Many wish that this world is a utopia; a place that is free from evil and suffering, and a place where one freely sacrifices himself for the world’s good. A place where one does not find himself/herself needing to compromise but supporting any given activity. Sadly, this is not the case! Besides the good that we find in the world (which must be acknowledged), there is much suffering and wickedness. The subject at hand, the Christian and the government, becomes hard and sensitive, especially if one gives thought to the tragic history of the world. A history of wars and suffering, colonialism, and closer to home, apartheid. Today, corruption is a major problem in most if not all countries. How is a Christian to live under such rule? How should Christians relate or support such governing bodies? This article aims to help Christians have a healthy and godly perspective regarding their governments, and it encourages Christians to support and engage with their governments rightly. The book of Romans will be the unique focus.
The Bible will not flatter in how one should relate to any government as if it is blind to the evils of this world. In fact, it is best to listen since it gives one message though in diverse contexts. Some parts of the Bible were written by men inspired by God under good and prosperous conditions. While some parts were written under tough and challenging conditions. In fact, the whole of the New Testament was written under the Roman government. Most of the men that God used, were ethnically and religiously opposed to the Roman government. Therefore, the counsel that one finds in the Bible is not some flattery opinion, but serious, hard, wise, and godly counsel from above that transcends time, place, and condition. The Bible was written in a context of real people, facing real issues.
Foundational text: Romans 13:1-7
“[1] Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4] for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also [u]for the sake of conscience. [6] For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7] Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
This passage is part of Paul’s appeal to Christians to live holy lives. It is an application part of the of the letter. From chapters 1-11, Paul has been dealing with why and how we receive the gospel, and the benefits of the gospel. Then chapters 12-15 are the applications of living out that gospel, since one has been changed and transformed by the gospel. And in this passage, Paul considers it righteous for one to be subject to his/her authorities. Paul urges believers to be loyal citizen and argues that the gospel makes believers to be loyal citizens. This is one of the most important passages in the entire Bible for building a Christian political philosophy.
Three (3) foundational facts, vv.1-4
- Every authority is from God. To be God means to be First than all, in charge of all, and the reason for all; in other words, it is to be absolutely in control of all things. Thereby making God the absolute authority and making every other authority to be derivative. Hence, all other rules like political rule, are derived from God. Notice that the passage does not say that evil actions are derived from God, but the authority. That is quite important because what causes evil is not the institution but evil springs from sinful men who run such institutions. The point is clear, every human institution/authority is ultimately derived from God, and obedience to civil institution is obedience to God.
- Civil workers are God’s servants. Those who work in such spheres are appointed by God for the civil good, to maintain peace and uphold good. They are God’s servants just like a pastor is God’s servant in his church. Hence, those engaged in politics, or any public office are but stewards of God to rule and govern God’s world for the public good. Additionally, it is right to also say that disrespecting them is disrespecting the one who ultimately appointed them. No wonder, the believer is exhorted to honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17). However, that does not mean that the believer must obey everything the emperor commands, even in matters that are clearly evil, all in the name of respecting. Respecting concerns with one’s heart attitude to another person. Hence, one can obey and disobey respectively.
- Civil authority is there to maintain order. A healthy perspective starts by having a right understanding of something, its purpose. Yes, sin has tinted everything in the world, such that some things though innocent in themselves, due to evil practices in their given contexts are altogether labeled as evil. Such is the case with civil/political rule! However, the God-given duty of government is to maintain good order for public development (socially, economically, physiologically, and spiritually). As they uphold justice, they are the to reward the good and to punish the evil doer. They are agents of wrath, to carry out God’s wrath on evil (that is why there are prisons).
Three (3) implications, vv.5-7
- You must be subject to civil rule. Since all authorities find their authority in God, obedience is ultimately to God as well. Being subject not only passively, but actively, and that would mean that one is actively engaged and supportive of such governing body. That means that you are there for its good and progress. Now I know what you are thinking. I am not saying support and promote evil laws, like apartheid. The next point deals with this!
- One’s conscience determines the extend of our obedience. The conscience is our God given internal judge which either approves or accuses us due to whatever action we do in whatever given context. Do not forget what Paul said in chapter 12 and verse 2, ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect’. That means that a Christian’s conscience is one that is being renewed to resemble the will of God. So, one must not just obey blindly to the civil authorities. If one’s conscience is accusing him to carry out a certain law because it is against the Law of God, then he/she must disobey. For God and his Law come first and it is him that we should please, rather than evil schemes of men. This may as well mean that being subject to civil rule, one is willing to take up the suffering and punishment for disobedience. The book of Daniel is a classic example here; Daniel served and supported various governments, even being in positions equal to a prime ministry. Daniel’s service begun with Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon who besieged Judah and left it in ruins and took Daniel along with other skillful and wise youths of Judah to Babylon (exile). Besides being supportive in most things, yet Daniel’s obedience came to a stand when something was against God’s Law, and he was willing to be thrown even in a lion’s dan.
- We must fulfill what is legally demanded of us. Paul here assumes that they are already paying their taxes, and they should continue to do so. As those in such offices are ministers, it again implies that they are but stewards of those resources (even taxes) for the public good. Thus, one must pay what is legally demanded of them. As long as one’s allegiance to God is not hindered, one must give respect and honor where it is due.
In light of this, how are Christians to relate and be involved in civil government?
- 1 Timothy 2:1-4. As part of our public worship as a church and individual Christian, we must consistently pray for the state. Now there is no promise here of ultimate peacefulness and quietness so that we will live godly and dignified lives. But hope for that is given, and the means of that hope are the prayers of the saints. Prayer is doing something and not a mere cry to God when we need help. Uniquely, prayer is a humble plea for divine action to intervene and come to aid. Here we learn that prayer as a role to pray when it comes to the soundness of our societies.
- 1 Peter 2:13-17. The appeal is for the Christian to be a good citizen. Be a good citizen to attract what is good and excellent, and thereby silencing or drawing people way from what is evil and foolish. By being good citizens, our proactive involvement is of paramount importance. Hence, “It is lawful for Christians to accept and carry out the duties of public office when called upon to so. In the performance of such office, they are particularly responsible for maintaining justice and peace in accordance with the wholesome laws of the nation. For that purpose, they may lawfully engage in war if it is just and necessary”.
- Jeremiah 29:1-7. We must work and support the civil institutions. Jeremiah says that the welfare and success of Babylon (a wicked nation) will of be shared by the believers. Thus, the governments success is also our success. As Christians, we are not of the world (our destiny does not end here), but we are still part of the world. Our lives are involved in the life and activities in the world. In fact, the cultural mandate of Genesis 1:28 of multiplying and having dominion over the world still stands true. We like the multiplying part, but there is also the dominion part. As important the Great Commission is, it does not cancel out the cultural commission of men in the world. Hence, the church does not replace the state. So do your part to support your government for the benefit of all men. Take public office and get in prominent positions to establish and promote good laws before those with evil intentions take their sits. Vote for the less evil, or those with perverted hearts will have more say over you. The success of the city is also your success, and the downfall of the city is also your downfall.
Grace to the Nation 