HOW A CHRISTIAN SHOULD VOTE
Various Scriptures
October 20, 2024 by Dale L. Montgomery
In these times of increasing political turbulence and tension, it is imperative that Christians vote. So, how should Christians vote? The Bible provides clear principles that should guide Christian citizens in making wise decisions as we cast our ballot. With the future of our nation hanging in the balance, it is essential that Christians vote not merely based on political affiliation or cultural trends but according to biblical truths. Our choices as citizens of both Heaven and Earth bear eternal significance and shape the moral and spiritual landscape for future generations. Remember these four Christian responsibilities as you vote in the upcoming election…
I—Christians Are Responsible to Vote Biblically
Our sixth president, John Quincy Adams said this about the Bible, “No book in the world deserves to be so unceasingly studied, and so profoundly meditated upon as the Bible.” The first and foremost responsibility of Christian voters is to align their decisions with the Word of God. Our choices must clearly reflect our submission to God Who rules over the nations.
Psalm 22:28 “For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations.”
Known as Father of the the United States Constitution, James Madison stated, “Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the universe.” Therefore, our vote must reflect God’s standards and align with His sovereign will. As citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20), we have a divine responsibility to promote righteousness and truth in the nation we are privileged to live in. Philippians 3:20 “For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”
Christians Are Commanded to Be Involved
Considering the corruption and moral decline in government, it is tempting to disengage from politics. However, Christians are not called to withdraw but to engage as faithful stewards of their citizenship. Christ calls us to be “the light of the world” and to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). By participating in elections, we have the opportunity to influence the nation for good, pointing others to God’s standards of justice, righteousness, and truth.
Christians Are Commanded to Let Their Light Shine
Our vote is a tool for shining God’s light in the midst of spiritual darkness. When we vote, we send a message about what we value, what we stand for, and who we serve. Christians must stand as a moral compass in a culture that is increasingly drifting away from God. Voting is one way we actively let our light shine, pushing back against the spiritual decay surrounding us.
Christians Should Know the Purpose of Government
According to Scripture, the primary purpose of government is to promote good and punish evil (Romans 13:1-4). Government exists under God’s authority to maintain order and protect the innocent. Therefore, Christians should seek leaders who will uphold justice and establish laws that reflect God’s moral standards. This means voting for candidates who promote policies that align with biblical truth, not merely those who serve their political or personal interests.
Christians Should Know the Current Issues
Most pressing political issues today—sanctity of life, marriage, justice, ecconomics, national defense, Israel, and freedom of religion—are not merely political but originate in the Bible. These are issues that God’s Word has addressed long before they became points of contention in modern politics. For example, the sanctity of life is affirmed throughout Scripture, from God forming life in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16) to His commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13). Christians must be well-informed about these issues, understanding that they are voting on more than policies—they are voting on matters that reflect God’s heart.
II—Christians Are Responsible to Vote Intelligently
In addition to voting biblically, Christians must also vote intelligently. This means taking the time to research candidates, understanding their platforms, and knowing where they stand on key issues. Proverbs 14:15 says, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” We cannot afford waste our voice as uninformed voters. The future of our nation and the wellbeing of future generations depend on how we exercise our vote.
Our twentieth President of the United States, James A. Garfield, declared, “The people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high-qualities.”
Know Who Is Running for Office
It is essential to know who the candidates are and what they stand for. Don’t just rely on media soundbites or political ads; dig deeper. What is the candidate’s track record? How have they voted in the past? Do they align with biblical values? A candidate’s voting history and associations with certain groups or ideologies speak volumes about their principles and character as well as the caliber of people they will appoint to other offices. Voting is a serious responsibility, and we must ensure that the people we vote for will uphold God’s standards.
Research Candidates Ahead of Time
Too often, voters head to the polls without knowing where the candidates stand on key issues. Christians should invest time in researching candidates, seeking out trustworthy sources of information that provide an accurate portrayal of their platforms. This may involve reading their statements, examining their voting records, and discerning their associations with organizations or individuals who support biblical principles. Intelligent voting is informed voting. One of our nation’s founders. Samuel Langdon instructed, “If the great servants of the public forget their duty, betray their trust and sell their country, or make war against the most valuable rights and privileges of the people; reason and justice require that they should be discarded, and others appointed in their room…”
III—Christians Are Responsible to Vote Righteously
Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Our nation’s spiritual health is closely tied to the moral character of its leaders. As Christian citizens, we are responsible for voting in a way that promotes righteousness and discourages wickedness. We must resist the temptation to vote based on external appearances or personal biases, and instead focus on biblical principles of integrity and justice.
