What is the biblical framework to state that: Governments Should Establish a Strong and Clear Separation of Powers

In this episode, we discuss how personal salvation is a work of God, not government. But secondly, that inwardly transformed people are necessary for a transform society, which is only half of the coin — the other consideration is that governments do significantly influence peoples moral convictions and behavior and the moral fabric of a nation.

In this episode, I make the case that governments should safeguard human liberty. We go into the biblical arguments for human liberty, and then we talk about why government should protect human liberty. Lastly, we discuss how much restriction of liberty, if any, is necessary?

Citizens should be subject to the government and obey the laws of the government, except in certain circumstances. In this episode, we discussed the general obligation to be subject to the civil government, as believers, but then we also move into the certain circumstances when it is right to disobey the civil government. Lastly, we ask the question of whether or not it is ever right to attempt to overthrow the existing government or obtain freedom from an existing government?

In this episode, we discuss the idea that God is sovereign over all nations and that all people are accountable to him by drawing from multiple old testament passages. Additionally, we delve into the idea that government should serve the people and seek the good of the people, not the rulers. Sadly the more unchecked power of government has, and the less public accountability it has to the people, the more likely a ruler is to forget this principle and to take more and more. This would be the basis for the conservative position that is “smaller government is better,” because of the increased risk of corruption with a larger government.

With the goal of further establishing biblical principles concerning government, and before we can examine specific political questions in light of the teachings of the Bible, it’s necessary to study with the entire Bible teaches about civil government. Where did the idea of government come from? What should be the purpose of government? How should government be chosen? What kind of government is best? What are the responsibilities of governmental rulers?

In this episode, we discuss the obligation of believers, as a stewardship issue, to be informed and to vote. Additionally, we ask the question, “Is there an obligation to do more than simply vote, as believers?”

Should Pastors Teach on Politics from the Pulpit?

The kind of significant Christian influence on government that we advocate for is being faithful to the biblical teaching on how Christians should have a positive influence on civil government. in this episode, we asked the question of whether or not it is right for Christians to seek to bring significant Christian influence to bear on civil governments? Is it right for Christians to speak publicly and to say, “This is what the Bible says about the purpose of government,” and “This is what the Bible says about moral standards for human conduct.”

When I begin to explain that I think there should be “significant Christian influence“ on the government, sometimes people ask me if I think the United States is a “Christian nation.” However, that question cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” until we define more carefully what we mean by “a Christian nation.” In this episode, we also take a look at a few historical examples of Christian influence on secular governments which bolster the position advocated for in this podcast, which is for: Significant Christian Influence.”