By David Ettinger
Opening Up the Issue Again
Yeah, I’m opening up this can of worms again. Call me a pot-stirrer. Or a brat.
Back on February 6, in a blog titled, “Why Evangelicals Support President Trump,” I wrote: “I don’t believe there is anything ‘divine’ or ‘ordained’ about his being in office. I believe he came to the presidency through human circumstances, and fairly and indisputably won the 2016 election.”
Though most of you liked the blog, you objected to this particular point. In so doing, you referenced Romans 13:1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Some of you added Daniel 2:21: “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
Your point was that God appoints ALL rulers. I believe he raises up some and deposes some – especially those mentioned in Scripture – but every one? Do you realize there have probably been more than a million elected officials during the course of history? Has God ordained EVERY one of them? Every one?
And what about Stalin, Hitler, and numerous other monsters who have slain millions? Did God appoint them? Yes, He allowed it in His “permissive will,” but did he appoint them? To say “yes” is mechanical acceptance.
I believe the Romans 13 verses about government are general, not specific; that God has established government so that the world would run smoothly. To say God directly decides EVERY single election is unrealistic. Could President Trump have been chosen by God? Of course, but personally, I don’t believe he is “God’s anointed.”
Now, To the Question
With this in mind, if Joe Biden wins the presidency, will it have been God’s divine desire as well? And if the Democrats win the Senate, will this have been God’s divine desire?
And for that matter, were the eight-year terms of Presidents Clinton and Obama God’s will, or does His “divine choosing” of political leaders only apply to either Christian politicians, or at least those who will support Christian issues?
Just looking for consistency here.
It is my opinion that most of you are misinterpreting Romans 13:1, as mentioned above.
Anyway, what do you think of my Biden / Democrats Winning the Senate 2020 question? If this comes about, will this, in your opinion, be a case of God’s very specific will coming to pass?
(For the record, I voted early this year … for President Trump.)
EttingerWriting.com 
Blue Collar Theologian
October 13, 2020
For what it’s worth, I think whoever wins is God’s permissive will. I am a citizen of Heaven first and foremost. As my mom’s church said over the weekend the animal I am following is the Lamb of God!
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dettinger47
October 13, 2020
Thanks, Mandy. Appreciate the feedback!
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Angela Umphers Rueger
October 13, 2020
This is a thought-provoking article. I certainly believe it’s within God’s power to control the outcome of every election/appointment everywhere throughout history, for He is omniscient and omnipotent. And looking in the pages of God’s Word, I see where He used wicked rulers such as Pharaoh and Herod to accomplish His perfect will. I think I understand your point of view, but just the same, I am praying for God to grant us undeserved mercy in the outcomes of this election. Not only that, but I’m putting feet to my prayers by voting for Trump.
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dettinger47
October 13, 2020
Well said, Angela. And I’m with you on the “undeserved mercy” part. Thanks for contributing!
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craig
October 13, 2020
Enjoy the worms, LOL. As anyone who has lived more than a handful of years can attest, there is a universal tendency for humans to claim that God is on “their side.” I don’t believe Christian believers are immune. I believe that God is the providential ruler of all of history, and I have never been particularly enamored with trying to parse different aspects of the divine will, seeing it as something of a human attempt to defend God against assaults on His character due to the existence of evil. For me questions like this one are academic and rarely fruitful, and in the context of my little microcosm they don’t have much influence on my practical decision-making. I do, however, enjoy a wormy snack now and then. And although I believe that God’s will (in one form or another) underpins all government leaders, I don’t for a minute think that means either that I am duty-bound to obey them when they step outside legitimate bounds of authority (such as oppressive, fascist, and totalitarian regimes), nor does it mean that God gives them a “moral pass” for their behavior. One more opinion for your worm salad. God bless!
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dettinger47
October 13, 2020
Thanks, Craig. I appreciate your insights. And from what I understand, worms are a great source of protein!
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Lisa Beth
October 13, 2020
There you go David, stirring things up! As the left champions the death of unborn even at birth, seems to yawn at riotous destruction, and celebrate every level of perverse sexual inclination I say this:
If Biden wins, God is exacting the punishment of granting our dark evil desires and allowing them to come to shameful fruition. We will be further ripened and blinded to acclaim the antichrist.
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dettinger47
October 13, 2020
Exactly, Lisa Beth. This is precisely what I think! It must warm your heart to know that you are on the same page as me!!! 😜😂🤣
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Lisa Beth
October 13, 2020
Yes, very warm!! 😃👍 Thanks you!
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Robert
October 13, 2020
Bear in mind that Romans 13 was about the authorities who would eventually martyr Paul himself, if the tradition is correct!
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dettinger47
October 13, 2020
Excellent point, Robert. I agree with you!
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heavensreef
October 13, 2020
I have thought much on this……if Biden wins, I just think that it is one step closer to the coming of CHRIST. That “bumpy night” that you wrote about will just continue. And so I do pray that GOD will give me the strength to endure whatever is coming. I hold onto HIS promises with everything I have David! And yes, you did write on a tough subject……I know it is on everyone’s minds these days!!
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dettinger47
October 13, 2020
Excellent insights, Maxine. I’m with you!
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heavensreef
October 13, 2020
Blessings David……thanks for your great posts. Always makes me rethink and think again!
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seekingdivineperspective
October 13, 2020
Yes, God is in control, but His Word warns us that we reap what we sow. In a nation where the citizens have the unique privilege of choosing their own leaders, we will, as a nation, end up with the leaders we deserve.
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dettinger47
October 14, 2020
True.
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vicklea
October 14, 2020
This article makes me think, deeply. I have great fear about a Biden presidency but I know that ultimately God is in control. Does he place all the rulers in position? Hmm? Nero? Hitler? Ungodly Presidents? I know that He is sovereign and He certainly can do that, but I think sometimes He leaves the choices up to us and let’s us deal with the consequences. I recall when He warned Israel about wanting to have a king like the other nations. They didn’t listen, so He gave them what they wanted, with some disastrous consequences for the entire nation.
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dettinger47
October 14, 2020
I agree with you completely, Vickie. And whatever you do, don’t fear. The worst anyone can do to us is kill us, and then we go to be with the Lord. Don’t forget, we are more than conquerors!
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vicklea
October 14, 2020
Amen, my brother! Amen! I think I fear the consequences of living under the thumb of an ungodly government gone amuck instead of death.
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Sheila D.Currie Blake
October 14, 2020
Well this is a sensitive topic but in my opnion. God allows things whether good or evil for his glory no matter how bad it seems. I have issues with the democrative party because of their failure to protect the unborn among other issues. Thats a party that I used to like a lot but now I have to look at the one thats protecting the rights of Christianity and the natural laws of God. I believe as Christians we have to pray that only God’s will be done and also to give us the strenght to accept the outcome of this election. He is in control no matter who wins. (sorry for my long comment)
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dettinger47
October 14, 2020
Excellent insights, Sheila, and so well stated. No need to apologize at all!
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