TOPIC 33 OF 47
Christians and Government
Citizens of heaven serving responsibly within earthly society.
THE MAIN TRUTH
God has instituted all governing authorities to provide order in a fallen world, to restrain and punish evil, and to promote the good of society.
The teaching
From the book · pages 100–102
God has instituted all governing authorities to provide order in a fallen world, to restrain and punish evil, and to promote the good of society. Even when corrupt men hold positions of authority, God is still at work to accomplish his purposes.
All Christians are called to honor and obey the governing authorities over them, unless those authorities command them to disobey God’s Word. In such cases, we must resist governmental evil and tyranny, boldly standing firm to obey God. In a constitutional republic like America, we have the duty to participate in the political process and to work for what is good and right for our nation as Christ’s image-bearers.
The Church’s mission is not to function as a political activist group, but to advance Christ’s kingdom through the spread of the Gospel. The Lord calls us to publicly proclaim his Word of truth, even confronting the moral evils of government and society, in order to equip citizens of heaven to live as godly, faithful, and responsible citizens of their earthly nation.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
The passages affirm governing authority while placing obedience to God above every earthly command. They also distinguish the Church’s Gospel mission from the responsibilities of civil government.
11 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
Romans 13:1-7 ↗
“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. Therefore the one who rebels against the authority is opposing God’s institution, and those who oppose will bring judgment on themselves. “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to evil . . . He is God’s servant, a punisher to bring wrath on the wrongdoer. “For this reason you also pay taxes, because the authorities are God’s ministers, who are employed to do this very thing. Pay what you owe to all of them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, and honor to whom honor is owed.”
Book page 101
SCRIPTURE 02
1 Peter 2:13-14 ↗
“Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the king as the supreme authority or to governors as those who have been sent by him to punish those who do what is wrong and to praise those who do what is right.”
Book page 101
SCRIPTURE 03
Matthew 22:21 ↗
“Then [Jesus] said to them, ‘Therefore give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”
Book page 101
SCRIPTURE 04
Daniel 3:9,12 ↗
“They said to King Nebuchadnezzar . . . ‘There are Jews whom you appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. These men do not pay attention to you, Your Majesty. They do not serve your gods, and they do not worship the gold statue that you set up.’”
Book page 101
SCRIPTURE 05
Acts 5:28-29 ↗
“‘Did we not give you strict orders not to teach in his name?’. . .But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
Book page 102
SCRIPTURE 06
Psalm 47:8 ↗
“God reigns as king over the nations. God is seated on his holy throne.”
Book page 102
SCRIPTURE 07
Ephesians 1:22-23 ↗
“God also placed all things under [Christ’s] feet and made him head over everything for the church. The church is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Book page 102
SCRIPTURE 08
Matthew 24:14 ↗
“This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations. . .”
Book page 102
SCRIPTURE 09
Matthew 14:3-4 ↗
“For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother, Philip. John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’”
Book page 102
SCRIPTURE 10
Philippians 1:27; 3:20 ↗
“Just conduct yourselves in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ . . . But our citizenship is in heaven.”
Book page 102
SCRIPTURE 11
Philippians 2:14-16 ↗
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish among a crooked and perverted generation. You shine among them like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life.”
Book page 102
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
What purposes does God assign to governing authorities?
When must obedience to God take precedence over a government’s command?
How can you serve the public good without confusing political success with Christ’s kingdom?
A prayer
Lord of all nations, give wisdom and justice to those who govern. Help us serve our neighbors, honor rightful authority, and stand faithfully in your Word. Amen.