Why Some Christians Work Hard to Change Society

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective

Previously, I wrote an article called, “Lot Was Righteous But Wasn’t Able to Change a Thing About Sodom,” and I pointed out a number of things including the fact that through in God’s eyes, Lot was considered righteous (his standing before God because of his faith in Him), he was unable to affect any real change in Sodom, even after he became a politician.

This idea in society – that Christians should work hard to create the needed change (“take back America!”) – is really based on certain theologies that teach that as Christians gain the upper hand in society, a true “golden age” will commence and then Jesus will come back at the end of it to finish what we started. These theologies are called Amillennialism or Postmillennialism and are rooted to some degree or another in a non-literal interpretation of Scripture. In fact, Amillennialism traces its roots back to Augustine, from whom the Roman Catholic Church took much of their theology, especially when it comes to futurism.

In both cases – Amillenialism and Postmillennialsm – there is no hard and fast belief in a literal 1,000 year period. The general belief is in a period of time or a metaphorical 1,000-years. Postmillennialism asserts that what Jesus began in the first century Christians continue (with Jesus leading the charge of course, from His throne in heaven). Once Christians are able to establish a “golden age” here on earth, Jesus will return at the end of that particular age. While some postmillennialists recognize a literal 1,000-year period, many do not and like Amillennialists, see this 1,000-years in essentially figurative terms. In any case, as Christians strive to reconnect society with God, a golden age is established as Satan and his kingdom is gradually pushed back and as God’s Kingdom expands.

In general (but with some exceptions), Amillennialists and Postmillennialists then believe that the harder Christians today work and the more effort is put in attempting to change society for the better, the more God’s Kingdom can be established until eventually, Jesus will be able to return because enough of His Kingdom will be established through His servants. For this reason, Postmillennialists generally see themselves as the true “optimists,” with Amillennialists to some degree and Premillennialists to a great degree as being pessimistic. In these theological scenarios, Jesus’ return rests largely upon what Christians are able to accomplish. Dominionism is a result of this type of theological thinking.

As a Premillennialist, I believe the Bible teaches Jesus will return physically in what is known as His second coming, and He will then establish His Millennial Kingdom, where He will reign for a literal 1,000 years. All of this is based to some degree on how people interpret Revelation 20. I’m certainly not going to tell you how to interpret it and frankly, I don’t even want to get into a discussion over why I believe Premillennialism is the better view (at least in this article), but you should know that what you believe has some impact on how you view America and America’s future, whether you can actually discuss it intelligently or not.

1 Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain. 2 He seized the dragon—the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan—and tied him up for a thousand years. 3 The angel then threw him into the abyss and locked and sealed it so that he could not deceive the nations until the one thousand years were finished. (After these things he must be released for a brief period of time.) 4 Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. These had not worshiped the beast or his image and had refused to receive his mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were finished.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who takes part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.- Revelation 20:1-6

In the above section of Scripture, it sadly goes almost without saying that there are numerous interpretations. In fact, it can be extremely nuanced with subdivisions under the three main headings of Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, and Amillennialism.

Again, the purpose of this particular article is not to tell you what to believe or even go into any real detail between the three main belief systems. There have been many articles and books written that are available that go into all the nuts and bolts of each belief system, including the strengths and weaknesses of each. My point was simply to briefly discuss why some Christians appear to be far more involved in wanting to change society – especially America – returning it back to what they consider to have been a Christian nation. Many Christians who work to accomplish this believe that it is part of their responsibility under the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) to bring society into biblical alignment. Once this is accomplished through evangelism, Jesus will then be able to return to this planet.

This is why groups like “Joel’s Army” and others like them exist. Groups like Joel’s Army, God Save America, Save America Gathering, individuals like Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, Reinhard Bonnke, John Hagee, Pat Robertson, and organizations like World Net Daily (WND), and many others want to see America “saved” and to return to a working biblical framework. While much of what these groups, organizations, and individuals have to say sounds biblical (and of course, to them it is biblical), I feel I must warn people to test the spirits, to search the Scriptures in order to determine truth.

Don’t simply get caught up with a group that wants to “save America” because it sounds patriotic. The truth appears to be that God is in the business of saving souls – individuals – not nations. The only nation He ever created and worked through for His redemptive purposes is Israel. Other nations He certainly used and then mainly as an arm of judgment when His nation Israel, was not in obedience to Him.

I also realize that many believe God created America as He did Israel, but there is no historical proof of that at all. While it is a good thing that America’s founders looked to the Scriptures to create this nation, incorporating many biblical principles into the fabric of this nation, this is not a sign that God Himself created America as He did Israel. The fact that so many place America on equal footing with Israel is dangerous to say the least. Israel was created for a very special purpose, unique in all of history. Through that nation, God introduced Himself to the world and brought forth a Son, born of a woman, who was the Savior of all who seek Him (Revelation 12 for a synopsis of Israel’s history and purpose). America is nothing like Israel and was created by human beings for several reasons, none of which have anything directly to do with God’s redemptive purposes.

Folks, know what you believe and why you believe it. If you are going to be involved with groups who seek to take America back, learn about those groups. What are their beliefs? What do they think about the Bible and God’s purposes redemptively speaking?

It is one thing to vote and choose our leaders wisely. It is important to understand the bills our elected leaders are trying to pass into laws. It is equally important to understand what God’s purposes are in all things and to appreciate the fact that – whether we think so or not – God has it all under control. He no more needs us to usher in a “golden age” so that He can eventually return anymore than He needed our help in bringing His redemptive purposes to fruition. We are simply the benefactors of His grace, love, and salvation. We receive it and do nothing to earn it. By the same token, we can do nothing to bring about the physical return of Jesus to this planet as the time, day, and hour has already been set in stone.

I personally believe that those Christians who involve themselves in groups that wish to take America back wind up seeing those opposite them as opponents and enemies. Because they are seen as enemies, it is easy to shove them aside physically or emotionally. The fact of the matter is that regardless of whether God saves America or not, people continue to need salvation. This is a must that never changes in spite of geo-political events throughout the world, including America.

We need to seek to fulfill the Great Commission and stop adding to it. This world will eventually come to an end and will be replaced by a new heaven and new earth. The most important thing you or any other Christian can do is live a life that witnesses to the lost so that they will see your life – how you live – and will be drawn to the One who provides salvation. That is your mission and you know what? It is your mission whether you live in America or Outer Mongolia.

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective