Do you doubt Bro. Eddie for electing him as president? Here are some answers to pave the way for those doubts.
Last December 2009, I prayed harder to finally decide who will be the candidate that we will be supporting for presidency this coming 2010 presidential elections. I only have two choices, Bro. Eddie Villanueva or Noynoy Aquino. I have had respect to both candidates since both of them have shown that they were not lovers of position and of money. And both simply wants to have a genuine change.
I wrote this article so to share what made me decide to go for Bro.Eddie and as I try to answer the issues being thrown against him, I hope this article will also be an eye opener to all Christians out there who doubts to support Bro. Eddie.
First, I will be presenting the most common issues being thrown against him and then my answer.
Bro. Eddie is a pastor, and pastors should not be running for government positions because his calling is to pastor not for government positions.
Ans. By far, I haven’t really seen a passage in the Bible that prohibits spiritual leader to be political leaders. In contrast to this, we can pinpoint characters in the Bible who were both political leaders and spiritual leaders. And we can see from the Bible that political leaders who were godly brings up nation.
Bro Eddie And Perfecto Yasay Filing their COC
We have David, we have Solomon (at least in his early days), we have Josiah, Moses, Joshua, etc. All of them were leaders not only of a religious group but a nation called Israel. And so far, there is no clear proof that the Bible prohibits a religious leader to become a political leader.
So for Christians who hold for this position, please give a clear passage that says it prohibits a pastor for becoming a political leader. I already have read so many comments and passage quotes, but I really haven’t seen a clear and strong passage that prohibits pastors for political positions.
I believe that being a religious and political leader at the same time is just a matter of personal conviction.
Bro. Eddie is doing which is against the law. Church must be separate from the State.
Ans. This issue is very childish in approach. If Bro. Eddie’s candidacy was really illegitimate, then he should have been disqualified from the 2004 elections. But he wasn’t. Simply because his candidacy is COMPLETELY LEGAL, as provided by the Philippine Constitution.
Bro.Eddie is not a Church by the way. Reviewing the definition of a Church, a Church is not a building nor an individual person. A Church known to be the ikklesia in Greek, is a group of people who believe in a common God. Bro. Eddie’s candidacy only puts him to that position, not the whole group of Jesus is Lord Movement.
Bro. Eddie doesn’t have an experience in running the government.
Ans. I really doubt this. I strongly believe Bro. Eddie is capable in running the Philippines. One lawyer said, “If Bro. Eddie will be elected, I will give him three to six months, he will be ousted as a president.” Such statement is very common to lawyers who put their faith on Gibbo. But that is just an over statement. I do believe Bro.Eddie is highly qualified for this position.
Let’s go and check who is Bro. Eddie. Bro. Eddie is the CEO of Zoe TV. He is a businessman, the CEO/Senor Pastor of Jesus Is Lord, the CEO of Bangon Pilipinas Political Party, an economist by profession, a former activist, a professor of Polytechnic of the Philippines for years without asking for any payment. A student of law in UP College of Law.
Let me just make this clear. Bro. Eddie is not a dumb candidate. If the late President Cory Aquino, a plain housewife was able to survive several cou attempts, I believe Bro. Eddie stand a FAAAAR better chance against it. Bro. Eddie is a man with experience in leading people. We are not talking about leading a few hundreds, we are talking about millions of people.
Well, granted that he lacks some higher government positions, but seeing all his experiences, I believe he can learn it far better than the rest.
Bro. Eddie is “mayabang” claiming that he can change the nation.
We are talking about political ads. As I always here from other people, they say that Bro. Eddie should not be claiming that he is the “pag-asa ng bayan”. Again, this is only a childish talk. I believe no candidate would ever say in his ads “do not vote for me”. Let us be real, this is politics and we aim get voted right? And we should be showing what we can do. It’s like selling yourself, to be hired. I doubt if it is pride or “kayabangan”.
Well, a better way to answer this is to browse over www.youtube.com, review all the candidates’ ads and judge for your selves if who is really “nagyayabang lang.”
A good example is Gibbos’ campaign. It just ended “posible lang kay Gibbo.”
Bro. Eddie is a “compromiser” with other faiths.
Other Christians who were against Bro. Eddie is because of this issue. They say that Bro.Eddie is a compromiser. Attending inter-faith rallies, making an alliance with other religious groups, etc. In addition to this, Bro. Eddie have made some statements that is against the faith that he profess.
Well I really don’t see anything wrong with him having political alliances with other faiths. He is running for a political position remember? I also do not see any problem with that because it is more on living at peace with everybody. I believe it is stupidity to be attacking other religious groups instead of showing them the love of Christ which is all the more encourged in the Bible.
Christ even though he suffered from all those ridicules, we can see that Christ showed love to all people and did not fought back. I believe Bro. Eddie is just practicing in living at peace with everyone even of other faith.
Concerning his statements which contradicts to the faith that he profess, well, Bro. Eddie is just an ordinary person. He commits mistakes. Who hasn’t? I believe even those who criticize him committed mistakes too. To his critics who attacks him with this, “let him who have not committed a mistake throw the first stone at him.”
