Apologetics: ə-pŏl'ə-jĕt'ĭks from the Greek απоλоγία Def: The branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines.

Can A Born-Again Christian Support President Obama?

Written By Esthermay Bentley-Goossen on 20 January 2009

"This is my Father's World.
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's World:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns: let the earth be glad!"
~ Verse 3 of the Hymn, This Is My Father's World"
by Maltbie D. Babcock

We know from Romans Chapter 13 that it is God who ultimately selects our leaders. As Christians we are to trust God's sovereignty and goodness and remember this.

"The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble."
~ Proverbs 1:4

This is my Father's World . . .

Believing what I do about Obama and -- more importantly -- believing God's Word to be the absolute final authority on all things, I cannot support his presidency. The question in the title is not rhetorical. I can PRAY for him. But as for supporting the man. . .

The answer is NO.

See, a true Born-Again Christian is a child of God who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life. As such, the Born-Again Christian has agreed to replace their will with that of God. This person will have their eyes opened up to Truth that there is good and evil and anything that violates God's will is evil.

let me ne'er forget . . .

A true Born-Again Christian does not tolerate evil (Amos 5:15)! The Bible holds several very specific passages whereby God expects us to condemn sin and He scorns us when we don't.

Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 are two examples early in Biblical history.
God condemned Eli for tolerating his sons' sinful behavior in I Samuel 3:12-13.
The so-called prophets of Jerusalem "strengthened the hand of evildoers" and were an abomination in God's eyes (Jeremiah 23:14).
Isaiah 5:20 warns those who "call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

. . . that though the wrong seems oft so strong,

The point is this: God expects those who call themselves by His name to be absolutely INTOLERANT of evil. Period. And He certainly does not want us to enable it!

If you believe that God's Word is inerrant and True, then the following statements are FACTS:

Abortion is evil. President Obama abets abortion.
Infanticide is evil. President Obama enables and defends infanticide.
The Lord hates hands that shed innocent blood. President Obama's hands are bloodied.
Same-sex marriage is evil. President Obama supports same-sex marriage.
Sodomy is evil. President Obama upholds sodomy.
Homosexuality is evil. President Obama embraces homosexuality.
The Lord hates a lying tongue. President Obama lies without remorse.
The Lord hates a false witness. President Obama is unrepentant and proud.
These are demonstrable facts.

"I’m rooted in the Christian tradition,” said Obama, who has declared himself a Christian. But then he adds something that will not sit well (at all!) with real Born-Again Christians: “I believe there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.” (The man is clearly -- not only a friend, but -- a disciple of Oprah Winfrey!)

. . . And when confronted by a reporter with the words of John 14:6 where Jesus says of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” Obama played the interpretation game telling the reporter that it depends on how this verse is "heard." (Whaaaaat??)

Obama apparently thinks that “all people of faith — Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, animists, everyone — know the same God.” He goes on to say: " . . . There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they’re going to hell. I don't believe I -- or anyone -- will go to hell.” (See the full transcript of Cathleen Falsani interview with Barack Obama here.)

God is the ruler yet.

Obama can call himself anything he likes, but there is a clear requirement for one to qualify as a Christian and Obama doesn’t meet that requirement. Only God can judge a person's heart, but one cannot deny central tenets of the Christian faith -- including the deity of Christ as the sole mediator between God and Man -- and call himself a Christian.

Such people do have a label applied to them in Scripture. They are called “False Prophets.” And the level of idolatry that has followed Barack Obama for the last twelve months -- while unreal and unprecedented -- should not surprise us. See II Timothy 4:3 and I John 4: 1-2.

Why should my heart be sad?

Over the last months since Mr. Obama's election victory, I've heard many Christians profess these words: "He is my president. I will support him. I want him to succeed."

You may call me anti-American. I do not want President Obama to succeed. This does not go against nor contradict my responsibility as a Christian to be subject to God-ordained authority. But . . .

