In the Old Testament, participation in government and civic duty was not a matter of preference, but a holy command (Ex 18:21-22; Deut 1:13-17; Num 35:9-34). The purpose of the Mosaic Law was to address the needs of national Israel and its physical kingdom. The New Testament Church, however, is distinct from Israel in that it’s a spiritual Kingdom governed by spiritual principles. Consequently, its approach to governance is neither physical nor political. This distinction arises for several important reasons: 

 

No Longer Citizens of this World

When individuals are converted to Faith, a change of allegiance takes place. Such become members of a spiritual Kingdom, called to focus on advancing God's purposes rather than the agendas of man:

 

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier (2Tim 2:4).

 

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Col 3:1).

 

For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Php 3:20).

 

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God (Eph 2:19).

 

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Pet 1:1).

 

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (1 Pet 2:11).

 

As members of Christ, we are no longer “strangers and foreigners” in God’s Kingdom. Yet this transformation leads to a reverse effect: we become “strangers and pilgrims” in the world, leaving behind our former way of life. Jesus emphasized this distinction, making it clear that while His followers reside in the world, they are not to conform to its systems and principles (Jn 14:17; 15:15-19; 1 Jn 2:16). Our focus should now be on heavenly matters, since we have obtained an elevated status (Eph 2:6) and a heavenly objective (Col 3:2).

 

When considering political involvement in the world, we must reflect on several important points, such as the following borrowed from “Why I believe that Christians should not be involved in politics” by K Cooper, Bromborough:

 

• The political world is openly antagonistic to Christian principles and is riddled with humanistic thinking.

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• There are no Scriptures to indicate that the Christian should attempt to influence things for good through political processes and activities.

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• There is danger when Christians aspire to positions of power in the world because they expose themselves to the world’s corruption, its thinking, and its sin (see 2 Tim 2:4).

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• The New Testament does not advocate engagement in politics, social movements or schemes for reform, even though the conditions at the time were generally appalling. The early church concerned itself with the inward change which only the gospel could produce, and with regulating the lives of those who became Christians.

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• Slavery was a scourge in New Testament times but none of the Believers were instructed to campaign against it or try to remove it. This does not of course mean that Christians should promote its continuation.

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• Certain Scriptures give us a powerful reason not to engage in politics. Philippians 3:20 states, "For our citizenship (politics, enfranchisement, voting rights, etc) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ".

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• The Scripture tells us we are ambassadors in this world. A well-behaved ambassador does not interfere in the politics of the country in which he is only a temporary resident. As "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor 5:20; cp. Eph 6:20) it is not right for us to devote time and effort to earthly politics, which could be spent in the service of the Lord.

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• The main tenet of modern political systems is the democratic principle. The essence of democracy is rejection of any notion of absolute truth or higher authority and rejection of absolute moral values through acceptance of the rightness of whatever the majority think. This is anti-scriptural.

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• Paul claimed the legal protection of his Roman citizenship but never participated politically nor taught Christians to do so (Acts 22:25-29).

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• We do not know God’s purposes and timetable for the nation; therefore we could not know how to vote according to His purposes.

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• The Lord’s words in John 18:36 imply the need for a separation from political actions and processes. The Lord abstained from political activity even though He was aware of society’s injustices (Lk 13:1-3) and of the "undesirables" in authority (Mt 22:16-21). The Lord’s teaching does impact on social problems, like slavery, but that was not His primary message. The example which the Lord set His disciples was one of meekness, humility and obedience to the powers that be.

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• Christians are not directed to improve the world but to proclaim the Gospel that condemns it and offers salvation from it. Financial contributions to political parties, participation in election campaigns, running for political office and voting are all activities which constitute an unequal yoke with unbelievers.

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• Non participation in the political process should be seen as a positive stance. To act differently from the world is a testimony against the world.

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• While an act may not be overtly sinful this does not mean it is endorsed by Scripture. Engagement in the political process in any form is contrary to the spirit of Scripture. It is inconsistent with the Christian’s position and spiritual priorities. Christians can make positive statements about their Faith as much by what they abstain from and how they live. Abstention is a positive step, not an abdication of responsibility. The specific teaching that Christians should not voluntarily vote is based on sound Biblical principles. It is a statement that we are separate from a world system which is opposed to God. Our chief influence in the world is to be through prayer, not the ballot box.

 

World Governments are Beast Systems

World governments and political establishments operate under the influence and authority of Satan, the “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4). Because of this, they are blind to God’s precepts and refuse to answer to His authority:

 

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Cor 4:4).

