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NASB | Romans 13:4 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 13:4 For he is God's servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner's] sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer. |
Bible Question: I am not all against government authorities, I live them with all my heart! but I would like someone enlighten me a little more on this passage. I need someone to explain to me, if this scripture verse is true, why is there so much police brutality and corruption in the government? Is this scrpture verse saying that these people suppose to be "Christians" or that it is God's will that they be there? |
Bible Answer: humility: Doc answered you so very well. However, might I add something more to think about? Under evil governments like Germany under Hitler many Christians as well as Jews were put to death. Seldom do we hear about the death of Christians. As a Christian how could they feel Hitler was ordained into power? We are told we are to obey God first and if a government is going against God, we are to obey God. Here is where situation ethics come into play. Does the situation govern our reactions or does our Christian ethics? The answer seems clear enough, but in reality we sometimes become like Peter and go with the path of least resistance. In fact we as Christians are now facing a government that is supportive of abortion, same sex marraige, and consider homosexuality as protected under the hate crimes act. In Canada preaching against same sexual activities of any kind is illegal. Perhaps forums like this may someday become outlawed in our own country. This may well be the begining of the tribulation for Christians. We are under a bias against Christianity that there is no doubt about it. Even nationally known television preachers are watering down their message and gaining in the opinion our present elected officals. We as a nation have left our basic roots. This might fit in with what you asked. justme |