Articles
The Christian’s Relationship to Government
The Christian’s Relationship to Government By Derek Long
Our nation has just gone through a presidential election. As a result, many people are thinking about the topic of politics and government. The Bible teaches us how we are to conduct ourselves in every area of our life (2 Peter 1:3). It addresses the subject of our relationship to government. The basic way we could describe our relationship to the government is by the term “submission.” Romans 13:1 says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (NKJV). Romans 13:5 says, “Therefor you must be subject” (NKJV). Titus 3:1 teaches us “to be subject to rulers and authorities” (NKJV). 1 Peter 2:13-14 says, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good” (NKJV). Submission and subjection requires us to obey the laws of the land in which we are living. Christians are to be law abiding citizens. Christians should be the best people a nation could hope to have. Some Christians sadly believe they are only required to obey laws when they agree with them or think they make sense. God expects us to obey “every ordinance” (1 Peter 2:13) unless doing so would make it impossible to obey God at the same time (Acts 5:29). The Bible gives us reasons for submitting to the governing authorities. Christians should submit to government because government is appointed by God and to fail to submit to the government is a failure to submit to God. Romans 13:1-2 says, “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (NKJV). Romans 13:5 speaks of us obeying government, “for conscience’ sake” (NKJV). We recognize submitting to government is the right thing to do and so we do so. Christians are also reminded a failure to submit to the governing authorities may result in suffering punishment from the authorities. Romans 13:4-5 says, “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake” (NKJV). One specific area where the Christian is commanded to obey government is in paying their taxes (Romans 13:6-7). Christians should pay taxes because they recognize the important work government does. Our motives in obeying the government ultimately stem from the fact government is instituted by God. The Bible reminds us of the fact God rules in the kingdom of men. Daniel 4 reminds us this was a lesson Nebuchadnezzar needed to learn. Daniel 4:32 says, “And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (NKJV). God is ultimately in control of the affairs of nations. God raises up rulers and nations. God bring down rulers and nation. The Bible teaches Christians to pray for their leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (NKJV). Prayers need to be offered for our rulers whether we like their policies or do not like their policies. It should be our prayer to be able to serve God without being harassed by the governing authorities. In our nation, we have been blessed with such a freedom for years and need to continue to pray for such to remain. The Bible teaches Christians to remember they are citizens in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Christians may be citizens of various earthly nations but all Christians are citizens of the kingdom of God. Christians need to be careful not to become entangled with the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4) and keep their focus upon heaven (Colossians 3:1-2).
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