JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning voting.

Those who are converted to God's way of life are ambassadors for Jesus Christ (II Cor. 5:20). As ambassadors and citizens of the Kingdom of God, Christians are no longer to be involved in man's systems of government.

Notice: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20, RAV). Christ taught that His Kingdom was not of this world. Consequently, His servants have no part in, but, rather, are called out of this world. See John 18:36 and Revelation 18:4.

The Bible reveals that it is God who sets up rulers and removes them according to His will (Dan. 4:17). The governments holding power do so only as long as God allows. While they do, Christians are instructed to be subject to them (Rom. 13:1). If, however, there should be a conflict between the laws of God and the laws of man, then, of course, we are to obey God rather than man. See Acts 5:29.

Jesus Christ said He will return to set up God's Kingdom, a world government with righteousness and justice. We are admonished to pray for His Kingdom to be established on the earth (Matt. 6:9-10), because then and only then will this world's problems be solved.

For further information, please see our publications WHY HUMANITY CANNOT SOLVE ITS EVILS and THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOMORROW -- WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE. Copies are available free upon request.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible or in Christian living, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT