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Jesus, Lord Of The Nation

Quick Look: This article critiques modern Christianity's tendency to compartmentalize faith and compromise Jesus Christ's absolute lordship. It identifies two major problems: first, the church's retreat from society into purely "spiritual" matters; second, the opposite extreme of seeking political power as the primary solution to national problems. The author argues that while Jesus is Lord over all areas of life, including politics, lasting change comes through the Holy Spirit transforming hearts rather than forcing compliance through political control. True Christianity requires recognizing Christ's sovereignty over every human system while avoiding dangerous identification with any particular political party or earthly organization.

Why are the nations restless, and the peoples plotting in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let’s tear their shackles apart and throw their ropes away from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” Ps. 2:1-6, NASB

I recently saw an ad for a baseball cap featuring a saying that I found disturbing. Although it was probably done quite innocently, the implications of the saying highlight a problem in modern Christianity. What did this ball cap say? “Jesus is my Saviour, Trump is my President.” [I do want to make clear that I am not making any comment on Trump’s presidency, and I realize this example will quickly become dated, but it points to an underlying, ongoing problem.]

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While the statement is true, why did it disturb me? In my mind, it sounded like Jesus is the Saviour and a political figure is the Lord. The early Christians went to face the lions in the arena because they refused to say Caesar is Lord. Their uncompromising confession was Jesus is Lord. If Jesus is not Lord, neither is He Saviour.

This brings up two different, but related problems.

Jesus, Lord Of The Nation
Problem One

The first began about 150 years ago. Western Christianity came under severe attack. Higher Criticism tried to destroy confidence in the Bible. Darwinism attacked the integrity of Scripture and the truthfulness of God. Various cultic and occult groups arose to give people a different view of spirituality. Two world wars undermined confidence in the positive effectiveness of the Gospel. And Dispensationalism arose within the Church with the attitude that the world is going to Hell, let it, just save as many people as you can and wait for the any-moment return of Jesus to rescue us.

Instead of fighting back against this onslaught, many mainstream churches compromised and incorporated these false beliefs into their teaching. Today, there are churches with pastors who don’t believe the Bible is the Word of God and who promote the murder of children and other sinful activities in the name of the love of God.

Another part of the church simply retreated into the so-called “spiritual” area of life. They abandoned society and became individualistic. They focused on prayer, Bible study, and sometimes emotional experiences. It was all about personal salvation and experiences. The world was content to leave the Christians alone if they kept their religion inside the church walls, and many Christians were happy with that.

But that is not Christianity. Yes, salvation is personal. We must accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour for ourselves. We do need to pray, study the Bible and our emotions as well as our minds will be involved. But Jesus is Lord over every area of existence. He is the King and has the right to total dominion over the planet. His Word is Law. Any confession less than that is not true Christianity.

Jesus, Lord Of The Nation
Problem Two

However, this leads us to the second problem. When Christians realize that the Lordship of Jesus Christ extends to everything and everyone, including the laws and activities of their nation, they are tempted to believe that political power is the solution. Politics, along with every other legitimate human endeavour, is to be brought under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. However, because politics has a lot of power, Christians, like the world, tend to look to it as the source of answers and power over a nation. They feel that if they can control the government, they can then force everyone into obedience. It doesn’t work. This is a satanic dream and a lie. King Jesus is the Source of all power, authority, and His Word - His Law - holds the solution for national and world problems. That is where we look.

It is very dangerous for Christianity to be identified with a political party or any human system. Take capitalism as an example. A proper understanding of Biblical Law will lead to a capitalist system of some kind, and it benefits the majority of the people, reducing poverty dramatically. However, whenever sinful people are involved, there will be corruption and abuses. If capitalism is linked to Christianity, then those corruptions and abuses will tend to be seen as the Christian way as well. The same applies to political parties and other organizations.

We must recognize and teach that Jesus Christ is the absolute sovereign over our nation, our world and the universe. Every political party is required to bend their knee before His throne and enforce His Law-Word. Every human organization and system of operation has to be submitted to the authoritative Word of God. And every political or other leader who refuses to do so will be held accountable on the Day of Judgement and be sentenced for their treasonous rebellion. Ignorance or good intentions will be no excuse.

However, we must realize that a minority of people cannot force change on a majority of people who resist. Change will come through the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit, changing the hearts of the majority and bringing them into the Kingdom of God, where they will learn and practice Godly principles and laws. It begins with the individual and then filters out. That is one reason why the Gospel is so important, but it cannot stop there. Disciples have to be trained in the ways of God. We can all start where we are and let the Holy Spirit filter it out into society as He will.

This does not mean that we are uninvolved in our nation. As ambassadors for King Jesus, we need to make His standards on moral issues and crimes such as abortion and immorality known. And work to have them enforced. We don’t do this out of hate, but out of love and a desire for a safe, healthy society that will benefit both Christians and non-Christians before the return of Christ.

Jesus, Lord Of The Nation
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How Can Christians Balance Political Engagement With Maintaining Christ's Ultimate Authority?

Answer: Christians must support whatever political parties that is most closely aligned with Biblical principles and laws. Some Christians have a desire and a calling to be involved in these parties at various levels and draw them closer to Christian principles, which are the only principles that will work long-term for the benefit of society, both Christian and non-Christian. However, they realize that Christ is the King and if their chosen political party endorses unethical or immoral practices and agendas, they will expose them and disassociate.

Question: What Does It Mean Practically For Jesus To Be Lord Over Every Area Of Life?

Answer: It means that every area of life is submitted to the authority of the Word of God.

Question: How Should The Church Respond To Society's Attacks On Biblical Authority Without Compromising Truth?

Answer: The church must hold to the integrity of the entire Word of God regardless of the consequences. It does this with love, but without compromise. The end does not justify the means. But the means and the end must be in line with Biblical principles and Law.

Question: How Can Believers Effectively Influence Society Without Forcing Change On An Unwilling Majority?

Answer: Daniel and Joseph were influencers with ungodly kings. They gave Godly advice and lived uncompromisingly according to Godly principles. God's solutions are the only ones that work long-term for the benefit of both Christians and non-Christians. We need wisdom and patience in presenting these solutions. We also pray for the grace work of the Holy Spirit to turn the majority from God haters to God lovers. This will happen before the return of Christ.

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