Choose Integrity Over Family Pressure
When it comes to voting, Christians should resist any pressure to vote a certain way because of family or friends. Our loyalty to God and His Word must come first. Integrity demands that we vote in accordance with our conscience, shaped by the truth of Scripture, rather than bowing to external pressures. The future of our nation depends on individuals who are willing to stand firm in their convictions, even when it’s unpopular.
Choose Policies Over Personality
How a candidate appears on the screen does not qualify them to lead. A candidate’s policies and positions on key issues should take precedence over their personality or charisma. While appearance and likability may be appealing, they do not qualify someone to lead a nation in righteousness. Instead, voters should ask, “How has this candidate acted in the past? What do they support? Do their policies promote justice and righteousness?” A wise voter looks beyond superficial traits to the deeper values that will impact the future of the nation.
Choose Ethics Over Ethnicity
Christians must reject the temptation to vote based on race, ethnicity, or cultural background. God’s kingdom transcends ethnic divisions, and our vote should reflect our allegiance to Him, not to a particular race or nationality. We must also consider the ethical positions of the candidates we support. Who funds them? What are their political and financial connections? Do they support policies that align with biblical truth, or are they compromised by corrupt influences? These questions are crucial as we seek to vote righteously and ethically.
Reject Abortion and Anti-Life Policies
The issue of abortion is not a political issue; it is a biblical issue. Ken Ham has stated, “Abortion is nothing less than the sacrifice of unborn children to the god of self.” Abortion represents the taking of innocent life, and Christians must vote for candidates who will defend the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Our nation will be judged for how it treats the most vulnerable of citizens in their mother’s womb. Rejecting candidates who support abortion under the guise of women’s health is fundamental in our responsibility as a Christian voter.
Reject Those Who Are Weak Supporters of Israel
God’s Word commands us to pray for and support the nation of Israel
Genesis 12:3 “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and
in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Psalm 122:6 “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
Candidates who oppose or even our stand with Israel should be rejected by Christian voters. Beware of people who verbally support Israel, but are also friendly with Israel’s enemies. They cannot be trusted. We are called to bless Israel, and our nation’s relationship with Israel is directly related to God’s blessing upon America.
Reject Those Who Do Not Defend U.S. Citizens
Romans 13:1-8 makes it clear that the primary role of government is to punish evil and protect the good. Securing our nation’s borders and supporting law enforcement are a must. Candidates
who are careless about prosecuting evildoers and justifying lawlessness in the streets our cities are not biblically qualified. Special treatment of illegal aliens over the safety of legal citizens does not align with biblical principles of justice. Those who excuse and praise violent rioting in the streets and anti-Israel protests reveal their incompetence to lead and defend.
IV—Christians Are Responsible to Vote Confidently
Our Hope Is Not in a Political Leader
Christians can vote with confidence knowing everything is under God’s control. While we are responsible for casting a vote based on biblical principles, we must remember that our hope does not rest in any political leader. Our ultimate trust must be in God, who controls the outcome of elections and the rise and fall of nations.
Psalm 146:3 “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.”
Psalm 118:8-9 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.”
No matter who wins the election, our hope as Christians remains firmly in God. An unknown author said, “Fear not tomorrow for God is already there.” While we pray and work toward electing righteous leaders, we know that our ultimate salvation and security come from the Lord alone.
God Blesses Righteousness with Good Leaders
God’s Word assures us that He raises up leaders according to His wisdom and purpose. Daniel 2:20-21 reminds us that “He removeth kings, and setteth up kings.” When we vote righteously, we can trust that God will bless our nation with good leaders. However, we must remember that God’s blessings often come through our faithfulness to His principles. By voting according to biblical standards, we open the door for God’s favor and protection over our nation.
God Brings Judgment in the Form of Poor Leaders
Scripture also warns that God often permits unrighteous and unqualified leaders to rise in power as a form of judgment against a rebellious nation.
Isaiah 3:4 “And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.”