 

In the book of Daniel, the prophet sees a vision in which four beasts rise out of the sea (Dan 7:1-26). We are told that these “beasts” represent four world empires that would arise in consecutive order. After them, Daniel sees a "man"—described as the "Ancient of Days"—establishing an eternal kingdom. How interesting that the final government is symbolized by a man—Jesus Christ—while all the preceding ones are depicted as “beasts”.

 

Daniel’s vision provides an important lesson. Until Christ’s Kingdom arrives to substitute the current rule, we exist in a world governed by beast-like systems. This raises some crucial questions: If these governments are represented by "beasts" and controlled by Satan, why should we cast our vote in their favor? Furthermore, why should we serve their “beastly” agendas through military or governmental roles? Why would we aspire to positions of political leadership or become agents of government justice, knowing these institutions are under Satan's influence?

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The answer is simple—we shouldn't. As Christians, our focus lies elsewhere. We have our own priorities in Christ's Kingdom, and the world can take care of theirs.

 

Called to Represent God’s Mercy (NT), Not His justice (OT)

During His time on earth, Jesus didn’t teach about enforcing justice. Instead, He focused on showing mercy and forgiveness. One of the clearest examples of this is when He pardoned the woman caught in adultery (John 8:4). In contrast, government officers are tasked with maintaining law and order and represent the justice of the law by punishing wrongdoers and protecting society. Romans 13 describes their role as one of justice and retribution. But when studying this chapter further, we find a striking difference between the role of government and the calling of the Saints. While God may use government to administer justice, He calls His people to offer forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation so that all sinners may come to Him. Notice this clear distinction of roles in the following verses: 

 

Government

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God….For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil….for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil…. (Rom 13:1-4).

 

Saints

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment (Jas 2:13).

 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Mat 5:7).

 

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mat 9:13).

 

Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy (Rom 11:31).

 

… having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing (1 Pet 3:8-9).

 

Now, imagine if Jesus had come to enforce the Law. What if He had joined forces with the Sanhedrin, judging sinners and hauling lawbreakers to justice? Let’s be honest, most of society is entangled in sin and lawlessness. If Jesus had occupied Himself with arresting and prosecuting people, how many would have flocked to Him? Would the tax collectors and sinners still have gathered around Him? Would Zacchaeus have climbed that sycamore tree in such great excitement, knowing he could be called out for his extortion? The answer is clear: no. And yet today, many Christians believe they can serve as "justice keepers" for the government while simultaneously ministering to sinners. But this mindset is in direct conflict with the ministry of Christ, who came not to condemn but to save.

 

The same applies to those who believe in fighting to advance their country's secular agenda. Paul said, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood" (Eph 6:12). Was he just making a casual statement? Or was he reminding us that physical force can’t defeat wickedness and evil? I firmly believe Christians can do far more on their knees in prayer than by taking up arms. Ephesians 6 directly counters the idea of "just war" theology. While governments deal with the visible aspects of sin—the societal consequences—Jesus came to address the invisible root of sin by tackling its spiritual nature and eliminating it at its source. His purpose was to establish the Church as a spiritual Kingdom, one that would counterbalance the world's systems of power.

 

As Christians, we are called to heal society’s wounds in ways that differ from political solutions. Some may ask, “How can we make a positive difference in society if not through politics?” The answer is simple. While the Bible doesn’t call us to political activism, it does provide us with actions we can take to impact the world around us:

 

Prayer

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; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1Tim 2:1-2).

 

Evangelism

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Mat 28:19).

 

Paying Tribute & Obedience

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.…Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour (Rom 13:1-7).

 

Conclusion: The Higher Calling of the Saints

In a world where justice and retribution are the order of the day, Christians are called to a different path. We are not here to enforce earthly laws or champion political causes. Instead, our mission is to reflect Christ’s mercy and extend His grace to those around us. The Kingdom of God operates on principles that transcend the systems of this world, offering hope, healing, and reconciliation to all who seek it.

 

While governments play a necessary role in maintaining order, our focus is not on punishment, but on pardon. The greatest difference we can make is not through the ballot box or the battlefield, but through prayer, evangelism, and lives that reflect the compassion of Christ.

 

When we live by these principles, we remind the world of a higher justice—one that restores rather than condemns, forgives rather than punishes. By doing so, we not only stay true to our calling but also offer a glimpse of Christ’s eternal Kingdom, where mercy triumphs over judgment and love conquers all.