I find it interesting that whenever the government is mentioned, there tends to be a collective groan from the audience. Although we have given them permission to govern us, we seem supremely dissatisfied with their performance. Which leads the believer to ask, what should one’s relationship with the government be?
God has established certain protections in society through an authority structure. The first level of protection is God, Himself. His Laws and precepts, as communicated through the Bible, give us mandates that keep us healthy, safe, and free. Secondly, He has instituted the family unit. This essential hierarchy provides roles and relationships that honor God and each member. Thirdly, human government has been established as a bulwark against evil behavior. Again, order, discipline, and safety are in view.
Both Paul and Peter spoke of these safeguards at length. Regarding the government, they related that our submission is in order as believers. Writing to Titus, Paul said that we are to keep in mind that subjection to authorities and obedience is expected (3:1). In a more extended treatise to the Roman Christians, he related the same along with a rationale for doing so. Similarly, the Apostle Peter commanded in strong language ( Ὑποτάγητε) that we in the Body of Christ are to submit to governing authorities at every level (1 Peter 2:13). We are to honor God as well as the king continuously.
But are there no exceptions to this rule? Can one find some “wiggle room” when the one in authority is acting in a contrary way, perhaps when our party isn’t in office? The answer is generally, no! But Scripture seems to find an exception, as do some historical Church figures such as the great Reformer John Knox of Scotland. Now, consider for a moment the position of the Apostles during their fledgling efforts in Acts. In Acts, chapter 4, Peter and John were creating a stir. They were proclaiming the Gospel of their risen Messiah and healed diseased man to boot! The religious leaders of the Jews could not dispute that legitimate healing had taken place. However, this continuing talk about the risen Christ was too much to bear! To which they ordered the Apostles to cease and desist.
Now notice that the two Disciples had been ordered by an authority (Sanhedrin) not to proclaim the Gospel. This ruling body had significant societal sway and could have them imprisoned and their families ruined. It seems that attacks on free speech are nothing new! Yet Peter and John did not follow this order. Instead, they retorted that they followed a greater authority and could not stop speaking what they had seen and heard. They set a precedent that God’s Word and authority supersede the dictates of men. This seems to have some interesting ramifications for our present day.
Most believers have observed a leftward turn in our present day. The values that were taken for granted are now being attacked; the unthinkable things are now being embraced. The question for the Body of Christ is stark, if not compelling: will we have the courage to stand up against the whims of the world? Are we willing to resume our duties, now considered counter-cultural, and swim upstream?
Christians should submit to authority and pray for our leaders. However, the time is coming, and is now here, when this may not be a Biblical option.
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