It is important to observe that there are no instructions to believers as to how they should exercise authority in the world. The Christians’ place is to submit themselves to authorities which exist. They have nothing to do with establishing the authorities; they recognise them as set up by God. We are exhorted to subject ourselves to the authorities and to pray for them (1 Timothy 2), but we have no instructions to vote for them. To vote is to take the place of deciding what the powers shall be; it is really to join with others in ruling the world. But the Christian is here to confess that all the rights of rule pertain to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to wait in patience for Him to come and take up His rights. And in the meantime to be in subjection to the powers that exist in the ordering of God, and to honour them as God’s ministers.
(C A Coates)
Golden Nugget Number 373
Golden Nuggets are published by Saville Street Distribution, Venture, Princes Esplanade, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8QD UK
As I read this in view of publication, the following thought came to me:
Some Christians say we should vote: some say we shouldn’t.
We have no part in this world which rejected our Saviour: our citizenship is above. However, being subject to the powers that be, involves exercising our civic duty. I raise the question{ ‘Is voting, like jury service, part of that civic duty. I need help!
What do my brethren think?
Your brother
Sosthenes