SIN AND THE VOTING BOOTH 

Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

Understanding important truths from the Bible…. 

I John 3:4 KJV

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 

The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Question 14 asks “What is sin?”  This is a most profound question.  On the answer to this depends the moral responsibility of man.  The answer is as simple and as all-encompassing as the question.  “Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.”  The Scripture reference is I John 3:4. 

The reason for concern that sin be defined is a recent article I read in a news magazine I receive.  The author, in concern for the coming national election, wrote, “I’m stunned at the number of my fellow Christians who aren’t even registered to vote, that’s a sin.” 

I am registered to vote and I have been for 48 years.  I have voted in every presidential election since 1964.  It is a cherished privilege given us who live in this beloved nation.  Out of this privilege comes the Christian responsibility to vote for that candidate who most represents righteousness as the Scriptures define it.  If he or she fails in their promises they will answer to God.  I am responsible as a Christian to vote for righteousness and not my pocketbook. 

This brings us to the issue at hand.  “Sin is the transgression of the Law.”  Whenever anything is determined to be a sin there is to be a single reason.  It is a transgression of the law.  Voting, for a Christian citizen, is a privilege and without a doubt, a moral responsibility to consider the candidate.

There is in the Scriptures no example of what we call a democratic form of government.  What we do see is monarchical government where there is no popular choice.  Providence has placed the citizens of this nation in a great and free republic.  The wisdom afforded Christians from the Scriptures, the righteousness which should always be the Christian’s choice, and the orderliness of society demand a choice that is consistent with these values. 

Great care is demanded about what is called sin.  Nothing should be called sin but that which can be traced directly to the Ten Commandments.  When anything else enters, the standard of righteousness is expanded and in most instances lowered.  For man to determine what is sin gives him the right to determine what is righteousness.  We can be sure our standard will never reach God’s standard.  If it is a sin not to vote, it is righteousness to register and of course righteous to vote. 

Pilate’s vote or refusal to vote on the dismissal of Jesus was sin.  It is a Christian’s right to refuse his citizenship.  If he can refuse that, he can refuse to vote.  He can think it is his responsibility not to make a choice when he does not know what choice to make.  Who can say his choice not to vote was not a responsible choice.  He has only his present light on this subject.  He does not have a “thus says the Lord”. 

My conclusion after years of consideration is that you can only say it is a sin not to vote when you think your choice of candidates is the only right choice. 

When I voted for Nixon I was persuaded he lacked a moral base and that he had a monarchical complex.  I voted for him as a bad choice against the other candidate.  I would not do that now.  I would not vote.