Bro. Eddie will only put shame to our Lord if he loses this election when his winnability is very low.
Yes, Bro. Eddie’s winnability is very low, I do agree with that. And I also agree that if that happens it will shame the name of our Lord. However, I believe that all the more that the name of our Lord will be put to shame if I, a fellow brother in Christ cannot even vote and do not even have any trust to my fellow believer.
Funny because even the Muslims trust that he can bring a change in our government, while his fellow believers doubt him more than the rest of the candidates. That’s why all the more that other groups laugh at us. Hope this will be a wake up call.
Being a part of the evangelical Christian group, I believe I should give my trust to my fellow believer and I believe as what the Bible says that all the more I should give favor to my fellow brethren in Christ. And because of this, I believe I am doing the right thing. It is not about winnability, it’s all about being one in heart, in mind, and in goals.
The problem with many Christians is they only want results without any hardship. Some are very good in criticizing but do not even takes the initiative for a change to happen.
Bro. Eddie will only promote his religious group Jesus Is Lord.
I strongly disagree with this. As Bro. Eddie along with the Bangon Pilipinas Movement, they have made it clear that running for politics for political renewal. Sad to say, the Philippine politics is in its extreme levels of corruption and degradation. If only we can renew and change the ways of the Philippine politics, then there is a bigger chance that our nation will rise up.
But let us say that Bro. Eddie will do it. So? Are we not happy that the same faith that we have received will reach more people all the more? Or, we are just criticizing him for this because we are jealous for what he achieved and can achieve? I always remember one of our mentors in seminary who said, we also have to learn to be happy when a fellow brother in Christ is being blessed.
Good thing I am not a JIL. I am just a believer of Christ.
Bro. Eddie is too judgmental against other candidates claiming only to be the “righteous one”.
I think being judgmental is out of the issue of what Bangon Pilipinas promotes. It only promotes righteous and honest governance. Those who hate that statement simply just hate correction. See for yourself and be my guest if you believe that the Philippines have a “righteous and honest government.” Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, be he who hates correction is stupid.
As I said, Philippines is already at its critical level of political degradation and political immorality. I want change, and I am sure you also want it. Why should I then put again TRAPO’s back in place? We need to change them through the power of our votes.
Conclusion
I believe there are also other candidates who can definitely bring out the change in our government, and it’s not only Bro. Eddie. And at the same time I believe Bro.Eddie can also bring that change.
I vote for Bro.Eddie simply because I believe he is the most qualified for the position and the cleanest candidate to take hold of presidential position. Furthermore, he is my brother in Christ Jesus.
Related posts:
So funny how some holy people here condemned those who didn’t vote for Bro. Eddie in the 2004 elections!!!
But what ever so happened to the many prophecies that it was God’s will that he would win and become the president of the country? No censure from the supposed Christians?
Double standards?
And there are again prophecies in some churches saying that again it is God’s will that he would win this 2010 elections! If he won’t win, whose fault is it? If he would win, does it really follow that it is God’s will?
In the 2004 elections, there were also prophecies that said that GMA would win and would be God’s will. GMA won. Can we say that the prophet who prophesied GMA’s victory had more “pogi points” before God than the prophet who prophesied Bro. Eddie to win?
My curiosity can really kill a cat regarding how the holy people can use their own kinds of reasonings and argumentum ad hominems especially in condemning those who do not agree with their holy convictions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROTFLOL ROTFLOL ROTFLOL ROTFLOL …..!!!!!!!!!!!
Wwwwooooowwwwoooowwwwoooowwwwoooowwwwoooowwwww!!!!!
This is indeed a very complicated and divisive issue!!!!!
Imagine how some people here wallow in argumentum ad hominems in condemning those who do not agree with their oersonal convictions! Talking about the tolerance Christians are supposed to have with those who may not believe nor behave like their sanctimonious holinesses!
Maybe, before some people would condemn others for not agreeing with them, they should study first all the relevant issues and contextualized say with what had been posted here. Not ran over those who they look down as less than a Christian, because those they look down just so happen to think, believe, and feel so differently than they!!
Again, nobody is stopping anybody from casting their votes to whoever they believe can represent their interests! And in the same manner, nobody should stop others from boycotting something that they believe to not represent their interests!!!
Such is democracy — the enjoyment and exercising, or not exercising, the inalienable rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution!!!!!!!!
Just my $0.02 piece of personal opinion!!!!!!!!!
from: http://www.debone.com/boycott.html
Why Boycotting Is The Most Important Democratic Tool Regardless Of Your Political or Philosophical Disposition
Why? In a word: money. Regardless of whether or not you are a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green, independent, etc., when your only power in influencing the choices of your government is through your vote to elect one of a few running for a primary or an office, if none the candidates running represent your interests, your vote can do little to help your cause. However, if you are aware of money trails that support what you are for and those that support what you are against, patronage (purchases, donations, etc.) or lack there of (boycotting, etc.) can have a more meaningful and immediate effect, especially at the level of local or smaller scale business or organization.
