The Biblical View of Government

The concept of government is not a human invention devoid of divine oversight, but rather an institution ordained by God Himself for the ordering of human society. From the earliest covenants to the prophecies of Christ’s eternal reign, the Holy Scriptures, particularly the King James Version, present a clear and consistent view of governmental authority, its purpose, the believer’s duty towards it, and its ultimate limitations. Understanding this biblical framework is crucial for every Christian seeking to live righteously in a fallen world.

The Divine Institution of Government

The Bible unequivocally declares that all authority, including governmental authority, originates with God. It is not an accident of history or a mere social contract, but a divinely established structure. The Apostle Paul, writing in Romans 13:1, states, "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." This foundational truth means that civil rulers, whether they acknowledge it or not, derive their authority from the Creator of the universe. Their existence and their ability to govern are part of God's sovereign plan.

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.

Romans 13:1

This divine ordination is not limited to righteous rulers; it extends to all in authority. Even wicked rulers are part of God's permissive will, and He uses them to accomplish His purposes, known and unknown to man. The prophet Daniel, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty, declared, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding" (Daniel 2:21). This perspective elevates government beyond mere human politics, placing it firmly within the realm of God's providential care and ultimate control.

The Purpose of Government

If government is divinely ordained, what is its intended purpose? The Scriptures clarify that God institutes government primarily for the maintenance of order, the promotion of justice, and the suppression of evil. Romans 13:3-4 explains this clearly:

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.

Romans 13:3-4

Here, the government is described as "the minister of God" – a servant of God – for two primary functions:

Similarly, 1 Peter 2:13-14 exhorts believers to "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." The purpose is consistently seen as the establishment of peace and order, allowing for a conducive environment for godliness to flourish. God desires a society where His people "may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:2).

The Believer's Duty to Government

Given that government is God-ordained and serves a divine purpose, believers are commanded to submit to its authority. This submission is not born out of fear or mere pragmatism, but out of conscience and reverence for God. Romans 13:5 states, "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." Our obedience to earthly rulers reflects our obedience to God.

Specific duties include:

• Submission and Obedience: "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work" (Titus 3:1). This is a general principle, encompassing laws, regulations, and the authority of those in office.
• Payment of Taxes and Dues: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour" (Romans 13:7). Jesus Himself affirmed this principle when He said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21).
• Prayer: "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" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Praying for rulers is a command that transcends their moral character or political alignment.
• Living Honorably: Beyond explicit commands, believers are to live in such a way that their good conduct silences critics and brings glory to God. "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:15).

The Limits of Governmental Authority

While submission to government is a clear biblical mandate, it is not absolute. There is a critical boundary beyond which a believer’s obedience to God must supersede obedience to man. This occurs when governmental commands directly contradict God's revealed will. The classic example is found in Acts 5:29, where Peter and the other apostles, commanded by the Sanhedrin not to preach in Jesus' name, declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men."

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:29

This principle is not an excuse for rebellion or anarchy, but a recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty. When human law requires disobedience to divine law, the Christian's allegiance belongs to God. Examples from the Old Testament illustrate this:

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: They refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, stating, "be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Daniel 3:18). Their refusal was not political defiance but religious conviction.
• Daniel: He continued to pray to God despite a royal decree forbidding it, because it was his custom and his devotion to God (Daniel 6:10).

In such cases, believers are called to obey God, even if it means suffering the consequences imposed by human authority. This is a passive non-compliance, not an active overthrow of government, for God is still sovereign over the authorities He has established.

The Ultimate Government: Christ's Kingdom

While earthly governments are necessary for this age, the Bible points to a future, perfect government – the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. This perspective provides both hope and the ultimate framework for understanding all authority. The prophet Isaiah foretold of the Messiah:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

This passage clearly indicates that the ultimate and everlasting government belongs to Christ. Daniel also prophesied of a kingdom that would "break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever" (Daniel 2:44). The book of Revelation culminates with the triumphant declaration, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15). Christ is revealed as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:16), establishing a perfect government of righteousness and peace.

Conclusion

The biblical view of government is multifaceted, balancing divine ordination with human responsibility, and earthly submission with heavenly allegiance. Governments are established by God to maintain order and justice in a fallen world. Believers are called to be model citizens, submitting to laws, paying taxes, and praying for their leaders, thereby living peaceably and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. However, this submission is not blind; it is always subordinate to the higher authority of God's Word. When earthly commands conflict with divine commands, our ultimate allegiance is to Christ. This perspective reminds us that while we are citizens of earthly kingdoms, our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and we await the day when Christ's perfect and eternal government will fully manifest on earth, bringing true justice and everlasting peace.