In this sermon, Pastor Matt discusses the Christian’s role in the life of a nation.
1. Do not restore the Old Testament theocratic monarchy
2. Advocate what is true, good, and beautiful from the Bible
3. Vote as if you’re not voting
A Christian Political Manifesto: How Believers Should Engage the Public Square
Imagine waking tomorrow as king or queen of Canada, holding real authority to shape laws and society. What would a Christian do with such power? The first act must always be prayer.
Lord God, lead us to understand and apply Your Word. Grant particular wisdom and grace as we engage the political sphere, that we might honor You above all. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The New Testament Pattern
The early church lived under Roman authorities they did not elect. They could not vote or campaign. Yet Scripture is clear:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
Government exists under God’s ultimate sovereignty, just as parental authority does. We honor earthly authorities, but never above God. When commands conflict, we must “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
For believers in that era, the primary response to government was twofold: obey where it did not contradict God, and pray. Paul urged “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The highest earthly hope was often simply to be left alone to worship, raise families, and live faithfully.
This foundation still applies. Christians are called to good citizenship, prayer for leaders, and bold obedience to Christ even when costly.
A Changed Situation
History shifted with Constantine after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. For the first time, a Christian faced the question: How does one rule as a Christian? We live in a different context—a representative democracy—where voting, speaking, advocating, and engaging shape our nation. Every ballot, conversation, and public stand is an opportunity to glorify God.
We must resist being manipulated by partisan forces on left or right. Party platforms are not holy writ. Instead, we fix our eyes on the Kingdom of God while seeking the welfare of the city where God has placed us (Jeremiah 29:7).
Lessons from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 17
If we awoke as ruler, we should not attempt to restore Old Testament theocratic monarchy in Canada. Deuteronomy 17 instructed Israel’s king to write out a copy of God’s law, keep it with him, and read it daily so he would fear the Lord and obey. This humility before God’s Word is a timeless model—worthy of every leader.
However, the full Old Testament civil and religious order—including penalties for idolatry—is not to be imposed today. Why?
- Christ’s present kingdom is spiritual. Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting” (John 18:36). In this age, the Kingdom advances not by the sword but by the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—through persuasion, preaching, and the Holy Spirit’s work in hearts. True worship cannot be compelled; it must be from the heart (Romans 10:9-10).
- The Old Covenant theocracy finds fulfillment in Christ’s future kingdom. Food laws, feasts, and civil penalties for idolatry pointed forward. In the new creation, these find their perfect expression: no more death, the wedding supper of the Lamb, and final judgment for unrepentant sin (Revelation 21-22). We live in the “already but not yet”—the church age—where we proclaim the gospel and cannot enforce heart-level faith.
Governments can restrain outward evil and promote justice, but they cannot create genuine faith. Forcing outward conformity produces hypocrites, not citizens of Christ’s Kingdom. Therefore, even as king, one should allow freedom of conscience and worship, not because all religions are true, but because only the Holy Spirit regenerates hearts.
Advocate for What Is Good
We must not retreat from the public square. While in exile from our true home, we seek the good of our communities and nation. There is no neutral morality. Every law rests on some worldview. Societies that reject God’s revelation inevitably borrow from the Christian worldview—especially the dignity of every person made in God’s image—yet drift toward tyranny when they cut themselves off from the source.
The Ten Commandments provide a strong foundation for just laws, with two clear caveats: true worship cannot be compelled, and the state cannot regulate the heart (no thought crimes).
- Commandments 4–9 offer principles for justice:
- Honor the Sabbath rhythm → Support just labor laws and rest.
- Honor parents → Affirm parental authority in education and family life.
- Do not murder → Protect life from womb to tomb; treat war as a reluctant last resort.
- No adultery → Strengthen marriage and oppose no-fault divorce that harms families.
- Do not steal → Protect private property.
- Do not bear false witness → Uphold truth in public life.
These reflect the best foundations of historically Christian societies, which have produced remarkable freedom and human flourishing. Freedom of conscience flows from the Christian conviction that belief must be heartfelt.
Vote as Though You Are Not Voting
Our ultimate identity is not in any political tribe. We are citizens of heaven and subjects of King Jesus. This frees us from political idolatry and anxiety.
“The appointed time has grown very short… For the present form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)
Vote, advocate, and build what is good—but hold earthly outcomes loosely. Do not let endless news cycles and fear-driven politics steal your joy. Our hope is not in Ottawa, Washington, or any capital. It is in the returning King, before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Conclusion
Church, do not restore the Old Testament theocracy.
Advocate today for what is true, good, and beautiful according to God’s Word.
Vote as though you are not voting—passionately engaged, yet anchored in eternity.
Turn off the endless noise when needed. Open your Bible. Remember whose you are. Set your mind on things above. Our King is coming, His Kingdom will never fail, and His Word will stand forever.
May we live as faithful citizens of both heaven and the land He has given us—for now.