Civil Government
We believe that civil government is ordained of God for the punishment of evil doers and for the protection of the good (Rom. 13:1-7 [show]Romans 13:1-7
[13:1]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. [3]For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4]for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. [5]Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. [6]For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7]Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (ESV)
). We therefore consider it our duty to pray for rulers and magistrates (I Tim. 2:1-3 [show]1 Timothy 2:1-3
[2:1]First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2]for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. [3]This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, (ESV)) and to be submissive to their authority, except in things opposed to the will of God (Tit. 3:1 [show]Titus 3:1
[3:1]Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, (ESV); I Pet. 2:13-14 [show]1 Peter 2:13-14
[13]Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, [14]or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. (ESV); Acts 4:19, 5 [show]Acts 4:19
[19]But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, (ESV)
Acts 4:5
[5]On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, (ESV):29; Matt. 23:10 [show]Matthew 23:10
[10]Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. (ESV)).