An older definition of the noun, “partisan,” is, “An adherent to a party” (Webster’s 1828). The adjective, then, would describe someone as being united in opinion or conviction with others. In that sense of the word, I am very committed to the worldview known as orthodox, confessing Christianity. In other words, I am “partisan” when it comes to:
- The belief that there is absolute truth (John 8:32;14:6).
- The belief that the one God in three persons, as revealed in the Scriptures, is the God who is there (Mt. 28:19).
- The belief there is only way to be forgiven, reconciled to, and thus to know God, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 16:31).
- The belief that we are created in the image of God, as male and female (Gen. 1:26-28).
- The belief that the Bible is from God, always true, and the only ultimate binding source of divine authority (John 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
I could add more but the point is sufficiently made. Any Christian who stands upon the foundation of biblical truth adheres to clear convictions that are opposite what many in our culture currently believe. What Scripture calls me to do in regard to such people is to love them (e.g. Mt. 22:27-40). It is not to agree with them or to be unified with them.
In fact, if I love them, the Bible teaches that I will not only speak the truth to them (Mark 6:34), I will also seek to address their physical or material needs even when they are not favorable toward me (Luke 10:25-37; James 1:27). You might say that I am partisan about loving others in biblical ways, even those who differ from me.
The Bible teaches we are to speak truth to others, help those who have been attacked, hurt, and left for dead (Luke 10:25-37); meet the needs of widows and orphans (James 1:27); seek to prevent babies from being killed (Ex. 20:13); and feed people when they are hungry (Mt. 25:31-46). Since this is the case, would it not stand to reason that if we can have influence upon our government such that we encourage them to do their job of protecting law abiding citizens and punishing those who are breaking the law and hurting others (Rom. 13:1-7), if we can encourage our government to order things such that more jobs are created and so people can provide for the needs of self and family—a situation that provides greater dignity than having to rely on handouts (Gen. 2:15; Prov. 16:26; Eph. 4:28), and if we can influence our government to preserve and view life as sacred, should we not do this? And if we should do all this, how can we not be partisan? How can we stay in the middle? Or even more, how can we be unified with those who believe the opposite?
I am not arguing for being unloving in how we go about what we do. But I do believe that the Church has been silenced in letting our light shine to God’s glory (Matthew 5:16) and to the benefit of others, all because we have bought the lie, “We must stay in the middle, we must be non-partisan, and we must just preach Jesus and not worry about these other things.”
I would agree that our priority is preaching Jesus and making disciples. But disciples do what Jesus commanded (Mt. 28:20), that is, they keep and obey God’s Word (Luke 11:28). In fact, the very reason we need the gospel Paul defines so well in Romans 3:21-5:21 is that we are sinners who fall short of God’s will and of glorifying him (Romans 1:18-3:20). And, when we have responded to the true gospel of the true Savior in faith and repentance, it results in our obeying our Savior and Lord (Rom. 6:1-8:39; 12:1-15:33).
When we advocate for truth (and do it in love) in our culture we are laying ground for people to see why they need Jesus, we are laying ground for people being able to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5), and we are practicing love like Christ. And, when we advocate for good public policy, we are practicing the good works that flow from true salvation (Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14).
So, is it sub-Christian to adhere to and advocate for those in government or running for government office who hold to these same convictions? I argue it is sub-Christian to remain in the middle, uncommitted, and quiet.
The reality is that though neither one of the two major parties in this country is perfect (they are far from it!), there is one party whose platform comes the closest to what I have outlined above. There is also one party that agrees with virtually nothing I have outlined above.
I end up voting for those in the political arena whom I believe come the closest to those positions that honor God and help people most. These are expressions of the gospel of Christ in me that lead me to love God with all I have and other people as myself.
So yes, I am unashamedly partisan and will advocate such partisanship for the good and future of this country, the benefit of its citizens, and for the glory of God.
Joyfully Following Our Lord Who Is The Truth,
Tom Barnes
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