Should Christians vote?
Should Christians serve in the military?
What about Capital Punishment?
What about taxes?
What about political office?

For centuries, Christians have been asking these questions. Today, our participation in government through taxes is viewed as unavoidable, though many contend that beyond this the Christian actually has an obligation not to participate in the government of our nation because "our citizenship is in heaven." Taxes are accepted because of the statement of Jesus in Matthew 22:21.

Let's review this statement starting in verse 17:

Jesus did not say, "Pay taxes because Caesar's face is on the coin" but rather, he said "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." Jesus did not specify only a monetary obligation to government. He made a very broad statement which requires interpretation. The questions we must now evaluate are, "What is Caesar's?" and "What is God's?"

Does government have a claim on our income or our property?
Yes, and we pay taxes on these things. Also God has a legitimate claim on our income and property for we are compelled to give of our means to the poor and to the church through tithes, alms, and offerings.

What about on our body?
Our actions in the flesh are governed by laws imposed on us by government. Paul makes it clear that we are to obey the government (Romans 13:1-7). These same statements are found in Titus 3:1 and 1 Peter 2:13,14. In fact, nearly every scripture related to this subject requires complete adherence to the demands of government and the only exceptions are when government demands contradict with our obligation to God. Paul also says that we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God in Romans 12:1. So both government and God have claims on our bodies.

There are examples in both Testaments which support civil disobedience in the event government demands conflict with the will of God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to an idol and stated that they must obey their God over the claims of government (Daniel 3). In Acts 4:19 and 5:29 the believers were told by local governing officials that they were to cease preaching the gospel. Peter stated that his obligation to God superceded any obligation to obey the commands of men. Therefore, in circumstances where the demands of government obviously conflict with our obligation to God, these examples of civil disobedience lead us to the conclusion that we can justly refuse to comply with such governmental demands. That refusal, however, may still result in the penalty provided by law as was the case with the civil disobedient described above.

We have seen that government has the right to control our actions in the flesh, our property, and our income. Does this obligation to government also extend to active participation such as through voting, running for a political office, sitting on a jury, or military service? In our Republic, the United States of America, we as citizens have an obligation to select from among ourselves leaders who will administer the affairs of the nation including our common defense, the institution of law, and the administration of justice. Our physical citizenship in this nation obligates us to these matters. To complete this selection of leaders, we must participate in the electoral process. Our obligation to God requires that we review carefully the character and agenda of those desiring our vote and to cast our ballot accordingly. We may also fulfill our obligation by actually running for office.

But what about military service?
Should a Christian object to military service on the basis of conscience? This is a difficult question which must be answered in view of our obligation to government provided it does not conflict with our obligation to God. We do actually have an example in Scripture concerning this subject. Let's look at Luke 3:14. The context is a discussion between John the Baptist and a crowd concerning right living.

Notice that John did not say "Become conscientious objectors." Nor did he suggest in anyway that they should not participate in military exercises that may result in the taking of life. Many Christians today use the "Thou shalt not kill" commandment to justify refusing military service in spite of the fact that the commandment is in reference to murder. This inconsistency is most apparent when analyzing the military activities of the nation of Israel throughout the Old Testament. Also the philosopher's statements in Ecclesiastes 3:3,8 show that there are times when the taking of life and general warfare are entirely appropriate. Thus to broaden the prohibition against murder as a justification for refusing military service is indefensible. The test concerning objection to service based on conscience can only be met by determining whether the proposed military action violates our obligation to God.

Some have said that it is never just to fight and kill in battle. This is simply not true. Jesus himself offered insight into this very topic. He said in John 18:36,

What about Capital Punishment?
While many have differing views on the subject of capital punishment and  motives are as varied as individuals and can be either good or bad, the perspective based on justice does not believe that by executing a man, the
State, is "killing in my name."

The Old Testament is replete with the command to execute murderers, such as
this passage from Numbers 35:33 which states,

See also Leviticus 24:17 which states,

The New Testament is also filled with justice-oriented commands and
warnings, such as the Apostle Paul's letter to Rome (Romans 13:1-4) which
very clearly indicates that governments are to execute justice as a
directive from God. It states,

Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Grace is extended to us and removes the spiritual penalty for our sin because of the sacrifice of Jesus. But the consequences in this life, including a punishment that fits the crime, are not necessarily removed. The murderer whose stay was recently granted still has the opportunity to repent and receive Jesus' saving grace, an opportunity he has had for many years.

Since God does not change (Malachi 3:6), the Divine perspective of punishment for murder does not change. Thanks be to God for the mercy available to remove the spiritual penalty of our sin for those whose hearts are changed.

But failure to provide justice stains the land as did the murder of Abel by Cain (Genesis 4:10) and is partly the reason that the whole earth yearns for redemption (Romans 8:20-21).