Were his remarks Christian?

EDITOR: Oh, that we will not judge situations simply according to our own thoughts, but seek to judge them based on the scriptures, rightly divided.

There has been a great hue and cry about the remarks made by Pat Robertson a well acclaimed preacher referred to as “Reverend” by some who do not know or want to accept the truth. This former wannabe president of the USA called for the violent overthrow of the legitimate head of state of a sovereign country, a friend of SVG, with a population of over 25 million. How unfortunate!{{more}}

Were his remarks Christian? If Jesus Christ did not come to earth and take away the first covenant and establish a new one (Heb. 8:6, 13; Heb. 10:9, 10) then we would have had to appeal to the Old Testament scriptures for the answer. That then would have been the authority. There we can find countless references to acts of violence, prayers and calls for the hurt and harm of others by God’s people. That was then.

But to know what is Christian one must “hear Him” – the beloved Son of God in whom the Father is well pleased. So when we read his words and the writings of his apostles and prophets in the New Testament we will be in a position to decide.

Even though he lived under a wicked, ruthless, Roman regime, Jesus Christ never called for the assassination of its leadership. Instead he said “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Then as he hung on the cross having had all manner of evil unjustly meted out to him, his response was “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” That is my Lord!

Further in the New Testament we are commanded: “Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath.” “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” “Honour all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King.” Finally, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgive you.” That is Christian!

The world surely needs much more of this teaching and less of the type of diatribe that came from Pat Robertson, which is anything but Christian. Let us know the truth (John 8:31, 32) and leave him to God. Shame on the “700 Club” leadership!

Joel H. Jack