A Biblical Response to Trump’s Assassination Attempt
Regardless of your political views, Christians are called to view all of life through the lens of Scripture. This is what it means to have a biblical worldview. So, in light of the recent heinous assassination attempt of former President Trump, how should Christians think about this situation? How do we exalt Christ in this moment? How now, then, shall we live?
These are my thoughts and I hope they are an encouragement to you.
May we, as disciples of King Jesus, remember the following things in moments like these.
Remember the Imago Dei
In Genesis 1:26, our Triune God created humanity in His likeness and image. (Image Dei literally means “the image of God”).
This means that all human life, from pre-born embryos to those living on life support at age 99, has immense value and must be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and kindness. The doctrine of imago Dei compels all Christians to view all people this way. Therefore, any purposeful attempt to harm a human life is evil and against God’s design. The assassination attempt against Trump was evil. If the attempt had been aimed at President Biden, it would have been evil as well. Regardless of the differences in policy, no human being deserves to be murdered for their positions or morals (or lack thereof). God alone is the Judge, and He will one day bring justice to those whom justice is owed. And for those thinking that means “the other party” with which you disagree, the reality is God’s justice will be enacted upon all people regardless of party lines. The Bible says that ALL have sinned and fallen short of God’s design (Romans 3:23); therefore, ALL of us are guilty sinners who deserve hell (Romans 6:23), and ALL of us are/were in need of God’s saving grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) through faith alone (Romans 3:24-26) in Christ alone (Romans 5:8).
Remember to Pray
In 1 Timothy 2:1-3, we see that Christians are commanded to pray for ALL people, especially those in high positions of authority in government. This applies to this moment in profound ways. Clearly, there is hatred, anger, hostility, and division on BOTH sides of the political aisle all the time. This isn’t new but we are clearly seeing the level of intensity boil over in our country. It can feel overwhelming and hopeless - what could we possibly do when our country faces such chaos? Answer: Pray! We too often give too much lip service to prayer. In reality, the ONLY hope for any person or any country is the sovereign grace of our Almighty God. He spoke the universe into being, and He holds the universe in His hands and sustains all things by His power (Colossians 1:15-17). He is not surprised or shocked at the events that unfolded recently.
Therefore, let us pray for:
His will to be done.
His rule and reign to come.
Peace between all people.
Humility in all levels and branches of government. Pray for our leaders regardless of their policies or morals. All need Jesus.
the Church to be a voice of peace, humility, respect, dignity, and biblical love.
Remember Our Purpose
It’s easy in times like these to forget our primary calling is to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) rather than a political candidate or party. We must stay focused on our citizenship being first and foremost in heaven (Philippians 3:20-21), and we must promote and proclaim the Truth of Scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ above all else. Why? Because if we want to see people, communities, and our country truly transformed, the Bible says that transformation only comes through the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16). The gospel is the good news that God has made a way for sinners to be forgiven through the merits of Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross and His glorious resurrection on the third day.
As Christians, our world needs hope, and it will only be found in Jesus, not Trump, not Biden, not the DNC or the RNC, nor any other earthly entity. Church, lift your eyes! We must remember that every physical problem is deeply rooted in a spiritual problem. There are only two kingdoms: the kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God. Both are at war now, and yet we know that the Kingdom of God will prevail despite all the chaos we see before us today. We must be BOLD in sharing the truth of Scripture, for in the pages of the Bible are the truths that are timeless and trustworthy and necessary to guide us through moments like this.
In addition, Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16 that Christians are supposed to be SALT and LIGHT. This requires real action on our part.
The primary purpose of salt is to preserve something. Christians: what is good that you can preserve, promote, protect, and celebrate?
Salt is also used to season things to make it better. Christians: what is missing in our culture that you can create, develop, or enhance?
Light dispels darkness. Christians: are you a force for dispelling darkness in your sphere of influence? Are you seeking to bring God’s truth and God’s light into places of darkness?
Light is also used as a signal of hope and guidance. Christians: are you using the light of Christ that is in you to point others to His glorious light? (the gospel) Are you seeking to serve and love others in tangible ways to “let your light shine” so that they would give glory to God and know you are one of His followers? (Matthew 5:16)
Remember Our King
As hard as it is to remember, we must never forget that this earthly existence is very temporary and very short. The Bible says this world will pass away, and all people will enter into one of two eternal realities: heaven or hell. Remember that King Jesus will return to judge the world concerning sin and will usher in His perfect Kingdom, ruling and reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords. We must balance two things: keeping our eyes fixed on the future horizon of His coming while also staying faithful and engaged in the present for His purposes and glory.
Don’t get discouraged. Don’t get distracted. Share the gospel. Preach Christ. Engage in the culture with truth and grace. Pray fervently for our leaders and our country. Pray for wisdom on how to be involved in your sphere of influence. Pray for wisdom on how to engage in local government issues where you can enact meaningful change that brings glory to God. Take action! Pray! Don’t lose heart!
Remember the Real Enemy
Brothers and sisters in Christ, please remember who the real enemy is. It isn’t Trump; it isn’t Biden. It isn’t a party or a system. While ALL of those I just mentioned have serious issues, the real battle being waged in our lifetime is not a physical one but a spiritual one. The Enemy is none other than Satan himself, who is called the little “g” god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan exists to steal, kill, and destroy all that God has created.
Let’s close this post by remembering the words of the apostle Paul, who labored valiantly for the cause of the gospel in pagan lands much like our own. Notice his perspective and notice the weapons of warfare he employs, and may we do likewise:
“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”