What Are the Civic Duties of a Christian?

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”[1]

These are the words of Jesus Christ, given for us in His renowned “Sermon on the Mount.”

Jesus’ straightforward statement raises several important questions:

How do we let our light shine before men so that they see our good works? 

Does Jesus impose any limits on our service to our fellow man?  Should we – or should we not – pay taxes, work for the government, be a part of the armed forces, serve as jurors, exercise the right to vote?  Is civil disobedience Christian?  Are Christ’s disciples subject to secular human laws?   

How does a true Christian best contribute to the good of the general community?  What are the civic duties of a Christian? 

Let’s take a closer look at this wonderfully positive Biblical topic!

The Crucial Core Principle

If we are be effective in recognizing our civic responsibilities, first we must grasp the implications of the “two great commandments,” explained by Jesus:

And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'  "This is the great and foremost commandment.  "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'

"On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."  (Matthew 22:37-40)

Very important here is Christ’s identification of the first commandment – to honor God – as “the great and foremost commandment.”

John, sometimes called the apostle of love, expands upon this principle.  Many have noted John’s warning that we cannot love God, if we refuse to love our brother:

If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.  And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.  (1 John 4:20-21)

Armed with the above passage, many who tout only the “warm, fuzzy” aspects of love, have failed to notice the Biblical imperative which immediately follows:

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.  For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.  (1 John 5:2-3)

What do the above verses teach us? 

Although we cannot truly love God without loving our brothers and sisters, it is God who defines how we must love our fellow man. 

These Biblical passages show that we do not genuinely love our fellows, when we are disobeying God in those actions through which we claim to “love” them. 

Only through our obedience to God, are we capable of loving our fellow man.

As Jesus said, loving God is first and foremost.  Indeed, it is only from the commandments of God that we acquire an accurate definition of what actually constitutes genuine loving service to mankind. 

This crucial principle founds the apostles’ response to unrighteous edicts issued under the guise of the common good:

But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy; and they laid hands on the apostles, and put them in a public jail.  But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, "Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life."

And upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and began to teach. Now when the high priest and his associates had come, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought.  But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned, and reported back, saying, "We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside."  Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.  But someone came and reported to them, "Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"

Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned).And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us."

But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.”  (Acts 5:17-29)

“We must obey God rather than men.”  As Jesus emphasized, the command to love God comes first and foremost.  This is the crucial core principle upon which all of our civic contributions and all of our service to our fellow man, must be founded.

The Laws of the Land

We have established the foundation of primary loyalty to God.  Building upon that groundwork, what does Scripture have to say about civil obedience; or, on the other hand, civil disobedience?

The Bible is quite clear on this topic

Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil.  (Romans 13:1-4)

Plainly, as Christians, we are to be in obedience to the human governments.  It is understood, as we have already confirmed, that this obedience is in every aspect that does not bring us into conflict with the commands of God. 

Thus, generally speaking (in all cases, except where disobedience to man’s law would be necessary in order to obey God’s commands), civil disobedience is clearly contrary to the admonitions of the Bible.

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.  For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.  Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.  Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.  (1 Peter 2:1317)

Here again, in the instructions of Peter above, we see overtones of his earlier defense before the high priest, which we saw recorded in Acts 5.  Accordingly, our freedoms are to be exercised in bondslavery to God.  We are to extend honor to all men.  However, toward our Christian brethren, we are to cultivate a much stronger bond; we are to confer a much greater honor – that of love. 

Moreover, while we are to honor the king, Peter makes it evident that we owe our first loyalty to our Almighty Father – we are to fear God.

Render Unto Caesar

What about the payment of taxes to secular human governments?  In most instances, significant portions of the collected taxes will be put toward unrighteous purposes. What does God say is the responsibility of a Christian in this circumstance?

