Yes, Anonymous, prayer is important. My article sets forth the ideal for which we aim. The reality is, that we fall short of that, but we continue to press toward that goal. We need to be involved in the elections and support those candidates that have highest moral integrity and Biblical principles (even though they may not recognize them as Biblical). That should be the reason for our vote, rather than political party. As Christians we should support righteousness and challenge iniquity in government activity. Christians who are led of the Lord to do so, should offer themselves as candidates and work to bring righteousness into government. Praying for wisdom of the Lord to prevail, is a proper prayer. The Lord can make even the heart of the wicked to do the right thing. Our dependance and faith is in God, through Jesus. We seek to have those conditions prevail that will extend the Kingdom of God in our land and around the world. Ultimately, the answer is changed hearts through acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
May 21, 2010 Rating
My viewNEW by: Anonymous
Our society is very much like that of the US and Canada. We are currently undergoing elections and the only thing I can do is pray because my constituency is what it is. As a believer I could only pray for God's wisdom to prevail in the land. Am I wrong? I am a child of God, a practicing Christian for years now. Should I look at this from another point of view.
My Comments: Prayer is very important.
Oct 06, 2008 Rating
Rev. LeRoy Davis' e-bookNEW by: Glenn Davis
Rev. LeRoy Davis was written a 43-page e-book, The Kingdom Of God And Civil Government, which deals with this subject in greater depth. It may be purchased at : http://www.joshua-club.com/club/promo/masterpage.html
Sep 25, 2008 Rating
ReplyNEW by: M. LeRoy Davis
It is difficult to give a balance view in a short space. Dr. Rushdoony states (Christiainity and the State)"The fact that cannot be avoided ... anyone who uses Romans 13 ... is establishing civil government in ... God's authority. ... consequence ... is to require civil government to be faithful to the foundation of its authority. To separate delegated authority from the Delegater, ...is impossible. Every delegated authority goes with conditions, and the conditions govern the tenure of authority."
Some Greek Scholars suggest this is a more accurate rendering of vs.1&2
Let every soul be subject to the powers which excel them. For there is no power if [it is] not from God; and those powers that are under [subjection to] God are appointed [by Him]. So that he who opposes the [lawful] power [from God] resists the ordinance of God, and they who resist shall receive to themselves [God's] condemnation [damnation]
There are powers to which we are to be subject. It does not include all who are in authority, but those who occupy it by God's appointment. These authorities appointed by Him rule on His behalf and for His purpose. To these authorities we are to be in subjection to, as unto Christ.
A legal delegated authority will use that authority to follow God's law. They do not have the right to punish for things which God's law does not establish a penalty. It must, punish for those offenses for which God has established punishment.
Prophets of the Old Testament were constantly challenging the wickedness of rulers.
History is full of saints of God who stood against the powers that be. Jerome of Prag, the Waldenses, Tyndale, John of Goch, John Ruchrath von Wesel, Zwinlgi. Crainer, Latimer, Ridley, Knox, and a multitude of heroes have all resisted ungodly authority, to the benefit of the kingdom of God. The Puritans not only fled England, they defied the king.
The American Revolution was produced in part by the preaching of pastors.
John Calvin stated: "The reason why we ought to be subject to magistrates is, because they are constituted by God's ordination.... [Tyrannies and unjust exercise of power, as they are full of disorder, are not an ordained government;...
A judge is not a proper judge if he gives judicial decree or sentence according to his own pleasure, rather than according to the law under which he judges. Also those who govern are not proper governors if they govern according to their own law or whims, rather than according to the law of the Almighty King, on whose behalf they are required to govern.
Christians should oppose corruption, injustices and poverty. Challenging the authorities to obey with the clear principles of God's word.
Psa 2 instructs the "secular" rulers of the nation.
The fact God judges heathen rulers for their wickedness shows responsibility to be subject to the laws of their Creator. I deal with these things in more depth in " The Kingdom of God and Civil Government".
Sep 10, 2008 Rating
Submit to the government of my choice, or to all governments?NEW by: Anonymous
Your comment:
"If the government does not rule by and for Him, it is not the government Paul is telling us we must submit to here in Romans 13."
is most interesting, and disturbing. It implies that if I don't think the government is ruling according to God's standard (which may turn out to be very subjective indeed), then submission to such an authority is optional.
The government that is the background to the writing of Romans is the government of emperor worship and the rule of Nero. He lit Christians on fire, and threw them to the lions. Such a government is very very far from "rule by Him and for Him". Yet this is exactly the government that Paul tells the Christians to submit to. Is this not the context of Romans 13?
Doesn't Romans 13 teach a submission to all civil authority, without condition? There are other verses and chapters that may give conditions of submission (Acts 5:29), but that is not in Romans 13. Here we have the unconditional obedience of the believer as a witness to the world of the results of the salvation taught in the previous 12 chapters.
