We're Already in God's Kingdom

Gary continues discussing Pastor MacArthur’s recent comments about Christian Nationalism.

Does the Bible forbid Christians from being involved in politics? It would be a hard case to prove since there are numerous books of the Bible that are filled with politics—from Joshua, Judges, and 1 and 2 Samuel to 1 and 2 Kings and the Old Testament Prophets.

King David is confronted by Nathan the Prophet (2 Sam. 12), Solomon is shown violating nearly every biblical admonition regarding kings, leading to his abandonment of the covenant (1 Kings 10–11), and kings are given direct instructions on what standard they should use in making decisions of a civil/ political nature (Deut. 17), even to the point of not being mentally affected by wine or strong drink (Prov. 31:1–9). Early on, Moses is given instructions on the implementation of a decentralized civil system (Ex. 18).

Paul told the Ephesian elders that he did not shrink from declaring to them the “whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27). Being a new creature in Christ is the first step in a whole new life. Being born again does not stop at infancy. We are to grow up in the faith so every area of life is impacted by God’s Word (Heb. 5:11–14). This includes politics, economics, law, education, journalism, ethics, and economics. The Bible has a great deal to say about all of these topics and much more.

The Bible teaches that there is a jurisdictional separation between church and state, but there is no separation between God and governments (self-, family, church, and civil). The civil magistrate is said to be a “minister of God” (Rom. 13:1–4). It’s the same Greek word (διάκονός/diakonos) used to describe a deacon in an ecclesiastical/church setting (1 Tim. 3:8–13). In neither of these government offices are these ministers to “lord it over those allotted to [their] charge” (1 Pet. 5:3). The First Amendment to the Constitution does not use the phrase “separation of church and state” (see Chapter 7). The prohibition is directed at the National Government not to establish a national religion: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or the free exercise thereof.” The Amendment goes on to maintain that we are free to speak about religion, write about religion, congregate about religion and “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” This means that we have the liberty to change the government, something that was not possible during the time of Jesus.

Restoring the Foundation of Civilization

There are many Christians who will not participate in civilization-building efforts that include economics, journalism, politics, education, and science because they believe (or have been taught to believe) these areas of thought are outside the realm of what constitutes a Christian worldview. Nothing could be further from the truth.

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Gary continues discussing Pastor MacArthur’s recent comments about Christian Nationalism. He seems to be confused about what most Christian Nationalists are actually saying, and overcorrects his mistaken assumptions with extreme defeatist language. He says “we lose down here.” Gary says no, we have already won, thanks to the completed mission and work of Jesus Christ.

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American Vision’s mission is to Restore America to its Biblical Foundation—from Genesis to Revelation. American Vision (AV) has been at the heart of worldview study since 1978, providing resources to exhort Christian families and individuals to live by a Biblically based worldview. Visit www.AmericanVision.org for more information, content and resources