Written by Alicia Roxbury
“If you elect me as the next President of the United States, I promise you, I will…”
You fill in the blank of what we have been hearing since the start of this campaign season, intensifying almost daily as Election Day approaches. We often see these promises change to fit the dynamics of the candidate’s audience. Too often, as a nation, we are disappointed because these promises are not kept. I am very thankful that as Christians, we can place our confidence in One who does keep his Word and His Word will never change. As we are reminded in II Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
One definition of candidate is a person who seeks an office or honor. Christ did not have to seek His place of honor. Since the beginning, He’s been there! Jesus left heaven for a short time to live on earth, be crucified, and rise again. None of this was for His sake, but for all of us! This was God’s plan so we can be saved. Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Just look at all that Christ is to us when we allow Him into our hearts and lives!
This brings us to another definition of candidate. It is a person who is selected by others as a contestant for an office. We do have an obligation to choose Christ to govern our lives. He will never force Himself upon anyone, but through love and mercy He convicts men and women of their sins. Then we can repent, ask and receive forgiveness and be saved!
Oh the change in one’s heart and life that accompanies true Bible salvation! It brings joy to the heart,
peace to the mind and a clear conscience. You can begin a close walk with Christ and have access to all the promises contained in the Bible.
In the same way, we have the power to choose which candidate to vote for. Anyone of any race may choose whomever he desires, republican or democrat. That freedom of choice is what makes America great, but it is also what makes salvation great. God does not force us to choose Him to rule our lives, He graciously gives us the choice.
There are differing opinions on how many promises are contained in the holy pages of God’s Word. Whether it is 3,000, 5,000 or more is not as important as what backs those promises. They are all confirmed by God’s oath and the blood of Christ. We need no greater guarantee than that! We can claim a promise made by God with the expectation that He will fulfill it.
As we hear all the promises made by the candidates for whatever political office they are running, remember they will undoubtedly be broken. Thankfully, we can put our trust in God, confidently relying on His unfailing Word. “For I am the Lord, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6)
