Politics: The Dangers That Lie Ahead

Politics: The Dangers That Lie Ahead—The Real Battle is Just Beginning

With a new administration in charge in Washington, there is the possibility that the church of Jesus Christ might relax its focus on the battles ahead; in other words, many may think the battle for our freedoms is over because the newly-elected president of the United States is protecting the freedoms of speech and religion. We can rejoice that President Trump has pardoned pro-life demonstrators who were convicted by the previous administration, that pastors are being invited to the White House to discuss religious freedom, and that steps have been taken to end federal funding of gender transitions for young people.

But—and this is critical—the real battle is just beginning. Despite these outward signs of change and as one person put it, “a new day in Washington,” the real spiritual conflict is continuing; the war is being fought differently, invisibly, and persistently. The pressure to hide our faith might appear to be disappearing, but remember, our true battle is not with flesh and blood. A pastor told me that fervent prayer is less persistent within his congregation, and the urge to “sand for the faith” has waned because the political opposition to our faith seems more muted. This is the exact time when we as God’s people should be on our knees in prayer, focused on advancing of the Gospel and living in holiness instead of relaxing our guard.

I wrote the book, We Will Not Be Silenced, not merely to encourage Christians, but also to help them understand the true nature of the battle. We must grasp the dimensions of our real challenge, which is much deeper than any political or outward opposition. Mainstream culture itself has drifted away from biblical norms, technology has stolen the hearts of our young people, and rampant sexuality of various kinds is on the increase. A change in political parties in Washing ton cannot address these enormous spiritual and moral needs.

Furthermore, the war of ideas in our universities has not abated. Whether the issue is rewriting history or the destruction of our families—these and other secular ideologies continue to persist and must be both understood and addressed. Cultural Marxism might be waning in its public acceptance, but it is still the mindset of today’s elite influencers.

We Will Not Be Silenced stresses that we must see beyond the surface of our political battles to why the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone can meet the needs of the human heart. The Gospel still speaks to the most pressing matters the church faces today. Let us not be deceived by any momentary optimism of having a different political party in power.

I must ask: Are more Christians witnessing to their faith since Donald Trump’s inauguration? Do we have fewer children suffering from depression? Do we have more families being reconciled? Will we see more conversions and baptisms? These and similar questions must be asked before we think we have entered a new era of spiritual growth. I believe that persistent prayer, witnessing, and shining the light of the Gospel are more urgent than ever.

Responding to a New Season of Change and Optimism: The Need for Christians to Stay Alert

Many Christians are celebrating the renewed support of crucial freedoms under the new administration in Washington. Yet, Pastor Erwin Lutzer is concerned that this so-called new day may usher in a period when believers become more relaxed about the real battle we face every day: Our spiritual warfare against the powers of evil that constantly seek to silence our witness.

Q: As you look at the culture today, how would you evaluate it?

A: Signs of change abound. The pushback against the radical leftist movement has produced a sense of optimism for many parents and business leaders. The many issues the new administration inherited, in such areas as illegal immigration, are finally being addressed. That’s the positive side.

The negative side is there is a new kind of relaxation on the part of many Christians. Some think that despite the lack of interest in spiritual renewal, the change of administrations in Washington means that all is well. But politics and political policies cannot save us. And while politics is important, it is not all important; in other words, political changes cannot do what only the power of God can.

Q: How do you see the intersection of the church and politics?

A: There are two mistakes we can make. One is to overestimate the good that a political party can do; the other mistake is to underestimate the damage a destructive political agenda can do. I have witnessed both in my life.

Twice it has been my privilege to preach in several churches in Albania, a country which in the 1960s was under total and absolute communist rule. More than a thousand churches, synagogues, and mosques were closed. Only a few Christians remained. But when a political revolution erupted in 1990–91, the churches reopened. Since then, the Gospel has gone forth freely and continues to spread. But huge issues of corruption, alcoholism, economic disruption, and Islamic advances remain. So, we are thankful for a new era of freedom, but political changes cannot be a substitute for a strong, vibrant church.

My point is this: Bad politics can shut down the church, but good politics cannot save us. Let me repeat this: Politics at its best cannot address the deep spiritual needs of the human heart.

Q: So, you think that sometimes Christians get the two realms—politics and the church—confused?

A: Yes, that confusion happens in two ways. First, there are those who want to use the biblical admonitions regarding personal morality such as compassion and reconciliation and wrongly apply these values to the government. But the symbol of the state is the sword; the symbol of the church is the cross. The primary responsibility of the state is to govern and protect; the primary responsibility of the church is to share the good news of the Gospel with compassion and humility.

Second, the state often interferes with the church by invading its space. It can—and historically often has—impose its unbiblical mandates on churches. We have seen this in other countries where the church has been outlawed. We could all list biblical issues we face today that are deemed to be political. The church must support the state when it can, but it must also stand against the state when it’s forcing Christians to go against God’s laws.

Q: Frequently we hear that God has raised up Donald Trump for such a time as this (we are reminded of how he survived two assassination attempts). What is your take on this?

A: Yes, of course, but we must remember that all leaders have been “raised up by God.” Jesus said to Pilate, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). In the book of Daniel, we read repeatedly that God installs leaders and brings them down (see Daniel 2:21; 4:17, 32). So, whether we agree or disagree with our leaders, they are raised up by God.

Of course, this involves more discussion about the sovereignty of God and human responsibility that we can give here. But let’s always remember that, Heaven Rules!

Q: Any further word?

A: This is not a time to relax; it’s a time to renew our commitment to the great spiritual needs all around us. No legislation, no matter how favorable, can give the spiritual direction we so desperately need. The darkness has not lifted; let us redouble our efforts to let our lights shine more brightly than ever.