5 Biblical Voting Guidelines in a Fallen World

August 1, 2024 / by Pastor Justin Waples

America is a democracy. However, a democracy is not the perfect form of government.

Yes, it is much better than a dictatorship or a radical religious government, but it is not perfect. So, what is the Christian’s obligation in the political process of a democracy?

First and foremost, we are first citizens of heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Secondly, we are citizens of earth. Consider Paul invoking his rights as a Roman citizen in Acts 22:25–29.
Our Biblical mandate is for us to pray for our leaders (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:1–4) and to obey our leaders (Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17).

For the believer, voting is an act of faith. It is a statement of who he or she is in Jesus Christ, an expression of what we believe and trust in. Voting is not about party affiliation or family history; instead, it is about principles and beliefs.

God cares about politics. Adrian Rogers has said, “It is inconceivable that God would ordain government and then ask His people to stay out of it.”

However, we live in a fallen world. Sin has tainted everything. We never make choices between the perfect and the imperfect. Every choice we make, be it a house, car, spouse, or pastor, is a choice among the imperfect. Furthermore, a president or any other civil office is the election of human government, not spiritual leadership. Christians can vote for candidates who are not Christians, for the issue is not the leadership in the local church but civil leadership. Consider the following:

Five Biblical Voting Guidelines in a Fallen World:

1. Examine the party platforms and compare the candidate’s views.
2. Be kind in your dialogue with people who have opposing views.
3. Don’t use name-calling.
4. Don’t despise our heritage.
5. Pray for revival.

The final and most important thing we can do this election season is to pray for revival.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Pastor Justin Waples is East White Oak’s Outreach and Discipleship pastor. He is married to Abigail and they are blessed with five children. Justin is passionate about equipping the saints for ministry and helping each member reach out to their neighbors and community.