Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Application: 

God has ordered human history to operate according to a system of covenants, with the husband as the head of his wife, the parents as the head of their children, the elders as the head of their congregations, and the government as the head of its citizenry. These heads are to exercise their headship for the good of those who submit to their legitimate authority. Since God has placed governmental rulers over us, we should submit to them, recognizing them as God’s agents. 

Still, Paul offers a radical political statement in saying that our governments stand under another authority—that of God. There must never be a separation between God and government. The closer God is to a government and its citizens, the more ordered the society will be. The further God is from a government and its citizens, the more chaotic the society will become.

In light of Paul’s statement that even governments are under God’s authority, we see that this verse applies to individuals and governments equally. The one who resists the authority of God—whether that’s a person rebelling against the government or the government rebelling against God—is opposing God’s command and will bring judgment on themselves.

This is a concise definition and summary of the role of civil government: resist evil and promote good. The problem lies in defining what is evil and what is good. Much of the time, what the government promotes as good aligns with the Bible. But when it doesn’t, we must do what is good before God and trust him with the political results. God and His Word give us the definitive standard for what is right and wrong. The biblical responsibility of civil government is to maintain a safe, just, righteous, and compassionately responsible environment in which freedom can flourish.

Paul calls the governing authorities God’s servants, which reinforces their role (13:4). Whenever God is removed from government, a vacuum is created in which government seeks to be God. In a democratic republic like ours, we citizens get the honor of choosing many of God’s servants; thus, part of the responsibility of governing lies with us. We, the people, can be servants to God’s servants, pointing them to the truth. If we don’t, then “one nation under God” will become “one nation under chaos.”

Compassion without righteousness leads to chaos, as we see in today’s society. Criminals are released in the name of compassion and correction. We must first establish righteousness, justice, and safety for all before compassion becomes effective.*

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1138.

*Reference: Ricardo R.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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