God's Word has clear repudiation for those who enable and support evil men:

"And just as they [fools] did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”
~ Romans 1:28,32

In other words, those who tolerate (and even laud, worship, idolize) the wicked are just as much of an abomination (or is it "Obamination") in God’s eyes as are the wicked.

If you are a true, born-again Christian, you cannot enable and support such openly and obviously evil actions by a man who denies the Lordship of Jesus Christ. . .

. . . Even if you agree with him on the environment, economy, or anything else. God's Word unmistakably compels you to reject him. However. . .

You can and must PRAY for HIM!

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men . . . For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
~ I Timothy 2:1-4

Pray for President Obama's Salvation.

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns: let the earth be glad!

~ Esthermay Bentley-Goossen
© 2009 The Heart of a Pastor's Wife


This installment of InOtherWords is hosted by Loni on her blog Writing Canvas.

38 comments:

Barbara said...

Amen. Amen. Amen. And Amen.
We can't support the man, but we can pray for his salvation!
Amen.

Denise said...

Amen, so very very true my friend. We all need to pray for him.

Anonymous said...

Outa the park, girl. You said it with perfection and musical accompaniment to boot!
Yes. . . AMEN!

Tara said...

AMEN!!! I think you should create a icon for this post and put it at the top of your blog so people can find this to read whenever they come to your blog. It makes me so mad that people call themselves Christians and still support Obama. I'm baffled to say the least!!!

Conservative One said...

Couldn't have said it any better, my friend. False prophet. It is truly baffling to me that so-called Christians deny the existence of these Words of God.

And the level of idolatry that you point out which has followed this man is indicative of the evil permeating our culture as well.

It is indeed a sober day.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

The worship of this man has driven me crazy. I posted about Obama's abortion stance today.

Susan said...

I'm praying like never before!!

And as Steve Camp says,

"The Cross Waves Higher then the Flag"...

Kate said...

I cannot bear to listen to one more friend or family member tell me that we must now embrace and love and support this man.

You are right. The Bible is way to clear on the presence of evil and our call to stand against it.

My mother quotes something about love covering a multitude of sins all the time. That's nice, but we fail to forget that it is CHRIST's Love on the cross that covered all those sins. Not our love and support of something so openly defiant and evil.

I'd heard about this interview where O denies Christ. Thanks for the link.

Wonderful post as always.

Kate :)

Karen said...

It's scarey to think of what He stands for. We need to go to our knees not only for Obama but for ourselves that we will continue to stand by what Jesus says not what the world thinks.

sara said...

As usual, so very well said. I am praying for him and our country today

Miriam Pauline said...

You draw the line well between support and praying for the man. Bless you!

Laurie Ann said...

Sing it, sister! My heart is singing, "Amen!"

You wrote, "The point is this: God expects those who call themselves by His name to be absolutely INTOLERANT of evil. Period. And He certainly does not want us to enable it!"

Amen! This is such a sticky point among so many Christians. We know we are called to walk in love but we are also called to further the cause of Christ, not the cause of evil.

Praying for all the Obama's and Oprah's...and their followers. Laurie Ann

Anonymous said...

I agree that I can't support the president but I can support the God who placed him in office.

A lot of praying will be going on the next few years!
Be blessed!

Andrea said...

Do you know how many times I've read and re-read this? What a wonderfully written piece! I couldn't agree more. The word support is a misnomer. So Christians who support him really know what they're doing? And if yes, do they really know what this man stands for? He is truly evil. PRAY!!!!

Sara@iSass said...

An "Obamination"! *snort* Oh, that was GOOOOOOD. That was SO good.
Amen dear sister A.M.E.N.
Do you wonder if this is the perfect hand of God placing him there, like the pieces are falling into place for the big show?
Just asking. I sometimes think so.

Esthermay Bentley-Goossen said...

Sara@I.Sass:
Yes.
:-)

kalopoieo said...

