It is intriguing that some of those who are first
to say the United States of America is not a Christian nation are also some of
the first to expect it to act like one! There are wide disagreements, even
among Christians, on what people should expect their governments to do. Numerous
individuals appeal to the Bible in certain situations to “command” their
government to act in a Christian manner. For example, in the case of
immigration law appeal may be made to verses about welcoming the stranger for
supporting open borders, or in the case of abortion law appeal may be made to
verses about not committing murder in opposing killing babies.
Government is established. It does not derive its
authority to exist from philosophy or human reasoning, but from God. Ruling
authority, or government, exists as a principle established by God, and in
actual existence as ordained by God (Romans 13:1-2).[i] Government
is limited. Human government is temporal, not eternal. It is restraining, but
not redemptive. God is sovereign over kings, rulers, governments. He installs
and deposes (Psalm 75:7; Daniel 2:21). Human government, therefore, has authority
derived from God, and limited by God (John 19:10-11).
The New Testament does not provide an exhaustive
treatment of the subject of government. It lays down principles.[ii] However, the principles
laid down all too often are not the primary points of discussion for the addressing
the concept or specifics of governing. God established government; God limited government.
Working from the broad principles, we may further examine the Bible for details
on its expected and intended operation. Let us consider the following New
Testament passages.
1. Church and state are unique, separate, and
operate in different spheres (though the different spheres will bring them in
contact, concord, and conflict with one another).
Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then
saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s;
and unto God the things that are God’s. (See also Mark
12:17 and Luke
20:25.)
Answering the Pharisees’ treacherous
question, Jesus laid down the principle of government operating
within its sphere of authority, under God. Those operating in “Cæsar’s” realm
owe certain allegiance to “Cæsar.” This “image and superscription” on Cæsar’s
coin was a visual way of demonstrating the practical reality of Cæsar’s rule. “But
the words that followed raised the discussion into a higher region, and
asserted implicitly that that admission did not interfere with the true
spiritual freedom of the people, or with their religious duties.”[iii] Followers
of God should act as law-abiding citizens of the Roman Empire. Pay your tax to
Caesar; the image and superscription demonstrate it is his and within his realm
of authority. Give God your life, your allegiance, your love. These do not
belong to government.
2. The sphere of the state protects rights and
punishes wrongs.
Romans 13:3-5 For rulers are not a terror to good
works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that
which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister
of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he
beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to
execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not
only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves to every
ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or
unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of
evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
Human government is ordained to protect the rights
of the governed and punish those who violate the rights of the governed. In
civics these are often described as “negative rights” – that is, “The negative
role of government involves protecting a citizen in his or her own pursuit of
something legitimate.”[iv] These
biblical texts establish a “negative role” as government’s primary sphere. The focus
is on punishing or executing wrath upon the evildoers, while providing an
atmosphere for and praising of good behavior.[v]
Those who are evil may be encouraged to respect the rights of others because
they fear the “sword” or “wrath” of the governing authority. Government should
be a neutral judge and guardian of its governed, providing equal access to all
to these “negative” benefits. The rulers should be God’s ministers – that is,
servants – of justice for all.
3. The function of the state provides order and
stability.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of
all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for
all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Government should serve the common good – not just
the good of the governors, but also the good of the governed. The governed pray
and intercede for the governors. Good government provides law, order, and
stability in place of anarchy.[vi]
Christians pray for leaders to succeed in providing these. When the government is
functioning properly, the governed are able to live “a quiet and peaceable life”
without fear and looking over their shoulders. In the order and peace provided,
there is a place where judgment is accorded[vii]
and good is encouraged and rewarded. At its best good government appreciates human
dignity (that man is created in God’s image, Genesis
1:27) and acknowledges human depravity (that all men are sinners, Romans
3:23).
4. The response of the church/Christian is
submitting to good citizenship.
Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject,
not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to
principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance
of man for the Lord’s sake:
“Submit” and “be subject” are acts of volition.
The Christian, in obedience to God, submits to his established authority, human
government. The Christian “seeks the peace of the city” where he dwells (cf. Jeremiah
29:7) and the good of his neighbor (Romans
15:2). The submission to authority is “for conscience sake.” The
submission is voluntary but not absolute. It is submission to the governing
authorities in their sphere and function. Absolute submission belongs only to
God. The use of “submit” and “be subject” in these verses implies that the
governed may have reason to disobey the government.[viii]
See Acts 5:29, where Peter admonished the Jewish authorities whose command circumvented
God’s command – “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought
to obey God rather than men.” Paul wrote, “but he is a Jew, which is one
inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the
letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:29). Government
should deal with matters of conduct, not matters of the heart. We must render
to God the things that are God’s. Government cannot command the allegiance of
the heart.
[ii] On
the other hand, the Old Testament is clear about the establishment of one
particular theocracy – Israel – in which God is the giver of law and head of
government. This establishment, however, is only for the covenant people of
Israel and not applicable to principles to government for all times and places.
Nevertheless, there are principles and lessons to glean from the Old Testament
concerning government. For example, the prophet Amos condemns the
transgressions of the nations of Damascus, Gaza, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon, and Moab
before turning his sights on Judah and Israel (Amos
chapters 1 and 2). These nations and their rulers – though pagan –
were responsible before God for not fulfilling as well as abusing their ruling
authority.
[v] In
contrast, the idea of the “positive role” of government focuses on providing
goods and services to the governed – such as healthcare or welfare.
[vi] The
opposite of governance is anarchy – confusion and disorder; a state of society
without government or law; political and social disorder due to the absence of
governmental control.
[vii] settled;
reconciled.
[viii] Sometimes the
Christians supports his government; sometimes he endures it. Unfortunately, at
times he must disobey it. At all times the Christian should pray for his
government.
