I have resisted
the urge to publicly give my opinion on whether the UK should remain or leave.
But I now feel compelled to write it down, in the hope that it will help others
to make this most important decision.
As a Christian
my opinion would be distinctly, Christian and Bible-based, and unashamedly so.
I have read numerous articles and blogs written by Christians arguing for both
sides, some have used Scripture to make their point. It has been with a measure
of disappointment that I have read articles relating to the referendum and have
use Scripture to justify their position, but in the process have mangled
Scripture rather than faithfully interpreting it.
So why am I
writing this now? My desire to give my thoughts on the matter is prompted more
by the misuse of Scripture to justify the Leave position, and to present what I
believe to be a biblically faithful argument for why we should remain in the
EU.
Before I state
the case, I need to make a confession. Coming to this decision to vote remain
has been a process, as I have vacillated between the two positions. I have
heard compelling arguments from both camps, and to be perfectly honest for much
of the time I was in the leave camp. But, as Christians we are called to have the
Scriptures, the Bible, as the final standard of truth on all matters, therefore
I have sought to look at the Scriptures in order to discern what is the most biblically
faithful decision.
It is this which
I desire to present to you now. In doing so, I am not making any claim to be a
biblical scholar, or expert on the politics, economics or policies of the EU. I
am coming from the position of being a pastor of a church based in London, and
my desire is to be faithful God and His Word. Therefore, my argument is based
purely on Scripture and nothing else. My points are as follows:
1.)
The Gospel encourages unity.
2.)
As Christians we are called to care for the oppressed, to stand
against injustice, and to be generous towards those in need.
3.)
Scripture commands us to obey
those in authority within the bounds of Scripture.
4.)
The Great Commission lies at
the heart of the Church and is the primary work of every believer.
5.)
Our decision must have the
furtherance of the Gospel, the glory of God and the good of the Church at
heart.
6.) We trust God for all things and
rest in His sovereignty.
1.)
The Gospel encourages unity.
One of the wonderful truths of the
Gospel is its ability to transcend all human barriers, in fact, it often breaks
down those barriers and boundaries, bringing people together. Every Sunday when
I stand in the pulpit and look down upon the congregation, my heart is filled
with delight as I see people from numerous different nations, cultures and languages.
One would think that we should be at each other’s throats due to the many
historical injustices we have suffered, or inflicted on others. Yet there is
peace, harmony, unity, even a sense of family.
This unity that the Gospel produces
is encouraged in the Scriptures. It is important that we remember that the
early church was multi-national and multi-cultural. We see that in Acts 2 when
the Gospel is proclaimed in numerous languages and people come to salvation. We
see this when Paul travels through Asia and Macedonia planting and establishing
churches. Many of these churches comprised of people from different places,
regions, countries and economic backgrounds. What is it that unites them
together? The Gospel.
Consider just one example: Acts 16
and the church in Philippi. The first convert is Lydia, who was not from
Philippi, nor from Macedonia. She was from the city of Thyatira in Asia. The
second convert is the jailer, whom we assume was from Philippi. From these two
people, one of which was a “foreigner” a church was planted and grew. Note what
Paul writes to them at a later stage, Philippians 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of
the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may
hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving
side by side for the faith of the gospel,” And Philippians 2:1-4, “So if there
is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the
Spirit, any affection and sympathy, (2) complete my joy by being of the same mind,
having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (3) Do
nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves. (4) Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others.”
The emphasis is on humility, selflessness and unity around the Gospel.
By voting to leave, we are putting our own interests first, and we are
choosing to separate ourselves from the many churches in Europe. I am aware
some may object and say this is not the case. However, on a purely practical
level we are separating ourselves, as it will become increasingly difficult for
us to partner with churches in Europe. Our country still has several excellent
Christian tertiary institutions, that have a healthy intake from within the EU.
As it stands visa restrictions on students are hard enough, and there is a possibility
it will be extended to applicants from the EU.
Surely this is not putting unity and partnership in the Gospel as a
first priority, but rather as secondary. We are choosing to put ourselves, our
churches first and failing to stand with the European Church.
And in case we forgot, heaven itself will be multi-cultural,
multi-national, which the Church on earth is called to be a reflection and
image of. The aim of the Gospel within the Church, is to unite and to be ever
increasing in its unity, not distance and division.
2.)
As Christians we
are called to care for the oppressed, to stand against injustice, and to be
generous towards those in need.
One of the main arguments of the Leave campaign has been with regards to
the refugee crisis in Europe, and the economic instability of several EU
countries. Many people have been angered by the large sums of money we have had
to pay in order to “bail out” other countries. It has been viewed as money
thrown into a black hole which we will never see returned. There can be no
denying that Europe is in the grip of a great crisis, with refugees pouring in
from multiple points, which only worsens the economic struggles. The Leave
campaign is eager to see much tighter immigration controls put in place and to
stand apart from the crises in Europe. But can Christians, can the Christian
Church in the UK justifiably take the same stand and opinion?
