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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Governmental Authority? | Rom 13:1 | Montag | 74400 | ||
in light of Romans 13:1-5 ([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. [2] Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. [3] For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; [4] for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. [5] Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.) what is our response to going to war to try and topple a regime that is obviously evil and corrupt but still, according to Rom 13, "esablished by God"? along the same lines, i have recently been thinking about the birth of our own United States of America out of the rebellion to an existing governing authority. was the US born out of God ordained rebellion or was it an act of human defiance not blessed by God Almighty? everything i have been brought up to believe concerning the birth of America tells me i shouldn't even ask this question but it is starting to nag me even more. i haven't even begun to form an opinion on these questions yet, but my initial reaction when reading Rom 13 is to assume that ALL governing authority means ALL regardless of apparent evil in the exercise of that authority. please help me reach an unbiased and SCRIPTURAL Truth in this matter. Christ help us, Montag |
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2 | Governmental Authority? | Rom 13:1 | Morant61 | 74769 | ||
Greetings Montag! It is quite clear in Scripture that the principle of Rom. 13:1 was meant to be a general principle, not an absolute one. What do I mean by that? Simply this, even though every 'government' is established by God, not every 'government' in Scripture is in fact obeyed in every circumstance. For instance, Pharoah tried to oppress Israel and keep them from leaving Egypt, but God had other plans for Israel. Therefore, Israel disobeyed Pharoah and resisted his rule over them - at God's command. Further, 1st century Christians were told by Rome to renounce Christ and worship false gods, yet they resisted - even to death. Rom. 13:1-7 seems to be speaking of a very general principle that Christians owe taxes, obedience, and respect to the government. But, nothing in this passage (or the rest of Scripture) indicates that we are to obey the government at the expense of obeying God. If the government tells us to do something which is contrary to God's reveal will, then we can and must resist - but do so respectfully. If we take Rom. 13:1-7 to an extreme then we would have to justify the actions of Hitler, and other despots. Are we to say that the government has the right to commit genocide? In general, we must obey and respect the government, but prevailing over this attitude is the injunction of Acts 5:29: "...We must obey God rather than men!". I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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3 | Governmental Authority? | Rom 13:1 | Searcher56 | 74772 | ||
Scripture ... Exo 1:15-21, 3:7-4:17, 5:7, 12 ... Tim, I first agree with applying Acts 5:29 ... but we can't use that as an excuse, if God doesn't say we are asked to do it wrong. You cited an example of the Roman Christians. Hilter and others were placed in power by God ... but, it doesn't mean God justifies their actions, nor should we. Even our three branches of government have had some whose actions are not justified in His eyes. Tim, you said, "For instance, Pharoah tried to oppress Israel and keep them from leaving Egypt, but God had other plans for Israel. Therefore, Israel disobeyed Pharoah and resisted his rule over them - at God's command." Where did God command to disobey Pharoah and resist his rule? In Exodus 1:15-21 ... Shiphrah and Puah feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live ... then lied. Even if God established households for them, doesn't make it right. Note, they weren't commanded ... and it wasn't the entire nation. In Exodus 3:7-4:17 ... I do not see any command to disobey Pharoah and resist his rule ... only to say to let Israel go. In Exodus 5:12 ... The people scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. obeying orders (vs 7). S |
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4 | Governmental Authority? | Rom 13:1 | Morant61 | 74783 | ||
Greetings Searcher! Concerning Hitler, if we resist his plans for world domination, aren't we disobeying him? :-) Concerning Pharoah, Pharoah's express command and intent was to keep Israel under slavery, but God sent Moses to 'convince' him otherwise by 'force'. Even when they left Egypt, they were only told to go for three days, but they had no intention of coming back. :-) It may be semantics, but I would call that disobeying! ;-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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5 | Governmental Authority? | Rom 13:1 | Searcher56 | 74794 | ||
Seamantics can get us in trouble ... so I'll stop. | ||||||