Big Four – Social Issues
With an election coming up this year, Christians in New Zealand are fighting against political change that affects four social issues. Salvation by law does not work. Christians do not believe in it, so it does not make sense that they are trying to use political power to bring social change. The church has the gospel and the Holy Spirit. These together are far more effective for bringing social church. The horse has bolted. Society has already decided these issues, and it is going the other way. If the church persists on these issues, there will be a reaction. A sword of persecution will come against leaders of churches who push hard issues. This will happen quicker than expected. These issues are suckering the church into supporting right-wing political parties. They will use these voters to get power, but will give very little back. Political power is a trap for the church.
This focus is a mistake and a distraction.
God does not care about these issues as much as we do. He is sad when people reject his love, but he is not surprised when they sin. The wedge issues that concern Christians so much are normal in societies that have turned away from God. The solution is proclaiming the gospel in the power of the Spirit.
In the New Testament, Jesus did not challenge the religious and political powers bring in laws to eliminate abortion, euthanasia and crucifixion. Instead, he went around proclaiming the good news and demonstrating God’s love by healing the sick and casting out demons.
When dealing with sin, he focussed on:
- Unrighteous wealth (Luke 6:24-25; 16:13).
- Religious leaders colluding with political power (Mark 3:6; Luke 23:2: John 19:12).
- Imposing legal burdens on people to solve problems without doing anything about the underlying causes (Matt 23:2-4).
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