2024 Position Statements and “Why Was God Angry at Balaam?”

Dave Shumate

The position statements of the FBFI are a way for us as a fellowship to address matters of importance that we are facing in our culture and in the religious community. There are times when it is important that we speak with a unified voice either to warn about or to evaluate issues of importance to churches and believers. This year we are addressing two issues all Christians everywhere are facing—gambling and socialism. The rise in legalized gambling, especially online sports betting, is putting even Christians in a place of great temptation. Socialism is often presented as a loving Christian social philosophy that is based upon the practice of the first church in the book of Acts. That is a misrepresentation of biblical principles. We seek to present a balanced biblical perspective on the errors that provide the philosophical foundation for socialism.

24.1 — CHRISTIANITY, SOCIALISM, AND CAPITALISM

Because socialism makes promises of a more equitable and less selfish utopian future, some believers think it is a better and more Christian economic system. Socialism, however, is inconsistent with a biblical worldview.

Socialism seeks to control business, industry, and individual wealth, primarily by taking from the wealthy and giving to the poor. This supplants individual responsibility and biblical stewardship. It discourages a biblical work ethic, undermines the family, and displaces generosity.

The Bible demonstrates the value it places on private property in every era (Gen. 4:2–4; 23:13–18; Job 1:1–3; Jer. 32:6–15; Mic. 4:4; Matt. 27:60; Luke 5:7, 10). Since God owns everything (Ps. 24:1; 50:10), people are accountable to Him for how they use their property (Luke 16:9–13). Under socialism, the state steps between an individual believer and his stewardship to God. Work is a gift from God (Gen. 2:15). It is only right that those who labor should enjoy its fruits (1 Tim. 5:18). There is no economic provision in Scripture for those who refuse to work (2 Thess. 3:10). Caring for the family and the needy is the responsibility of believing family members (1 Tim. 5:8). Under socialism, the government usurps this role. The sharing of goods in the early church was a voluntary act of love (Acts 4:34–35; 5:4). In a socialistic system, by contrast, coerced redistribution supplants voluntary generosity.

Although capitalism better reflects the biblical perspective on private property than socialism does, it can be cruel without the tempering influence of a Christian ethic. Love for others must control the bottom line. There are needs that cannot be met by the marketplace (Prov. 19:17). The Scriptures commend generosity (Prov. 14:31). Whereas socialism forces care of the poor upon all, Christians labor to give freely to the poor (Eph. 4:28).

See Kevin T. Bauder, “Is Socialism a Biblical Option?,” FrontLine magazine, vol. 33, no. 5 (Sept/Oct 2023), for a helpful article on the contrast between socialism and capitalism.

24.2 — GAMBLING

Gambling has become a significant social, cultural, and financial problem in our society today. Commercial gambling is now legal in forty-eight states. Sports betting is legal in most states, and nearly every state sponsors a lottery. Advertising for gambling apps, websites, and casinos is ubiquitous.

Gambling is often motivated by covetousness, but Christians should be content with what God has given (1 Tim. 6:6–10; Heb. 13:5) and should be more zealous to give than to receive (Eph. 4:28). Gamblers can win only at another’s expense, but believers should love their neighbors and seek their good (Matt. 22:39). Gamblers can become addicted, but believers should be controlled only by God and His Word (1 Cor. 6:12). Even as gambling becomes increasingly acceptable culturally, believers should not allow the world to set their standards (1 John 2:15–16). The thrill of gambling is inseparable from the possibility of unnecessary and illicit risk and reward, but believers should find their joy in Christ (Phil. 4:11).

Therefore, the FBFI encourages believers to abstain from gambling and to resist the expansion of commercial and governmental gambling. The FBFI also encourages churches to teach biblical stewardship, aid compulsive or addicted gamblers, and promote trust in God for the supply of our needs and generosity to supply the needs of others.

See FrontLine magazine, vol. 33, no. 5 (Sept/Oct 2023) for helpful articles on gambling.

Straight Cuts: Why Was God Angry at Balaam?