Subjection to Authorities

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 13:1-7

 

Romans 13:1-2

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 

(ESV)

 

Even a casual browse of news headlines reveals the fact we live in a corrupt world. This is not surprising to Christians who study the Word of God and know the corruption in the world is due to the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-24). The good news for humanity is that Jesus, God’s Son, came to the world to die for the sins of humanity (Romans 5:8). All humanity is born into sin and needs to confess Jesus as their Lord to receive salvation from their sins, including those in leadership. Romans 13:1-7 tells us to be subject to authority that may be corrupt or make ungodly decisions. This post attempts to rectify the contradiction Christians face of speaking out against sin while remaining in subjection to sinful leaders.

 

The passage in Romans 13:1-7 begins with the statement that every person should be subject to governing authorities because they are instituted by God (Romans 13:1). The passage then comes to a logical conclusion that whoever resists authorities instituted by God is resisting something God has appointed and will incur judgment (Romans 13:2). Rulers are instituted to be a terror to bad behavior and not to good. Those doing good do not need to fear authority, receiving their approval (Romans 13:3). Those doing wrong, however, have reason to fear for God-instituted leaders carry the sword of judgment and not in vain. God-instituted leaders are avengers, carrying out wrath on wrongdoers (Romans 13:4). Subjection to God-instituted leadership should occur not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience (Romans 13:5). Citizens pay taxes to fund God instituted leaders as ministers of God protecting those doing good by administering God’s wrath on wrongdoers (Romans 13:6-7).

 

Romans 13:1-7 is a call for God’s people to live in subjection to authority but, when those in authority lead corruptly or incompetently, placing citizens in danger, living in subjection is difficult. Christians in Rome, surrendering their lives to serve Jesus as king, violated the Roman rule requiring total submission to Caesar as king, placing them in danger. Paul’s call to live in subjection to those placing them in danger seems to appear that Paul is asking them to endanger their lives. However, when one realizes the fate of corrupt leaders is eternal punishment as opposed to a believer inheriting eternal life (John 3:16), it is possible to live in subjection to authority while making intercession for these leaders that they will come to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:1-3). Jesus told us that persecution would come to those following Him but also reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

 

Like Christians in Rome, Christians today live under subjection to leaders who may not lead with Godly principles. The call in this passage to live in subjection to authorities that may be ungodly seems to contradict the call of disciples of Christ to spread the Gospel, which includes speaking out against sin for all have sinned (Romans 3:23). An ungodly leader having a corrupt view of what is good or bad will rule from this corrupt view, resulting in the persecution of Christians, viewing them as doers of bad. However, making prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for those in authority pleases God (1 Thessalonians 2:1-3). Christians should, therefore, be subject to God’s arrangement and pray for these leaders knowing that persecution will occur, but that Jesus has overcome the world and its corruption.

 

Abortion and gay marriage are two issues Christians should speak out against, bringing persecution as they do. The question one must ask is if one is living in subjection to authority if one dares to speak out. The answer is yes if they speak out without bringing harm to those supporting these issues in subjection to laws against murder and assault. The United States Constitution grants Christians the right to free speech and freedom of religion so speaking out against abortion and gay marriage does not constitute one living outside of subjection to authority. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we should speak out against ungodliness but do it with love and not hatred of those living ungodly lives.

 

If you have not prayed to accept Jesus as your Savior, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.