Armed with information of the money flow, any true democracy (and even a republic such as the USA) can become a healthy (relatively corruption free) patriotic capitalistic democracy.
Why Boycotting Is An Important Option For A Healthy Patriotic Capitalistic Democracy
Capitalism is “an economic system characterized by private or corporation ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision rather than by state control, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly in a free market.”
Democracy is “a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.”
The key to healthy patriotic capitalistic democracy, then, is an economy with a “free market” with a government “in which the supreme power is vested in the people.” Note that in a true democracy, capitalism is not necessarily present as it depends on the will of the people. In fact, most likely any “true” democracy would include many forms of economic systems, coexisting and interdependent, reflecting the varied views, needs and aspirations of the population involved. One could argue that this is in fact a valid description of the US economy to some extent. Technically the governance of the US is not a “democracy,” but rather a republic, which by it’s nature is much more prone to the corruptive influence of money, blackmail, etc.
It is also good to use this right while you still can. In this century, the US has enacted laws to take away some of these rights. Though they generally don’ t effect most citizens directly and may not in fact be enforced, they do illustrate that threat to the right to choose where to make a purchase (see “What Interferes With A Free Market” and “Anti-boycott Laws” below).
RIGHT TO BOYCOTT, MONEY TRAILS & EFFECTIVE USE TO COMBAT CORRUPTION
Want to help roll back corruption in government and industry? The use of boycott coupled with increased democratic activities by ordinary citizens can make this happen. (See also A Little Democracy Is a Danerous Thing” for the need for local and regional democratic activity & Your Economic Vote: Your Influence On Politics And The Economy” for examples of industries with issues and alternative sources.)
http://www.debone.com/boycott.html
THE RIGHT TO BOYCOTT- ne plus ultra
Boycott:
To shut out from all social and commercial intercourse:
to refuse to take part in, deal with, handle by way of trade etc.”
— Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
http://www.cuts-international.org/Right-Boycott.htm
An inalienable right:
Boycotts and rights
There can be no question, in my mind, that any individual has the right to boycott any business or any other individual for any reason they wish. These reasons can be rational or irrational, motivated by hatred or motivated by a more nobler feeling.
For more to read:
http://freestudents.blogspot.com/2009/01/boycotts-and-rights.html
The platform is more of ecumenical nationalism, rather than pushing for moral and spiritual revival to change the people and transform the gov’t using biblical principles.
So, it’s not surprising if the compromising Christian candidate would easily rub elbows with cultic and pseudo-Christian sects so as for him to rake votes (e.g., with the block-voting culture of the INC — kamag-anak ng candidate yata ang nanay ng head ng INC!). So, his political movement is more on nationalism and ecumenism, not really along moral and spiritual revival of the people and gov’t via true Christian principles!
The worse thing is to use “false prophecies” to predict his victory. The false prophecies already failed the last time he ran. What would assure that the updated prophecies of his victory would be fulfilled. Assuming those prophecies would be fulfilled, does it really follow that his victory would be the will of God? How would that prophecy be any better than Madame Auring’s divinations??
Politically correct compromises erodes Christian integrity!
If a Christian lacks integrity, then how is he any different from those who you so despise?
Double standards?
Read again on the sermon on the problem of a Christian or a church that compromises with sin!
If your candidate already make politically correct compromises now, what makes you think he won’t be making more politically correct compromises in the future if he would sit in power?
Political compromises lead to political debts that must be paid later. So, just how pure and incorruptible really is your candidate??
You don’t read on the related theological issues of Christians who are compromising …. by all means, vote for a compromiser, and then make your own compromises!!!
Standards?
Just consider the problems of reliability, credibility, and integrity, not only on the political and voting process, but on the technology itself to be used to fool the voters again ang again ….
So, if your technology itself is unreliable, no credible, and lack of integrity, then how can you be so blind to put faith on the outcomes??
You didn’t read the earlier related post on the technological issues!!
hahahahahaaaa …..
To vote or not to vote is a democratic right!
To be bought or not to be bought is a personal right!
To boycott or not to boycott is also a democratic right!
Nobody is stopping you to vote, but you can not stop others to boycott also!!
Walang pilitan kahit kanino!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_anarchism
Oggie,
To vote or not to vote?
– WHAT!!! If you would not vote, then why such comments?? How can you help or convince us on who to vote?!!! This article is for people who are planning to vote but are still in the process of choosing who to vote. Clearly you don’t understand what this article is all about.
To be bought or not to be bought?
– Then what are your standards?!!! You haven’t answered this question yet.
Oggie,
To vote or not to vote?
– WHAT!!! If you would not vote, then why such comments?? How can you help or convince us on who to vote?!!! This article is for people who are planning to vote but is still in the process of choosing who to vote. Clearly you don’t understand what this article is all about.
To be bought or not to be bought?
