Purifying the Elective Franchise

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 1, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 35.

Purifying the Elective Franchise

One of the set purposes of the National Christian Citizenship League is “to purify the elective franchise.” The only elective franchise which the Christian is enjoined by the Scriptures to purify is his own. This is done by being “purged from his old sins.” So Peter gives, by the Spirit, this advice on the election question: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; . . . for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10, 11. The purpose of Christ in giving Himself for us was “that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14. There is nothing here about purifying the world’s elections; and there is nothing “peculiar” about a people’s mingling in the world’s political strifes. When one is purified unto Christ he is purified unto His kingdom, which “is not of this world.” John 18:36.