The Christian’s Response To Government Series

Please turn back to Romans 9 (p.945)

Civil government is a divine institution, and those that are entrusted with the administration of it are appointed or have a commission from Christ; it is a branch of his kingly office that by him kings reign; from him to whom all judgment is committed their power is derived. They reign by him, and therefore ought to reign for him It is power that has been given from above (John 19:10-11) Look at the nature now of appointment and judgment. Since there is authority from God: Government, Elders, husbands, parents, when we defy legitimate authority we rebel against God.

Romans 9:17-23 [17]For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." [18]So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. [19]You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" [20]But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" [21]Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? [22]What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, [23]in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory-- (ESV)

• When the ruler is an instrument of justice, he shows the nature of God.

While the Christian has his citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20), he is not on that account excused from responsibility to acknowledge the state as possessing authority from God to govern him. Those who refuse submission are in rebellion against what God has ordained. To ground refusal on the fact that the believer is not of the world (John 17:14) is to confuse the issue, because the state cannot be identified with the world no matter how “worldly” its attitude may be (Harrison, E. F. (1976). Romans. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 10: Romans Through Galatians (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.) (137). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House).

Paul specifies in Romans 13:2 that those who resist will incur judgment (not damnation) - This is not necessarily the meaning of the word which is used here κρίμα krima. It often simply denotes “punishment;” Since God has appointed human rulers, the person who opposes them is opposing, is “in a state of rebellion against,” the “ordinance” of God. And such opposition will ultimately lead to eternal condemnation (Moo, D. J. (1996). The Epistle to the Romans. The New International Commentary on the New Testament (799). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.).

If you look at the outward chaos in society, this is a judgment from God because of rebellion. We suffer from higher costs due to fraud (economy), more expensive justice (police, courts, prisons) and family turmoil (divorce, personal unrest).