Understand Christianity

 

Introduction: The idea of democracy seems to have “originated in Athens during the 5th century BC, when Greece moved from a tyrannical system of government to one where the people had more say in the running of the state. The move to democratic rule was slow, however, with only select individuals able to vote in the early inception.” (www.reference.com/world-view/did-democracy)

 

The modern example of democracy is closely identified with that form of government we have here in America (or more accurately, we live in a democratic republic).  The influence of American democracy has spread to many other parts of the world.  But democracy is not the only form of government practiced throughout the world.  Some countries are ruled by a more or less single voice of authority.  Others have a more representative form of government.  But whatever from of government a country adopts, its citizens, and especially Christians, are to submit to that authority.

 

The relationship of the Christian to authority is of profound practical importance.  That relationship can range from being ruled over by a sovereign to following the practice of Judges 17:6 and 21:25, “There was no king in Israel, and everyone did that which was right in his own eyes.”  Between these two poles are rule by a sovereign or small group or rule by some kind of representative democracy.  But whatever the duly constituted authority, the Christian is commanded to submit to that authority.  The purposes of human government include restraining evil, protecting human welfare, and providing the opportunity for responsible freedom.

 

            While Scripture makes some general statements on this topic, Mt. 22:15-22 (Human government is legitimate and its people responsible to obey the laws of that government; and it is appropriate to distinguish between the things of the state and the things of God.), there are few passages which bear directly on the topic.  Romans 13:1-7 and I Pet. 2:13-17.  Ecclesiastes 8:1-14 teaches the same doctrine as the more familiar passages in the New Testament.  While less precise than the passage in Romans, this section of Ecclesiastes presents reasons why we are to be submissive to human institutions. 

            As subjects of the land in which we live, we are obliged to obey the ruling authority (8:2).  Further, the duly constituted government has the authority and power to enforce what is commanded (8:3-4).  There is safety and wisdom in keeping the king’s commands (8:5a).  Finally, wise men and women are able to discern the appropriate time and way for doing what the king requires (8:5b). 

 

            For the sake of conciseness and clarity, I will structure my comments around the passage in Romans 13:1-7.

 

  I.  Christians must submit to government because God has established all governmental authority. (1-5b)) 
(Outline borrowed from Walter Kaiser)                    

             

            1. Government is instituted by God, and therefore we must submit to it.  (13:1b)  This does not mean that God is happy with every ruling official nor every decision.  It is unfortunate that not every authority is faithful to its responsibility.  The purpose of government is for the righteous administration of justice, but when it is not justly administered, justice is perverted.  Nevertheless, we are to submit to it.  It does not matter how the authority came to power.  Even Jesus recognized the authority of godless leaders who abused their power.

John 19:11 Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.  

            The verb in verse 1 is an imperative hence a command, and is to be obeyed as one would submit to a superior officer in the military.

 

            2. Rebellion against government is rebellion against God (13:2a)

Resistance to government is the same as resistance to God.  One obvious exception to this rule is when the government requires you to do something that is contrary to the law of God.  Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,

            

            3. We will be punished if we resist. (13:2b)

A powerful example of this truth is found in Numbers 16 where 250 discontents protested against the leadership of Moses and Aaron.  In response the Lord opened the earth and swallowed then up.  Instead of the people learning from this event, they continued to rebel.  This time the Lord sent a plague that killed 14,700.   It is serious business to resist the authorities God has ordained. 

 

            4. Government is a restraint against evil. (13:3a)

Verse 3a offers some insight as to why God has appointed civil government.  This verse is not speaking about evil in a Christian or spiritual sense, but in a civil sense.  Even the worst of governments can be a source of blessing.

 

            5. Government promotes our good. (13:3b-4a)

At times it may be difficult to see how a rulers can be “God’s servant for your good.”  Government has a role in promoting the common good.  It may not only punish wrongdoing, but it may also promote and reward good conduct.  For example, the apostle Paul took advantage of the government’s protection when he appealed to Caesar for justice (Acts 25:11).  Paul also experienced the protection of government when the city clerk said they were ready to hear the accusation against Paul, but he would not tolerate the actions of an unruly mob (Acts 19:38-39).

 

            6. Rulers are empowered to punish disobedience. (13:4b)

Verse 4 clearly teaches that the government has the right to punish those who practice evil.  The word “sword” is viewed as the instrument of death.  This verse supports capital punishment which is prescribed in Genesis 9:6.  Even Peter is warned by Christ to put away his sword lest he be subject to the death penalty carried out by the state (because this would be personal vengeance on Peter’s part). When the state functions in this way, it is serving as God’s minister.  By carrying out civil punishment the state not only prevents further wrongdoing, it also carries out God’s wrath on the wrong doer.        

 

            7. Government should be obeyed for conscience sake. (13:5)

Believers should not only submit to the ruling authority of the land out of fear of being punished, but for conscience sake.  Who knows; we may even earn their respect.  At least by obeying for conscience sake we put to “silence of foolish men” (1Peter 2:13-15).

 

            1. We are to submit to our government by paying our taxes. (v.6:a) The fact that taxes are often too high and unfair does not excuse us from paying our taxes.  There are other means for seeking to lower the taxes of the town, state, or federal government.  Voting for legislators who support lower taxes is one way to begin.  Towns often hold referendums as a way of lowering the tax base.  The practical reason why we pay taxes is because the government, state, local, or federal, each has no money of its own!  If we are to receive services from these governments, then we must contribute for the benefit of those services. 

 

            2.  It is the ruler’s job to collect taxes. (v.6b)

We are reminded again (third time) that these rulers are ministers or servants of God.  They are to be paid for their services. 

 

            3. Not only is paying taxes a civil obligation, it is also spiritual obligation.  (v.7)  Note that each of the items mentioned in verse 7 is referred to as a debt.  Therefore we are to pay those debts.   

           

1. Does all this require unqualified obedience regardless of what is demanded?

This does not mean that we should think of everything a ruler does is good.  John the Baptist rebuked Herod “for all the evil things that Herod had done” (Luke 3:19).  Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar, “Break off your sins by practicing righteousness” (Daniel 4:27). 

 

            See Peter - Acts 4:19; 5:29  ESV  Acts 4:18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."  ESV  Acts 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.

           

            See Paul - Acts 16:11-40

            It seems to me that the working principle is this: when the horizontal authority violates the vertical authority, then my obligation as a Christian is to submit to the higher power and accept the consequences.  When man’s law contradicts God’s law, then I must obey God rather than man. 

 

            In these challenging times we need to pray for God’s wisdom to discern what is a violation of this basic principle and what is not.  And as mentioned above, even when the laws of the land seem unfair and may even be an example of the abuse of power, there are still means for seeking to bring about changes.  Thus, Christians have a responsibility to let their voices be heard even in the political process.  Always keep in mind that our hope is not in politics or certain politicians because our hope is in God.