Bible instructs followers to obey the government (2024)

FAQs

What does the Bible say about obeying government? ›

The Bible speaks decisively to this issue. Romans 13:1-2 says: "Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow."

Scripture tells us that God is in control, and we can trust him. Not only that, it tells us that we are to pray for, submit to, and honor our governing authorities. In Romans 13:1-7, Paul says, Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.

Final answer: The statement is true according to the Bible; people should obey their governing authorities unless it contradicts their obedience to God.

For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.” (Rom. 13:1-3a).

So when is civil disobedience called for in the Christian life? Whenever a government compels you to sin, or prevents you from doing something that is required by God.

Government provides earthly justice and protection.

Civil governments act as God's agents of justice. Romans 13:4 says, “For he [the magistrate, the government's representative] is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.” Ultimate justice and vengeance belong to God alone (Deut.

The authorities which exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

The purpose of welfare

"For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land'" (Deuteronomy 15:11). God's Word says that there will always be needs in the world around us.

Final answer: The five biblical obligations of government are protection, justice, promotion of the common good, securing rights and liberties, and facilitating cooperation and trade.

Romans 13:1-7 CEV

Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished. Rulers are a threat to evil people, not to good people.

What does the Bible say about obeying those who have rule over you? ›

Hebrews 13:17 King James Version (KJV)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Obedience to God is not only a way to worship him, but a way to get closer to him, prepare for whatever he leads you to and grow as a person. As Christians, we know we are not saved by our works but that our faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

Non-revolutionary civil disobedience is a simple disobedience of laws on the grounds that they are judged "wrong" by a person's conscience, or as part of an effort to render certain laws ineffective, to cause their repeal, or to exert pressure to get one's political wishes on some other issue.

civil disobedience, the refusal to obey the demands or commands of a government or occupying power, without resorting to violence or active measures of opposition; its usual purpose is to force concessions from the government or occupying power.

Romans 13:1–7 is often quoted, but also 1st Peter 2:13–14. “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.”

Romans 13 doesn't assume a good government.

Because Paul acknowledges there's no authority except that which God establishes (Rom. 13:1). Whatever the authority—good or evil—we know it's from God and thus falls within the purview of Paul's command.

1 Timothy 2:1–4

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Romans 13:1-2

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.