In today’s political climate, the question of whether Christians should support specific candidates is a pressing one. As believers, our ultimate allegiance is to God (Matt 22:36-40, Exodus 20:3), and navigating the intersection of faith and politics requires prayerful discernment, understanding biblical principles, and keeping our mission to reflect Christ at the forefront (Matt 28:18-20).
In summary: Christians have a responsibility to vote with Biblical conviction (1 John 2:28-29) and each individual will be accountable to God (Romans 14:12) with how they live their life (in this case, with how they vote).
Biblical Context: Elections point back historically to serve as a reminder that we (Christians) have a tendency to create dependency on things (idols) and systems rather than dependence on God (1 Sam 8:4-22). We need to not fall back into the same sinful pattern of idolatry. Salvation and the power to save can only be found in and through God (Acts 4:12). Hope is only found in God (Romans 5:2) and intended to be experienced through Biblical community (Acts 2:42-47).
Kingdom First: Aligning with God’s Purposes
As followers of Jesus, our citizenship is primarily in the Kingdom of God, and our actions must align with His purposes (Romans 8:28). Philippians 3:20 reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven,” and Jesus calls us to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This does not mean we disengage from the world or from voting, but it does call us to examine our motivations and choices through a biblical lens (1 John 4:1-3).
As we participate in elections, the question becomes not “Which candidate benefits me the most?” but “Which candidate best reflects the principles of justice, mercy, and truth found in Scripture (Micah 6:8)?”
Biblical Principles for Political Engagement
Scripture offers us several guiding principles for engaging in politics. Romans 13:1-7 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that God has established these structures. However, our submission is not without limits. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles declared, “We must obey God rather than men,” when authorities demanded they act against God’s commands.
Christians are called to advocate for policies and leaders that promote righteousness, justice and equity (Psalm 75, Proverbs 1:3), repeated themes central to God’s heart throughout Scripture. Proverbs 31:8-9 encourages us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” and to “defend the rights of the poor and needy.” As such, when voting, we should prioritize issues like justice for the marginalized, protection of the vulnerable, and stewardship of creation (Genesis 2:15). Each of these need to come from a biblical conviction and definition not confined to cultural depictions or our own experiences of them.
Avoiding the Trap of Idolatry in Politics
It is crucial to remember that while politics are important, they are not our ultimate hope. Political parties and candidates, no matter how appealing, are fallible. Psalm 146:3 warns, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Our trust should always remain in Christ, not in any political system or leader.
In this way, Chapel Pointe’s commitment to transformation rooted in prayer and the Bible is vital. We must constantly check whether we are elevating political ideologies or candidates above our commitment to Jesus. As we navigate political conversations, humility is essential (Philippians 2:3). Listening to those with different views and treating them with love reflects the call to live in loving relationships, as Chapel Pointe values dictate.
Is There a “Christian” Candidate?
While some issues—like the sanctity of life (Psalm 139:13-16) and the biblical view of marriage (Genesis 2:24)—have clear biblical stances, no single candidate or party embodies the fullness of God’s will. This means Christians should avoid oversimplifying complex political landscapes by labeling one party or candidate as inherently “Christian.”
Instead, we are called to carefully weigh candidates’ policies and character against biblical principles. As Jesus reminded us in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit, you will recognize them.” We should look at the policies and platforms that candidates support, asking whether they promote justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8).
Voting as an Act of Stewardship
Voting is an act of stewardship, where we are given the opportunity to influence our society for the better. As believers, we are called to engage in our communities, which includes making Biblical decisions in the voting booth. One way to do this is by advocating for leaders and laws that align with God’s justice, love, and truth.
Before casting a vote, prayerfully consider similar questions to the following knowing that you will give an account before God with your whole life:
- Does the candidate’s platform align with biblical principles?
- Is the candidate’s character consistent with the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)?
- How will their policies affect the marginalized, the unborn, and the community at large?
Conclusion: Reflect Christ in Every Sphere
Ultimately, a Christians should vote for a particular candidate knowing that they must be made in submission to God’s will. Our primary calling is not to a political party but to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing Him in every area of life, including politics. As we engage in this important civic duty, let us do so with wisdom, humility, and a heart that seeks to honor God above all else and create unity in the Body of Christ.