Continuing on from where we read earlier, in Romans 13, Paul adjures us:

Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.  (Romans 13:5-7)

In these instructions, Paul is completely in line with the earlier judgment of Christ:

And they came and said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?  "Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at."  And they brought one. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" And they said to Him, "Caesar's."  And Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at Him.  (Mark 12:14-17)

Certainly, Tiberius Caesar could not have been, by any Biblical definition, a righteous king. Therefore, it is clear from these Biblical directives, that as Christians, we do not bear personal responsibility for the fact that portions of our tax dollars will be misspent in the hands of others.  Thus without misgivings, we are to pay whatever taxes are levied upon us.  We are to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

Compulsory Service

In some nations, residents are expected to contribute to the maintenance of basic community services, such as the collecting and disposal of residential garbage, etc.  How should we respond to requirements for this sort of compulsory service?

Jesus sets a very high standard for our cooperation:

"And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.  (Matthew 5:41)

Most Bible commentators believe that Christ’s allusion in the above passage is to compulsory service, whereby a Jew might be required to transport baggage or mail for the Roman occupation forces.

Obviously Jesus intends that we should willingly serve in such capacities when we are required to do so, even contributing far beyond what is demanded of us.

However, again it should be mentioned that situations sometimes arise where compulsory service would bring us into conflict with God’s commands; for example, the observance of God’s Sabbath. 

Note:  With regard to the observance of God’s Sabbath or Holy Days, of course a Christian would conscientiously refuse to perform non-emergency civic service during holy times.  On the other hand, for a Christian to occasionally perform emergency civic service, in situations such as a fire, flood, earthquake, or rescue, is a Christian duty which is entirely in keeping with Christ’s instructions for the Sabbath.  (See Luke 14:1-6.)  That said, Christians should not accept payment for services rendered during holy times, nor should we place ourselves in circumstances where we are frequently called upon to render such services during holy times.

Where compulsory service would bring us into conflict with God’s commands, Scripture makes plain that we must respectfully refuse and/or seek modification or alternate service in whatever way(s) are necessary in order to maintain our unfaltering allegiance to the Lord. 

If the governing authority rejects a Christian’s appeal for special consideration, it is possible that the Christian may suffer fines, imprisonment, and/or other punishments.  The faithful apostle Peter, who had personally suffered such humiliations, encourages us:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.  If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.  (1 Peter 4:12-19)

Indeed, in some instances, governing authorities may impose physical human consequences, punishing us for our refusal to compromise in our obedience to God.  Nevertheless, we can we can follow in the righteous footsteps of the early apostles – rejoicing, and entrusting ourselves to our faithful Creator as we continue in doing what is right:

… after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them to speak no more in the name of Jesus, and then released them.  So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.   And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.  (Acts 5:40-42)

Bearing these examples firmly in mind, we are equipped to evaluate some specific civic tasks which are frequently compulsory.

Uncle Sam Wants You

For decades, military recruitment posters in the United States pictured “Uncle Sam” with his index finger pointed at the reader, encouraging young Americans to enlist in the country’s armed forces.

At some times in most nations, young men (in some locales, young women also) are subject to military conscription.  What does the Bible teach about Christians engaging in military service?

In the Ten Commandments, God succinctly orders:

You shall not murder.  (Exodus 20:13)

What exactly, does God intend by this?  Jesus Christ expounded God’s commandment:

“You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.'  “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.  "If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.  (Matthew 5:21-24)

"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, and hate your enemy.'  "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  (Matthew 5:43-45)

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.  (Luke 6:27-28)

Is God then prohibiting all killing?  No, as we shall see; but God does set precise boundaries, governing the taking of human life.

The Bible supports enforcement of the death penalty against criminals and against those who resist His authority, but only according to the provisions of His commands:

"A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.  "If a malicious witness rises up against a man to accuse him of wrongdoing, then both the men who have the dispute shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who will be in office in those days.  "And the judges shall investigate thoroughly; and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.  (Deuteronomy 19:15-19)

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE."  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  (Hebrews 10: 26-31)

There is also Biblical evidence in support of self-defense, in precisely defined circumstances:

"If the thief is caught while breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account.

"But if the sun has risen on him, there will be bloodguiltiness on his account…  (Exodus 22:2-3)

In the above verses, we see that only if a householder is surprised at night by an intruder, is he/she exempt from punishment for killing the intruder.  Perhaps this special allowance is in consideration of the facts that (1) a householder could be disoriented upon being shocked into wakefulness by the intrusion, and (2) the limited visibility of night could make harmless defense far more difficult.

