God, the Christian, and Human Government

FRONTLINE Volume 34 • Number 4

In the Scriptures, God describes three institutions He established for the good of humankind—the family, the church, and human government. The order of this listing presents the order of their importance as taught biblically, though each is significant and essential for the prospering of the Christian in this life before heaven. This issue of FrontLine focuses on the third of these institutions, human government.

The actions of local, state, and national leaders loom large in public discourse and in private conversations with family and friends. Many moral and spiritual issues are woven into the fabric of the exercise of governmental power. In the United States, humanly speaking, there is no richer, larger, or more powerful source of influence than our governmental institutions, especially those of our national government. Yet all the power of government is exercised only because God has allowed it. This principle was stated by Jesus Himself during His own trial when Pilate was deciding whether to free Him or crucify Him.

The seven major articles in this issue of FrontLine offer important scriptural insight into subjects important for understanding the Christian’s right relationship to human government. They provide moral and spiritual guidance about how to respond to human government despite the form it takes and the place it is found in the world.

In the first article, lifelong pastor and author Gordon Dickson discusses “Heaven’s Citizens Under Human Government.” This insightful essay concisely explains the most essential scriptural concepts about how the Christian is to view and behave toward human government.

Next, building on Pastor Dickson’s article, Dr. Brian Collins, theologian and biblical worldview specialist, offers penetrating ideas and helpful biblical guidance about “A Christian Approach to Political Change” in his instructive article.

Third, Mike Ascher, experienced pastor and police department chaplain, addresses how believers can serve those governmental officials closest to their communities— police officers—in “Mutual Aid: The Christian and Law Enforcement.”

The fourth piece begins a collection of articles on specific applications of governmental authority—what government is charged to do and what the Bible says about these prerogatives. In the initial article of the four, Dr. David Saxon, professor, church historian, and assistant college dean, addresses the critical topic “Pacifism vs. Violence: Which Is the Way of Christ?”

In the fifth article, Army Chaplain (COL) Gary Fisher presents “War and the Just War: A Christian Perspective.” In this essay, he explains the theory of justice in warfare, based on biblical precepts, as opposed to geographical conquest, the acquisition of wealth, and merciless brutality.

Article six, “Christian Service Through the Military: A Baptist Perspective from Church History,” is authored by Michael Sproul, a senior pastor and Chaplain, Brigadier General, assistant to the Air Force Chief of Chaplains. Pastor Sproul explains the history of Baptists in military service and the compelling reasons for honoring those who serve in the military forces of the United States.

The seventh and final article, “Vengeance, Justice, and the New Testament Believer,” presents the biblical rationale for capital punishment as the ultimate demonstration of governmental authority, based on righteous retribution and justice rather than vengeance. This contribution is authored by Dr. Kevin Schaal, the president of the FBFI.

We hope this issue of FrontLine will help you and your family gain a better grasp on how to think and respond rightly to “the powers that be” as ministers of God, placed by Him over us for our good and His glory.

Steve Hankins

Watch for Author interviews coming soon on the P&D podcast!

Features:

HEAVEN’S CITIZENS UNDER HUMAN GOVERNMENT
Gordon A. Dickson

As heavenly citizens who live under human government, it is important for us to remember our scriptural landmarks.

A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO POLITICAL CHANGE
Brian Collins

Today governing authorities often side with the sin and the sinner against Christian morality.

MUTUAL AID: THE CHRISTIAN AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Mike Ascher

The law enforcement community in America is in a time of crisis.

PACIFISM VS. VIOLENCE: WHICH IS THE WAY OF CHRIST?
David Saxon

How best can a believer value the God-given gift of life?

WAR AND THE JUST WAR: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Gary T. Fisher

Peace with peoples and nations is a gift from God. It is not the natural state of nations and politics.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE THROUGH THE MILITARY: A BAPTIST PERSPECTIVE FROM CHURCH HISTORY
Brigadier General Michael Sproul

Serving in the military has a long history among Baptists.

Sound Words

First Partaker: “Neglect Not the Gift”: A Message from J. C. Ryle
Mark Minnick

Bring … the Books: Rolland McCune, A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity
Mike Harding

Straight Cuts: Remembering God from the Summit of Mizar
Will Senn

Windows: Keeping the Unity of the Spirit
Ron Ehmann

Departments

ON THE HOME FRONT

NEWS FROM ALL OVER

HEART TO HEART: Meeting the Spiritual Needs of the Elderly
Rosa Myers

AT A GLANCE: Hebrews 11: What It Looks Like to “Live by Faith”
Layton Talbert

WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Priorities
Jim Tillotson

REGIONAL REPORTS

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: Welcome to Our Newest Chaplains and Candidates
Joe Willis

EVANGELIST’S PERSPECTIVE: Living in Light of the Lord’s Return
Jerry Sivnksty

FrontLine • July/August 2024.

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