The 2020 Presidential race

“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1Pet. 2:17).

A few weeks ago a visitor, Tom, came to town for on a business trip. So on two Sabbaths he came to our church. After the service we had a chance to talk together. He was a very congenial, engaging, and earnest friend. I love him like a long, lost brother. Beside the biblical subjects of our conversation, he would sometimes bring up politics. Back home he was getting involved in political events, and had even accepted some invitations to speak at political gatherings. He is a Republican and therefore holds loyalty to whatever his party stands for, and is against whatever the Democrats are about. Like many Republicans I have met, he also believes that our current president’s selection was a divine appointment.

I sought to dodge the political points of our chat and to keep it on Sabbath topics, which my friend was happy to oblige me on. Later he invited me to his hotel and we each shared a simple, but delicious repast of two micro-waved potatoes with onions and olive oil, for which I was grateful. Then we walked and talked and joined with another friend later for a wonderful discussion on holy issues. It was a beautiful time of hearts knit together through brotherly love in the Spirit.

What is right or wrong in the relationship between politics and the Christian? Should a Christian be concerned with political questions? Multitudes say that to be unconcerned is to be irresponsible, especially for the Christian. After the last election I was physically accosted (not by another Christian) for not voting. That didn’t scare me, but it did bring to my awareness the heated positions people are taking. What should I make of that experience? I my mind I see an unhealthy polarization growing among Americans—a bipolar American system.

To some that would seem good. It would prevent a dictatorship or an oligarchic dynasty. But, i say to that idea that too much of a good thing is not good. Everything can be pushed to an extreme. And let’s not think that the age-old American political system can’t be pushed to an extreme. Is that in the offing?

“You have been taught to insidiously plant the seeds of jealousy and hatred between communities, provinces, states that were at peace, and incite them to deeds of blood, involving them in war with each other, and to create revolutions and civil wars in countries that were independent and prosperous, cultivating the arts and the sciences and enjoying the blessings of peace. To take sides with the combatants and to act secretly with your brother Jesuit, who might be engaged on the other side, but openly opposed to that with which you might be connected, only that the Church might be the gainer in the end, in the conditions fixed in the treaties for peace and that the end justifies the means.” Jesuit Extreme Oath of Induction http://www.reformation.org/jesuit-oath.html

So what is God’s answer to any other issue than His coming kingdom? “Oh”, you say, “everyone knows what you’re going to say. God is going to talk religion! He’s going to recommend spiritual things!” And I say, No, God talks wisdom, infinite wisdom. His knowledge is beyond our comprehension; He talks omniscience. He is going to speak from experience—eternal experience. He is going to open our panoramas to the machinations of the deceiver.

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, … even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2Thess. 2:8-10).

The purpose of this post and this blog, is not to engender political strife, but to wisely view the political events in the larger spiritual picture, to see everything earthly from a biblical prophetic framework. So let’s see what the Creator thinks about His children involving in politics.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.

But whoso keepeth His word, in Him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.

He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1Jn. 2:1-6).

“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” (1Jn. 2:7-12).

“I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” (1Jn. 2:13,14).

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1Jn. 2:15-18).

Counsels for the Church, p. 314-316:

 “The apostle plainly outlined the attitude that believers should sustain toward the civil authorities: ‘Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.’ 1 Peter 2:13-17.

We have men placed over us for rulers, and laws to govern the people. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be worse than it is now. Some of these laws are good, others are bad. The bad have been increasing, and we are yet to be brought into strait places. But God will sustain His people in being firm and living up to the principles of His Word.

I saw that it is our duty in every case to obey the laws of our land, unless they conflict with the higher law which God spoke with an audible voice from Sinai, and afterward engraved on stone with His own finger. ‘I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people.’ He who has God’s law written in the heart will obey God rather than men, and will sooner disobey all men than deviate in the least from the commandment of God. God’s people, taught by the inspiration of truth, and led by a good conscience to live by every word of God, will take His law, written in their hearts, as the only authority which they can acknowledge or consent to obey. The wisdom and authority of the divine law are supreme.

The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.