As we saw in the passage above, during daylight, there is bloodguiltiness if the intruder is killed – the general prohibition against intentional bloodshed applies:

'And if a man takes [literally; smites] the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death.  (Leviticus 24:17)

There is no other Biblical allowance for killing in individual self-defense.

To the contrary, Paul exhorts us:

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.  "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS UPON HIS HEAD."  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (Romans 12:17-21) 

What about collective or national self-defense?  Many have argued that participation in war is allowable as national “self-defense.”  In fact, doesn’t the Bible document the ancient Israelites waging war, with God’s blessing?

Actually, in a number of cases, God directed the Israelites to battle, even to the extent of annihilating opposing nations.  One such example occurred during the reign of King Saul:

Then Samuel said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you as king over His people, over Israel; now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.  "Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt.  'Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.'"  (1 Samuel 15:1-3)

In the future, at the return of Jesus to rule the world, resurrected saints – no longer human, but immortal – will wage war together with the Lord of Lords, against the kings of the earth and their armies:

And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war.  And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself.  And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which are in heaven, [the righteous saints (verse 8)] clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.  And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.  And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."  And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, "Come, assemble for the great supper of God; in order that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great."  And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies, assembled to make war against Him who sat upon the horse, and against His army.  And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.  And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat upon the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.  (Revelation 19:11-21)

In other situations, God commands His people to not resist foreign occupation:

And I [God’s prophet Jeremiah] spoke words like all these to Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, "Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live!  "Why will you die, you and your people, by the sword, famine, and pestilence, as the LORD has spoken to that nation which will not serve the king of Babylon?  "So do not listen to the words of the prophets who speak to you, saying, 'You shall not serve the king of Babylon,' for they prophesy a lie to you; for I have not sent them," declares the LORD, "but they prophesy falsely in My name, in order that I may drive you out, and that you may perish, you and the prophets who prophesy to you."  (Jeremiah 27:12-15)

And Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at Him.  (Mark 12:17)

Then, Biblically, is it or is it not “murder” to seek to take human lives in humanly instigated war?  Let’s reevaluate what we have already learned, pertaining to this question:

·        Jesus says we are not to hate our enemies.

·        Jesus says we are to love our enemies.

·        Jesus says we are to do good to those who hate us.

·        Jesus says we are to bless and pray for those who mistreat us.

·        Paul exhorts us we are never to pay back evil for evil.

·        Paul encourages us we must overcome evil with good.

·        Paul reminds us vengeance belongs only to God, not to us.

The last point – vengeance belongs only to God – is pivotal to understanding the marked contrast between wars and executions commanded by God, as differentiated from murders and wars waged at the instigation of man. 

The Bible teaches us that Almighty God is love. (See 1 John 4:8, 16.) Thus, when God crafts a law requiring the death penalty for certain crimes, we can be assured that this punishment is a loving penalty.  Likewise, when God or Christ wage war, or command that a war be waged, we know that this is a just and loving penalty for those whose lives will be lost.

What humanly instigated war in history has ever been founded in love and in goodness for the enemy?  None.  At its best, humanly instigated war is hatred, based in self-protection and in paying back evil for evil.  

No Christian should support or participate in humanly instigated war in any form.

Then, where does a Christian draw the line in refusing to participate in humanly instigated war?

To soldiers of his day, John the Baptist advised:

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.  (Luke 3:14 KJV)

According to Vine’s Dictionary, the Greek word diaseiw, which is central to the above phrase, “do violence to no man” means literally “to shake violently.”  In the ancient Greek Septuagint, the word diaseiw is used in Job 4:14, in place of the Hebrew pachad, which denotes dread, fear or terror.[2]  Hence, the New King James reads: 

"Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.''

The majority of modern translations have added a sense of extortion to John’s admonition, with renderings such as the NASB:  "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages."  However, the added connotation of extortion appears to be collective supposition, as there is no actual basis in the Greek for that interpretation.

