On Civil Government:
Notes
of a
Saturday,
Feb. 4, 2017.
______
Genesis 9:1-17; Romans 13 and I Peter 2:13-17.
"Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above [him]. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God." Romans 13:1.
"There is no power but that of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" -- The saints therefore are not to resist the government set over us (v2); but rather be subject to it, recognizing that the government* whatever be its *form and structure -- monarchy, aristocracy (ruling class), or even democracy (self rule) -- is divinely ordained of God in the world to represent His interests for the good of man.
[*We
may observe here that the apostle does not make distinction between the forms
of government. Hence we cannot enter
into as an argument pertaining to the "right" form of government, but
rather see all this in the light of the providence of God. The history shows us that the government
whatever be its form under man has failed.
But it is the government of Jesus the Messiah when it will be setup on
earth in an outward form, in "the world to come," i.e., during the
Millennium, will display righteousness and equity to the glory of God and for
the blessing of man. However, as to the
divine form of government, God will use monarchy to establish the
The
basic purpose and role of civil government is to restrain evil as Noahic
covenant shows (Gen. 9). In Romans 13,
the apostle sets forth the idealistic principles of Government, a government
which shall be made manifest when the Messianic rule begins in
In the meantime, though the subsisting governments and the governments of the past have failed to dispense justice and promote public good in pursuant to the divine principles as outlined in the Scriptures (Gen. 9; Romans 9, &c.), we being placed under them still ought to recognize them and be subject, "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." v4.
This subjection is required "not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." (v5b.) -- "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" (see I Peter 2:13-15.)
On the other hand, the government is obliged, nay, its great responsibility is to restrain evil, and maintain the divine order of Creation such as the institution of marriage, gender distinctions etc., and punish immorality, violence, murder, etc., which principles of evil are seen in Genesis 4 and elsewhere.
[If the governments follow the divine principle -- "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14) -- then, it will not compromise itself to choose the between the principles of philosophy such as Harm or Utilitarian etc.]
Brother
Ben has remarked that there is also the aspect of the territorial sphere of
governmental influence. It was with Nebuchadnezzar that started the first world
empire, into which many of the earlier independent national entities got
merged. However, this was not to be confused with the idea of the confederacy
of nations, since in the case of Nebuchadnezzar, it was God (as revealed in the
book of Jeremiah and Ezekiel) who used him to subdue nations unlike the present
setups such as the UN, EU, which is characterized by the coming together of
nations to form a union. Ever since Nebuchadnezzar, there was a power which was
in a sense absolute to the extent of reducing all other countries and nations
as regional powers/provinces. This absolute power is always seen to be
providentially changed from the Babylonians, to the Persians, to the Greeks and
then to the Romans. Though presently, the Roman empire
is absent, but still an absolute power was always felt as with the case of the
Catholic power during the middle ages, the English power and at present the
At the plain of Shinar, the sentiment was the fear of being
scattered. But man was placed under the
curse -- outside the garden. And Cain was made a wandering fugitive in the
world -- but yet he dwelt in the
But God's original purpose for man was to multiply and replenish the earth. And to Noah, in the new world after the Flood, this grant was given, but he fails to execute it.
The hierarchical structure of civil government (power and powers) may be noted at different levels: Local, State and Federal or even at the International-level (various UN bodies, European Parliament etc.)
What are the Christian duties toward the government?
To be subject to the powers recognizing it is the minister of God for public good -- "not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." (v5.)
This also includes paying tribute (taxes) for personal and real property; and custom for import and export of goods.
Obey the rule of law "every ordinance of man" -- All the laws as far as these do not forbid us to obey God and keep His word. (see Acts 4, 5).
Now, one might show outward subjection to the government, and yet inwardly despise it and speak evil of dignities. But we are warned against such attitude: "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." II Peter 2:10. (See also Romans 13:7.)
But rather, we are exhorted to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks "for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and honesty." "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" (I Tim. 2:1-4.)
Now concerning the resistance to governments, the Scripture warns us that: "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." (v2.)
Resistance to civil governments is anarchy and terrorism. But what if the civil governments should become oppressive? First, we should remember that God in His sovereignty will still accomplish His purpose in the world, and may still use them for a time, (for instance, as a disciplinary agent, against the corruptions of Christendom) for our own good in His providence.
Secondly, it may be observed that some Constitutions have made provision for the right of appeal or even power to replace the subsisting governments and the constitutions if they become oppressive or, for instance, they become treasonous to the people. However, it is not for us to inquire, should the saints partake in any such revolution. (Moreover, we fail to see a Scriptural example in the N.T. of saints taking up arms against the tyranny of governments.) But all this must be seen providentially, for it is God Who changes the times and the seasons, the removal and setting up of kings. Daniel 2:21.
But
what should the saints do under persecution?
The Lord tells us to flee: "But when they persecute you in this city,
flee ye into another:"
(Matt. 10:23a.)
In some circumstances, an appeal may be made to the power outside their local jurisdiction, if need be, as Paul himself as a Roman citizen appealed to Caesar. (see II Cor. 4:9.)
Against the despotic governments -- the tyranny of the majority or a king etc., it should be remembered that there is an imminent threat that hangs upon all unjust governments; the people, and the rulers, kings, and judges etc.; hence therefore, they are exhorted to serve and obey Jesus Christ, God's King (Psalm 2) before it's too late and the impending judgment suddenly breaks forth upon them.
The civil government under man has been a failure in all ages since it was first given to Noah. But God has counseled with regard to His Son that "the government shall be upon His shoulder....Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." Isaiah 9:6-7.
In
the meantime, the saints may take great comfort in the fact that that the
visible, glorious kingdom of Christ is soon going to be setup shortly in the
world, at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, when great voices in heaven will
be heard, "saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of
our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever" (see
Rev. 11:15-18.)
[Note: The parenthetical passages in the above are latter additions. These are added to provide further
clarification regarding certain points discussed during the meeting.]
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