Does God Appoint Our Leaders?

The question inevitably arises around U.S. Presidential elections: Does God choose the person who becomes our president? Unfortunately, from  the perspective of many Christians, the answer to that question is an emphatic YES. They point to Paul's letter to the saints at Rome as the "proof" that this is so.

However, if we are really interested in answering this question from a Scriptural perspective, then we must be willing to look at the totality of the evidence available to us. In short, is Paul's statement in that epistle the last word on this subject? Did Paul actually say that God appoints mankind's rulers? And, if he did, what does that imply for our notions about free will, and mankind proving that he cannot govern himself?

The King James Version renders the first two verses of the thirteenth chapter of Romans thus: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." Now, I'll admit that this Elizabethan English may be a little obscure to the eyes of the average 20th Century American, but it appears to me that Paul is talking about political/governmental authority - not specific individual rulers. The New International Version makes this even clearer: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." In other words, it's not the individual whom God has appointed - it's the position of authority.

Moreover, if we insist on the more traditional Calvinist interpretation of this scripture - that God has appointed the person occupying the position of authority (as the NLT reads: "those in positions of authority have been placed there by God"), then we are forced to explain another passage from the book of Hosea. In the eighth chapter of that book, the prophet is expressing God's displeasure with the decisions which the Israelites have made for themselves. In verse 4, God says: "They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval." OR As the NLT renders it, "The people have appointed kings without my consent, and princes without my approval." Hence, this scripture clearly indicates that God believed that "He" had not appointed these rulers of Israel! And, if God didn't appoint these rulers, doesn't that kinda torpedo the notion that he appoints all rulers?

"What about what God said to Nebuchadnezzar?" my skeptical friends will demand. Let's take a look at that one too! The King of Babylon had been arrogant about his position, authority and accomplishments (see Daniel 4:30). Prior to this incident, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. In the dream, it was announced: "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people." (Daniel 4:17) We are also informed that Daniel told the king that this dream applied to him, and he suggested that Nebuchadnezzar immediately humble himself before the Lord and repent of his pride (see Daniel 4:19-27). Again, do these verses establish God's supremacy? OR do they suggest that God appoints all world leaders? Did God appoint Hitler and Stalin? Did God intend for their people to submit to their every whim? Were they fulfilling God's will when they murdered millions of their fellow humans?

Finally, we should consider some of the things that Christ is reported to have said during his ministry on this earth. For instance, we know that Christ was not pleased with the way that humans exercised the authority which they possessed. In the Gospel of Luke, we read: "Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves." (see Luke 22:24-27) We also know that Christ established the principle that humans were subject to time and chance (see Luke 13:1-5 and compare with Ecclesiastes 9:11). In other words, not everything that happened on this earth was ordained by God! Christ also established the principle that humans had specific responsibilities relative to God and human government (see Mark 12:17). Finally, when Christ stood before Pilate, we are informed by the author of the Gospel of John that the Roman Governor grew frustrated with Christ's refusal to defend himself and asked him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” (see John 19:10) What was Christ's response? "Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above." (see verse 11) Again, the clear implication being that God grants the authority, but doesn't necessarily dictate which person will exercise the authority or how they will exercise it!

If we are truly learning that we cannot govern ourselves, then logic and common sense dictate that we be allowed to govern ourselves! If we must choose between right and wrong, good and evil, God's way or Satan's way, then we must be allowed to make that decision for ourselves. In other words, God pulling the strings does not work if God is really attempting to teach us that "His" way is superior to all other ways - the only way that leads to true happiness and salvation. Otherwise, we're all just a bunch of robots which have been programmed to go through the motions and perform the tasks assigned to us! And what's the point of that?