Clearly, John intended to prohibit abusive conduct.  Obvious too, is that inappropriate violence and false accusations were evils common enough among the soldiers to warrant John’s admonition against these vile behaviors.  Given that level of corruption, it would be naïve for us to overlook the fact that a soldier’s refusal to participate in ungodly conduct may well have placed him at risk of retribution or punishment.  Surely it is possible that faithful soldiers may have been summarily executed for refusal to carry out the ungodly orders of their commanders.  Nevertheless, by John’s instruction and by his life’s example, Godly soldiers would refuse to support ungodly conduct, whatever the human consequences. 

That said, John the Baptist obviously expected that some of these “soldiers” would continue at least for a while, in their service, since we read that John admonished them, “be content with your wages.”

Who were these soldiers?  What was their function?  Whose laws were they enforcing?  How could they continue to serve as soldiers, even for a while?

Samuel Lachs, citing Josephus in A Rabbinic Commentary on the New Testament, reports that these soldiers were “probably not Romans, since there were no Roman legions in Judea at this time.”[3]

However, it can be reasonably assumed that these soldiers were in the service of the Roman government, as part of its auxilia forces.[4]  As is evident, both from the account of Christ’s trial and from the account of Paul’s arrest, soldiers such as these often served in a role similar to modern police.  (See Matthew 27:27; John 18:3; and Acts 21:30-23:35.)  Also, there is much evidence, from Scripture and from history, that the Roman governors, wishing to more easily maintain order, deferred to Jewish law and/or preferences in many situations:

The Jews therefore, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.  The soldiers therefore came, and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other man who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs;  (John 19:31-33.  Other examples of deference to the Jews can be found Mark 15:15; Acts 12:3; 24:7; 25:9)

Thus, perhaps much of the enforcement routinely carried out by the soldiers in Judea would have been in accordance with Biblical law.  However, as we have discussed above, Godly soldiers would have refused to participate in ungodly activities or operations.

Certainly, another principle which would apply, then as well as now, is one given by Paul:

Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.

You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (1 Corinthians 7:21, 23)

Although Paul generally advised the brethren to simply remain in the condition in which they were called – married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised – Paul gives quite a different instruction to those who are in servitude.  Brethren in servitude are to seek release, if they are able to do so. 

Additionally, Paul directs that Christians should not enter into servitude.  

Thus, no Christian should enlist in the armed forces of any human government.

Further, any Christian who is called by God while already in those armed forces, must immediately and diligently adhere to the orders of the Supreme Commander, above any orders which may be issued by human officers.  Whatever the consequences, the devout Christian convert will staunchly observe God’s Sabbath and Holy Days, will refuse to participate in or to support any ungodly activities or operations, including (but not limited to) war in any form.  Also, in the case of a woman, she will dress and groom herself as the Bible requires (in Deuteronomy 22:5 and 1 Corinthians 11:15). 

Likewise, any practicing Christian who is involuntarily conscripted will adhere to these same Biblical principles.

Practically speaking, there are probably few, if any, localities where a Christian today could effectively remain a contributing part of any military or police force.

A Jury of His Peers

“Jury service is the civic duty of each citizen.”  So reads the well-intentioned summons issued by a human governmental authority.[5]

Certainly it is the responsibility of every Christian to conform to the law by responding to such a summons.  However, should that response be a commitment to serve?

Is jury service compatible with the tenets of Christianity?  Is obtaining religious exemption from participation during holy times all that is necessary to make jury service proper for a Christian?

Unfortunately, in the nations of today’s world, there are generally several deficiencies which preclude true Christians from jury service.   These deficiencies normally include:

1. Certain human laws, before which a juror would judge guilt and innocence, conflict with God’s laws.  Examples of such unrighteous laws, would be:

• Laws which allow the practice of false religion.  (See Deuteronomy 17:2-5.)
• Laws which limit the free practice of Christianity. (See Acts 5:29.)
• Laws which discriminate between citizens and immigrants, or between socioeconomic classes. (See Leviticus 19:15 and Numbers 15:15 -16.)
• Laws which protect and/or sanction immoral sexual relationships. (See Leviticus 18:1-30; 20:10-21.)

