Editorial -- By: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.

Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 18:53 (Spring 2014)
Article: Editorial
Author: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.


Editorial

Ron J. Bigalke

Romans 13 is a vital passage for the church throughout the ages, as is all Scripture (2 Tim 3:16–17). Verse 1 commands “every person . . . to be in subjection to the governing authorities” because “those which exist are established by God.” Christians are destined for an eternal inheritance; therefore, believers are to submit to the authorities, love one another, and “behave properly.” Romans 13 addresses the relationship of “every person” with regard to the state. “Subjection to the governing authorities” is especially applicable to the Christian because each believer has a unique relationship to the state. The believer’s citizenship means that Christians have unique spiritual responsibilities (vv. 8–14) that are not obligatory for “every person.” Nevertheless, such citizenship does not lessen responsibilities to the state (vv. 1–7). The believer has solemn obligations to the state and the officials who govern the state.

Romans 13:1–12 teaches that the legal ordinances and statutes of the government must be obeyed because God ordains the powers. However, when governments demand obedience to unjust laws, then submission to corrupt or immoral practices is not an option. Obedience to the law of God may necessitate civil disobedience (sc. an assiduous, peaceful, and public noncompliance of a governmental law or policy, with the intent of affecting social transformation). The motivation for civil disobedience is always assiduous, as opposed to being merely pragmatic.

When obedience to the law of God necessitates civil disobedience (i.e. the only means of faithfulness to God requires such behavior), one must be willing to accept the consequences of those actions. Scripture does command submission to government regulations that are intended to protect and punish. God did not establish government to control or impede any of the doctrinal beliefs of his people, nor the resultant morality based upon those divine truths. God created the church and state with specific responsibilities; nevertheless, each institution is to function within the particular realm that the Lord has established. Charles A. Clough’s article helps the church to respond to the state’s usurping of God’s authority to define marriage. The proposal therein is not civil disobedience (although that might be a necessity if the church does not function as “the pillar and support of the truth”); rather, Clough suggests how the church can proclaim the truths of God’s Word and ...

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