Why Jesus Doesn’t Endorse Political Parties: A Biblical Perspective
- Lee Young
- Jul 9, 2025
- 7 min read
John 14:6 (NIV)
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life
I do not often discuss politics. My goal today is not to be political, but to address politics from a biblical perspective and present some biblical principles to guide our politics as Christians. I am speaking to the issue of using Christ or Christianity to endorse one political party over another. It is not uncommon to see Christian beliefs or Scriptures being used, especially in social media, to give politicians or political parties free rein to take an action Christ may not necessarily agree with. This post may be longer than usual, but I hope you'll take the time to read it. It is very relevant to our current political environment.
Let me give you an example of how God views politics. In Joshua, Chapter 5, the Israelite army had gathered around the city of Jericho. This is a city whose sin had reached a peak, and the Lord called for Israel to eradicate it, including all people save the one family who helped them. He did this because in His foreknowledge, He knew this people group would never repent and would only tempt Israel to worship other gods. This is the case with all the battles in the Old Testament.
Nevertheless, an angel appears to Joshua. Joshua asks the angel, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” Now, it would seem to be a simple answer. After all, Joshua is God’s man. Israel is God’s people. It would only make sense that this angel would be for Joshua and Israel, but this was not the angel’s response. The angel answered, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord, I have now come.” He then gives Joshua the command to take off his sandals, for the place where he was standing was holy ground. Why would the angel of the Lord not be for Joshua or Israel?
The answer is quite simple. God is for the truth. He endorses the behavior, words, and attitudes that lead to a more intimate relationship with Him for a better life today and eternal life forever. God does not endorse anyone carte blanche because at any time, any person may choose an action, word, or attitude that grieves the Holy Spirit. God is not going to endorse any political party. Even if every plank in their platform aligns with Scripture, the party is full of people and can turn in the wrong direction in a heartbeat.
Jesus and Politics
Jesus lived in a most oppressive time under the rule of the hedonistic and sadistic Roman Empire. Yet, He never spoke out against the Roman government. Instead, He encouraged the people to follow the law and show kindness to their oppressors. This does not mean that God was in favor of the Roman Empire, but He would have encouraged the people of Israel to seek God first while showing love to their enemies. He calls us to work for the changes we believe are necessary and Godly within the framework of this principle. Whether we feel oppressed by the liberal community or the conservative community, if we claim Christ as Lord, our first obligation is to honor Him in all that we do and say. And we are committed to adjusting our attitude to be the same as Christ, who loved his enemies, spoke truth to them, but always with the motive of saving their souls, not crushing their spirit.
Jesus is the truth, but truth is rarely found in politics. Politics are of this world, but Jesus said that His kingdom was NOT of this world (John 18:36). Any politician might move in a direction that is pleasing to God, but they continue to be human and sinful. The Bible says if we claim there is no sin in us, we are liars. So the Lord can never fully endorse everything anyone does. He is always for people. He wants the best for people. But His love for people will not allow Him to justify behavior that is destructive to the Gospel, to that person, or any other person involved.
Similarly, a political party may have a platform that is entirely biblical. However, good things become ungodly when there is overreach. A good platform can be hijacked to serve a person’s ego or bank account. In that case, the Lord’s response will honor the platform but allow consequences for sinful motives. In the same way, a politician may have a pure heart, but not realize that their side of an issue is not always loving to everyone involved, including God and their enemies. The politician may be mostly pure, but the policy may not be what God desires.
I realize some may read this and attempt to figure out if I am addressing a particular politician or party. I am not. These are Biblical truths that keep God from blessing any politician or party when their policies, rhetoric, motives, or attitude do not honor God.
That is not to say that some things politicians say are not true. However, when Jesus said that He was the truth, He was referring to a philosophical approach to life. His way is the truth. His way is the only true way that leads to abundant life now and eternal life later. His focus was on the salvation of souls, not political platforms. And for this reason, Jesus cannot fit into either of the American political parties. There are times when His actions and words may resemble those of a liberal, and other times, those of a conservative. But when we attempt to use Christ to validate, justify, or demonize the entirety of a political party or politician, we are prostituting the name of Christ.
Ultimately, we live in a democracy. Whether we like it or not, we have been given the responsibility to form the government. As believers, we must not shirk this responsibility. At the same time, however, our goal should always be to choose the politician and the party that will exhibit behaviors and enact policies that will draw the hearts of our nation and the world back to Christ as much as possible. When we understand this must be our highest priority, then we see the difficulty of our political involvement as Christians. We cannot elevate a politician's character above their policies any more than we can elevate the importance of their policies over their character. And the reality is that few politicians will possess a Christ-like character and also implement Christ-like policies. And even if they do, they are human, and the rest of the government is human. They may fall from grace, and their policies may overextend, having the opposite effect from their stated intention. When this happens, like King Saul, they lose the favor of God until they repent and return to honoring God.
Politics is not an easy realm, and the temptations to disregard Scripture in our words, actions, and attitudes cannot be understated. We must be vigilant to live above reproach even in our politics. Here are five Biblical principles to help us do this.,
Five Biblical principles that should guide our politics as Christians.
Ensure that our words, attitudes, and behavior are in obedience to the Word of God.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” - James 1:22
Pray for the wisdom and well-being of politicians in both parties.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 5:12
Expose political wrongdoing while showing love and mercy even to the wrongdoer.
Have nothing to do with deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. - Ephesians 5:11
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Ephesians 4:29
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:2
Prioritize the priestly role to reconcile people to God over any political agenda.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. - James 3:9-10
Never put your hope for America in the government or a politician.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. - Psalm 20:7
This is what the Lord says, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. - Jeremiah 17:5-7
Step into the life God designed for you.
Prepare for Greater Things” is a powerful guide to discovering and embracing God’s unique plan for your life. Through timeless biblical principles and practical insights, this book will help you discern His voice, align your heart with His purpose, and overcome the distractions that keep you from walking fully in His will. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your calling or courage to take your next step of faith, this inspiring resource will equip you to step boldly into the greater things God has prepared for you.
Comments