2. Many aspects of the legislated process of judgment and conviction are in conflict with the law of God.  Examples of such inadequacies would be:

• Guilt defined as "beyond a reasonable doubt," or other human definition, rather than according to the Biblical requirement for a minimum of two or three witnesses. (See Deuteronomy 19:15-20)
• Judges and jurors selected by human criteria, rather than by God's standards. (See Exodus 18:21-22)
• Immunity from prosecution granted for one's testimony against another. (See Exodus 23:1-8)

3. In much of the world, most of the penalties imposed by human laws, to which a juror’s decision would subject the guilty party, are in conflict with the penalties imposed by the Law of God.  Such misguided penalties include:

• Imprisonment: Nowhere in God's commands, do we find imprisonment prescribed as a punishment for any criminal act.
• Insufficient application of the death penalty: God establishes the death penalty for a variety of offenses. (See Exodus 21:12-17; 22:18-20; 31:13-14; 35:2 and Leviticus 20:10-16; 24:16-17)
• Lack of proper restitution: God established very specific restitutions for certain criminal acts. (See Exodus 22:1-17 and Numbers 5:5-8)

Could we, regardless of these serious deficiencies, nevertheless participate as a member of a jury?

"Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to do wrong.  For He pays a man according to his work, And makes him find it according to his way.  Surely, God will not act wickedly, And the Almighty will not pervert justice.

"Shall one who hates justice rule? And will you condemn a righteous mighty one,  Who says to a king, 'Worthless one,' To nobles, 'Wicked ones';  Who shows no partiality to princes, Nor regards the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands?”  (From the words of righteous Elihu, recorded in Job 34:10-12, 17-19)

Our Almighty Master does not distort justice, nor can we.  Jesus Christ commands us:

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."  (John 7:24)

We must judge righteously. We cannot administer the perversion of justice.  This is no small matter in the eyes of God!  Jesus lists justice first among the weightier provisions of God’s law:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.  (Matthew 23:23) 

That said, the shortcomings of human criminal justice systems in NO way legitimize vigilante actions.  We must not attempt to take the law into our own hands. 

We have no obligation to enforce Christianity upon today’s world.  The Word of God speaks completely to the contrary!  As we have already established, vengeance is a prerogative reserved to Almighty God.  Further, and pivotal to this point, is Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians:

For what have I to do with judging outsiders?  Do you not judge those who are within the church?  But those who are outside, God judges.  REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.  (1 Corinthians 6:12-13)

The Christian’s responsibility in the administration of justice is to righteously participate in disciplinary actions within the Church, such as to remove a wicked one from fellowship.  The corruption of the world is beyond the scope of our responsibility for enforcement.  We are to leave the judgment of outsiders in the capable hands of God.
 

Voting and Civil Service

Can true Christians participate in secular human governments?  What about voting?  Under certain governments, voting is compulsory.  In other locales, voting is valued as a right of citizenship.  Should a Christian vote? 

These questions require more than just a simple “yes or no” answer. 

As a start, we read that devout tax collectors were expected to continue working for the Roman government:

And some tax-gatherers also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"  And he said to them, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to."  (Luke 3:12-13)

Moreover, Biblical heroes – such as Joseph, Daniel, and Mordecai – accepted very high positions of leadership in secular human governments.  (See Genesis, chapter 41; Daniel, chapters 2 & 5; and Esther, chapter 10.)

Thus, theoretically speaking, a true Christian might indeed exercise the option to serve in some official role in a secular human government.

However, there is much more to the picture.  As we have noted earlier, Jesus Christ adjures us:

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."  (John 7:24)

We must judge righteous judgment.  Therefore, as true Christians, we will not serve in any official governmental role that we are unable to administer according to the commandments of Scripture. 

Notice what God ordered for Israel’s kings.  They were to rule according to the law of God.   Each king over Israel was required to write out by hand a complete copy of God’s law for his personal use.  What emphasis this time-consuming task added!  Moreover, the priests were to directly oversee the process to make sure that the new king copied the law correctly:

"Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.  And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left; in order that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel.  (Deuteronomy 17: 18-20)

Proceeding now to the topic of voting, some have objected to balloting on the basis that our citizenship is in heaven.  Indeed, Paul says:

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.  (Philippians 3:20-21)

We are citizens of heaven.  Like the patriarch Abraham, we are sojourners and pilgrims on this earth, looking for a future city whose architect and builder is God  (See Hebrews 11:8-16.).