– Then what are your standards?!!! You haven’t answered this question yet.
i don’t want to make it complicated.
if u can give me a better choice as an agent of real change than bro. eddie, i might consider.
but as i see it, all the major presidential candidates are all traditional politicians. i’m tired of them.
i’m for bro. eddie!
To oggie the pogi! or pa pogi lang!
ang dami mo sinabi oggie dka naman ata boboto! sino ba iboboto mo matalino ka masyado! sabihin mo na kasi kung sino iboboto then prove it kung karapatdapat nga sya! nililito mo lng lalo ang iba!
Who profits in compromises?
Is being pragmatic in politics doing God’s ways in God’s thoughts?
A related issue below:
Pastors or Prostitutes?
By Mark Riddle, Pastor
Warning: prostitutes might feel offended by constant references to being like pastors. So are you a pastor or a prostitute? Seems like an obvious enough question. Maybe not.
Have you ever substituted prayer and spiritual depth for programs and religious activity. Simply keeping the people we’re charged to lead to the Most High busy, is the job of a prostitute pastor.
Sacrificing self, calling, and private devotion for the golden calf of religiosity that amounts to idolatrous (worship of things or people other than God) and adulterous (cheating on our true love) activities. All in
exchange for money. (stop giving them what they want and you’ll find yourself looking for a new place of employment).
Most pastor prostitutes make the choice to sell themselves. Many were hired to get the job done, quite simply because they could. They put together resumes about how they will “make things happen”. They are interviewed about how many activities they will have, what they will look like and how many people will attend. I’ve been there. I’ve sold myself. Hey.. It’s exciting, there’s a certain thrill. If I make enough things happen, satisfy enough folks, soon you’re perceived to be a great pastor. But I wasn’t a great pastor. I was a great programmer. I was a great speaker. I always had the right answer for people’s problems. Soon enough I was thinking, “I’ll be like God”…..not that I noticed my completely flawed theology, or my utterly ridiculous stance.. But I had fallen into what many pastors fall into.. First innocently speaking and leading people toward God…then deep down thinking I might be like God.
At some point living in this “one country under God” we have become “one country under god” (ie.me). We are the consumer church. The Bride is no longer seeking the groom… it is now seeking self glorification veiled in vigorous religious activity for the self-improvement of it’s multitudes. …”self improvement is masturbation”-tyler durden… while pastors across this
“great country” are getting themselves off to programs they have created “to the glory of god”, others develop a sort of “program envy” wishing that their program was as big and aspiring as First willowback, saddlecreek or over there on mars hill. Though we may not have started this “towering idol” of consumerism we all fall into it and I would venture to say… none of us truly has any idea how deep we are in.
My friends suggest we are all in deeper than we think. We perpetuate all this self-indulgence consumer crap in most of what we do. We ask “what makes our church unique to this city?” as our Ikea-congregations are trying to figure out which local “building-based group of people who call themselves Christians” best represents me as a person, we are well on our way to helping folks categorize themselves away into superficial oblivion. …I drive a $50,000 Range Rover because I like the idea of being perceived as an outdoorsman, heaven forbid, I drive a mini-van… I own a $375 North Face Gortex though I only ski once or twice a year, it promotes the idea that I’m an outdoorsman… though I never camp… that’s what I think of myself…. I go to ________ Church because it will make me a better businessman, and my kids the homecoming queen and football captain. Jesus is a great enhancement into my almost complete life.
Pastors forsake Christ and following him, for lots of people being busy in the church, and a whole lot of rules and slogans like “church should be fun” or “Jesus is cool”…try telling a Christian in Sudan either of these completely bogus lines of sh*t. I’m tired of youth pastors prostituting themselves to parents for a “fine religious education”. Most of them are young enough to sense they’re selling out. I’m tired of arrogant evangelical pastors seeking to have people with perfect theology, teaching propositional truths based on poor hermeneutics or sheer laziness. Demons have good theology and the “morning star” knows the scripture better than any student enrolled in the newest bible bowl competition. But many ministers still get a “theological
woody” at the Platonic idea that education changes behavior. But why would anyone not do what the people of the congregation want. I mean after all we are here to serve them.. would you like fries with that sir?
“am i buggin you…. don’t mean to bug ya” – bono
Mark Riddle is a pastor from Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Co-founder of Liquid Thinking, Inc. He is the husband of Pam and the father of “2 kids.” He writes: “here is a fun little piece I wrote recently, if you find it interesting let me know.”
Is it God’s way for people, persons, priests, popes, pastors, prophets, etc. to prostitute precious prime principles and practices for their political and personal profits???
Especially in making blatant compromises by sacrificing separation from the world’s evil ways, so as to desperately win popular votes???
Is it really for personal profit???
Surely, there are political profits!!!!!!!!!
Nobody enters politics if there are no political profits!
That’s the obvious given!!!
Is there really a significant separation between the personal and the political if one is engage in political games???
Even for the most hypocritical politician who plays political correctness to the hilt????
Nakakaawa naman ang taong ito.. You truly need Christ in your heart to be free from all your baggages and be happy.. Men think they are wise in their own eyes, but to God they are foolish.. Nakakaawa ang puso mo kung sino ka man, may God work miracles in your life..
