Many today have mistaken the role of the Church as political. But even this is not a new development. There has been an ancient argument as to the relationship between Church and state. How does/should the Church relate to the civil authorities?
To begin with, the Church must not see itself as a political organisation. That is not. It is a spiritual entity, entirely separate from this world and its system(s). We are in this world, but not of this world (John 17:15-16, 1 Pt 2:11-12).
It is true that we are instructed to pray for political leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, PRAYERS, intercessions, and giving of thanks BE MADE FOR ALL MEN, for KINGS and ALL WHO ARE IN AUTHORITY, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
We are also instructed to obey civic rulers. Romans 13:1 says, “Let every soul be SUBJECT TO THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Vv. 6-7 instruct us to pay taxes, “For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. RENDER THEREFORE TO ALL THEIR DUE: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”
But notice that we are to do all of these as CITIZENS, not as a Church. The Church has no right to act on political matters. That is not her place. That is not why Christ established His Church.
Citizens WITHIN the Church, however, can engage in political activities OUTSIDE the Church. They can contest in elections, vote for their desired candidates, protest for their rights etc. But this is not the duty of the Church. God did not give the Church for political endeavours, but for the building of the Saints (Eph 4:11-16), and the evangelizing of the world (Mark 16:15-16).
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2022.
