Why Government Can't Save You: An Alternative to Political Activism

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

The Lord did not come as a political deliverer or social reformer. He did not rally supporters in a grandiose attempt to "capture the culture" for morality or greater political and religious freedom. Rather, His divine calling was to rescue the lost souls of individual men and women from sin and hell.

In Why Government Can't Save You: An Alternative to Political Activism, author John MacArthur illustrates through Scripture that, regardless of the numerous immoral, unjuust, and ungodly failures of secular government, believers are to pray and seek to influence the world for Christ by godly, selfless, and peaceful living under that authority, not by protests against the government or by acts of civil disobedience. Dr. MacArthur will explore these areas:

Christians' responsibility to authority
How and why we should support our leaders
How to live righteously in a pagan culture
The principle of paying taxes
Jesus' lessons on tax exemptions
The biblical purpose of government
The principle and reasons for civil obedience.

"To devote all, or even most, of our time, energy, money, and strategy to putting a façade of morality on the world or the appearance of 'rightness' over our governmental and political institutions is to badly misunderstand our roles as Christians in a spiritually lost world."  ―John MacArthur

Genres: Theology, Politics, Christian Living, Christian, Religion, Government, Christianity

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2000

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Josh Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst book I’ve ever read on the topic of government from a Christian perspective. I love John on soteriology, but his thesis in this book is a major departure from Biblical teachings on government, and also historic Christian and especially Reformed teachings on government.

If you’re looking for a Dispensation outworking of government (i.e. what the Bible doesn’t teach about government), want tyranny to dominate the world, and the Christian ghettoization of America to continue, read this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Angry protesters are seen on the news. social media is inflamed with distrust and government conspiracy theories, and political battles lines are being drawn. Sadly, many Christians find themselves drawn into this mess, and vent their anger and disapproval just like everyone else. This title is a wake-up call that Christians are to live differently from the world, including the way they interact with government authorities. MacArthur makes a solid Biblical case for treating all people in authority with respect, regardless of their harsh oppression or unjust policies. He also describes the Biblical examples of civil disobedience, drawing insights from them for life today. At the end he includes a sermon by Charles Spurgeon the same topic, which makes a similar argument. I don't consider myself a "follower" of MacArthur, but with this book, he hits the nail squarely on the head. I highly recommend it.

[Ricardo Daglio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente


La palabra de Dios satura este libro de tapa a tapa dando de esta manera una respuesta sólida a cada uno de los conflictos que se presentan en torno a la participación o no del cristiano en debates políticos y morales. Creo que el pastor MacArthur dedica tiempo para desarrollar con excelencia y seriedad aquellos porciones de la Escritura que están relacionadas al tema de cómo un cristiano se involucra con el gobierno. Desde los ejemplos de Daniel y el apóstol Pablo y otros más, es posible aprender cómo espera Dios que respondamos a las problemáticas sociales que enfrentamos como cristianos en un mundo caído. Quizá la respuesta que muchos buscan en este libro no vendrá de manera explícita sino de forma tácita, es decir que la comprensión del consejo de Dios sobre estos asuntos permite al lector liberarse de ser avasallado por una filosofía que cada vez más penetra dentro de las puertas de la iglesia. Uno de estos puntos a conocer bien y que nos permiten volver a las bases firmes es cuando se nos recuerda cuál es la batalla real y donde el pastor MacArthur nos dice que "no podemos proteger o expandir la causa de Cristo a través del activismo político y social, no importa cuán grandes o sinceros sean nuestros esfuerzos. La nuestra es una batalla espiritual contra ideologías y dogmas mundanos que están organizados contra Dios, y solamente obtendremos victoria sobre ellos con la Escritura como arma, 2 Corintios 10:3-5" (p. 12) Y también, "Dios simplemente no nos ha llamado a desarrollar una cultura de guerra que busca transformar nuestros países en "naciones cristianas." (p. 12) Finalmente, otra de las excelentes citas del libro nos dice, "La iglesia realmente cambiará la sociedad para bien solo cuando los creyentes individuales hagan de su principal preocupación su propia madurez espiritual, lo que significa vivir de una manera que honre los mandamientos de Dios y glorifique su nombre. Tal preocupación incluye inherentemente un firme entendimiento de las Escrituras y un entendimiento de que su principal mandato para nosotros es conocer a Cristo y proclamar Su evangelio." (p. 129)

[Josh Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book written to conservative Christians, reminding us what exactly our purpose is as it relates to government and politics.

