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The Great Controversy (Who Are You Voting for?)

Editorial

 
Following an intense six-week campaign, the 2025 Australian federal election, held on 3rd May 2025, resulted in a landslide victory for the incumbent Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.  Labor secured more than twice the number of seats won by the Coalition Liberal-National Party, marking one of the party's strongest showings in recent history.

As we watch the results roll in and consider the future of our country, it's worth reflecting on a much larger and far older campaign that has been unfolding since before human history began. This isn't about who governs Australia.  It's about something far bigger: who should ultimately lead the universe, including our lives.

The Bible calls this the Great Controversy. It's a cosmic conflict between two opposing forces: good and evil, truth and deception, love and selfishness.

The Great Controversy

According to the Bible, this conflict began long ago with a power struggle in heaven. One of God's created beings, an angel named Lucifer, became proud and wanted more power, so much so that he challenged God's way of ruling, which was based on love, fairness, and freedom.  Lucifer proposed a different system, one based on selfish ambition and control. Eventually, he and others who followed him were removed from heaven.

Lucifer (also known as Satan) now claims the earth as his territory.  And the brokenness, suffering, and injustice we see in the world today reflect the ongoing consequences of his influence.  Whether we realise it or not, humanity has been caught in the middle of this battle ever since, a struggle over our choices, our values, our hearts and our loyalties.

Smear Tactics

Just as political campaigns often use misinformation and smear tactics to discredit opponents, Satan has from the beginning used lies to distort the truth about God's character.  He accused God of being arbitrary, controlling, and unfair.  He claimed that His laws restrict freedom and happiness.  These accusations planted seeds of doubt not only in heaven, but later in the human heart as well.  In Eden, Satan falsely portrayed God as withholding something good from Adam and Eve, leading them to distrust Him.  Even today, his strategy hasn't changed.  He spreads counterfeit versions of truth, mixes deception with just enough fact to confuse, and influences culture to normalize rebellion against God. His aim is to make God appear unworthy of love or loyalty.   In this cosmic campaign, by attacking God's law, Satan is attacking God's very character

Showing the Truth of Character

God has chosen to reveal His character not just through words but through action.  He came to the earth, in the form of a person (Jesus) to live out the values of God's character.  His life was about healing, serving, forgiving, and standing up to injustice.  His death on the cross at the hands of evil men, revealed to the universe the contrast between the two governments more clearly than ever before.

Compulsory Voting

In this cosmic conflict, voting is not optional.  Every person must choose where they stand. Are we aligned with the values of love and selflessness, or with the principles of hate and pride? A refusal to decide is a decision in itself.  Jesus once said, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Matthew 12:30, NIV) In other words, sitting on the fence isn't neutral.

The Election Decision-Winner takes all

Unlike earthly elections where power may be shared, terms limited, or coalitions formed, the Great Controversy culminates in a decisive, all-encompassing outcome. This is not a negotiation or a compromise.  In the end, there will be one eternal ruler and one prevailing kingdom-either Christ or Satan.  This "winner takes all" reality reflects the gravity of the choice before us.   When Christ returns, He will establish His kingdom, and every person's choice will determine whether they stand with Him or stand apart from Him.

Enacting Government Vision

When the conflict is over, Christ will restore His kingdom fully, bringing eternal peace, justice, and healing to a broken world.  His government of love will reign forever.  "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:7, NIV)

So, who are you voting for? Not just in an election that shapes a nation, but in the greatest contest of all time, the battle for your heart, your allegiance, and your future. Unlike earthly governments, which come and go, the outcome of this choice is eternal. God invites you to cast your vote daily for His kingdom.  The campaign is still running, but the day is coming soon when the results will be final. Make your decision count. Choose Christ.

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