Insurrection vs Revolution: A Christian Perspective

Let’s have some straight talk, Right?

Where the boar meets the cabbage, where the cow chews its cud—let’s chew on this for a minute: Insurrection versus Revolution. It’s easy to confuse the two, especially in these divided times. Both seem to carry the fire of change, but one burns wild and destructive, while the other has the potential to refine and rebuild. And as followers of Christ, we’re called to navigate the path that leads not to damnation but to redemption.

Let’s start with the definitions. Insurrection is rebellion without a righteous cause. It’s Cain rising against Abel, not because he sought justice, but because jealousy consumed him (Genesis 4:5-8). It’s an unchecked fire, burning down what it cannot control. Insurrection is what happens when we’re driven by anger and pride, rather than by God’s justice and mercy.

Revolution, though, has a different spirit. Revolution is Moses standing before Pharaoh, demanding, “Let my people go!” (Exodus 5:1). It’s not chaos for its own sake; it’s a cry for God’s justice to flow “like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24). Revolution is rooted in restoration, not revenge.

But even revolution can lead us astray if we forget the cornerstone of our faith: redemption. Christ didn’t overthrow Rome or call down legions of angels when unjustly tried. He bore the cross. Why? Because the ultimate revolution isn’t political—it’s spiritual. Redemption begins in the heart.

Consider Peter in the garden, sword in hand, cutting off Malchus’ ear (John 18:10). Jesus didn’t cheer him on. Instead, He healed the man Peter had wounded and rebuked the impetuous disciple: “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11). Redemption doesn’t come by the sword, but by surrender to God’s will.

As believers, we must ask ourselves: Are we seeking to win battles or souls? Insurrections may topple governments, but they can’t bring peace to the human heart. Revolutions, when rooted in righteousness, can bring needed change, but only Christ’s redemption brings lasting hope.

Paul understood this. Once a zealot bent on destruction, he became an advocate for grace. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). Paul traded insurrection for revolution—one guided by the Spirit, not his ego.

So, what does this mean for us? It means we’re called to advocate for the oppressed, but always with a spirit of love and reconciliation. It means we fight for justice, not with the tools of destruction, but with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

The boar may still be at the cabbage, the cow chewing its cud, but we don’t have to stay stuck in the muck of division. Christ is our advocate, standing before the Father on our behalf (1 John 2:1). Let’s follow His example—choosing redemption over damnation, revolution over insurrection, and the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That’s the only way forward on this January 6, 2024.