J Mac, as always, gets to the context of the NT letters and the political environment they were written in. Jesus & Paul lived in much more challenging and authoritarian environments than we do, and yet they submitted to government and preached submission to the church. MacArthur reminds us that our goal is not to change political parties but to change hearts with the message of Jesus at an individual level. Political change without Christ is futile, after all.

As a political hot head, this was a great read for me and a superb reminder to follow my Lord amidst party tribalism.

[Timothy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a book for MacArthur I can read with open arms... He made great points about the futility of the political order and seeking even a temporal "salvation" through it... This is a place to start for those leaving both the liberal and conservative religious bandwagons.

[Desmond Doyle · Rating 1 out of 5]

John-christianzionist-Macarthur contunues his comfort campaign in deactivating taxation on his 'charitible' "creature of the state"(otherwise known as 501c3) and attempted demotivation of those pleading the cause of the needy. The strawman argument in updated wood paneling and shag carpet. Although it is outdated to say those who wish to follow God's Law in government rather than man's are doing so for soul salvation, there's no accounting for taste nor for what's considered clever in pop theology. With a podium as large as his audience (dated as well) he wants you to know that he doesn't want to be president. Ironic from somebody who would govern your sentiments on Political israel.. Nevertheless, you may think that advocating for the poor and the widow in his distress is God's work. No!, says Mac, you could only be seeking salvation through ceasar. Did John the Baptized seek salvation for Herod? Did Paul asserting his right as a citizen appeal to ceasar for his salvation? I could mention Stephan or Joseph of Arimathea, Daniel so many others who lobbied, opposed and revolted against unjust rulers. And even if St. Valentine believed he was saving soldiers from soul staining temptation and sin, even Luther would laud him for salving their suffering. Million in our country have died and lived by the laws passed in government, shame on the author for implying otherwise. How someone who villifys Americas founding and its founders could so mesmerize Christians, albeit modern American Christians, is baffling. The Church is not separate, nor ever was, from politics. The word ecclessia means lit. a political body. Baptism is a political act of alegiance used before by Roman soldiers in oath to their Ceasar. A counter-revolutionary-prophet shouting sadly in perfect harmony to His age. MacArthur, take your own advise. Quit preeching conspiracy theories in political activism. Be in subjection to Roman rulers. Did they all lie...? There is no king, but King Jesus.

[Michael Rodrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worthless junk. John MacArthur is one of the most famous preachers who pushes heresy and false theology, including Lordship Salvation, denying the blood of Christ, and teaching you can still get saved even after taking the Mark of the Beast. Go figure.

He is part of the false Prophets used by the elites to push forth the New World Order.

MacArthur pushes the false teaching about Romans 13, that Christians are always to submit to government and authorities. He condemns the American Revolution, and pushes false Calvinist teaching that all governments are ordained by God.

He seems unaware of the fact that Psalm 94:16 tells us to rise up against the evildoers, and how countless people of the Bible stood up against unjust governments, including the various judges (Samson, Gideon, Deborah), as well as Nathan, Elijah, and Jehoiada. Jesus Christ Himself even referred to Herod as a fox.

He also seems unaware that Revelations 13:1-7 debunks his false teaching about government. The Beast will be literally installed by the Devil, and those who take his mark will end up in Hell forever. Yet, MacArthur claims that you can still get saved after taking the Mark of the Beast.

What's worse than that, is that MacArthur completely goes against the principles he teaches in his book in the face of the PLANDEMIC. He defied COVID restrictions, endorsed Trump openly, condemned lockdowns, condemned Biden, etc.

A complete hypocrite. I am shocked by the masses who positively review this book.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to the Christian worldview it does not put its hopes in anything that can be taken away. It does not rely on institutions, leaders or government. It's hope is found in Jesus Christ. Christians have always struggled with how to relate to government even though the passages in the Bible are very clear. John MacArthur has taken it upon himself to clarify where the church has gone astray and why the Biblical standard must be reestablished as the way Christians must interact with government. In clear writing and Biblical analysis MacArthur makes the case for the uniqueness of the Christian view of government. As a government teacher I enjoyed this book immensely, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to understand how to interact with government when both people inside and outside the government seem to have lost their minds.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm often amazed at how MacArthur is ahead of the curve on issues faces churches and society as a whole. He's hated by many liberal groups because of this--and some of those people are in "churches". This book is another instance where he was simply out in front leading a charge. If we are honest today, we'll have to admit that most Christians are far more comfortable and far more likely to share political viewpoints than they are the Gospel. And, usually they share those with people they agree with. In fact, many in America equate political obsessions with serving Christ. This book addresses all of that and much more. In a society where Christianity looks far different than it did under the Roman Empire, every Christian really needs to read and meditate on this book. I greatly enjoyed it.

