The Christian and Civil Authorities

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” Rom 13:1-7

This is a text that has generated a great deal of discussion and misunderstanding over the years. I do not claim to know all there is to know about the text, but there are some things we can certainly know regarding the text. There are questions that can be discussed regarding the text: 1. Just how involved with the government can a Christian be? 2. Can a Christian serve in the military? 3. Can a Christian vote? There are many other questions that could be asked, and discussions made over. While there maybe discussions over the issue, I do believe a person can serve in the military, serve in law enforcement, and vote. While these are points of consideration, I believe another concern for a Christian is Just how far does a Christian have to go in being subject to civil authorities. Do Christians have to submit to civil authorities regardless of the restrictions on the Christian and the abuses of the position? Many look at Romans 13 and conclude that no matter what the bible says if civil authorities requires something you must submit. Does the bible so teach?

Romans 13 does teach that a Christian is to submit to the ruling authorities! But to what degree? What kind of authorities? In Romans 13 there are a couple of things that are emphasized: 1. The origin and responsibilities of civil authorities and 2. The responsibilities of Christians to those ruling authorities.

First is the origin and responsibilities of civil authorities. Civil authority originated with God. “For there is no powder but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Jesus before Pilate responded to a statement of Pilates “…Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” In response Jesus said “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above…”, here he clearly shows that civil authorities have received their authority from God. Other passages to consider here are Prov. 8:15-16 “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.”

Dan 2:21 “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” What about when they turn in opposition to God and the laws they enact are contrary to the will of God, are Christians to submit or oppose? Consider Ephesians 5:11.

Another consideration is that God instituted civil authorities to suppress evil. Note verse 3 “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good and thou would have praise of the same:” We have stated here one of the reasons why God instituted civil authorities, but what if, rather than suppressing evil they encourage, or personally promote evil? Are Christians to submit to such, are they to assume they have the right to do so? Are they to remain silent or stand for what is godly and right? How did the prophets of old handle civil corruption? Did they not address it rather than simply give in to it?

A further consideration is that they are the ministers of God for Good “For he is the minister of God to thee for good.” What about when they cease to be the ministers of God for good and become the ministers of Satan for evil? Are Christians to submit and be silent when they promote and encourage wickedness? When they do so they have abused their power, they become satanic in the function rather than righteous (carrying out God’s intended purpose). Is this to suggest rising up in arms and become violent? Absolutely not, one must submit where it is right to do so, but a stand must be taken against evil no matter where it is.

Civil authorities are to punish evil doers v. 4, They are God’s servants to encourage good vs. 6, 3. When the civil authorities require that Christians accept, transgenders, homosexuality, or anything else that is evil are Christians to submit just because the government demands it? If the government says we cannot worship are we to shut down because they say so? What did the first century church do? Does civil authority that is contrary to the will of God have precedent over God? Do the laws of ruling authorities overrule God’s law? I believe the answer to these questions are self-evident. In the next segment we will consider the Christians responsibility to the civil authorities as described in Romans 13.

Bill Cantrell