If we look just at Scripture the answer has to be no. The following
list of selected Scriptures all speak of the need for us to care for, help and
come to aid of those who are being oppressed, treated unjustly, who are
strangers in the land, who are fatherless and afflicted, and those who are in
the grip of poverty. Some of them also pronounce God’s judgement against those
who fail to do this. The failure to obey God’s command in this regard was one
of the reasons as to why the people of Israel were sent into exile.
I would encourage you to look at the following passages:
Exodus 22:22
Deuteronomy 10:18, 24:17-21 and 26:13
Psalm 9:9, 10:18, 82:3, 103:6, and 146:7&9
Isaiah 1:17 and 58:6
Jeremiah 5:28, 7:5-7 and 22:3
Ezekiel 22:29
Zechariah 7:10
Malachi 13:5
Add to the testimony of these Scriptures the manner in which Jesus
treated and regarded people whilst he was upon this earth, as well as the early
Church. Jesus constantly upheld the cause of those being afflicted and
oppressed, those who were treated with injustice. He sought to care for and
love those who were in need and encouraged us to do the same. We need only
think of the parable of the Good Samaritan to understand how we should conduct
ourselves towards others irrespective of who we are, or who they are.
The early Church came together, they shared everything, they suffered
together and sought to care for others who were suffering. The Church in Asia
and Macedonia came to the aid of the Church in Jerusalem, sending money and
gifts.
What about these sobering words from James 2:15-16, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed
and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be
warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body,
what good is that?”
Many Christians in the UK talk about how they are moved by the refugee
crisis in Europe, how their hearts wept when they saw the images of those who
died trying to reach the shore, and the hardships they now experience as they
try to start over again. They have also spoken with sorrow about how the
elderly, poor and needy are suffering greatly in Europe, especially in Greece.
If we claim to be truly concerned about the needs of the refugee, of
those who are oppressed, are in need or are stuck in the grip of poverty, then
how can we choose to further isolate ourselves from the crisis in Europe and
thereby close our hand to them?
We need to also pay attention to the words of Paul to Timothy in 1
Timothy 6, where he encourages those who are rich to be generous in good works
and giving to those who are in need. When it comes to the state of the world,
we are one of the wealthiest nations, and much of our historical wealth has
come at great cost to the poorer nations. Is it not a blessing and privilege
for us to now be generous and care for the needy? It is not our responsibility
to do so? As Christians, should we not be leading the way, setting the example
and imploring our government to do even more to come to the aid of those in
need? Can we, rightly, choose to separate ourselves and turn away from those
who are in great need, all for the sake of our own comfort?
3.)
Scripture commands us to obey those in authority within the bounds
of Scripture.
The third reason is one that many are likely to disagree with! Whether
you like him or not, David Cameron, our Prime Minister, has asked that we stand
with him and choose to remain a part on the EU. Therefore, in respect for our
nation’s leader and in obedience to Scripture we should submit to his request.
Romans 13:1-2, “Let every
person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore,
whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who
resist will incur judgment.”
1 Peter 2:13-14, “Be subject
for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as
supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to
praise those who do good.”
How do these passages support my point? We are called upon to submit
to those in authority, the only time we have the right to refuse is when we are
called upon to do that which is contrary to God’s Word. From this we understand
that if what we are being called upon to do is not against God’s Word, nor evil
or sinful, then we should obey, willingly and joyfully. Of course this rubs us
up the wrong way and sounds most “undemocratic”! No one likes to be told what
to do!
Yet what our Prime Minister is asking us to do when we vote, is not
outside the bounds of Scripture. He is asking us to trust him and our
government in their decision to remain in the EU. He has promised to protect
our rights, security and nation, to ensure that they are upheld and our nation
is put into a position whereby it can prosper all the more. All of these are
seen as being a wise steward, whilst also seeking to work with others, other
nations for the common good of all.
Now we all have our doubts over the ability of politicians to keep
their promises. But if we believe that God is the one who appoints our leaders,
and God is the one who will hold them accountable for every decision they make.
If we believe that God’s Word is to be obeyed, then we need to submit to God,
to Scripture, and to those in authority over us, even if it rubs us up the
wrong way!
4.)
The Great Commission lies at the heart of the Church and is the
primary work of every believer.
Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit…”
Acts 1:8, “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in
all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Every Christian should know that the Great Commission is the purpose
of the Church and the primary work of every believer in the world. Yes, there
are other purposes and works that take place within the church, but when it
comes to the world, the role of the church and the believer in the world, this
is the primary work. When we look out at the world we should always be looking
through the lens of the Great Commission, understanding it is our commission,
given to us by Christ Himself, He has sent us out to do this work. We should be
eager to grab any and every opportunity to make Christ known.
At the moment, Europe is a largely open door for evangelism and
missions. More important Europe is in desperate need of evangelists and
missionaries. It is without doubt the most secular, antagonistic and atheistic
part of the world. Many of these countries once were the foundries of the
Christian faith, the birth place of the reformation, and the great scholars of
the Christians faith. But now this part of the world is in great need of
revival.
