The dramatic shift in the political landscape means the agenda of evil will continue to advance. The LGBTQ agenda will press forward, the killing of unborn children through abortion will continue, open-border policies will bring further dangers, and the influence of Islam will continue to grow within our nation.
But none of this should surprise those who know their Bibles.
Scripture doesn’t say the world will become increasingly righteous in the last days. Quite the opposite. We are warned that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse” (2 Timothy 3:13). Jesus also warned of a time when men’s hearts would fail them for fear of the things coming upon the earth (Luke 21:26).
Yet as Christians, we must never forget something of enormous importance. Our real enemy isn’t flesh and blood. The Bible tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world (Ephesians 6:12).
Our ultimate battle isn’t against politicians, political parties, or even those who passionately oppose everything we believe. It is a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness.
“We can change a nation’s laws without changing a single human heart. But when a sinner is genuinely converted through the gospel, something miraculous happens.”
Scripture calls us soldiers of Jesus Christ. Although we are surrounded by spiritual enemies, we must never forget whose side we’re on. I’m reminded of the words attributed to General Douglas MacArthur:
“The enemy is in front of us, the enemy is behind us, the enemy is to the right and to the left of us. They can’t get away this time!”
The Bible asks, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). It tells us that God always causes us to triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14) and that through Him we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
But here’s something even more important. Our greatest weapon isn’t political power. It’s the gospel. Jesus commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. This is what the modern Church seems to have forgotten.
Of course, Christians should vote for righteous legislators, oppose evil, and seek laws that protect the innocent. That’s part of being salt and light in a corrupt world.
But consider the early Church in Acts. How much of its energy was devoted to changing the Roman Empire’s political landscape? That wasn’t its primary mission. The apostles didn’t organize political campaigns to overthrow Caesar. They preached Christ crucified and risen from the dead. They warned sinners of coming judgment and proclaimed the glorious news that Jesus Christ came to save us from the wrath to come. And they turned the world upside down!
Their priority was proclaiming the everlasting gospel. When the Church forgets that priority, it puts the cart before the horse—and goes nowhere. Think about it. We can change a nation’s laws without changing a single human heart. But when a sinner is genuinely converted through the gospel, something miraculous happens. The man who once loved sin begins to hate it. The woman who once despised righteousness begins to hunger for it. The heart that once rebelled against God now delights in His commandments. That’s the power of the gospel. Political legislation can restrain evil, and that’s important. But only the gospel can transform the evil heart.
So, if you’ve placed your hope in political change, outlawing abortion, restoring righteousness, or passing godly legislation, don’t become discouraged by political setbacks. Simply realign your priorities.
Our hope was never meant to rest in the White House, Congress, or the Supreme Court. It rests in the risen Christ, who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. These are dark times. But remember, the darker the night, the brighter the light. So let your light shine. Share your faith. Warn sinners of coming judgment and tell them of the incredible mercy of God in Jesus Christ. We have a commission from the King of kings, and no election, political party, or government can take it from us.
The Church’s greatest victory will never be won at the ballot box. We’ll see it in the salvation of souls. That’s our primary mission. And we must never forget it.
