January Repost: The Double Life of Earthly and Heavenly Citizens

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and New Year’s! The beginning of 2023 seems an excellent time to remind ourselves of the citizenship we have as Christians in America and how we’re to act in light of heaven.

As Christians, we’re citizens of both heaven and earth. We’re dual citizens. This means we can’t solely focus on God’s heavenly kingdom; we need to also care about God’s kingdom on earth. As dual citizens, it’s our job to protect America’s Godly foundation and bring this nation back to its’ original design. Without God, America and its people can’t succeed.

I pray the following updated post from last year will encourage us to be strong patriots for Christ throughout 2023.

The Words of Paul, Author of the Book of Romans

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” – Romans 13:1-2

Different Interpretations

The above-mentioned passage of scripture is often interpreted to mean: 1) Christians are required to follow everything the government commands and 2) Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics.

These interpretations are false. The correct interpretation is as follows.

Regarding claim one, Christians need to realize that God intended government to run in accordance with His law. When government strays away from God, it’s our duty as ambassadors for Christ to resist its attempts to twist and manipulate God’s design.

Regarding claim two, how is a government supposed to follow God if no Christians are serving within it? Throughout American history we see Christian leaders. George Washington, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George H. Bush are just a few that come to mind.

C.H. Spurgeon

Let’s examine C. H. Spurgeon’s thoughts on this. “I often hear it said, “Do not bring religion into politics.” This is precisely where it ought to be brought! I would have the Cabinet and Members of Parliament do the work of the nation as before the Lord, and I would have the nation, either in making war or peace, consider the matter by a light of righteousness. We have had enough of clever men without conscience. Now let us see what honest, God-fearing men will do.”

Back to the Bible

Let’s go back to the Bible. Specifically, Romans 13:1-2, which was mentioned earlier, along with Acts 5:29, which states: “Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings.”  The apostles understood that their allegiance is first and foremost to God and that anything trying to dismantle this allegiance is to be passionately resisted.

A Contradiction?

At first glance, it appears that Romans 13:1-2 and Acts 5:29 contradict each other. One passage states that Christians need to follow the government, and the other says to only obey God.

Despite the impulse to think that dual citizens must choose either the government or God to follow, further thought demonstrates that the two things presented in these scriptures work together to make Christians good citizens of earth.

What Does This Mean?

Christ-followers should follow God first and government second because God is the one who created government. Christians should be following the government, which God placed over them, only if it doesn’t go against what God wants his followers to do.

A Lesson from Paul’s Life

Rodney Nelson from Liberty Magazine, said this about Paul: “Paul’s citizenship among the Romans was not the focus of his attention. He used his Roman citizenship as a tool to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. He used Roman citizenship to protect himself from undue harm and persecution…Whatever the opportunities presented to him by Roman citizenship, Paul’s true citizenship was not earthly. Paul’s citizenship belonged in heaven.”

More Wisdom

David Hinton from Preserve Our Freedom said this: “Most Americans today have forgotten the source of, and the price paid for, our liberty. We have abandoned the principles necessary to live free…We have failed to acknowledge God Almighty as the giver of life and liberty. Consequently, we have begun to lose our liberty, our happiness, and all the fruit that comes from obeying the King of all nations.”

William Bradford

William Bradford, who was a Pilgrim leader and the governor of Plymouth Colony said, “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all praise”

Questions

How can Christians be involved in government? How can Christians protect the United States’ founding principles?

Answers

The answer? It all starts with the conviction and the courage to stand for truth. Having a conviction is the easy part, but acting on that conviction is what’s hard. Carrying out such a difficult task requires people to step out of their comfort zones. Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The United States is full of people who are hungry for truth. Unfortunately, many are not taught what truth even is. Citizens need to understand the truth about America’s Godly founding principles, and have the courage to stand upon them! After all, God calls Christians to be stewards of the country in which they live, to be brave, and to leave fear behind.

The Reality of the Matter

Though many Christians stay out of politics and don’t do anything to protect the freedoms that come with the Constitution, that doesn’t mean you or I have to follow.

Hope

The Bible calls Christians to so much more than being idle! Unlike what many people say, the church has a place in politics and it needs to speak the truth with grace, love, and firmness.

A Christian’s purpose on this earth is to further God’s kingdom. This call affects every part of Christian living. It is not optional. By ignoring this call, Christians are rejecting what God expects His sons and daughters to do.

What Should We Do?

Christians need to leave their comfort zone, shine God’s light, and show others the principles the United States was founded on. It’s not easy, but it’s what God wants us to do. He will help us throughout the work of completing these tasks.

America depends on Christians standing on the Truth and being a light to those who haven’t yet met Jesus. The founders of the United States of America didn’t endure all the hard work of founding this country to have it broken by ignorance. They did as much as they could during their time, and they expected the next generation to continue the job they started.

Today’s Christians are the next generation. We can leave the job up to others, or we can step into the battlefield and do what is right for America and its people.