Resistance to governments has been often in the news with the recent governmental changes in Tunisia and Egypt. Changing governments are commonly seen with constant wars that cause us to redraw maps every few years.
However, these recent changes came from the populace and did not come by a conquering army, renegade group, or military coup. The higher powers were rendered ineffectual by the unwillingness of the populace to consent to corrupt rulers. The gospel of grace teaches a similar peaceful resistance by the populace to the authorities of this present evil world (Gal 1:4, Eph 6:14).
Christian Resistance
Christians have been peacefully resisting wicked powers in high places for two thousand years as people are saved from the course of this world (Eph 2:3, Eph 6:14). Those who understand the nature of this dispensation (grace and peace) employ the peaceful resistance of the gospel instead of the bloody militant resistance used by those who try to wrongly build God’s earthly kingdom promised to Israel.
God’s ordained means of resistance today is defection from the powers of this world through belief in the gospel. Defection with the world system begins with a separation from its cause: sin. Christ has redeemed you from the bondage of sin and delivered you from the powers that be:
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” – Col 1:13
As the gospel of Christ proves, powerful citizens are transformed into a new creature as members of the body of Christ. When we walked after the course of this world we yielded ourselves to corruption. But now, we yield ourselves to the Lord in righteousness.
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” – Rom 6:16
Those that have believed the gospel have put off their service to their flesh and this evil world, and have put on Christ (Eph 4:22-24). This is true resistance to the course of this world and its powers. This kind of resistance is not made with flesh and blood, but with sound doctrine.
Our Citizenship has Changed
When someone believes the gospel of the grace of God they are given a position in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Eph 2:6). Our citizenship changes from being under the wicked god of this world to the righteous Head, Jesus, who presently resides in heavenly places (Col 3:2-4).
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” – Phil 3:20
We are no longer primarily American, Canadian, or French. We reside in a higher principality. Our new permanent residence in heavenly places in Christ grants us the political role as ambassadors in this world ministering the gospel of reconciliation and peace with God (Eph 6:15).
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are no longer under the authority of this corrupt world, but rather enjoy a position of liberty in Christ under his headship. We do all things under his authority (Col 1:18).
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,..” – Col 3:17
Our Involvement in Politics
God exhorts us to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Tim 2:2).
He does not tell us to follow after their course which is no doubt led by wicked imaginations, ambitions, and corrupt politics. We pray that we would be able to live and minister eternal life peaceably. Prayer produces performance and peace from God (Phil 4:6-7).
Covenant Christians and Catholics of the past have used the scripture to defend wars in the name of advancing God’s kingdom. This is not peaceable living. Dispensationally, God is not trying to conquer the world by force today. He will conquer kingdoms with war and righteous judgment on his own and in the future according to Revelation 19:11.
Some saints claim we should not be involved politically in this world. Yet, this apathy denies our present operation as an ambassador. Dispensationally, God would have us preach the power of the gospel of Christ which can deliver the population of this world from its corrupt rulers who hide the truth, whose feet are swift to shed blood, and who minister sin. Would that we could lead quiet and honest lives in service to the Lord.
The Power of the Gospel
Your involvement in the work of the gospel of Christ promotes peace, liberty, and prosperity (in glory) in the Lord Jesus (Rom 5:1, Gal 5:1, and Phil 4:19). The gospel is the most powerful tool of peaceful political resistance with the potential to turn the world upside down.
Where it has been utilized, governments have changed from the inside out. Where the gospel is neglected corruption reigns in governments, churches, and families with religious people preaching a perverted ineffectual gospel.
Satan knows how to rule this world. It is by hiding the gospel which can deliver the population from his dominion.
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” – 2 Corinthians 4:4
We need faithful ambassadors to “give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 4:6). Will you join this battle for sound doctrine? Will you join the resistance? Will you speak boldly the mystery of the gospel?
Article Index Published: February 12, 2011
Last Modified: October 22, 2016