Subject to Authority

Nov 12, 2015 1522

 

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Romans 13:1).

Paul reinforces this command with another in Titus 3:1). And the apostle Peter says the same in 1 Peter 2:13-17).

The apostles’ counsel is given in order to foster unity and prosperity in the nation and to encourage Christians to respect their properly appointed leaders. The followers of Jesus should always be seen to be supporters of what is good and just.

What should we do, however, when corrupt and evil leaders take over the throne? In that case we should seek wider counsel in the Scriptures.

The Psalmist asked, “Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—one that brings misery by its decrees?” (Psalm 94:20-21). Of course, it can’t. ISIS, Boko Haram and their like are antichrist and have not been appointed by God as legitimate governing authorities. God hates the way they force others to do as they insist, because what they do leads not to freedom but to slavery; not to life but to death.

If we live under a good and just government we should thank God and support our government in every way.

The prophet, Daniel, a minister in the Persian government, refused to obey the bad decrees of his government (Daniel 6), but aside from that, he was a loyal servant of the king. Christians, likewise, should not be seen as rebels against what is good and just, but as supporters of all that is good and just.

 

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