Christians and the Government

Christians and the 1

Anthony L. Norwood

Bible Understanding Made Easy Bible Study Series

This document may be used and copied for personal Bible study and church Bible study classes. It may not be included in commercial publications without the express, written permission of Anthony L. Norwood

Christians and the Government

Christians live in a complex situation. This is because we are commanded to obey both the law of the land and the Bible. Now, this creates some very interesting situations to occur. What happens when the law of the land and the Bible contradict themselves? Would God be angry if the Christian obeys man’s laws instead of His? These questions will be answered in this brief exposition.

What does God expect of the Christian in relation to following the laws of the land? Well, the answer comes directly from Romans 13:1-7, which reads as follows, according to the New International Version:

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

As you can see, we learn several things from Romans 13:1-7 for the modern-day Christian. First, we find out that God wants all Christians to obey the government. The reasoning behind this command is that God put them in charge (Romans 13:1). Consequently, if one is rebelling against the federal, state, and local authorities, they are rebelling against God, Himself. In doing so, they will bring down God’s wrath on themselves (Romans 13:2). This could be in this life or on the judgment day or both! Thus, we do not want to lose our souls due to having a defiant attitude toward the laws of the land. Yes, God holds us responsible as to whether or not we are good citizens in the areas in which we live. In fact, Christians should naturally desire to be the best citizens in the area in which they live. This is because the non-Christian world is always watching the deeds and words of all Christians. As a result, a Christian cannot offend the world and be righteously labeled as a “hypocrite” in the eyes of non-Christians. Knowing human nature, when a non-Christian writes one off as a “hypocrite,” it is almost impossible to share the Gospel of Salvation in Jesus Christ to them. Thus, we must be righteous in the sight of the unsaved in order to save them and part of that righteousness is to obey the laws of the land.

Second, in relation to the Christian’s relationship with the government, the Bible tells us that a law-abiding Christian should not have to fear the authorities as long as they are living righteously. This is because the authorities mean to do good (Romans 13:3-4). The hard portion of verse 4 is the fact that God has authorized them to use lethal force as necessary. This is why God used the term “sword” as pertaining to their authority. God actually uses them to carry out judgment on law breakers. Christians and non-Christians are no exception. If anyone, Christian or not, is threatening a Police officer or civilian, then the officer is authorized to use force (including lethal force) to ensure compliance. In fact, God calls the government authorities His “servants.” They must be obeyed and respected.

Third, in relation to the Christian’s relationship with the government authorities, Romans 13:5 tells us that we do not just obey the government authorizes because we have to, but because it gives us a clean conscience doing so. This means that when we are law-abiding citizens, we do not have to carry around any feelings of guilt in the eyes of God. This is because we are actually obeying Him and not just the law when we live by the laws of the land. Thus, when we disobey the laws of the land, including speed violations on the highways, we should get back in fellowship with God again by repentance (i.e. changing our sinful behavior), confessing our fault to God, and asking Him to forgive us (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7-10). At that point, we are forgiven by God, but still must pay the speeding ticket!

Fourth, Romans 13:6-7 continues to teach the Christian mind of the need to pay his/her taxes in support of the government authorities. Thus, God’s commandment and man’s commandments are in agreement with each other in this area. We are to pay our taxes. Otherwise, we are sinning in God’s eyes. Furthermore, we are to give respect and honor to those who serve God in government professions. Thus, we must have a proper attitude, speech, and behavior toward those who have this God-given authority. Otherwise, we are not only offending the Police Officer, for instance, but God as well!

Now that we have discussed the Christian’s obligations toward the government of the land, we must also deal with the situation where God’s Word and the laws of the land do not agree. Well this situation has been addressed via example in the Bible. Specifically, Acts 3-5 talks about a situation where Jesus’ apostles were arrested and threatened by the Jewish leaders due to their preaching about the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus, and how this blood sacrifice results in the salvation of mankind (Romans 5:9-10). The Jewish leaders commanded the apostles to stop preaching contrary to God’s commandment for them to preach (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). In Acts 5:29, we see the apostles righteously defying the authorities with the following words, according to the New International Version, “….We must obey God rather than human beings!” As you can see, when God’s Word and the law of the land conflict with each other, then you and I must do what God says instead of what the law of the land states. This may be a very hard thing to do as there may be earthly consequences at the hands of the government authorities, but there will also be the heavenly reward of eternal life when all is said and done as Jesus commands us to stay faithful to Jesus no matter what (Romans 2:10).

Another topic related to the Christian and his/her government is voicing one’s opinion. In the United States of America, we all have the legal right of free speech. Thus, we are able to defend ourselves against false allegations. Sometimes, false allegations come from the government, itself. Of course, we should be silent when we need to be silent such as when we need to consult a lawyer prior to responding to any government prosecutor, opposing lawyer, etc. Well, the Bible agrees with the law of the land regarding the Christian’s ability to speak up for his/her rights. In fact, as long as we are respectful, honest, and kind in our speech, we are not sinning in God’s eyes (Colossians 4:6). We see an example of the Apostle Paul speaking up for his rights as a Roman citizen nearly 2,000 years ago as an example of righteousness for us today. This story is written in Acts 22:24-29 which reads:

24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. 25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? 26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. 27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. 28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. 29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

As you can see, Paul stood up for his rights as a Roman citizen for beng falsely imprisoned and to avoid being unjustly whipped without a trial. We can do the same thing as Christians and it is not sinful unto our Father God for use to speak up for our rights against the governing body.

Last, but not least, Christians should settle disputes among themselves out of court and not in court according to the Bible. Of course, the ideal is for Christians to never fight one with another, but the reality is that things of this nature happen from time-to-time. As a result, the Bible commands that these types of disputes be handled in-house with a wise Christian proceeding over the discussions (1 Corinthians 6:1-7). Besides, we are to always let our light shine before the world that they may see our good behavior as Christians and not our bad deeds (Matthew 5:16). Remember, we do not want to discourage any one from obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ due to seeing hypocrisy in Christian people. Taking other Christians to court definitely undermines our efforts to spread the Gospel of salvation to all nations!

In summary, God is very detailed regarding the Christian’s relationship with the local, state, and national government that he or she serves. As you know, we are to respect and obey the government. Furthermore, we are only to obey those things that are both right in the sight of God and commanded by the government. If there is a conflict between the two, then we must obey the Bible and defy the ungodly law(s) passed by the government. We also, must pay our taxes in support of government services. Even more, we are to respect the government, but when necessary speak up for Christian rights. Lastly, we are not to take other Christians to court. Instead, a wise Christians should serve as a mediator between two Christians at odds. May God bless and keep you!