Christians and civil authorities.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1, NET. In Romans chapter twelve, Paul delineated the responsibility and duty of the members of the body of Christ, the Church. The born-again members of the body of Christ fulfill their obligations toward others by practicing selfless love. In Romans chapter thirteen, Paul extends the same duty and responsibility of the members of the body of Christ to civil ruling authorities. Therefore. Christians must fulfill their responsibility toward the ruling authorities by practicing selfless love. The responsibility and duty due to the ruling authorities extend to society. The members of the body of Christ love God; therefore, they love what God has ordained.
The apostle Paul asserts that God institutes all authorities. Accordingly, Paul maintains that rebellion against authorities in any form, including disrespect, is rebellion against God. Civil and religious authorities can and often are evil in exercising their privileges. Paul suffered at the hands of both civil and religious authorities. Nevertheless, Paul insists that members of the body of Christ, the Church, must obey because God institutes even such authorities. Therefore, all forms of authority have their purpose in society.
Paul maintains that those who do good do not have to fear authorities. He asserts that God institutes all authorities; therefore, they are God’s hands for administering both the commendation for good behavior and punishment for wrongdoing. “Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience.” Romans 13:5, NET. Christian subjection to the authorities must be motivated by more than a notion of what is morally right. The members of the body of Christ are good citizens because God requires it. However, if an authority were to demand that members of the body of Christ deny God and Jesus Christ, they must obey their conscience. God did not authorize anyone to demand disobedience to God in the interest of obeying the civil authority.
Continued in the next blog.
