Can politicians, too, be saved?

Will there be politicians in heaven? Perhaps another way to ask this same questions is: "Can politicians, too, be saved?"

There is a Bible verse in the Book of Revelation, chapter 21, verse 8, which raises questions, especially now, during campaign season, when the airwaves and Internet are filled with political ads bashing the opposition and grossly misrepresenting the truth. That Bible verse, which describes the final outcome of God's judgment, reads: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

We read that verse and can understand why God would condemn those who commit abominations and murder. We understand why those who make use of prostitutes will be in the lake of fire. We agree that those who practice sorcery and idolatry will spend eternity in hell. But then we come to that last group who will be condemned: "all liars."

Since one of God's commandments forbids bearing false witness against our neighbor (Ex. 20:16; Deut. 5:20) and God clearly says all liars will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death, can politicians, too, be saved?

For so many, their terms in office begin with a lie. They swear on the Bible to uphold the United States Constitution and then begin to violate its clear and plain words at almost every turn in order to gain power, wealth and political ambitions.

And, as I said in the opening paragraphs, can politicians be saved if they lie, twist and misrepresent the truth and smear others? The Word of God tells us where such politicians will be: "in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." It won't matter if they claimed to believe or claimed to be guided by God's Word.

By the way, we really won't need politicians in heaven because everyone will be perfect and without sin -- no laws and rulers will be necessary.

So, how can politicians be saved? The answer, of course, is the same for all: Repent and believe the Gospel. Put another way, that simply means to acknowledge and turn from sin to Christ Jesus for pardon, forgiveness and eternal life.

That is, after all, what Jesus preached (Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47). It's what John the Baptist preached (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:1ff.). It's what Peter and the apostles preached (Acts 2:38-39; 3:19; 20:21; 1 John 1:8 - 2:2). That is also why Jesus suffered, died and rose again -- to pay the penalty for all our sins that we might repent and trust in Him for forgiveness and life eternal in His kingdom.

And, if politicians do repent and trust in the Lord Jesus, not only will they be saved, the lying should stop and the truth be clearly spoken.

And, to be fair as a preacher, perhaps I should ask the same question in regard to preachers and pastors? Will they be in heaven? After all, they will be out of a job there, too, because everyone in heaven will know the LORD and know His Word.

Truth is that ministers, too, ought to be concerned about lying and misrepresenting the truth. They claim to speak for God and to be instructing people in the doctrines of His Book -- the Bible.

If they purposely alter the clear teaching of the Bible for the sake of earthly gain, power or wealth, isn't that the same as what the politicians are doing? What if they teach some parts of the Bible and ignore others? Isn't that a misrepresentation of the truth? And the cost is eternal -- souls are misled and lost forever to God's kingdom.

And, if it is done in ignorance, perhaps because ministers were taught errors in doctrine through other preachers, professors or church bodies, does that excuse teaching falsehood in the name of God? The end result is still just as devastating for the lost and misled.

Ministers have a responsibility greater than any other when they preach and teach because they represent God and are responsible to Him for faithfully speaking His words and not their own. People's souls depend upon their faithfulness. Ministers are not to preach their own thoughts and opinions, or even those of church leaders and theologians. They are to proclaim the clear and plain words of the Bible. They are not to give their own interpretations of Scripture to the people, but to use Scripture to interpret Scripture for the people.

The Bible says of ministers (1 Cor. 4:1-2): "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."

So, can preachers, too, be saved? Will there be ministers in heaven? Only if ministers repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ! There is no other way.

And if ministers repent and trust in Christ, not only will they be saved from that lake of fire, we should be able to see the fruits of repentance: great respect for God's Word, care to preach all of it faithfully, letting Scripture (not church bodies and church leaders, not so-called theologians, not popular opinion) interpret Scripture.

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be contacted at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 09/24/2014