Again and again Christ had been asked to decide legal and political questions. But He refused to interfere in temporal matters. Christ stood in our world as the Head of the great spiritual kingdom that He came to our world to establish—the kingdom of righteousness. His teaching made plain the ennobling, sanctifying principles that govern this kingdom. He showed that justice and mercy and love are the controlling powers in Jehovah’s kingdom.

The spies came to Him, and with apparent sincerity, as though desiring to know their duty, said, ‘Master, we know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest Thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?’

Christ’s reply was no evasion, but a candid answer to the question. Holding in His hand the Roman coin, upon which were stamped the name and image of Caesar, He declared that since they were living under the protection of the Roman power, they should render to that power the support it claimed, so long as this did not conflict with a higher duty.

When the Pharisees heard Christ’s answer, ‘they marveled, and left Him, and went their way.’ He had rebuked their hypocrisy and presumption, and in doing this He had stated a great principle, a principle that clearly defines the limits of man’s duty to the civil government and his duty to God….

Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church.

The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme.

Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ.

What are we to do, then?—Let political questions alone.

There is a large vineyard to be cultivated; but while Christians are to work among unbelievers, they are not to appear like worldlings. They are not to spend their time talking politics or acting politics; for by so doing they give the enemy opportunity to come in and cause variance and discord.

God’s children are to separate themselves from politics, from any alliance with unbelievers. Do not take part in political strife. Separate from the world, and refrain from bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to contention and disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system by human beings who are selfish.”

The Desire of Ages, p. 509,510:

“Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. ‘As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.

     When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, ‘I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.’ 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, ‘But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.’ ‘I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.’ 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. 

     Now, as in Christ’s day, the work of God’s kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.’ Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, ‘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.”

There have been previous political strifes where a nation fought against itself—the French Revolution, and the Bolshevik Revolution, and the Nazi rise to power. Our U.S. Constitution allows for a grass roots uprising, called the Constitutional Convention. Lately there have been hints relayed by the media that a Constitutional Convention could be put into play. With the current state of American society, and with the past century of Jesuit involvement in every aspect of this country’s leadership, I would say, Woe to us! Woe be the day that a grass roots movement takes control of the U.S. like it did in the above historic revolutions! Two hundred years ago Americans could be trusted with a Constitutional Convention when our country was The united states of America, instead of the monolithic world power that we are today, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. We could be faithful to the will of God for giving us the aims of the U.S. Constitution when we were a humbled and purer Protestant nation, rather than what we are today, atheistic, arrogant, unthankful, unholy, allying our government with “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Rev. 17:5).

Woe be such a Day of Judgment upon America’s one time peace and prosperity when we finally see either a religious or secular faction organizing a Constitutional Convention! Surely the full cup of divine indignation would come upon us, and upon the world that America has stood guard to hold back Revelation 17’s prophesied Jesuit eighth kingdom, a kingdom first of chaos and then of immutable despotism!

How much of the French, Bolshevik, and Hitler revolutions were fought for righteous causes? Weren’t they Constitutional Conventions for sabotaging their governments? It has been said that Adolf Hitler came to power legally. But it took some new legislation (and much brutality from Brown Shirts) to allow him to take the reins of Germany. Every time there is a political grass roots movement plus bloodshed, you can be sure that papal nefarious secret societies are behind every part of it. And that seems to be our destination politically. Whether by a group that professes to be religious, creationist, anti-abortion, anti-gay or whether it is one that preaches secularism, evolution, pro-choice, LGBT and trans-genderism, either kind of emotionally charged political movement will sweep this nation into another Reign of Terror or world war.

How many souls were lost to the worldly causes of those revolutions? Much blood was shed for issues that were not eternal issues. If Christ is not the focus and His kingdom is not the revolutionaries’ purpose (and there will be no honest blend of the two til the end of time), then those revolutions have never been for righteous causes. If the heart is not changed for righteousness, then nothing changes in the world for good. True, the American Revolution and the War of 1812 were righteous wars. Jehovah is a God of Law and order. America’s first two wars were fought to defend the Constitution of law and liberty, and those principles God inspired in the post Reformation people in order to establish Protestantism for peace in the earth as a blockade to papal despotism. Our purpose was to be a bulwark against the Roman Papacy. But, according to Revelation 11:7 the beast has ascended out of the bottomless pit to make war with the last generation, and America has already capitulated spiritually and morally. Our acceptance of her every temptation to the flesh gave the Church the green light to move forward in her plans to take back world dominance. And the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the God of Protestantism has to lift His protection that surrounded His Protestant children.

