The same sex marriage debate has caused some to demand that Christian ideas be kept out of legislation with arguments like, ‘Why are Christians trying to force their values on others?’ Is this true? What does the Bible say about faith and politics?
4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.
Romans 13
The scriptures tell us that people in authority are servants of God for the good of the people (v.4). This means that the Australian Government, all its Ministers, and Departments are all working for God regardless of their personal faith! Let that sink in! Our Government’s role, as God’s servant, is to limit and punish evil and promote God’s good through legislation (v.4). So what?
If our Government is a servant of God for his purposes then legislation that harmonises with His Word is best practice. Christians should not be silent in any political debate – silence denies society hearing the good it needs to hear. Speak the truth in love as Jesus’ kingdom comes.
Denis Oliver