How can we change culture?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Real cultural change does not begin with political power or social systems but with hearts transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17). For this reason it is important for believers to live in the world but no of it. God’s people are called to live as a “light for the nations,” pointing others to Him through both their identity and example (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6; Matthew 5:16). Jesus commissions His followers to actively shape culture by making disciples and proclaiming the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19–20) because the gospel leads people away from idol worship, occult practices, and sin, even causing entire regions to be transformed (Acts 19:19–20; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11). The early church living this way had such a profound impact that they were accused of “turning the world upside down" because their message challenged and changed deeply rooted cultural norms (Acts 17:6). This transformation did not come through force but through faithful witness and Spirit-empowered living that caused the Word of God to spread and prevail mightily (Acts 19:20). Today, the same principle remains: when believers live distinctly for Christ and boldly share Him, God uses changed hearts to reshape culture from the inside out.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Believers can be cultural change agents by acting as an example to the culture. God's people in the Old Testament were to be "a light for the nations" (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6).
• When believers' light shines in a culture, the secular world wants to be part of God's people—something God allowed for in the Old Testament: “And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain" (Isaiah 56:6-7).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• A true change of culture starts with a change of heart. That starts by telling others about Christ. Jesus commissioned His followers to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Another way to show Christ to the culture is by the testimony of our lives. Jesus exhorts His followers to "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16; cf. 1 Peter 2:12).
• Heart change leads to life change, which leads to cultural transformation. It starts with the gospel. Paul notes the moral change in the Corinthians who were part of the pagan culture but turned to Christ and turned away from sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
• By telling others about the gospel and living for Christ, the early church changed culture. For instance, Paul's preaching had such an effect in turning people away from idol worship, that he became a threat to idol-makers. One blacksmith warned the other workmen, "And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods" (Acts 19:26; emphasis added).
• The influence of the gospel message was the catalyst for many people turning away from the "magic arts" they had practiced (Acts 19:19). They were so committed to rejecting the occult that they burned their occult books worth "fifty thousand pieces of silver" (Acts 19:19). Acts 19:20 says of the gospel influence, "So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily."
• Political parties may try to effect cultural change, but true change happens only when people turn to Christ. The impact of Christianity can be seen in the reaction of the Jewish religious leaders to the early church. Many felt so threatened by the influence of the early Christians that they accused them public of "turn[ing] the world upside down" (Acts 17:6).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Political seasons often bring a flood of ads, yard signs, and heated debates across social media, with many convinced that the next election will determine the future of everything. Alongside this, social activism often rises with urgency as well—movements, campaigns, and causes seek to reshape culture through collective effort and public pressure. While those in power and grassroots movements alike can influence policies, awareness, and daily life, Scripture reminds us that lasting transformation does not come through external shifts but through changed hearts.

Only Jesus can bring that kind of deep, enduring change. Political outcomes rise and fall, and no matter who is in office or what movements gain momentum, brokenness in the world remains because the root issue is always spiritual. In contrast, the change Christ brings is permanent—turning people from death to life and from darkness to light. The early church did not transform the world through political leverage or cultural campaigns, but through ordinary believers faithfully sharing the gospel and living it out. That same calling remains today: real cultural change still begins when lives are surrendered to Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• True cultural change happens when people turn to Christ.
• People turn to Christ through the gospel message.
• People also turn to Christ through the examples of believers who live God-honoring lives.

REFLECT

• How does your life reflect Christ to others?
• What opportunities do you have in your daily life to share the gospel?
• How do you participate in the political process without depending on politics to effect lasting change?

ENGAGE

• What can believers do to be lights to others in the community?
• How politically involved should believers be?
• What are some of the impacts that Christianity has had on society?