Babylon is rising against as the ancient Jews saw it rise in the distant past. And today it has been prophesied, “And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” (Rev. 11:8-10).

In the prophet Isaiah’s day a dangerous condition was coming to the northern and southern nations of Israel—the Assyrians were growing in power and in threat. But, what was the message of Jesus to Israel through His servant Isaiah? It was, “Do not confederate. Do not come up with a human solution, but rather join hard to the Lord and let Him be the solution. Isn’t He bigger and stronger than all the world’s problems put together? Won’t He come like a giant stone cut without hands from His Father’s greater mountain to bring down the governments of human history? Won’t He then re-institute the immutable Law of God? Won’t His stone of self-sacrifice and self-denial become a mountain that fills the whole earth?”

“Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son;

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.

For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.

And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

Bind up the testimony, seal the law among My disciples.

And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him.

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.” (Isa. 8:6-18).

“It is [Satan’s] object to incite the nations to war against one another, for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God.”  The Great Controversy, p. 589. And on a microscopic scale, isn’t it the same object of Satan to get individuals or groups to war between themselves in order to divert their minds away from the same preparation to stand in the day of Revelation 6:17, (the above The Great Controversy quotation taken from the next, larger statement…)

“Through spiritualism, Satan appears as a benefactor of the race, healing the diseases of the people, and professing to present a new and more exalted system of religious faith; but at the same time he works as a destroyer. His temptations are leading multitudes to ruin. Intemperance dethrones reason; sensual indulgence, strife, and bloodshed follow. Satan delights in war, for it excites the worst passions of the soul and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in vice and blood. It is his object to incite the nations to war against one another, for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God.” Ibid., p. 589.

We must not rely upon political groups when obedience to God’s Law decides whether or not He protects us. That was Christ’s example.

“And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.

And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them.

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them.

And there followed Him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.” (Matt. 4:13-25).

What was Jesus’ message that broke out into blessings everywhere? Was it, “Make Me your king and I will get rid of the wicked Roman Senate and their despotic power”? No. His message was, “Repent.” “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “Make Me your King, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Jesus only had 3 ½ years to finish His Father’s plan of salvaiton. There was no time to dicker with the Roman power. His full attention was to preach the gospel.

“Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isa. 40:1,2).

Heaven was coming near to earth—the holy God was drawing near to His long lost children of Adam.

“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” (John 12:31,32).

                                                               

“Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before Thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

For Thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isa. 9:2-7).

“And there shall come forth a rod [twig] out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of His roots:

And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD…

with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.” (Isa. 11:1,2,4).

Satan makes the work of Christ as small as possible. He miniaturizes what Jesus accomplished. He turns into minutiae Christ’s gospel and His accomplishment in comparison to what he calls larger, more important, civil issues.

But God, the King of heaven, knew what He was doing. Our greatest enemy is self. Conquer self, and everything else is soon conquered. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.” (Eze. 36:26,27).

If God can reach the human heart and give it His Holy Spirit, then the man is free—free from sin and enslavement. That freedom emancipates him from ignorance because God becomes his teacher. A new heart and mind frees from poverty because new tastes and needs govern the man and woman, which leads to economizing and a contentedness with little, and an appreciation for the least, which the world can never give. The Spirit of God lifts up the individual to heavenly places, and gives the soul a bigger picture of life, so that the regenerated person can view life from a true perspective, a higher and holier perspective. His discernment sees enemies that no one else sees—the true enemies who desire to corrupt the kingdom of God. Jesus is everything to the one whom He has made new and free. The dangers are everything that insinuates itself in place of Jesus who is altogether beautiful.

“And I say unto you My friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him.” (Luke 12:4,5).