I will go out on a limb and assume that you are not an anti-government zealot hiding in some cabin in the mountains. (Just Kidding!)
I do believe that the line between obedience to authorities and approving and sanctioning their evil policies and schemes will become either very blurred or very bold over the next years depending upon your World View.
Total agreement in your article today. Very good writing.
Any “Christian” that disagrees with the answer to your rhetorical question needs to shut off their television and computer and begin reading the Word of God.
Obama has most assuredly been selected by God the Father for this time. It is the most interesting piece of world history that we embark on today.

Anonymous said...

Wow, excellent post!

The night he was elected, the Lord spoke to me and told me I needed to pray for President Obama to have a Damascus Road experience, that God could and would use him mightily if his heart would turn.

I'm still praying and will continue to do so.

Ohilda said...

It's a very sad day in history. Your words are perfect. We must pray without ceasing.

Blessings,

Ohilda

Ben said...

Very well put! As Americans observing this oversees and hearing and watching the reaction of foreigners, I am embarrassed for my country. The idolatry as you state is ludicrous and ungodly!
The Japanese Christians have a far better grasp of the big picture of eschatology than 90% of American Christians. American Christians need to fall on their knees! We are praying earnestly for America!
- Ben & Merrie

Heather said...

great post. I am so glad there is someone else on this planet who believes the same as us. Everyone we've talked to, just don't seem to get it. I'm so happy you were strong & brave enough to post this.

Solace said...

Esthermay, I wish I had the talent to put my heart and the truth of scripture into the written word like this. You speak what I know in my heart is true.

I do not support this president. But I do pray for his salvation and the salvation of his family.

I think of all the candidates of this last election, Mrs. Palin has the greatest and most accurate world view. And to watch her come out in “support” of Obama hurts me. But if she were share her heart and convictions honestly, she would surely lose her voice. This is a sad time indeed that Christian values and God’s Word have been so flippantly and jokingly been tossed away.

Good post today. You should put up a permanent link to this post on your blog.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing so openly and bluntly. It needs to be heard!

Thank you for joining IOW

Anonymous said...

I am so blessed by your blog.
Thank you for having the boldness to state these truths when Christians everywhere are embracing this man and saying it is for the good of the country. This is a defining moment for the Church age whose history is already written. Why can't people see that? I can't get my own family to open their Bibles and see the truth. God help our country.
Again, I am so blessed by your blog!

Jody in IA

Anonymous said...

Amen! And thank you for this post! I am a first time visitor, but I will be back!

Betsy Markman said...

Love your boldness, sister!

America became an abomination long before it became an Obamanation. We cannot support the sin of our nation or the sin of our leaders. But we must pray for them; for their repentance and salvation!

And we must never forget that we're sinners, too...

Andrea said...

I want your readers, girl! A touchy subject even among so-called "Christians," and all you commenters agree. You are my blogging hero!

Well, I did see your one dissenter on Facebook. Sad that the gospel of love has diluted Christianity so much that Christians can approve of and support this evil man. The gospel of love is what has made the evangelical church in American impotent. The gospel of love is what has made the church no different than the world.

When Christians accept and love and tolerate and approve of evil, we are as ripe for judgement as the evil ones.

I'm in agreement that we cannot judge and you point that out. Only God can judge a person's heart. But when sin and evil is too obvious to ignore, God's Word tells us to point it out and deal with it. I am a sinner. Yes. but not afraid to admit it and acknowledge His Lordship. Amen.

I totally agree with your post. America turned down the wide road yesterday. Our prayers go to the throne for Obama'a salvation and the salvation of so man Americans everywhere.

Pray, American. Pray.

Anonymous said...

Amen.
With permission, may I reprint with full credit to you?

gundog0902@gmail.com

Chocolate and Coffee said...

This was an incredible post and wonderfully written. How in the world can Christians possibly support someone who represents everything we do not stand for? The Bible clearly states what is right and too many Christians are living a life of compromise today. Thank you for speaking the truth.

Blessings.

Michele Williams said...

We may not agree with his values or policies.. but we are to render unto ceasar what is ceasar's... and pray for those in authority like you said... we can agree to disagree with Obama and others... but we are to "honor" his possiton... but not necessary the man... We must pray for him and his family... their salvation, values, protection etc.... thank you for your post... Blessings

Anonymous said...

