Paul tells us in Romans 13 that there is no authority except that which has been ordained by God. As long as the government is stewarding authority in fulfillment of the plans and purposes of God (Romans 13:3-4), the Christian is to submit to it. Unfortunately, history has taught us that human government fails time and again to fulfill the purposes for which God established it.
Christians have faced and are currently facing opposition around the world, and it doesn’t matter who is in charge. Whether a communist dictatorship or liberal democracy, governments tend to drift toward corruption and authoritarianism. At the end of the day, those in power are mostly invested in retaining their power, no matter the cost or compromise. What is the Christians relationship to the government? What do we do when those in power push an agenda that is immoral and anti-biblical?
Throughout the centuries, followers of Christ have had to learn how to discern and apply the teachings of Jesus concerning submission to authorities. Jesus famously stated that we are to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and render to God what belongs to Him. The priority, of course, is submission to God.
The Apostle Peter bravely proclaimed to the religious Jewish leaders that he must obey God rather than man. Peter wasn’t being defiant. He was stating the truth. There is no man nor power that supersedes the laws and expectations of Almighty God. We are ambassadors of Christ and to Him, we owe our allegiance above all. As ambassadors, we represent Jesus Christ on earth. We are to faithfully proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom among the kingdoms of this world.
In the World but not of It
What do we do? How do we advance the cause of liberty and justice? As citizens of heaven, we are bound to the King of the universe to follow Him and His Word even unto death. Kingdoms rise against kingdoms and one gives way to another. The principles which guide one kingdom may not be what guides the next. Only God’s truth is sure. We are His people. We are a holy nation. Wherever we may find ourselves, no matter what kingdom rules over us on this earth or among what people we find ourselves, we are called to be a witness of Christ to all people.
Jesus said that amidst all the wars and fighting and lawlessness, the Christian is to preach the gospel of the kingdom. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations” (Matthew 24:14). The hope of the world is not America. The hope of America is not its leadership. The world and its kingdoms and peoples must know that there is a coming Kingdom where righteousness will reign, but only those who are born-again in this lifetime will enter that Kingdom.
Shouldn’t we strive to resist the rise of iniquity and godlessness, especially in our politics? First of all, iniquity and godlessness will never be abolished simply by electing the right candidate to the government. Every political position is temporary. Yes, vote for the candidate who will promote biblical principles. Yes, run for office if God should lead you. But know that as the church of Jesus Christ, we have a greater mission. We are subject to a higher authority. Jesus Christ is our Lord. We owe our allegiance to Him.
How do we resist injustice? What do we do when those in authority take away our rights and seek to silence or persecute believers? Do we stock-pile ammunition and guns to fight for our freedoms? The answer for the Christian is no. In the garden, Jesus resisted, but not by meting violence with violence. He gently rebuked Peter to put away the sword. He knelt down and compassionately healed the wound inflicted on the servant’s ear from Peter’s impetuousness. Jesus resisted evil. He resisted iniquity. How? He did so through love.
Hebrews 12:2-4 says we are “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
We strive against sin by resisting, even unto blood. What does that mean? It means we live our lives to proclaim the gospel and we lay down our lives to confirm the gospel. Jesus defeated Satan and death by suffering and dying. We who are a part of the Kingdom of God are called to be witnesses. The word witness is Greek for martyr. We don’t resist iniquity by fighting, we resist by suffering. We don’t resist lawlessness and intolerance through violence. The Christian who will advance the Kingdom of God in the coming days must be willing to lay down his life.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not bow the knee to Nebuchadnezzar’s narcissistic demands of human worship. They did not fight. Rather, they resisted by standing on biblical convictions. They had determined in their heart that no matter where they were or who was in charge, they would not compromise. God can deliver us from injustice and persecution. But even if He does not, and it costs us our very life, we will not bow the knee to the idolatry of humanism! Conviction of truth is no more greatly confirmed then when the individual is willing to die for what he believes. Daniel 3:28 tells us that these three boys defied the king’s word, not by violent resistance, but by yielding up their bodies to serve and worship their God.
They resisted unto blood. They were willing to die that the kingdom of God might advance. So it has been throughout the history of God’s people:
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:32-40
What shall I say more? Live your life proclaiming the gospel. Be willing to lay down your life for the sake of the gospel. You’re still alive. You have not resisted unto blood. Determine to stand on biblical conviction. Determine to use your gifts to influence your nation for truth. Advocate for justice. Advance the ways of God. Announce the gospel of the Kingdom which will transform lives.
When an unbelieving leader aligns themselves with these principles, support him or her. When they build their own image and seek their own glory, confront them with holy boldness. And should the day come (and it will) when those in power seek to take away your religious rights, your constitutional rights, and your God-given rights, resist. Resist the way Jesus resisted. Be willing to lay down your life.
Continue to strive against sin by looking unto Jesus.