Gò0dNews for Everyone
Christians and the 2020 Election
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by Brent Goodge
ere days after this publishes, our nation will
Daniel was the epitome of faithfulness to God and king
face a future-defining decision of leadership.
(Daniel 6:5).
In past years, the peaceful continuation or
But Christians have never been called by God to
transfer of power was a recurring hallmark of the American
wield human government as a tool to compel unbelievers
experiment. Many Americans are understandably concerned
to live Christians lifestyles. Jesus specifically told Pilate
that the results of this election will not end in peace,
that His servants would not fight for human power (John
regardless of the outcome. The current climate of unrest
18:36). And Christians in Caesar’s own household were
feels like a powder keg ready to explode. I pray that will not
admonished by Paul to submit to authority to the extent
be the case, but it feels that way.
that it did not disagree with obedience to God (Philippians
There are two principles that every Christian should cling to for continuing confidence through this experience.
4:22; Romans 13:1; Acts 5:29). Too often we as Christians feel we can change the world at the ballot box. Jesus laid out a very different plan to change the world (Matthew 28:18-20). When the Israelites refused to enter the promised land of Canaan, Jesus made a promise to Moses. “As I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Numbers 14:21). Just before Jesus returns to take His people to the Heavenly Promised Land, that promise will be miraculously and gloriously fulfilled (Revelation 18:1). It will not be fulfilled through the power of human government or threat of human edict. It will be fulfilled by the power of Jesus Christ through people who love truth more than life (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 12:11; Luke 17:33). Jesus calls us to “put on Christ,” and thus bring
First, the outcome of this election will in no way catch Jesus Christ off guard (Daniel 4:17). Whoever wins, Jesus will
glory to His Name (Romans 13:11-14). 2020 is a crucial election. I strongly urge you to
not be struggling to come up with “plan B.” Second, the
prayerfully vote your conscience. But when it is over, never
results of this election will in no way change the reality that
forget that no matter who sits in the Oval Office, the King
our Hope is not in human government (Daniel 2:44; Psalm
is still seated on His throne (Daniel 7:9,10). And Jesus will
146:3,5,10; Hebrews 12:2).
soon return to share His Kingdom with His people forever
As society has turned more and more wicked, Christians have attempted to elect government officials who will stand against the currents of evil. Make no mistake—we need
(Daniel 7:26,27; Revelation 19:11-16). Through Christ, that is an election we all can win (2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Peter 1:10; John 3:16,17).
consequences (Daniel 3:16-18). Obadiah boldly stood for God in the court of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 18:12,13).
32 // November 2020
About The Author
Christian leaders who will stand for God regardless of the Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and has always loved stories of men and women who stood faithful for Jesus Christ in the face of the gravest consequences.