[April Thrush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleased with the views in this book overall, but I was kind of looking for something that would give me an idea of what a biblical worldview would look like when you apply it to specific political issues. This book gave a very general overview of a biblical worldview in regards to politics. Perhaps this is because John MacArthur believes that it is much more important to transform our culture by our spiritual giftings and spreading the gospel rather than focusing on political reform. I completely agree with this...however, this is also the reason why I am so fuzzy when it comes to how I should view specific political issues.

[Jon Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say that this contained anything mind-blowing that I hadn't considered before but MacArthur has some good points as always and an humble approach to considering the topic. I would LOVE to see a theonomist response to this... I do feel this book was very much influenced by MacArthur's premillennialism.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, but by no means exhaustive. I would love to see an updated and expanded version of this in light of everything that has happened in 2020, especially around Grace, the government, and the limits of submission.

[Quoxta Fenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I agreed with everything MacArthur wrote,
but I would have liked a book that went deeper
even though I understand this book was meant for the general public, and hence introductory.

[Jack Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

[Seth Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christians should be gracious, obedient citizens, but MacArthur sees almost no role for Christian involvement in politics or for civil disobedience.

[Joshua Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome look at what our role as Christians should be in government. This is solely pulled from Scripture--no influence form society or man.

[James Ramelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, but doesn't address arguments against his position

[Michael Toleno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't agree with everything that MacArthur says or all of his reasoning, but the overall theme and many of the key points are encouraging, refreshing, and important for Christians to understand.

[Mark Lickliter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, so don't let the three stars fool you! Every four years when it is time for another election, the message of this book serves as a good reminder of where our priorities should be. Sometimes John MacArthur way overstates his case with statements such as, "It makes no difference if an unsaved person is strongly pro-abortion or antiabortion, a political liberal or a conservative, a prostitute or a police officer, he will spend eternity apart from God unless he repents and believes the gospel." (p. 14)
Such statements over-correct the problem of evangelical Christians becoming obsessed with politics. MacArthur is right to make the case that our priority should be reaching the lost with the message of the gospel, but this truth does not preclude or nullify a Christian's responsibility toward a biblical worldview regarding these other issues. Certainly it does make a difference if Christians are pro-abortion or anti-abortion, or conservative or liberal. Such views come about from a transformed mind and worldview. (Rom. 12:1-2) MacArthur is right that politics should not be the Church's priority, but we are commanded to live in light of the gospel and apply it to all aspects of our lives. (1 Cor. 10:31) Such living includes loving our neighbors enough to participate in the political process. As Christians, we should be active to vote for laws and leaders that promote what is just and good, and punish what is evil. If we should be anything as Christians, certainly we should be striving to make a difference, and doing so according to God's Word.

[laurenpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great advice

Our true purpose is sharing the good news of the gospel with the world. Our purpose is NOT to be so embroiled with the world that we spew hate with politics, thereby turning the lost away!

In my own family and church, I've seen such discord amongst "Christians," some on the left and some on the right, who tend to get up on their soapbox and spout angrily. Or maybe it's just judgemental, snipy, petty little asides. Either way, this can be a serious detriment to fellowship and discipleship.

Therefore I believe John F. MacArthur Jr.'s thoughts here are timely and necessary. Biblical as well.

I have nothing against respectful debate. Prayer and voting are great. Just, please, drop the judgement and hate! Jesus asked us to love our enemies and pray for them. How can any of us say anything else but, "There, but for the grace, of God, go I."

They will know us by our love.

[Justin Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably MacArthur's most under-appreciated book, yet it is increasingly relevant for the time and place we live in. I suspect it is discarded by many because they dislike it's message. However, if so, it is God's message regarding the place of government that they reject, not MacArthur's.