Before we decide whether the Bible encourages Christians to or to not vote. Let's look at this scripture, 1 John 4:20, "if we say we love God, but hate others, we are liars. For we cannot love God whom we have not seen, if we do not over others whom we have seen." That means ideally, how can we say we aim for a heaven we have not seen when we do not contribute to making the Earth we live in peaceful? Proverbs 29:2 says, when the righteous thrive the people rejoice, when the wicked rules, the people groans. The people, that includes believers and non-believers.
Does the Bible Encourage Christians to Vote in Elections?
Once, when Jesus was with his disciples the Pharisees made a plan to trap him, so they asked in Matt. 22: 17- 20; 17. Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not?" 18. Jesus, however, was aware of their evil plan, and so he said, "You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19. Show me the coin for paying the tax!"They brought him the coin, 19. and he asked them, "Whose face and name are these?" 20. "The Emperor's," they answered. So Jesus said to them, "Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God."
Though we are not of this world, we are in the world , therefore we are positively or negativily affected by our actions and inactions.
Some Christians may say, "but how are we sure this is God's choice?". We should remember that the candidates on the ballot box are humans, flawed and imperfect. So you cannot fault yourself if someone you thought would make a difference did not.
In the church we appoint leaders as well. To ensure things are done orderly. When any of the leader faults, does it make you leave God or abandon your faith? Definitely no.
Think of it this way, what if your vote is the one that is needed to bring God's choice to His people and you were not present? Yes, God can raise stones even, but think of the joy it will be being a part of bringing positive change to your immediate community.
Remember:
1. God calls and uses political leaders.
Proverbs 21:1; The LORD controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream.
So when you make a choice with your conscience be rest assured that God has the keys to every man's heart.
2. The flourishing of our land is our responsibility
Matt. 5:14 "You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
3. God is the highest authority.
In Psalms 22:28, we read that “The LORD is king, and he rules the nations.” This means that your participation in elections does not mean you have sold your authority to Man.
Conclusion
Paul tells us in Romans 13: 1 - 8; 1. Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. 2. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. 3. For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, 4. because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. 5. For this reason you must obey the authorities---not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. 6. That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. 7. Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all.
So, dear you, does the Bible encourage Christians to vote in elections? We'll love to hear your response.
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