very divided state in which the country now finds itself, to a degree which has not been seen for at least a century and a half.
This shows us that no matter what form of government man chooses in order to rule any country and no matter how powerful any nation appears to be in this world, there is no system of rule, be it democracy or any other, that can be guaranteed lasting success. Furthermore, we are told in the Word of God, in Romans 13:11Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1), “There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” This verse makes it very clear that whoever is ruling any country in the world and whichever candidate is ultimately determined to be the winner of an election in a democracy, that person is the one whom God has ordained to rule that country until He decides to ordain someone else to rule it.
God’s Word also tells us in 1 Timothy 2:1-21I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1‑2), “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority.” However, nowhere in the Word of God do we find that we are to campaign for, or vote for, a certain candidate or party to be elected. If we were to do so, it is quite possible that we might be going against God’s choice. Even though the stated policy position of a party may support scriptural principles and some candidates may even be true Christians, that does not necessarily mean that they are the ones whom God has ordained to be in power. Daniel 4:1717This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17) tells us, “The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”
Not very many years after this world had rejected and crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, in Galatians 1:44Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4), already spoke of this present evil world. A little later, in 2 Timothy 3:1313But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13), he tells us, “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” From that time until now, the world has never changed its mind and has never improved. In fact, for many decades now the very existence of God has been questioned and even denied. Many people today, even true Christians, seem to believe that the present chaotic state of things in this world can be improved. But the Word of God is very clear that there is no government or individual ruler, nor even true Christians involved in politics or government, in any country, who can ever hope to improve the present state of things or to set things right.
What then should be the position of true Christians in the midst of this current chaos? Again the Word of God is very clear. The Lord Jesus Himself said in John 15:1919If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19), “Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” Ephesians 2:66And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6) tells us that God “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:2020For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20) says, “Our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Second Corinthians 5:20 tells us, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” If we are citizens of heaven and have the immense privilege of being left here for a short time to be ambassadors for Christ in this world, then we have no business being involved in the politics or government of this world, nor should we be looking for improvement in the world. Instead, we have the wonderful responsibility of true ambassadors, representing Christ, as lights in this dark world, so that individuals might be convicted of sin, attracted by His love and His offer of free salvation, and believe on Him as their Savior!
After the events of the last two years, the world is still desperately hoping for things to return to normal, so they can get on with their lives. However, Romans 12:22And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2) tells us, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Is it possible that we, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, redeemed by His precious blood, are also looking for things to get back to normal, so that we can return to our relatively prosperous and easygoing way of life? A very solemn question!
Or are we, as we read in Titus 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13), “looking for that blessed hope [‘I will come again and receive you unto Myself’ (John 14:33And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3))], and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ [‘Behold He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him’ (Revelation 1:77Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7))]”? Are we expecting “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-1110That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10‑11))? Is there anything that we could ever be hoping for in this world that would be more important to us than to be caught up together ... to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:1717Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17))? That moment could very well take place TODAY!
R. Muir