Understanding God’s Sovereignty and the Role of Nations
Recap of Part 1
In the first part of this series, we explored how Christianity is not apolitical. We established that God instituted government for justice and order, and that believers are not to be indifferent to politics, because political decisions affect justice, morality, and human dignity—realms God deeply cares about.
The Sovereignty of God Over Nations
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently presents God as sovereign over all the nations.
“The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes…” – Daniel 4:17
This verse is not poetic language—it is a theological declaration: God reigns over kings, empires, and presidents. Whether it was Pharaoh of Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, or Caesar in Rome, God has always demonstrated His control over human government, even using wicked rulers for His own purposes (see Isaiah 10:5–7).
This truth should encourage Christians that no political event escapes the knowledge or permission of God. It doesn’t make all events good, but it does show God is never out of control.
God’s Use of Politics in Redemption History
Let’s consider a few major biblical events that were deeply intertwined with political realities:
- Joseph in Egypt – God elevated Joseph to political power to preserve the nation of Israel during famine (Genesis 41).
- Moses and Pharaoh – A political conflict resulted in the liberation of God’s people.
- Cyrus of Persia – God used a pagan king to decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Isaiah 45:1-13).
- Pontius Pilate and Jesus – Christ’s crucifixion was not only a spiritual sacrifice, it was the outcome of a political and religious trial. Politics and religion intersected at the Cross.
God does not despise political systems—He often uses them. But He is never subject to them.
Should Christians Seek Political Office?
Yes, but with great discernment. Consider:
- Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and Nehemiah — All served in high governmental positions while remaining faithful to God.
- John the Baptist spoke out against Herod’s sin, even though it cost him his life (Mark 6:17–29).
But Christians must not enter politics to dominate or coerce but to serve and be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Politics is a platform for love, justice, truth, and righteousness—not personal power.
Distinguishing Kingdom Loyalty from Party Loyalty
One of the greatest dangers for Christians is to confuse allegiance to God’s Kingdom with allegiance to a political party.
“My kingdom is not of this world…” – John 18:36
While we may vote or campaign, our primary loyalty must remain with Christ. His Kingdom is not red or blue, left or right—it is holy, eternal, and transcendent.
Christians must evaluate political ideologies through Scripture, not twist Scripture to justify ideologies.
Scientific and Logical Dimensions
Even outside of theology, politics inevitably intersects with moral and ethical reasoning, which science and logic alone cannot fully define:
- Science can tell you how to build a nuclear bomb, but not whether you should use it.
- Logic can argue from premises to conclusions, but it needs foundational values.
- Only a transcendent moral source—like God—can supply those values consistently.
Thus, when politics addresses abortion, marriage, education, and justice, we must ask: What moral authority are we drawing from? For Christians, that source is God’s Word.
Conclusion: The Christian Must Engage—Wisely
Christians cannot afford apathy in politics. While we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), we are also ambassadors here (2 Corinthians 5:20). Engagement must be:
- Prayerful – Seeking God’s guidance.
- Biblical – Anchored in Scripture.
- Humble – Avoiding arrogance or self-righteousness.
- Redemptive – Aiming to reveal Christ, not just win debates.
In Part 3, we’ll explore how the early Church interacted with politics under Roman rule and what we can learn from their response.
