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Jan 16, 2017 · To understand why, we must look at the New Testament’s explanation of the origin and function of government under God. This issue is clearly dealt with by the Apostle Paul in the thirteenth chapter of his epistle to the Romans.
Discover the meaning of Government in the Bible. Study the definition of Government with multiple Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias and find scripture references in the Old and New Testaments.
- Government Provides Earthly Justice and Protection.
- Governments Are to Act on Behalf of The Good of All People (Rom. 13:4).
- Government Creates Social Space For The Display of Good Conduct.
- Government Often Serves to Sanctify Christians.
Civil governments act as God’s agents of justice. Romans 13:4 says, “For he [the magistrate, the government’s representative] is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” Ultimate justice and vengeance belong to God alone (Deut. 32:35; Ps. 94:1; Rom. 12:19; 1 Thess. 4:6). Yet governments “bear the sword” (Rom. 13...
This is not merely social justice based on secular human rights; it is essentially rooted in the purposeful and gracious creation of humanity by God in his own image (Gen. 1:26–27). It is right, therefore, for Christians to seek to influence governments to protect society’s weakest members, including the poor (Ex. 23:6), foreigners (Ex. 22:21; Deut...
God instituted government to establish ordered and peaceful social space where not only is judgment carried out, but good is recognized and encouraged (see 1 Pet. 2:14). Government leaders should not be “a terror to good conduct” (Rom. 13:3). Rather, as Paul states, “Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and y...
Throughout world history various governments have been, to greater and lesser degrees, a challenge to Christians and the church. Often these situations have been used toward the sanctification and good of God’s people (see Rom. 8:28). Obedience and disobedience to civil government at their appropriate times are both challenges and opportunities for...
3 days ago · Basically, the biblical role of government is to act as a guide, leader, and authority over the people. While God is our ultimate king, our earthly kings—in the form of rulers, as well as oppressive systems such as the Babylonian Empire and the Roman Empire—are to be the authority on earth.
Government, in general, is simply helmsmanship, and one may be steering the ship of state, but one may also be guiding a church, family, or oneself. Older writers were correct to refer to ‘civil government’, precisely because there are other forms of government under God. Here, then, is one limit.
Anytime a civil government requires a Christian to do what God forbids or forbids them to do what God commands, then the person must disobey. But our basic posture toward government, according to the New Testament, is to be submissive and obedient citizens of the state.
13 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. For no authority exists except by God, and the authorities that do exist have been established by God. 2 Therefore the one who rebels against the authority is opposing God’s institution, and those who oppose will bring judgment on themselves.
