Should Christians Vote

Q: I need a scripture to refer to in regards to voting for earthly
political leaders. I am Baptist however I've been told by the
Jehovah's Witnesses that the Lord does not want us to vote. The Bible
does say that we should listen, respect and pray for our leaders. I
just cant recall what scripture I found that law in. Please help

A: I am sorry that I was not able to answer this letter until after the
election. We have been backed up on email. However, I wanted to go ahead
and give an answer.

As far as I know, there is no verse in the Bible specifically referring
to voting. After all, the people in the Roman Empire at the time of
Christ and the apostles did not get to vote on the emperor or other
rulers. They were simply chosen for them.

However, I believe that there is another practical way to look at
participation in government. To vote or participate in government in
other ways is an exercise of our citizenship in this world. If we are not
to vote, then it is probably because we are to reject full citizenship in
our earthly country. This is basically the approach of the Jehovah
Witnesses. They refuse to recognize the American flag, vote, or run for
office. They think that our citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20)
rules out full participation in the governments of this world.

Yet, if this were true, then Paul should have set an example for us by
refusing to exercise the rights of earthly citizenship. But the truth is,
Paul was a Roman citizen and he used his citizenship on several
occasions. Consider the following verses:

Acts 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly
uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they
thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch
us out.

Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city
in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to
speak unto the people.

Acts 22:25-29 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the
centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a
Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told
the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a
Roman. Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou
a Roman? He said, Yea. And the chief captain answered, With a great sum
obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. Then
straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and
the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and
because he had bound him.

Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy
of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things
whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto
Caesar.

In each of the passages above, Paul used his Roman citizenship for the
work of Jesus Christ. We are told to pray for our rulers (1Timothy
2:1-2). We are commanded to be subject to the higher powers (Romans
13:1-5). And Paul gives us a proper example in using our citizenship in
this world for the furtherance of the gospel. I have no doubt that Paul,
had he been given the chance, would have voted for the rulers of Rome
with a prayerful heart. We ought to do the same.

God has not commanded His people to stick their head in the sand and have
no part in the affairs of this world. Though we are looking for a better
world, we have every right and responsibility to point this world in a
better direction while we are here. We are the salt of the earth (Matthew
5:13). There must be a balance and that balance must always lean toward
the spiritual and the heavenly. But God has never kept His people from
participating in this life. I do not know if you voted in the last
election, but next time, and every time God gives us this privilege, go
vote. Do it for the glory of God.

Till He comes,

Pastor David Reagan

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