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NASB | Romans 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. [Prov 8:15] |
Subject: Did American Revolution violate Rom 13:1 |
Bible Note: Brad: Like Apollos, you are a "learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures." I will try to as Priscilla and Aquila who "explained to him the way of God more adequately." (Acts 18:24,26) 1. "And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." (Malachi 3:18) Eph 1:12 goes on to say that "we should serve for the praise of his glory." This is so non-Christians might be led to do similarly. (1 Pet 2:12) I have read many comments on this site that demonstrate that you and others can distinguish between a Christian and one "professing to be one." This will not interfere with 'God being God.' The Jews that died in 70 AD died because they did not heed Jesus' clear prophecy. Instead they either picked up arms against the Romans, or continued eating and drinking, etc. until the "flood" came and swept them away. Those destroyed at Armageddon will be those that make similar mistakes. 2. I encourage people to read carefully about the wars of the “OT.” Discern what or who enabled the Israelites to be successful. Did God sanction all wars? How did he view alliances Israel and Judah made with pagan nations? Why did the Law instruct the future kings of the nation not to multiply horses for themselves? However, Christ was the fulfillment of the law, and the “holy nation” is now, not fleshly Israel, but spiritual Israel – the Christian congregation. A new day dawned when our Exemplar, Jesus Christ, laid down his life for us, while we were yet sinners. He showed us how to live and die so as to please God. He paid his taxes, although son of the One that created and owns everything. He could have called upon legions of angels to fight his captors, but his kingdom is not part of this world. Who are we to take the life of even one individual that Christ died for? Meditate on God’s view of life by studying the “Cities of Refuge” provision in the Law. Do you think he will allow us to rationalize away the 100 million deaths that resulted from man’s wars in the 20th century alone? Only genuine repentance accompanied by actions that demonstrate one has turned away from such a former course will result in an approved standing before our merciful and just Father. This life is a far cry from the “real life.” It is a world gone mad under demonic influence. Certainly, in the end, God will prevail. But meantime, he is allowing us to prove which side we are on. There are only 2 – God’s and Satan’s. There are only 2 ways to worship – one is false and unacceptable to God, and the other true and pleasing to Him. He has destroyed ungodly persons in the past, and will do so again in the near future. Satan is a tremendous deceiver that can make one believe that bad is good and good is bad by playing on our deepest desires, even natural and wholesome ones. You say I’m “too literal” but I suspect many may be “too liberal” with the Scriptures. Jesus knew what he had to do, although it made him unpopular and lead to his death. When Peter tried to encourage him to take a less strict view of his clear instructions from God, he was told to “get behind me Satan (resister).” The road a Christian takes is narrow and cramped and few are finding it. They must exert themselves vigorously in order to stay on the road leading to life. That life in Paradise will make any ridicule, torture or manner of death seem momentary and light compared to endless life in comparison. Imagine a world where Paul's counsel at Romans 12:17-21 is practiced by all. Or how about these by Peter: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it."(1 Pet 2:21-23; 3:8-11) Hope to see you there. |