GE2017: Common grace and the privilege of voting

God has ordained the governing authorities in every country – as Romans 13 makes clear – whether rulers are Christian or not.

Thanks to God’s common grace, people who are not Christians can agree with Christian ethical teaching. Nobody’s thinking is secular at every point. Even politicians who disagree with Christians about redefining marriage can still be strongly against assisted suicide or liberalising cannabis laws.

Some atheists will strongly defend the free speech of Christians. The Christian Institute can testify that there are men and women of integrity in parties across the political spectrum.

Like the prophet Daniel, God’s people must encourage leadership which promotes truth and righteousness, such as when he said to King Nebuchadnezzar: “Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed” (Daniel 4:27).

Unlike Daniel, Christians in the UK today get to play a part in electing their leaders. In our democracy we all have the legal right to vote. Billions of people around the world do not enjoy the same freedoms as we have in the UK. We elect Members of Parliament and so ultimately the Government. We help choose Caesar. So voting is a privilege and a serious responsibility.

The General Election provides an opportunity for Christians to speak out and play their part in voting. Governments can make it easier or harder to be a Christian or to share the Gospel. Believers have to make a judgment about how their vote can be used to best effect.