This post shows more wisdom and common sense than the majority of Christians AND evangelical pastors. Nice work. I've bookmarked you.

Pam said...

Wow! I found your 'real' blog b/c of the ugly mug contest at 2nd cup and I totally applaud this post! Amazing.. said it better than I could ever dream of!!!!! We so much need to pray for America and this leadership we are being forced under.

Unknown said...

Well written... I still believe I heard very clearly that I am to honor and respect the position of President of the United States even if I cannot honor the man. "Give unto Caesar [his due] and give unto God what is God's..."

My example is David, who did not uphold what King Saul was doing, did not agree with his decision and was even fleeing the evil king because his life was at stake. Still David said, "I will not lift may hand against the Lord's anointed." Recognizing what Daniel states so well in his book, our God..."sets up kings and deposes them." So I pray every day for Barack Obama to become a man after God's Own Heart, and to come under conviction for the professions he has made that defame the nature and character of God and that would lead him to repentence and salvation.

It doesn't mean I agree, or even find myself supporting him, but I am listening and watching carefully and praying for him on a regular basis.

I'm constantly reminded when he speaks "Pride goeth before the fall" (can't site the address, but I know it is in there...) The fall will come. I just hate that so many have been deceived into believing that he won't fall... no matter what he does.

Anyway, I'm just rambling. I'm glad I discovered and read this. You expressed my heart about this so well. There is a fine line between respecting a man for the position he holds and supporting him whole-heartedly for what he believes and stands for. I fall into the former rather than the latter. I still will not speak or write of it. My conviction in that regard is different than your own.

Love you... blessings and did you get your computer fixed?

Anonymous said...

AMEN!
I comment nearly one month after your post. But I dare say that a great number of American who voted for this man are now wishing they could take back their vote. The man is clearly a tool of satan and at the same time I am convinced the man is part of Eternal God's plan for this country.
1. The U.S.A. WILL Fall as a super power in this world.
2. The U.S.A WILL become part of a global economy and a world goverment.
3. Mr. Obama may be clueless of his being used by Satan - but not clueless of his denial of Christ. The man has muslim roots and has never truly professed Christ. The man is a SINNER!

Edie said...

This was an incredible post Esthermay. I whole heartedly agree with you. Amen!

sharon said...

You are right on with this post! I’m new to blogging, but I’ve learned one thing over the last six months -- There is no such thing as a Christian Obama supporter. If a blogger sports their little obamamania button AND purports to be a Christian blogger, GetOff That Blog FAST! . . . or add them to your prayer list. I’ve know several Christians who support the man and their lives bear out that they truly don’t have a clue what the Bible says basically because they don’t read it and if they do, they’ve skipped Romans. They need salvation. It breaks my heart. They may be religious, but certainly not saved by grace with a heart that yearns after God’s righteousness and truth.

How have I missed your blog up till now? You are a very gifted writer with some real discernment. Thanks.

Esthermay Bentley-Goossen said...

Sharon:
Your second comment was not published because it contained a proper name. The remark would have taken the comment page down the wrong path.

If you will e-mail me (I can't access your profile or blog), I can give you a list of bloggers whose e-mail and comments can be blocked as junk.

I am so sorry this happened to you.

Petra said...

I search the Internet often looking for articles and posts that address this issue of Mr. Obama's so called "Christianity." Your post always comes up and I cannot read it enough. Last November, I was surrounded by Obama supporters who also claimed to be Christian.

Needless to say, nearing his first 100 days, the majority of them have changed their minds. Too bad they can't also change their vote!!!!!

I Love my GOD. I support Mr. Obama only inasmuch as my GOD placed him in his office. I support him and his anti-American and anti-Christian agenda about as readily as I would "support" a wayward teenager. As parents, we want them to FAIL in their pursuit of worldliness only so they learn the way of TRUTH! Our family prays for Mr. Obama and his wife and girls everyday. And we pray for all those "Christians" who still haven't seen him for what he truly is.

We all need to pray for this man. And our country.

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