Some may be thinking my WEEKLY MESSAGEs have recently turned the corner from personal devotions to political commentary. I didn't mean for it to be thus, but I admit to have begun addressing the times we live in more directly. It's all part of a Christian's rightful opportunity to witness to the culture in which (s)he lives.
Lutherans believe in separation of church and state. The state has no authority over God's Word, and the Church has no authority of the sword. The Church has no right of civil rule over land and people or to enact and enforce civil laws. So also the state has no right to regulate what a church believes or how it functions in its beliefs.
While it is desirable that public officials be Christian, being a Christian does not guarantee being a good leader. Being an official of the state confers no special authority on a Christian. The Church should not expect or ask any special assistance from the State in her work of soul-saving, except the freedom to exercise one's beliefs as guaranteed under the First Amendment of the Constitution.
History not withstanding, the Church has no biblical right to set up or depose civil rulers, or to establish kingdoms. Despite what has happened in other lands, the State has no biblical authority to organize Christian congregations, appoint ministers, or legislate spiritual things. Any usurping of power either by the Church or by the State in the domain of the other, is wrong and always results in misrule and tyranny.
Christians may choose to participate in government as citizens in any God-pleasing manner, their motivation being gratitude and love towards God and love and concern for people. Christians have freedom of choice in governmental matters. Any and all teachings that coerce Christians to seek a particular course of involvement have no basis in Holy Scripture.
Christians may (and should) voice concerns if they believe government is erring in its treatment of people. Indeed, they should witness the truth and strive to correct error and confront evil. Christians may exercise their freedom of speech in governmental matters as individuals, but being in the Church gives them no special authority. Ministers need to be especially careful in this area. As in all other things, Christians must rely on God's Word for direction, as they witness to their culture.
When Jesus said, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," (Matthew 22:21) He was speaking of more than just taxes. He was telling us there are two Kingdoms, and that we are citizens of both. We need to keep from mixing them up!
God bless the Church, and may God bless America!
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