Christ the Judge

Dear Brethren,

Should a Christian serve on jury duty? The question is not an easy one - especially if you must come up with the answer for yourself. Certainly, it is an easy question to answer if your "church" decides for you. Invariably, however, the judge will want to know what you believe, and not what your church believes. The judge is going to believe, with all his heart, that it is your civic duty to serve on a jury. Would you serve on jury duty, or would you decline?

As Christians, it is right that we seek to be excused from jury duty because of our religious convictions. The judge will believe that you have a responsibility to your country to sit in judgment of your peers under the laws of the land - according to his instructions. All too often in the courtroom, there is a conflict between God's clear instruction to us, and the instructions of the court. We are to obey God and not man - therein lies the conflict (Acts 4:19, 5:29). For example, the judge might instruct the jury to disregard the testimony of two witnesses because of the judge's preference for a particular technicality. It is common in courts today for evidence, known by the judge, to be withheld from the jury. How could a Christian render a verdict that is just, merciful and true (Matthew 23:23)?

We, as Christians, believe in applying the spirit and intent of the law, with mercy and forgiveness, rather than the letter of the law. God looks on the heart. We may be inclined to look to a principle found in the Scriptures that would tell us not to disregard credible testimony - contrary to the judge's instructions. "At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death." (Deuteronomy 17:6) If we judge without mercy, we will receive no mercy in the judgment (James 2:13).

"Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, ordained of God." (Romans 13:1). Yes, as Christians, we are to be subject to judges and the laws of the land, but first and foremost, we are subject to the "highest power," which is God. Christians are to forgive others and live by the higher law of Godly love (Colossians 3:5-17). For a true Christian to join a company of jurors would be to become unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). It would be to compromise one's faith.

What if the judge threatens to hold you in contempt of the court for declining to serve on a jury, and says that he will send you to jail? Would you have the faith and courage of your beliefs to say to him, "Your Honor, my conscience does not allow me to serve on your jury?" The judge might reply, "What makes your conscience right - what is your conscience?" Without being disrespectful, would you be able to explain how your conscience dictates your obligations to God, and country? When one of the brethren seeks exemption from jury duty based on an informed conscience and proper Biblical convictions, it is the right and correct thing to do. Could you convincingly explain to the judge that your conscience has been educated and seasoned according to Scripture and not by feelings or sentiments.

Where the judge thinks that conscience has to do with conformity to one's own sense of right conduct, we understand that our conscience must conform to the perfect Will of God. We submit to the laws of the land - as long as they are not in conflict with God's divine law and instructions. We are told, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:24) We are not afforded the freedom to judge righteously in today's courtrooms. And we will not be able to judge righteously until the Kingdom of God is in place. There are accounts of conscientious Christians refraining from jury duty from the earliest days of the Chruch of God.

A Christian is a stranger and alien in exile while here on earth; (1 Peter 2:11, Hebrews 11:13) an ambassador for Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 5:20). Ambassadors refrain from voting and jury duty.

As Christians, we are not supposed to judge those in the world. Paul said that we should not get involved in judging those in the world who do not respect the law of God: "What have I to do to judge them also that are outside [the Church]? Do ye not judge them that are within [the Church]? But they that are outside God judgeth." (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) Jesus, Himself, set this example for us when He refused the role of a judge between two brothers in a quarrel over an inheritance (Luke 12:14). Jesus said, "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?"

It is the responsibility of the ordained ministry to teach and advise the brethren on the Church's official position with regard to jury duty. This supports and instructs the individual member so that he can have an informed conscience when he goes before the judge. Unfortunately, there are those ministers who lack a right understanding and conviction as to God's Will in the matter. Some even reason that, "a Christian on the jury serves God and brings righteousness to the outcome of the trial."

In an effort to "be all things to all people," some churches will go so far as to "wink" at jury duty - like it is no big thing. Some say, "We have no position on jury duty." Others will say that their church, "does not condemn any member who may, in good conscience, believe that he or she can, as a Christian, serve as a juror." Let's get this straight - jury duty, for a Christian, will invariably create a conflict of conscience between God's law and man's law. "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)

Brethren, has the Church of God become so watered down that it has forgotten its responsibility to teach and preach righteousness? Will those Churches tacitly condone what God's word implicitly prohibits? Has the Church forgotten its duty and responsibility to help the brethren shape and develop informed convictions and a conscience based on solid Biblical principles? Indeed, it is the obligation of the ordained ministry of the Church of God to teach the brethren Biblical and spiritual righteousness with regard to all matters. "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:3)

Brethren, if you are summoned for jury duty, ask God to give you the courage to approach the bench and say to the judge, "Your Honor, I specifically request an excuse from jury duty because of my sincerely held religious convictions. Specifically, I cannot participate as a juror because I would be unable and unwilling to apply the letter of man's law in instances where I believe it to be contrary to God's Law as expressed through His Holy Bible. I am compelled to render righteous judgment (John 7:24), not legal judgment. Selectively presented evidence, where facts may not be made for technical reasons, may not lead to righteous judgment and truth. Jesus Himself refused to judge a civil matter when He was asked to do so (Luke 12:14).

I am compelled by my faith to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29, Acts 4:19). I would, therefore, be unable to take an oath as a juror as I would, in principle, be agreeing to obey man rather than God. I could not take the oath sincerely and, therefore, cannot take it at all. Therefore, I respectfully request to be excused from serving on a jury.

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Sermon:  "Christ the Judge"    
This is #11 in the series: A Blending of the Gospel Accounts.