It is easy for us to dismiss it as not being our problem, it is the
Church in Europe’s problem, they should sort it out. Let someone else go, let
another country send missionaries there. But the truth is, it is our responsibility
and one we should take seriously. For you and I living in the UK, going over to
Europe is quick, easy and relatively cheap. It is not hard for us to undertake,
support and partner with missions works in the EU. We are their neighbours,
whom we are called to love and to take the Gospel to them.
Europe is our Samaria!
With this in mind, if we regard this as our primary and most important
work as believers, then why would we want to give our support to something which
would make missions work for us in Europe even harder?
5.)
Our decision must have the furtherance of the Gospel, the glory of
God and the good of the Church at heart.
Every decision that we as Christians make must have the following
three desires at heart: the furtherance of the Gospel, the increase of God’s
glory, and the good of the Church (not just our local church, but world-wide).
This is what we are to give our lives to, both within the church and then to
the outside world. Anything which would detract from any of these three we
should be eager to avoid, and if it is in our power to prevent it then we
should act accordingly.
We need to ask ourselves the following question; how will our leaving
the EU result in the furtherance of the Gospel, the increase God’s glory and be
for the good of the Church in the UK, the Church in Europe and the world-wide
Church?
Personally, I cannot see any way in which our leaving Europe could
lead to any of the above, and therefore I believe that as Christians we are
compelled by Scripture to use the means we have been given to ensure we remain
in the EU. We should choose to remain not because we like the politics, or all
the promises, but because of the Gospel, the glory of God and the good of the
Church.
In addition to this, historically speaking we owe much to Europe for
ensuring the survival of the evangelical Church in the UK. There have been
times in the history of our nation when being an evangelical Christian was to
invite the death sentence. You took your life in your hands by going to a
Non-Conformist church on a Sunday. As a result, many Christians fled to
mainland Europe where they enjoyed the protection of their fellow believers
within these countries, until it was safe for them to return to the UK. Several
European countries opened their arms to our Christian ancestors in their hour
need, they stood with them, cared for them, strengthened them and encouraged
them. Can we now with a clear conscience and believing it is for the
furtherance of the Gospel, God’s glory and the good of the Church choose to now
separate ourselves from them?
6.)
We trust God for all things and rest in His sovereignty.
Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but
we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
As I have listened to Christians speak about why it is they want to
leave the EU, I have found myself asking the same question over and over again.
Who do they trust?
Many of the reasons for wanting to leave centre around money, security
and health. We fear that in the future our economy will suffer as a result of remaining
in the EU, and we fear that the UK will become increasingly unsafe as the
refugee crisis worsens. We also fear that by remaining the burden on the NHS
will continue until it reaches breaking point and totally collapses.
But since when have we had complete control over our daily needs,
security and health? To a large extent these are beyond our control and are
ultimately held in God’s hands. Yes, we must be wise and discerning, we should
be diligent workers, earning our wages faithfully. We should not put ourselves
in harm’s way or invite disaster upon ourselves and we should take care of our
physical bodies. But there is no place in this world where anybody has complete
peace of mind and a guarantee that they are completely secure financially,
physically and that no disaster or harm can befall them.
As Christians we should not be looking to man to provide these things
for us, or to man to give us the peace of mind we desire. We will never find it
in man. Only God can bring that peaceful assurance to our lives, for He alone
is the sovereign and all powerful provider, protector and keeper of His
children. He has promised to give us our daily bread, to clothe and shelter us,
to watch over us, never leaving nor forsaking us, to be our refuge, shield,
defender and high tower, and He has promised to keep us until that appointed
time when He shall come to take us to be with Him. He is the good shepherd who
leads us, and we are to trust Him.
David Cameron, Jeremy Corbyn, Borris Johnson and Nigel Farage cannot
promise, guarantee or secure any of these things for us, it is beyond their
ability. We look to and trust in God. As difficult as it may be to hear, I
would suggest that a Christian who votes leave with money, security and health
being their primary concern, has not learned to trust God and look to God for
these things. It reflects an unhealthy dependence upon man and not on God.
Conclusion
This then is my opinion and understanding of the Scriptures. I do not
claim to have the monopoly on the interpretation of the Scripture or their
application to the Brexit Referendum. Doubtless there will be some who disagree
with me, and others who will not like the manner in which the Scriptures have
been applied. I have sought to be honest and faithful to God’s Word, not trying
to force my own opinion upon the Scriptures, but rather having Scripture inform
my opinion and bring my will into submission.
Come 23 June, I will vote to remain in the EU, not because I agree
with all the arguments for remaining, or disagree with all the arguments for
leaving. I will vote remain because I desire to do what is honourable to God,
for the increase of His glory, in obedience to His Word, for the furtherance of
the Gospel and for the good of the Church. I would urge you to think through
what your decision will be, but to think through it biblically and prayerfully.
May God guide each and every hand as it makes it mark on the ballot
paper, so that His will is done and His name glorified.
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