God’s way are our ways, God’s though are not our though
God ways are not your ways, God though are not your though
from: http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2008/01/3351.aspx
Biblical Principles of the Ballot Box
More important than who wins or loses the 2008 election is this: will Christians look to the Bible as their absolute standard for determining what principles must guide their voting practices? At stake is far more than the presidency. The question concerns the conscience of the Church. We can “win” an election, and yet sell our spiritual birthright. Conversely, we can “lose” an election yet remain faithful to the Word of God, thus preserving the conscience of the body of Christ and enjoying the favor of the Lord.
Elections matter. They matter a great deal. But what matters the most is that the Church remains faithful to her Bridegroom by following the only infallible standard ever written for the selection of civil magistrates. That standard is the Bible, and there is none other that perfectly reflects the mind of God. It is our source book for determining what guidelines must govern the selection of our leaders.
Some believe that the Bible is silent on the question of what standards should govern the selection of a civil magistrate. But to reach this conclusion is to deny the sufficiency of Scripture, and to substitute autonomous human reason for biblical revelation. Others are so fearful of certain outcomes, that there is little reasoning with them. These individuals are (no doubt, unwittingly) fixed on specific outcomes, not commitment to biblical guidelines. They want to condemn their brethren by saying that a vote for X, is really a vote for Y. Their election fears seem sometimes to rise to a self-righteous hysteria, governed more by emotions than objective standards. None of these approaches are helpful.
The Bible is the only answer for fearful Christians in an age of politics. The Bible has the answer to the ethical chaos of fear-driven voting, pragmatic voting, “ends-justifies-the-means” voting, and “lesser-of-two-evils” voting. The Bible does not require Christians to vote for perfect candidates, but it does require that Christians support biblically qualified candidates. Biblical Principles of the Ballot Box explores the Scriptural standards for selecting civil magistrates, and offers great hope for Christians living in an age in which our leaders have broken covenant with the God of their fathers. It explores the blessing presented in Scripture to all who will enter the ballot box with supreme confidence that the Lord sovereignly reigns, that He is more pleased with our obedience than with our rationalistic, extra-biblical voting strategies, and that the greatest hope for America is not found in the outcome of any one election, but in the persevering witness of the Church as God’s representative in America, to uphold his non-negotiable standards and righteousness.
Biblical Principles of the Ballot Box is our gift to anyone who supports Vision Forum Ministries during the remainder of the month of January with a donation of any amount.
Posted by Doug Phillips on January 28, 2008 | Permalink
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So, has Bro. Eddie REALLY, REALLY met the impeccable standards set by the word of God??
The answer, my friend, is left as an assignment for the voter to figure out for themselves!!!!!!!!!!
For some more related answers to have some clearer, more authoritative, undeniable, biblical standards regarding choosing those who we want to rule over us, taken from a related post, but so very, very relevant here:
http://www.visionforumministries.org/issues/ballot_box/biblical_standards_for_choosin.aspx
Biblical Principles for the Ballot Box
Biblical Standards for Choosing Civil Magistrates
by William Einwechter, July 7, 2004
The conscientious Christian desires to glorify God and obey His Word in all that he thinks and does. This desire extends to his actions as a Christian citizen. Perhaps one of his more important actions as a citizen is that of voting for the men who will serve as magistrates over him. So as each election draws near he seeks to determine which candidate he should endorse with his vote. Throughout the process of deciding he receives much advice, such as: vote Republican; vote for the conservative; vote for the one who is pro-life; vote for the one who stands closest to you on the issues; vote for “x” even though he is less than desirable because if he doesn’t win, then we will have “y” who is even worse; and so on.
However helpful this kind of advice may be, the Christian who believes that the Word of God is able to instruct him in righteousness and equip for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17 ), including the work of voting, will necessarily turn to the Scripture for guidance. The Bible contains explicit instructions concerning the qualifications for civil officers, and to these the Christian ought to look as he determines who he will support with his time, money, and vote. There are two primary texts that set forth the standards for choosing civil magistrates: Exodus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 1:13 .
Exodus 18:21
In Exodus 18 , Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, advises Moses to appoint men to help him in governing and judging the nation, lest he wear out both himself and the people (18:17-19 ). An important aspect of Jethro’s counsel to Moses is in regard to the kind of men that he should appoint as rulers. The character of the men chosen must be according to the following standards:
“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating coveteousness…” (Ex. 18:21 ).
Men who are able
Civil leaders must be men of strength. The strength that is required here is not primarily physical, but moral and spiritual. It refers to men of valor and of virtue; men of courage and of character. A man who is a coward will not fulfill his duty to uphold God’s law if doing so would be unpopular with the people. A man who is of an evil character cannot govern justly. Only those who have proven that they have the ability, courage, and integrity necessary to lead should be chosen as civil rulers.
