The 2024 Presidential election was the most morally unambiguous election of my lifetime, not that I, at twenty-seven years old, have experienced many. This truth does not alter the fact that no perfect candidate, party, or platform exists. Far from it, for we live in a world in which “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). However, for those with eyes to see, the distinction between light and dark, between goodness and wickedness, established a contrast that could only be seen through a black and white lens.

The election outcome demonstrates that the majority of the American population recognized this contrast, even though many have an incomplete understanding of why it exists. Unfortunately, this lack of clarity has primarily been driven by the cowardly, weak, and apathetic American church. Rather than providing biblical counsel and wisdom to highlight dividing lines, rather than giving the courage to make a choice, many American pastors ceded their biblical mandate of leadership to the godless voices of influence in our culture. By the grace of God, despite the abject moral failure of many American pastors and, by consequence, the American church they are called to shepherd, the dawn shines on America again.

The 2024 election results primarily stand despite the American church, not because of it.

For too long, the American church has sought to see grey areas where none exist; grey areas created by an unbiblical understanding of “love thy neighbor” separated from loving “the Lord your God with all of your heart, and all of your soul, and all of your mind” (Matt. 22:36-40). Exercising a biblical worldview will always create fault lines, for the Christian faith is founded on the ultimate dividing premise: that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one shall come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6). This truth forces the reality of a choice in which there exists no middle ground. Yet, the beauty of this exclusive Gospel is one that simultaneously declares inclusion for all who, under the blood of Jesus, come to Him in humble repentance to find new life.

Despite this beautiful gift offered to all humanity, Jesus declares the Gospel message His church proclaims will not bring peace, but a sword, pitting fathers against sons and mothers against daughters (Matt. 10:34-36). By nature of claiming the name of Christ as Christians, we have drawn an eternal line in the sand.

If the very essence of our faith is divisive, why should we be surprised when further cultural, societal, and relational divisions arise from exercising that faith in the public square?

Following this election, many Christians are calling for compassion and love for “the other side.” Rightly so, for the fruit of the Spirit includes love, kindness, patience, gentleness, and self-control. May we, as Christians, never turn the mission field into our enemy, for “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12 NASB95). May we instead see the mission field as image-bearers of the King we serve, seeking their spiritual blindfolds to be removed so they may finally experience the Light and the Life found only in Christ.

However, exhibiting love and compassion does not mean Christians cannot proudly celebrate the results of this election. Quite the opposite, Christians should rejoice, for when the wicked rule, the people groan, but when the righteous increase, the people rejoice (Prov. 29:2). Christians who recognize the significance of this election, who appreciate nothing short of God’s hand allowed its outcome (I would say the same if the results were different, though this letter would have a far different tone), should not dishonor God by failing to praise and celebrate His mercy publicly. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34 NASB95). No, we will celebrate and seek to explain why we celebrate so that others may come to Christ to experience freedom.

Furthermore, Christians must recognize that light has no fellowship with darkness (2 Cor. 6:14). Living out a biblical worldview requires acknowledging that common ground cannot be found in specific values, perspectives, and worldviews. In these moments, Christians genuinely discover what it means to “love thy neighbor” while “loving the Lord their God.” In these moments, genuine love refuses to accept, affirm, or concede the fruitless lies another believes and instead exposes them (Eph. 5:11). Genuine love hates that which is evil and holds tightly to that which is good (Rom. 12:9). Genuine love overcomes evil with good, not with evil (Rom. 12:21).

The 2024 Presidential election was one such moment. There was a time when Christians could (I believe wrongfully) argue a grey area between the two party platforms. That time has passed. The Democratic Party platform of today is a demonic death cult under the power and influence of satan, making it impossible for a Christian to support it while honoring God and obeying His commandments. There is no common ground between these opposing worldviews, and Christians who voted against this demonic death cult were driven by love for their neighbor overflowing out of love for their Lord.

Regretfully, there are many, Christian and non-Christian, who will see an act of hate, not an act of love. Such individuals have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Rom. 1:25), and their visceral reactions out of spiritual blindness will attempt to destroy relationships. The heart of the Christian should always strive for reconciliation, for that is what our God is in the business of doing (Acts 3:19). However, we must confront the painful reality that reconciliation may not be possible when strongholds of lies and deception remain. In such cases, relationships may be shattered. Thus, our task becomes fervently praying for hearts to be changed while refusing to compromise our worldview, founded on God's unchanging Word.

The 2024 Presidential election was not a battle between two candidates, parties, or personalities. It was a spiritual battle for America's soul, between those seeking to promote death, bondage, and wickedness and those seeking to promote life, freedom, and righteousness.

The 2024 election results are not what America deserved. America deserved the judgment of a wicked ruler. Instead, our loving God, whose thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Is. 55:8-9), gave us a flawed ruler to be used for good, continuing to lavish mercy on people who do not deserve it, just as He has done since the dawn of creation.

Our responsibility is to steward the mercy we have been given by holding our elected representatives accountable to God’s Word.

The Master has bestowed five talents upon America, and we are being tested on how to steward His gift. Will we bury His talents out of fear or invest them for His glory and purpose?

The question for the American church is: How will we choose to respond to the mercy given to us?

In Christ’s Love and His Service,

Pastor Ethan Bogan