Romans 13:1-7 | How to Vote Biblically

Romans 13:1–7 Paul, writing to the young pastor Timothy commands us to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–4). We see that God was not pleased with the choices that Israel made about their leadership (Hosea 8:4). Much of our suffering in this world of course comes from sin (Genesis 3:1-24), but some of it comes about because of leaders that are not following God (Proverbs 28:12). The Bible gives Christians specific instructions to obey authority unless it contradicts God’s commands (Acts 5:27–29). As American Christians, we ought to strive to choose those who will allow themselves to be led by God (1 Samuel 12:13–25; Proverbs 14:34). But, that is almost never the case anymore (Matthew 22:15–21; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13–17).

What do you do in situation like we are facing this Tuesday? Your worldview will determine whom you vote for. Voting as a Christian SHOULD NEVER be about the economy, about political party, about what party you or your parents have always voted for, or about what gender they are. It should never be about color, never be what you think is best, or for who you will get the most gain out of (Romans 8:5–10). For as a Christian, as a follower of Jesus, we should vote according to the Bible (1 Corinthians 10:31).

God’s Word tells us three important Biblical Worldviews. Using these Biblical Worldviews, we should use these to prayerfully choose our leaders. 01. Life; 02. Marriage; and 03. Israel.

01. Life

Now the Bible never specifically says anything about abortion. However, there are many teachings throughout the Bible that make it abundantly clear what God’s view of life is (Jeremiah 1:5). David tells us that God was active in our creation in the womb (Psalm 139:13–16). God says that the penalty of a person killing a baby in the womb is the same as someone who kills an adult: death (Exodus 21:22–25)! This shows us that God considers a baby in the womb to be human. All of us, including babies, have been made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). So what gives us the right to take a life that hasn’t even been born? (Genesis 9:6)

02. Marriage (Genesis 2:20–25)

God has Adam name all of the animals, and in doing so Adam realized his need for a helper.

Genesis 2:20 “helper comparable to him.”=help meet, to aid. The term “helper (ezer)” does not imply inferior status but one who supplies what is lacking. The LORD is the ‘help/ helper’ of Israel (cf. Psalm 121:1-2)”[1] “The ‘helper corresponding to [like-opposite]’ the human/ man is a sexual “opposite.” According to this claim, human sexuality is clearly monogamous exogamous heterosexuality: one partner, outside the family, of the opposite sex. Partnership, according to this agenda, demands sexual and familial difference”. Only a being made from man can be a suitable and complementary counterpart for him.”[2]

Genesis 2:24 “be joined” or “shall be cemented to his wife,” as the Hebrew (G1692 דָּבַק dâbaq) implies; a beautiful metaphor, forcibly intimating that nothing but death can separate them.^[3] With the words of verse 24 God instituted monogamous marriage. Like all divine institutions, it was established for man’s good and cannot be violated with impunity. The marriage bond illustrates the relationship that exists between Christ and the church (Ephesian 5:22–32).[4] The woman was created to complete the man. The marriage relationship should be a building up and complementing of one another. Yet the story remains authoritative for conveying that the obvious complementarity (and concordant sexual attraction) of male and female witnesses to God’s intent for human sexuality. Male and female are “perfect fits” from the standpoint of divine design and blessing. Male and male, or female and female, are not.[5]

There are 06 things that the Bible specifically says about marriage…

01. It’s God ordained (Genesis 2:18; Genesis 2:24)

02. Marriage is to be between a man and woman, its heterosexual (Genesis 2:22; Genesis 2:24)

03. It’s Permanent (Matthew 19:6)

04. It’s a picture of Jesus’ Relationship With The Church (Ephesians 5:23)

05. Marriage is to be honorable (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11)

06. Marriage is to be pure (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11)

1 Corinthians 6:9 “nor homosexuals” G3120 μαλακοὶ malakoi which means abusers of themselves as women, meaning they are the receiver in a sodomite act

1 Corinthians 6:9 “nor sodomites” G733 ἀρσενοκοῖται arsenokoitai which means abusers of themselves as men, meaning that they are the dominate in a sodomite act.

This shows us from the Greek that a person CANNOT have a sexual orientation, because as Paul says in Romans 1:18-32 that because they reject the Word of God they have a dishonorable and degrading passion.

03. Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6–8)

It was God’s purpose to bless the world through Israel, and of course the biggest blessing is “salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) There are blessings for the world in store by Israel (Isaiah 27:6).

The Jews are God’s chosen people. He didn’t choose the Dutch, the Germans, the Scottish, the Croatians, the American Indians or even Americans! He chose the Jews (Genesis 12:2–3; Genesis 27:29; Numbers 24:9)!

But as believers we know that God is sovereign. David said in 1 Chronicles 16:31 “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, “YHWH reigns.”” (cf. Psalm 45:6; Lamentations 5:19; Ephesians 3:20–21; Revelation 19:6)

So we have briefly seen 03 basic Biblical Worldviews, Life; Marriage and Israel that we are to base our voting on, as well as how we view things going on in this world (James 4:17). For those who are Christians, the Bible is to be our guide in this upcoming election.

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[1] (J. Andrew Dearman "Marriage in the Old Testament," Biblical Ethics and Homosexuality, 65 n. 4). Gagnon, Robert A. J. (2010-10-01). The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics (Kindle Locations 2242-2243). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.

[2] Gender, Poioer, and Promise: The Subject of the Bible's First Story [Nashville: Abingdon, 1993], 29). Gagnon, Robert A. J. (2010-10-01). The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics (Kindle Locations 2267-2270). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.

[3] Blayney, B., Scott, T., & Torrey, R. A. with Canne, J., Browne. (n.d.). The Treasury of Scripture knowledge (Vol. 2, p. 14). London: Samuel Bagster and Sons.

[4] MacDonald, William (1995-03-15). Believer's Bible Commentary (p. 21). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

[5] Gagnon, Robert A. J. (2010-10-01). The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics (Kindle Locations 989-991). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.