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