Men who fear God
Magistrates should be men who honor and reverence God and His Word. This qualification indicates that only those who are believers, i.e., stand in covenant with God through faith, should be considered for the office of magistrate (cf. Deut. 17:15 ). If a people are to have wise and understanding leaders, they must choose those who fear God, for the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 1:7 ). Men who do not fear God are, according to Scripture, “fools” who hate true wisdom.
Men committed to truth
Civil rulers need to be men who stand firmly and faithfully for the truth. Men of truth are men who do not lie, but speak the truth even to their own hurt. They love the truth and hate all that is false. It is absolutely essential that civil leaders be men who can be trusted to speak the truth. Liars and lovers of falsehood are a scourge to those they lead.
Men who hate covetousness
A man who is raised to the position of civil magistrate must be one who seeks no unjust gain from his position. He must “hate” (not simply dislike, but hate) the thought of using his office to enrich himself through violence, fraud, bribes, etc. A coveteous magistrate will try to use the power of his office to unjustly seize for himself the wealth of those he governs. A magistrate must also hate covetousness in others, and not allow any citizen to use the power of civil government to seize the wealth of his neighbor through unjust legislation or confiscatory taxation.
Deuteronomy 1:13
In Deuteronomy chapter one, Moses recounts the events that took place forty years earlier at Mount Sinai. One of these events was the appointment of rulers to serve with him in governing the nation in accord with the advice of Jethro (Ex. 18:13-26 ). In speaking of the appointment of rulers he does not mention Jethro, for Moses knew that God was using Jethro to direct him in that circumstance. The account of the appointing of rulers to assist Moses in judging the people given here provides further insight on the biblical standards for the choosing of rulers.
First, Moses indicates that although he did the appointing, it was the people who actually chose their own rulers. Moses charges the people to “take you wise men….” The word “take” means to provide or choose, while the word “you” means for yourselves. Therefore, Moses gives the people the responsibility of selecting their own leaders. Moses then appointed (installed into office) those chosen by the people.
Second, Moses provided the people with specific standards for determining which men were qualified for the office of civil judge and ruler. The citizens have the responsibility of choosing their own rulers, but they are not free to choose whomsoever they will. Rather, they are charged by Moses to choose only those who meet certain qualifications. Moses states:
“Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.” (Deut. 1:13 ).
These qualifications summarize those stated previously in Exodus 18:21 and provide additional commentary on the standards God has established for choosing rulers.
Men
The Hebrew word translated “men” in this text refers to males as opposed to females. The generic term for mankind, which would include women, is not used here, but rather, the gender specific word for men. If the choice of words means anything, then it is necessary to conclude that God intended that only men be chosen for the office of civil ruler. In Exodus 18:21 the same Hebrew word is used; in fact, in every other passage dealing with the civil magistrate, his duties, and his qualifications, men are in view (cf. Deut. 17:14-20 ; 2 Sam. 23:3 ; Neh. 7:2 ; Prov. 16:10 ; 20:8, 28 ; 29:14 ; 31:4-5 ; Rom. 13:1-6 ). The order of male headship established at creation applies to each of the three “governments” established by God: the family, the church, and the state. [1]
Men who are wise
The Hebrew word for “wise” means to be skilful, prudent, intelligent, or able. It denotes both natural ability and wisdom attained through experience. But wisdom in the biblical sense is never just prudence and skill gained through experience. According to Scripture, wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and proceeds to a knowledge of God and His precepts. True wisdom comes from God as a man searches for it in the Word of God as he would search for hidden treasure (Prov. 2:1-8 ). Such a man will come to “understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity, and every good path” (Prov. 2:9 ). Thus, a magistrate should be a man of ability and intelligence who is skilled in judgment because of his fear of the Lord and his knowledge of God’s Word.
Men who are understanding
To be “understanding” is to be discerning, to have the ability to make a proper judgment. It refers primarily to moral insight and ethical discernment. A man of “understanding” is able to discern the right course of action based on the moral law of God. In terms of civil law, a man of understanding knows what is just and is able to judge righteously in disputes or criminal cases because he understands God’s law.
Men who are known
These are men who have proven themselves to be wise and understanding. Their character, ability, and wisdom have been demonstrated by their service in other spheres. A man who would be a ruler must first prove himself in family life, business, community service, church service, etc.
Summary
The biblical standards for magistrates given in Exodus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 1:13 give citizens a sure guide for determining which men among them are truly fit to serve as their civil rulers. The qualifications given in these texts indicate three areas of concern:
Natural Ability
The demands of being a magistrate require men who are intelligent and have the skills necessary to lead others.
Personal Integrity
Magistrates must be men of the highest personal character. They must be men of truth and virtue. Their lives should be an example of righteous living. As those charged with enforcing God’s law in the civil sphere, they should keep all aspects of God’s moral law. They must be men who are there to serve God and man, and are not there to enrich or promote themselves.