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Eph. 4:23,24).

This was the praise that burst forth from Zacharias when John was born and the painful power preventing his speech was released. Nothing of it spelled politics or earthly issues. Its content was of salvation:

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people,

And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David;

As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant;

The oath which He sware to our father Abraham,

That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways;

To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins,

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us,

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:68-79).

“Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God.

     Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.

     Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family.” The Desire of Ages, p. 253,254.

   

For more on politics in the Advent movement, see below.

Gospel Workers, p. 392-396

Our Attitude in Regard to Politics

To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools:--

     Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church.  {GW 391.1} 

     The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord’s family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office.  {GW 391.2} 

     We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God’s commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy’s side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ.  {GW 392.1} 

     What are we to do, then?--Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion.  {GW 392.2}

     The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life. . . .  {GW 392.3} 

     Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm. . . .  {GW 393.1}

                 “Be Ye Separate”

     I call upon my brethren who are appointed to educate, to change their course of action. It is a mistake for you to link your interests with any political party, to cast your vote with them or for them. Those who stand as educators, as ministers, as laborers together with God in any line, have no battles to fight in the political world. Their citizenship is in heaven. The Lord calls upon them to stand as a separate and peculiar people. He would have no schisms in the body of believers. His people are to possess the elements of reconciliation.  {GW 393.2} 

     Is it their work to make enemies in the political world?--No, no. They are to stand as subjects of Christ’s kingdom, bearing the banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” They are to carry the burden of a special work, a special message. We have a personal responsibility, and this is to be revealed before the heavenly universe, before angels, and before men. God does not call upon us to enlarge our influence by mingling with society, by linking up with men on political questions, but by standing as individual parts of His great whole, with Christ as our head. Christ is our Prince, and as His subjects we are to do the work appointed us by God. . . .  {GW 393.3} 

     The question may be asked, Are we to have no union whatever with the world? The word of the Lord is to be our guide. Any connection with infidels and unbelievers that would identify us with them, is forbidden by the Word. We are to come out from among them, and be separate. In no case are we to link ourselves with them in their plans of work. But we are not to live reclusive lives. We are to do worldlings all the good we possibly can.  {GW 394.1} 

     Christ has given us an example of this. When invited to eat with publicans and sinners, He did not refuse; for in no other way than by mingling with them could He reach this class. But on every occasion . . . He opened up themes of conversation which brought things of eternal interest to their minds. And He enjoins us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]  {GW 394.2}

     On the temperance question, take your position without wavering. Be as firm as a rock. Be not partakers of other men’s sins. . . . {GW 394.3} 

     There is a large vineyard to be cultivated; but while Christians are to work among unbelievers, they are not to appear like worldlings. They are not to spend their time talking politics or acting politics; for by so doing they give the enemy opportunity to come in and cause variance and discord. Those in the ministry who desire to stand as politicians, should have their credentials taken from them; for this work God has not given to high or low among His people.  {GW 395.1} 

     God calls upon all who minister in word and doctrine to give the trumpet a certain sound. All who have received Christ, ministers and lay members, are to arise and shine; for great peril is right upon us. Satan is stirring up the powers of earth. Everything in this world is in confusion. God calls upon His people to hold aloft the banner bearing the message of the third angel. . . .  {GW 395.2} 

     God’s children are to separate themselves from politics, from any alliance with unbelievers. They are not to link their interests with the interests of the world. “Give proof of your allegiance to Me,” He says, “by standing as My chosen heritage, as a people zealous of good works.” Do not take part in political strife. Separate from the world, and refrain from bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to contention and disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system by human beings who are selfish. God wants His servants to have clear perceptions, true and noble dignity, that their influence may demonstrate the power of truth.  {GW 395.3} 

     The Christian life is not to be a haphazard, emotional life. True Christian influence, exerted for the accomplishment of the work God has appointed, is a precious agency, and it must not be united with politics, or bound up in a confederacy with unbelievers. God is to be the center of attraction. Every mind that is worked by the Holy Spirit will be satisfied with Him.”--MS., June 16, 1899.