Does the Bible contain principles that apply to public life? If so, can these biblical principles produce godly change in a nation as we apply them?
Every nation is built upon some religion or philosophy of life. (This includes the “religion” of humanism, which is where man is god, and he is the final source of what is right and wrong, which is reflected in the law of society). A Christian nation is one that is founded on biblical principles, whose laws and institutions reflect a biblical world-view. The Bible teaches, and history confirms, that to the degree that nations have applied the principles of the Bible in all spheres of life is the degree to which they have been free, acted justly and prospered.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”. (Galatians 5:1) This is true for men and for nations. As the gospel goes into a man’s heart, he is changed. Likewise, as the gospel is infused into the life of a nation, it is changed. It is a change of liberty and freedom.
God changes nations from the internal to the external, from individuals to family to nations. Therefore, to liberate a nation, we must first liberate the people of a nation by providing knowledge of biblical principles for them to live by. ”My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6) “Therefore My people have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge” (Isaiah 5:13) This will occur as we proclaim the gospel and make disciples, as Jesus commanded. We need to teach believers how to live out the truth of the Bible in everyday life.
In addition 2 Chronicles 7:14 reveals the importance of repentance and prayer for the transforming of ourselves and our nations. This is obviously where all godly change must begin. It is a “heart” change not just a “head knowledge” change.
When men are changed, their families, businesses, schools, churches, neighbourhoods, towns, cities and nation should also change. Biblical principles affect all of life, including families, education, the media, government and business.
These articles are designed to teach a biblical world-view, equip believers in principles of self and civil government, and inspire action.
The Great Commission is to “go and make disciples of all the NATIONS,” by “teaching them to observe all that (He) commanded.” (Matthew 28:19)