Spiritual Maturity
Magistrates, as ministers of God, should be men of spiritual attainment (a knowledge and fear of God) and biblical wisdom. It is vital that a ruler knows that he is accountable to God and has a healthy fear of the day that he will give account to God. A ruler must also be knowledgeable of God’s law as it is revealed in Scripture so that he can carry out his duty of establishing justice in the gates (i.e., in the courts and legislatures of the land).
Other Relevant Scriptures
The standards for choosing magistrates as established in the law of God are carried out, amplified, and upheld throughout the rest of Scripture.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
After Israel has taken possession of the land it will be their duty under God’s law to select judges and officers to carry out judgment in the gates. These rulers are charged to “judge the people with just judgment.” Hence, it follows that the people should choose “wise” and “understanding” men who will be able to do just that. It is right to assume that the standards Moses taught them in Deuteronomy 1:13 should be applied to the choosing of local magistrates since no new or different standards are given here.
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
This text addresses the circumstance of Israel seeking a king to rule over them. It further establishes the responsibility of the people to choose their rulers, in this case, their king. However, they are not at liberty to choose whomsoever they will, but only the man approved and chosen by God. Furthermore, the man they choose must be a “brother,” i.e., a man who stands in covenant with God through faith; he must not be an unbeliever, but one who fears God as stated in Exodus 18:17 .
2 Samuel 23:3
In this text it is plainly stated that “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” Righteous men who govern according to God’s law as God’s ministers is always the biblical standard.
2 Chronicles 19:6-7
These verses contain the instructions of King Jehoshaphat for the judges that he appointed in the land, city by city:
Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you: take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
The charge given by the king reflects the standards for choosing magistrates given in the law of Moses. Only men who “fear God,” who are “able,” “wise,” “understanding,” and “hate covetousness” could possibly fulfill the duties spoken of by Jehoshaphat.
Nehemiah 7:2
After the walls had been rebuilt and the Levites appointed to serve in the Temple, Nehemiah continued to restore the integrity of Jerusalem by establishing Hanani and Hananiah as civil rulers in the city. Nehemiah specifically stated that he chose Hananiah because “he was a faithful man who feared God above many.” Nehemiah followed the standards of the law of God in appointing the leaders of Jerusalem. As a “faithful” man, Hananiah is firm in his stand for truth; he is a man who is known for his faithfulness to truth; thus, he meets the qualification “men of truth.” Hananiah is also a man who fears God “among many.” He has proven himself as a man of spiritual maturity who is qualified to lead others.
Proverbs 29:2
The biblical standards for choosing magistrates instruct citizens to select righteous men. This verse emphasizes the great importance of selecting righteous men by stating: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” This proverb teaches that it is great folly to elevate wicked men to civil leadership, but great wisdom to follow God’s law and elect only men who fear God and obey His Word.
Romans 13:1-6
The nature and purpose of the magistrate’s role is defined by Paul in this classic text on civil government. Paul explains that the authority of the civil ruler comes from God, and that the ruler serves as God’s minister to exercise God’s vengeance against evildoers. This description of the nature and purpose of the office of civil ruler applies to all rulers in all nations at all times; no exceptions are given by Paul. Thus, the same role that was assigned to magistrates in the Old Testament is assigned to magistrates in the New Testament (cf. Deut. 1:16-17 ; 16:18-20 ; 2 Chron. 19:6-7 ; Prov. 16:10, 12 ; 31:8-9 ). If the role is the same, then it must be that the qualifications are the same.
Application
The biblical standards for choosing civil magistrates needs to be applied today in the following manner:
* The only men who are truly qualified for civil office are those who meet the standards set down in the Word of God. God is sovereign over civil government, and the sole prerogative to establish what kind of men can and ought to serve as magistrates belongs to Him. Men who do not meet the biblical standards are not fully fit to serve as rulers.
* These standards instruct citizens who have the liberty of choosing their civil magistrates on how to carry out their duty in accord with the will of God. It is God’s revealed will that His ministers in the civil sphere be men who fear Him. God’s blessings are on the people who choose men of ability, character, and spiritual maturity.
* Christians should support with their time, money, and vote those men who meet the biblical qualifications. In all that he does the Christian is to seek to glorify God and promote the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When the Christian gives his full support to men who meet the biblical standards for civil magistrates, he is doing these very things. If we are to have righteous civil government, then we must have righteous men as rulers. If we are to have a civil government that honors Christ, then we must have men who honor Jesus Christ as civil leaders.
* Voting for a biblically qualified candidate who appears to have no chance of winning is not the waste of a vote, it is obedience to God. Obedience to God is never a waste of time or effort, but the compromise of biblical truth always is. Compromise sacrifices victory in the long run for the sake of immediate “success” or “peace,” while godly obedience sacrifices immediate gratification for the sake of ultimate victory. Christians often complain that there are no godly men to vote for, but when one does appear, they don’t vote for him anyway because, they reason, “he can’t win.” Can we expect the Lord to give us qualified men as candidates for civil office if Christians are not committed in principle to supporting them in obedience to biblical law?
