In the argument against “social justice” we now come to several of the most important Scripture passages.

• Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2: The relationship of Christians to their earthly governments.
• Matthew 17 and 22 (and parallel passages): Christ’s view on taxation.

Aside from Acts 2 and 4, perhaps the most common Christian argument for socialism is the “welfare system” of ancient Israel.

Let’s look at the arguments from the Jubilee and the gleaning laws.

What of “socialism” in the Bible?

Many Christians (including professors, pastors, and leaders) reason that since God desires us to do good toward others, the government should step in to provide for those whose needs are not met. They call this the “safety net.” They consider it an aspect of caring for one’s neighbor. They deny that the result is “confiscation” and “redistribution” of wealth.

I respect their desire to do good toward others, but I consider their position ill-informed.

I’ve argued that the case for freedom is—and can only be—the case that freedom is moral.

Then let’s go to our moral guide. Let’s go to Scripture.

Previously we looked at John Frame’s scriptural argument that government should offer protection from theft, not be an agent of redistribution.

I agree with this vision of justice. Scripture doesn’t support the modern idea of “social justice.”