GOVERNMENT
Government is ordained of God, and we are told, “Wherefore ye must needs be subject…” (Romans 13:1–5). We are to be respectful to all those in authority (Romans 13:3–4, 7). And we cannot say this only applies to being governed by a good government, as this was written to those in Rome, one of the harshest forms of government. The only exception is if the government tells us not to obey the Bible, then because we have a higher authority, God (Colossians 4:1), our response would be the same as the apostles: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We are to pay taxes (Romans 13:1–7), as Jesus also paid taxes (Matthew 17:24–27; see TAXES). Christians should vote and be involved in government and let their views be known in a respectful way. We are to honor those in authority: “Render therefore to all their dues…fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:7). This would apply even if the politician is from a different political party than you. Who knows if you will not someday come across a politician and tell him about Jesus Christ, but would he listen if you are disrespectful to him?
Romans 13:1–4 talks about government (“rulers,” v. 3), and that it is a “revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Government is to protect us. If your neighbor throws rocks at your house, and you ask him what his problem is, if he will not stop, then pick up the phone and call the police. We are specifically told, “Avenge not yourselves” (Romans 12:19). Today we say, “Don’t take the law into your own hands,” for it is the job of the government (see CAPITAL PUNISHMENT; see WAR).
We are to pray for our rulers: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4). The right politicians (Proverbs 28:2) and the right economy, of course, would help, but the main problem of the US, as with any country, is our relationship to God. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Ever since the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9), God has shown that He is against a one-world government. It is the Antichrist (see ANTICHRIST) who will use a one-world government to persecute believers.
Government is ordained of God, and we are told, “Wherefore ye must needs be subject…” (Romans 13:1–5). We are to be respectful to all those in authority (Romans 13:3–4, 7). And we cannot say this only applies to being governed by a good government, as this was written to those in Rome, one of the harshest forms of government. The only exception is if the government tells us not to obey the Bible, then because we have a higher authority, God (Colossians 4:1), our response would be the same as the apostles: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We are to pay taxes (Romans 13:1–7), as Jesus also paid taxes (Matthew 17:24–27; see TAXES). Christians should vote and be involved in government and let their views be known in a respectful way. We are to honor those in authority: “Render therefore to all their dues…fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:7). This would apply even if the politician is from a different political party than you. Who knows if you will not someday come across a politician and tell him about Jesus Christ, but would he listen if you are disrespectful to him?
Romans 13:1–4 talks about government (“rulers,” v. 3), and that it is a “revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Government is to protect us. If your neighbor throws rocks at your house, and you ask him what his problem is, if he will not stop, then pick up the phone and call the police. We are specifically told, “Avenge not yourselves” (Romans 12:19). Today we say, “Don’t take the law into your own hands,” for it is the job of the government (see CAPITAL PUNISHMENT; see WAR).
We are to pray for our rulers: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4). The right politicians (Proverbs 28:2) and the right economy, of course, would help, but the main problem of the US, as with any country, is our relationship to God. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Ever since the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9), God has shown that He is against a one-world government. It is the Antichrist (see ANTICHRIST) who will use a one-world government to persecute believers.