* The church must labor to raise up men who will meet the biblical standards for magistrates. Where will men come from who are qualified for civil office if not from the covenant people? If there are no men qualified for a particular office, it is because the church has failed; it is not because the biblical standards are unworkable in the present context. The goal of the church should be to have a biblically qualified man running for every civil office in the land. We are a long way from reaching this goal. But the church must begin by equipping men to serve as magistrates and challenging them to glorify God as His minister in the civil sphere. Race by race, office by office, the church needs to take dominion over politics by raising up biblically qualified men.
* The biblical standards for choosing magistrates apply even in non-covenanted nations. This would seem evident when Christians have a biblically qualified candidate to vote for, i.e., God’s law commands them to vote for the man who meets the biblical standards even though they are in a nation not formally in covenant with God. But how does the biblical teaching on choosing magistrates apply in instances where there are no candidates who meet the biblical standards? This is debated among Christians. Some advocate strict compliance with the biblical standards at all times and all places. Others argue that strict compliance is only fully possible in a covenant nation (which is the goal); in the meantime, we should use our vote to support men of ability and integrity who are generally in agreement with biblical standards of law and justice.
* In a true Christian nation, the biblical standards for choosing magistrates will be part of constitutional law. A nation that is in covenant with God through Christ will express this by means of a national confession of submission to God and His law, and by a religious test for office that is based on the biblical qualifications for civil rulers.
* The biblical standards for choosing civil magistrates also provides a benchmark for men already in office and for men seeking the office. Every Christian in political office should evaluate himself in light of these standards; this is the kind of man he is to be. For those Christian men who are contemplating political office here are the standards that they should aspire to.
Endnotes
1. For a more detailed defense of this point, see my article Should Christians Support a Woman for the Office of Civil Magistrate?
About the Author
William Einwechter (Th.M.) is an ordained minister and an elder at Immanuel Free Reformed Church in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Linda, are the homeschooling parents of ten children.
“The strength that is required here is not primarily physical, but moral and spiritual.”
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Related Articles
* Should Christians Support a Woman for the Office of Civil Magistrate?
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On toleration of the sin of compromise and false doctrines
in churches by the son of a former scandalous preacher with great exposures (literally, figuratively, publicly):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_xO_o-60XA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFBejhhDoRM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k06AjdNDZ_8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSINCCaa7fg&feature=related
Another of the messianic hero’s hypnotic mantra of slogan when reversed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-TMKUea87E&feature=related
1 Thessalonians 5:21
PROVE all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not EVERY SPIRIT, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Malachi 3:18
Then shall ye return, and DISCERN between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually DISCERNED.
1 Corinthians 12:10
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another DISCERNING of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to DISCERN both good and evil.
HHmmmmm …. the “messianic hero” whose promises of changes in his hypnotic speech “Yes, we can … yes, we can … yes, we can …” when reversed came out to be “Thank you, Satan … Thank you, Satan … Thank you, Satan …”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gjMHJ8Y90s
is perceived as this kind by many in his country:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebOTc-7shU
I used to believe in back masking but now I am in doubt. I recorded the words “Yes we can” in my own voice and reversed it – it sounded like Thank you Satan too. So does that mean that when I say those words, I’m thanking Satan? Come on….
If you understand what subliminal seduction is, then you will know!!!
Have you done your own research regarding the issues, especially along brainwashing and mind control aspects of subliminal seduction? If not, well, your comment is not surprising!!!
An area of very good example of the effectiveness of subliminal seduction:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPGK_up929Y
Related issues can be also read here:
http://www.facebook.com/augusto.y.hermosilla?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That subliminal seduction via embedded messages is related to this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backmasking
from: Wikipedia
Satanic backmasking
Although the Satanic backmasking controversy involved mainly classic rock songs whose authors denied any intent to promote Satanism, backmasking has been used by heavy metal bands to deliberately insert messages in their lyrics or imagery. Bands have utilized Satanic imagery for commercial reasons.[38] For example, thrash metal band Slayer included at the start of the band’s 1985 album Hell Awaits a deep backmasked voice chanting “Join Us” over and over.(listen (info)).[39] However, Slayer vocalist Tom Araya states that the band’s use of Satanic imagery was “solely for effect”.[40] Cradle of Filth, another band that has employed Satanic imagery, released a song entitled “Dinner at Deviant’s Palace”, consisting almost entirely of ambient sounds and a reversed reading of the Lord’s Prayer[41] (a backwards reading of the Lord’s Prayer is reportedly a major part of the Black Mass).[19][
Also from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subliminal_message
There are many other references that you can research for your own self if you are that interested!
“Change” has been such a hackneyed and trite slogan!
Obama used it to hypnotized the American electorate for him to win the US Presidential elections. He was made like a messianic hero! But what kind of “change” did he bring? Did the “change” really make the USA a better and kinder place to live and work in? Go figure!! Do your research!!!!!!!
make a diffrence!
we need more than just leaders.. we need cooperative heroes who wants real change!
More on false prophets for false profits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovV1rBWq3Dg&feature=related
False Prophets making False Profits?
This is some good to know information about a few preachers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00zrfR9KvQ4