Common Market Referendum

The argument whether Britain should remain within the European Economic Community on the re-negotiated terms continues apace. The case for and against will be presented ad nauseam as the referendum date approaches. It remains to be seen whether the issues can be made clearer to the man in the street. At present there is public confusion. Experts on both sides urge their case with subtlety and passion. Can they influence public opinion to such a degree that the referendum will produce a decisive result one way or the other? That is the question. The decision will be historic and far-reaching. In assessing its consequences we should not disregard their possible bearing on the progress of the gospel in Europe and on the liberties of Christians in the various member States.

It is no part of our business to participate in political decisions. God in His sovereignty, deals with the nations, but as a holy nation His people have no mandate to meddle in their politics. The merits or demerits of the various forms of government, or the rights and wrongs of the policies and methods of different nations, are matters outside the sphere of its responsibility. But as indicated by the apostle Paul in his charge to Timothy, God's people do have a very solemn responsibility to pray "for all men; for kings and for all that are in high place"; the object of such supplication being that "we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity" (1 Tim. 2:1,2). This is the part we must play with increasing vigilance. The throne of grace not the ballot box is our resort.

In global developments at the present time two confusing elements are to be observed. On the one hand, a narrow nationalism is asserting itself among some of the smaller States; and on the other, vast power groups are emerging for economic, political and military purposes. Undoubtedly, the latter trend accords more clearly with the outline of end-time conditions revealed in the prophetic word. Eventually, smaller nations will have no other choice but to align themselves with one or other of the great power blocs.

The hand of God and the strategy of His great adversary are being demonstrated before our eyes as the struggle moves forward to its climax.

Middle East crisis

The failure of the Kissinger Middle East peace initiative, and the assassination of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, are two recent events which have complicated an already critical situation in that troubled region. Some observers, wise after the event, have criticized Dr Kissinger's tactics. This is often the kind of rebound which occurs when an attempt to resolve differences fails. Had he succeeded he would have been hailed as a genius. No rewards are given for failure.

What is quite clear is that terms acceptable to the Israelis could not be obtained from President Sadat of Egypt. Israel is prepared to cede territory only if her new borders can be guaranteed. And the guarantees she demands must be as foolproof as her shrewd statesmen can make them. This is the crux of the present crisis.

We commented some months ago on the increasing isolation of Israel and her feeling of friendlessness among the nations. This was demonstrated acutely last year when oil became a powerful weapon in Arab political strategy. And there can be little doubt that recent events in South Vietnam have confirmed Israeli fears. To whom can she look for support in the struggle ahead?

Israel's borders are clearly defined in the Abrahamic covenant. But they will be disputed until He comes whose right it is to reign. Then they will be secure. Israel has yet to learn that neither armed might nor political sagacity can ensure the fulfilment of God's promises. The covenant she will yet make with Antichrist will be her last attempt to solve her problems and ensure her borders. But it will prove to be, like many of the covenants made between nations, a mere "scrap of paper".

The murder of King Faisal removed from the centre of Middle East politics one of the most powerful figures in the Arab world. Its consequences are not yet apparent. Meanwhile the Israeli problem will be referred to the Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East.

One Way

"There is only one way to study your Bible, and that is in the right use of

the personal pronouns.(Martin Luther)

unknown | May 1975
Comment By Torchlight