There are a number of passages in the Bible that suggest the citizenry is to have participation in the corporate affairs of society. This really becomes representative government. On an event recorded in Joshua, the people were to cross the Jordan. They were to show support of social control and spiritual commitment by choosing a member from each tribe to represent them on their entrance to their new land. Those elected were commissioned by Joshua. The priests were under orders from the high priest (separation of church and state). The Head of State was Joshua (president, leading the administration for civil affairs), with support from the elected persons representing each tribe. Joshua did his part and was revered by the people as was Moses before him. (4:14) The priests did their part, and together they led a united people to enter the land. The representatives reared a mound of stones to mark the occasion for the people. They also had something to say in the course of events that followed, as in the decision to permit two and a half tribes to take inheritance on the east of Jordan. Previously, all planned to go west of Jordan. A deal was struck. Those staying East must assist those going West.
Later Israel illustrated democracy in electing David King, with a Moses constitution. David fell under review when, at the height of his reign, he was guilty of breaking laws (adultery and murder) – laws he was commissioned to support. The prophet, Nathan, stood in judgment of the king, but Nathan was representing God, not the government. David was humbled and repented, before God and the people. As we know it, the Church is a voluntary congregation that chooses her leaders, with the understanding that they are to be led of God. Authority was found in recognized moral integrity related to Scripture. The government serves well when all the parts of the human society function in carrying out their proper roles. Each must carry responsibility, wending upwards from the individual to the largest societal entity – where ideal administration ought to be found in the accepted leadership of the populace. Because of the flaws in the individual persons and general population, the system is sometimes breached. Here is where the greatest problems arise. God assists in differentials if involved persons can be found faithful.
Keys to effective government are: unity, integrity, service, knowledge, understanding, justice, order, protection and wisdom. Persons are accountable to God, even without faith from them. That grace of God, known as common grace, gives all persons, believer and unbeliever alike, devout or profane, wise or foolish, the right of life to have what is necessary, even good, for earthly sojourn. Man’s accounting to God will include not only that which makes us acceptable in God’s kingdom, but what he did as a man among mankind in God’s temporal creation. A high point of that responsibility is in integral government that makes life not only orderly but reflective of God’s meaning for creation. What is done to advance that freedom within bounds of common grace commends mankind to God, and God to mankind. We answer in two ways, identified in immortality and mortality in righteousness. In that dual context we live. Without a joining of both we fail to live as we were meant to live. Mankind can do well with clear and supportable policies related to mortal life, and that includes government. Even so, the masses are not going to bring it off well without divine aid. The depravity of the race of man disarms success. It is clear from Scripture that those who believe in God are not so much to defend the divine meaning of the policies of nature and God, but to declare them and live by them. It is for the faithful to believe, model and influence truth for life, with life in primacy, and progress to follow. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020