However, those who object to Christians voting on the basis of our heavenly citizenship have neglected to consider a fundamental provision of the Law of God:

As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the alien who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the alien be before the LORD.  There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you.  (Number 15:15-16)

In law, Almighty God does not differentiate between a sojourner and a native citizen.

Thus, it is no contradiction that through the example of the same Paul who teaches that our citizenship is in heaven, we also see that the Bible establishes the appropriateness of exercising one’s preferences as a right of secular citizenship:

But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know.  "If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar."  (Acts 25:10-12)

Here we see Paul exercising a secular citizen’s right of self-determination – Paul elects to appeal to Caesar.

Thus, a true Christian might see fit to vote in certain situations.

However, again we remind ourselves that Jesus said we must not judge according to appearance, but righteously.  

Therefore, as true Christians, we will not vote to elect any candidate, unless (1) we are personally acquainted with the candidate, and (2) we have first-hand knowledge that the candidate is living as an exemplary Christian. This sort of approach is in several ways similar to the selection of deacons for the Church, mentioned in Acts 6:

"But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.  "But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."  And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.  And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.  (Acts 6:3-6)

Additionally, as true Christians who do not judge by appearance, we will not vote for any ballot measure that we do not completely and thoroughly understand. 

Likewise, we will not vote for any ballot measure which conflicts with Biblical principles, in any of its provisions or in its prescribed penalties.  As we have already seen, God does not distort justice, nor can we.

Before we move on, we should take note of another very important Scriptural principle pertaining to our participation in the governmental affairs of this world.

Paul admonishes us:

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (Colossians 3:1-3)

Jesus warns:

"And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  (Luke 8:14)

As Christians, we recognize that the solution to the earth’s problems is not physical.  The only effective solution to this world’s evils will be the spiritual renewal brought about by Jesus Christ and His saints at His coming:

"Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.  (Acts 3:21)

For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  (Romans 8:22)

Thus, although we may choose to participate at some level, Christians must take great care to avoid becoming caught up in the political controversies of this temporary world.  We must not allow the affairs of secular governance to consume the bulk of our discretionary time or energies.  Nor should we allow human politics to create frictions between ourselves and other members of Christ’s Body.

At the forefront of our minds, we must remember that God intends our conduct within our secular communities to produce a future benefit, more than any present contribution:

Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they [now] slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the [future] day of visitation.  (1 Peter 2:12)

Voluntary Community Service 

A tremendously fulfilling aspect of keeping our “behavior excellent among the Gentiles” is our opportunity to benefit the communities in which we live through voluntary service.

Primary among our contributions, is our duty to share with others the good news of the Gospel which we have received.  Christ urges:

"What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.”  (Matthew 10:27)

However, letting our light shine within our communities does not end with the sharing of wonderful words.  Our deeds also, must reflect Christ’s love for our fellow human beings.  James puts a point on this Christian imperative:

This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.  (James 1:27)

As we read earlier, Christ expects us to do good to those around us, whether or not they reciprocate our kindness:

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  (Luke 6:27)

Fascinatingly, one of the instructive elements of Christ’s last Passover supper with His disciples relates to charitable giving.  Hidden among the details of Judas’ departure to betray Christ, we find:

Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, "Buy the things we have need of for the feast"; or else, that he should give something to the poor.  (John 13:28-29)

As a group, His disciples who were accustomed to Christ’s habits, presumed that Judas, the treasurer, was being sent for one of two errands: either to purchase goods for the Unleavened Bread Festival, or to give alms to the poor.

Obviously, Jesus Christ lived by His admonition that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Further, Jesus offers a magnificent reward to us, if we will reach out to brothers and sisters who are in need:

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’  (Matthew 25:34-40)

Accordingly, the apostle Paul inspires us to act:

And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.  (Galatians 6:9-10)

Paul reminds us that our greater obligation is to fellow Christians of the household of the faith; nevertheless, Paul stirs us to persist in taking opportunities to do good to all men.

Indeed, and by all righteous means, may each of us who are Christians “let [our] light shine before men in such a way that they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father who is in heaven.”[6]

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