Isaiah 3:12 “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them.
O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.”
When a nation rejects God’s laws and embraces wickedness, it will find itself under the leadership of corrupt and incompetent rulers. These verses serve as a stark reminder that poor
leadership is often a reflection of a nation’s moral decline, and signal the removal of God’s blessing and His impending judgment upon that nation in the days ahead. By voting for righteous leaders and policies, Christians can help avert this kind of judgment and instead restore the blessings of God upon our land.
Pray for Current Leaders
Regardless of who holds political office, Christians are commanded to pray for those in authority.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
God is sovereign over the decisions of leaders, and through prayer, we can ask Him to guide and direct them according to His will. Our prayers can have a powerful impact on the decisions made by those in government, even when they may not align with biblical values.
In addition to voting according to biblical principles, Christians must live out their faith by being active participants in their communities. Jesus calls us to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). In a culture that is increasingly hostile to biblical truth, it is more important than ever for believers to influence society for the glory of God. Followers of God can make a difference in our culture of spiritual decay. Here are several practical ways Christians can be salt and light in a culture of spiritual decay:
1—Engage in Civic Responsibility Beyond Voting
While voting is an essential way to participate in the political process, it should not be the only way Christians engage. Write letters to your representatives, attend local government meetings, or join a political action group that upholds biblical values. By actively participating in the
process of government, Christians can have a greater influence on the laws and policies that shape our society. Thomas Jefferson said, “We in America do not have government by the majority—we have government by the majority who participate…All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”
2—Get Involved in Local Church and Community Outreach
As Christians, we must not limit our influence to the ballot box. Our daily actions and interactions with others can also reflect God’s love and truth. Volunteer in local outreach ministries, help the poor and needy, and support initiatives that advance justice and mercy. By doing so, we can demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways, showing that the kingdom of God transcends political boundaries.
3—Speak the Truth in Love
In a world filled with moral confusion and spiritual darkness, Christians must stand for truth. However, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Engage in conversations with friends, family, and neighbors about important issues, but do so with grace, humility, and compassion. In a culture where divisions run deep, Christians should strive to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, pointing people to the ultimate hope found in Jesus Christ.
4—Pray for Revival
As we face a culture that increasingly rejects God, it is critical for Christians to pray for revival. Our vote can influence policies, but only God can change hearts. Throughout history, God has moved powerfully when His people humble themselves, repent, and seek His face. True transformation comes from spiritual awakening, and it is our responsibility to cry out to God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit on our nation.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
5—Teach Future Generations
The decisions we make today not only affect our present society but will have a lasting impact on future generations. Christians must take seriously the task of teaching biblical values to their children and grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 6:7 “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
The choices we make now in the voting booth and in everyday life will shape the moral and
spiritual fabric of the next generation. Ronald Reagan said, “all great change begins after dinner
table.“ What he meant was true change takes place when parents diligently and intentionally
instruct their children in the way of righteousness. The sad reality is that most families rarely
even come to the table to share a meal together. Turn off the screens and prioritize every moment
with your children. Every Christian parent is commanded by God to raise godly young men and
women who will continue to stand for righteousness long after they are gone.
Conclusion: Steward Your Vote for the Glory of God
As citizens of Heaven, Christians have a unique responsibility to reflect the standards of God’s Kingdom in their earthly citizenship. While it appears the world is growing darker, we are called to be beacons of light, pointing others to the hope and truth found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The choices we make in the voting booth are not merely political—they are spiritual. They reflections our faith in God and His Word.
The stakes could not be higher. The future of our nation, the wellbeing of future generations, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom are influenced by the decisions we make today. Righteous leaders brings joy and blessing, while wicked leaders brings suffering and despair. Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
As you prepare to vote in the upcoming election, remember that you are voting as an ambassador of the Lord. Your vote is an opportunity to steward your earthly citizenship for the glory of God and the good of others. Pray for wisdom, be informed, and choose candidates and policies that most align with the teachings of Scripture. As you cast your vote, trust that God is sovereign and that He will accomplish His purposes, even in our fallen and broken world.
Let us vote boldly, prayerfully, and with a heart surrendered to Christ, knowing that no matter who sits in office, our ultimate hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns as King of kings and
Lord of lords. As we await His return, let us continue to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).