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IFA has produced a voter guide for the 2018 midterm elections. Access the digital download HERE or call to order multiple copies, printed on glossy paper and folded as a brochure. Orders of any amount are free, although we ask you to consider a donation to defray our costs. Call 1-800-USA-PRAY (872-7729).

With mid-term elections approaching and many candidates entering the race, Christians are faced with numerous choices, not only in who to vote for, but what to vote for. The platforms and laws concerning gun control, immigration, abortion, same-sex marriage, and others, each have long-term ramifications that will affect our faith and our freedom for years to come. To help Christians consider these issues from the viewpoint of what the Bible says, what the Constitution permits, what freedom requires, and what justice demands, American Pastors Network offers these four principles in considering how to vote:

1. What does the Bible say? If God explicitly says it, we obey (Deut. 30:15-19). If God is not explicit, we apply biblical principles. Example: God made mankind in His image and, therefore, all life is sacred. He mandates: Thou shalt not murder. This is explicit. Human life is sacred; therefore, abortion, euthanasia and other forms of murder violate God’s law. Self-defense and protection of life is a logical extension into the issue of weapons and defense of innocent life.

2. What does the Constitution permit? The Constitution complements the Bible, not vice versa. Established laws must conform to the Constitution that recognizes God created rights. Example: Self-defense is biblical and a natural right; therefore, the Second Amendment recognizes and guarantees this right.

3. What does freedom require? The end result of accepting biblical truth is freedom. Freedom is the result but also the goal. The Declaration of Independence recognizes this right and the Constitution guarantees it: our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Government’s duty is to preserve these rights. Example: The Second Amendment, and protection of innocent lives of citizens and their property, is inherent with the immigration reform debate.

4. What does justice demand? The primary purpose of government is to enact justice—to punish the evil doer and reward those who do good. The administration of justice must conform to biblical principles and constitutional law. Example: Undermining the Second Amendment or other rights by legislative action or by judicial activism, violates the very concept of enacting justice and fulfilling the primary purpose of government and constitutional law. 

APN President and radio host, Sam Rohrer, shares why these principles are so important:

“Nearly any issue of freedom can be considered from the basic principles upon which our representative republic sits. If these considerations are not made, we will begin to lose our civil freedom, and it will not return. Decisions regarding freedom and liberty must be linked to eternal moral principles, linked to history and linked to reality.” The principles APN puts forth can serve as a starting point for believers in considering the choices to be made in the election. “I believe this framework and road map will permit any person, whether in office or a private citizen, to come to the right solution regarding a variety of challenging issues,” Rohrer added, “providing that they, in fact, want to come to a conclusion that protects our Constitution and our freedom—that is the hinge pin.”

*Shared from Charisma online, “4 Ways to Determine Where You Should Stand on the Issues”