Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Reflections on the Christian's call to Obedience to the State:

The two main texts that are referred to regularly: Romans 13:1-7, and 1 Peter 2:13-17.

Beginning with Romans 13:

One of the most important words in Romans 13:1-7 is the first word of verse 3: γὰρ (gar) - Strong's G1063 "a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument) — and, as, because..."

"For (think: because) rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad"...

This is (at least part of) the reason given why we ought to be subject to authorities. However, when the opposite is true and rulers become a terror to good conduct and rewarders of bad this reason given by the Apostle has been voided.

Consider this question: "By what standard are good conduct and bad conduct to be determined?" Hopefully for the Christian the answer to this question is clear: it is the Bible, and not whatever the State tells us.

In verse 5 - The reasons for subjection are summarized as - "to avoid God’s wrath, but also for the sake of conscience"

Hopefully there is Christian agreement that God's wrath does not come against us for good conduct. If something is good, and our conscience bears us witness as to the truth of its goodness - then it cannot be sin, regardless of what the 'powers that be' have to say about it.

Romans 13 does not support unlimited obedience to bad laws - and ignoring rules which terrorize good conduct is not sinful.
For a conclusion - let's go to Romans 14: "Let every person be convinced in his own mind... ...For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."

Continuing with 1 Peter 2:13-17:

The context of the exhortation is the Holy Spirit's instruction to: "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God" (v.12)

"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people" (v.15)

Again - we need to consider by what standard we should evaluate our actions as 'good' or 'bad', understanding that for the Christian the Bible is our standard.

The text speaks to the types of authorities we are to be subject to: "whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors"...   But we need to note this important qualifier: "to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."

Again - right and wrong for the Christian are determined by the Bible's authority.  The same qualifier given by the Apostle Paul is given by the Apostle Peter by the authority of the Holy Spirit.

If the authorities are punishing evil and rewarding good then obedience is required.  However when it is reversed then it seems clear to me that the subjection is voided.  We do it 'for the Lord's sake' who is the sole arbiter of what is good/evil.

In the context of the passage, we are to do good as a witness to the glory of God.  But what if what we consider 'good' is actually thought of by "ignorant and foolish" people as 'evil'?  When "what is vile is exalted" (Psalm 12) this can be the case.

Regardless of what other people think - the scriptures are clear that the glory of God is shown by good works, according to God's standard, and not mere unthinking obedience to authorities.

In conclusion, these two main passages which speak to required obedience to authorities give very clear exceptions where rulers are rewarding evil and reprimanding good.  Our obedience ought to be 'for the Lord's sake' and for his Glory.  Let us allow His word be our guide.