Hearty Approval

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20, NASB).

 

"...and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them" (Romans 1:32, NASB).

 

Sin has been a reality since the Garden of Eden. However, God's people have always been expected to repent of sin and live godly lives. When people and their culture not only practice sin but legalize it, they are "calling evil good and good evil," and they are also giving "hearty approval" to things God has called evil. Our country crossed over that threshold a long time ago.

 

As Christians go to the polls, it is important to remember our responsibility to avoid giving "hearty approval" to evil. We need to know what the candidates believe and stand for. We need to be aware of the party platforms. We need to think about the long-term implications of our vote as we consider what kind of judges will be appointed by the winner. We must not give "hearty approval" to those who "call evil good and good evil."

 

There is an excellent article on the blog "By Grace Alone," entitled "Spurgeon on Voting."  In a sermon delivered on March 22, 1857, Spurgeon said, "Let us whenever we shall have the opportunity of using the right of voting, use it as in the sight of Almighty God, knowing that for everything we shall be brought into account, and for that amongst the rest, seeing that we are entrusted with it."

 

There is another excellent article on the blog, "Sola Sisters," entitled Election 2012:  “Is it Wrong to Vote for the Lesser of Evils? Shouldn’t We Instead Vote for a Third Party Candidate?” A key quote from this article:  "...do not imagine you are taking the high road by refusing to vote for the lesser of two evils. In fact, by voting for your third party candidate, you are choosing the lesser of three evils. And if your candidate cannot win, your vote is effectively insuring the victory of the greater of three evils."

 

Finally, my friend Ralph Petersen on his blog, "Well Meaning Gentlemen with Different Ideas," has published an article entitled "It Is Never Right To Do Wrong To Do God's Will."  He states, "In this election we Christians have a duty to do right at the polls. Our choices should be determined by our biblical values. In our representative republic, our leaders are selected and appointed by us as our agents. Look, I don’t know how to say this any clearer; if you vote for an ungodly leader who does immoral things, YOU ARE GUILTY OF HIS SINS. He is your agent. You engaged him and empowered him."

 

Other articles on my blog that are pertinent to this election:

 

Voter Suppression or Fraud Suppression?

 

No Political Solutions for Spiritual Problems

 

The Christian and Politics

 

"CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW..."

 

Two Fire Chiefs

 

Qualifications for the Office of President

 

The Biblical Function of Government