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7/17/09: Romans Chapter 13 Revisited, by Chuck Baldwin

A closer look at this alleged Biblical command for the Christian's blind obedience to a lawless state...

It seems that every time someone such as myself attempts to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters to resist an unconstitutional or otherwise reprehensible government policy, we hear the retort, "What about Romans Chapter 13? We Christians must submit to government. Any government. Read your Bible, and leave me alone." Or words to that effect.

No doubt, some who use this argument are sincere. They are only repeating what they have heard their pastor and other religious leaders say. On the other hand, let's be honest enough to admit that some who use this argument are just plain lazy, apathetic, and indifferent. And Romans 13 is their escape from responsibility. I suspect this is the much larger group, by the way.

Nevertheless, for the benefit of those who are sincere (but obviously misinformed), let's briefly examine Romans Chapter 13. I quote Romans Chapter 13, verses 1 through 7, from the Authorized King James text:

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

Do our Christian friends who use these verses to teach that we should not oppose America's political leaders really believe that civil magistrates have unlimited authority to do anything they want without opposition? I doubt whether they truly believe that.

Read full article on CampaignForLiberty.com

 

9/4/08: How Will God Vote, by Elizabeth Farah

There is a teaching within the Christian community that God ordains all leaders who take political or religious office. The teaching goes like this: God is sovereign, which is to say, God has power to and does exercise His will and decree over all events in history. All societies need governance. Governments require leaders – these leaders are chosen by God and therefore, Christians (as well as all mankind) must respect and obey all leaders. The virtues espoused here are those of respect for authority and obedience to the law.

If you are not a Christian, you may never have heard this idea expressed just this way. Your first question might relate to why God chooses so many despots and murderers to be our leaders. Nonetheless, all Christians have at the least been exposed to this teaching. There are several areas of Scripture that seem to support this teaching in its entirety. But, sincere Christians desiring to please God and maintain order may be applying this teaching too broadly and absolutely. If so, what are the consequences? I believe that this kind of thinking leads to passivity, indifference, determinism (as in Islam) and a loss of the power that God gives all who believe and obey him, as well as a rejection of personal responsibility to, as some call it, "influence and occupy" the culture...

Read full article on WND.com.

 

 

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