29 Apr God’s Sovereignty and Our Response to the Election
The recent election has concluded, with the Liberals forming the government. If the overall result did not yield the change in power you may have desired this may lead to the question: As Christians, what is God’s expectation of us in light of these results?
It is crucial to remember this fundamental truth: Our God is sovereign over all things. This sovereignty extends to every aspect of our world, including the outcome of elections. While some may not be able to foresee whether this particular government will be beneficial for our country, we can hold fast to the assurance found in God’s Word. By faith, we know that God is actively orchestrating all circumstances for the ultimate good of those who love Him. As Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Furthermore, Ephesians 1:11-12 reminds us that God works all things according to His will, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” Ultimately, the name of Jesus will be glorified through all of this.
The Foundation of Truth and God’s Promises
Our understanding of God’s sovereignty is rooted in the truth revealed through Jesus Christ, who Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). His Word is truth: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Because Jesus is all-powerful, His promises are certain to be fulfilled. As 2 Corinthians 1:20 affirms, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” Indeed, Joshua 21:45 testifies, “Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”
God’s Sovereignty Over Authorities
Within God’s Word, we find clear instruction regarding His sovereignty, even over those in positions of power. Proverbs 21:1 states, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” Romans 13:1 further emphasizes, “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.” God is the ultimate authority, and He establishes those who govern.
Even if and when rulers or individuals act wickedly, God remains sovereign. Acts 4:27-28 recounts how Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, gathered against Jesus, doing “whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” Moreover, Genesis 50:20 illustrates God’s ability to bring good out of evil intentions: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Our Response as Believers
So, in light of these truths, what does God want us to do following this election? Scripture provides clear guidance:
- Submit to the authorities: Romans 13:1 instructs, “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.”
- Honour them and pay taxes: Romans 13:7 says, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
- Pray for them: 1 Timothy 2:1–2 urges, “First of all, then, I urge that 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.”
- Be subject to them: 1 Peter 2:13–17 encourages us to “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good…Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
- Give them their due, but God what belongs to Him: Matthew 22:20–21 records Jesus saying, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This calls us to fulfill our civic duties while ultimately prioritizing our allegiance to God.
- Obey God rather than men when there is a conflict: Acts 5:27–29 recounts Peter and the apostles declaring, “We must obey God rather than men,” when commanded to stop teaching in Jesus’ name.
- Be willing to pay the price for obeying Christ: Acts 5:40–42 describes the apostles rejoicing after being beaten for the name of Jesus, continuing to preach daily.
Our hope and prayer is that these passages serve as a powerful reminder of God’s absolute sovereignty and His unwavering promise to work all things for our good. May these truths comfort and strengthen you in Jesus. And may we all learn and live out our God-given response to the results of this election, regardless of our personal preferences.
