Bible Questions and Answers

Christadelphians believe that God rules in the kingdoms of men and puts politicians and political parties in power to further his plan and purpose. This principle applies whether we live in a monarchy, autocracy or democracy.

Daniel 4:17 … to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

The Bible clearly teaches that God puts in power whom he will.

Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings…

Daniel 5:21 … the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

Jeremiah 27:5-7 I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me. 6 And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. 7 And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

Psalms 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

1Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

We believe that God decides who will be in power and we cannot know whom he will choose. Because we cannot know God’s choice, there is no point voting or getting involved in politics, lest we vainly support the ones God does not want in power. Once in power, a politician’s polices are often contrary to Christ’s commandments and cannot be supported by those who know the truth.

We are called upon to be ‘in the world’ but ‘not of it’.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

The same principle means that we cannot serve in the armed forces. Christian fighting Christian on behalf of different governments is clearly a contravention of Christ’s commandment:

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Christ’s commandments cannot be used to rule a country. They are meant to be observed by individual Christians of any nationality.

Please read: Christ and Protest (click title)

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn