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Romans 13:1 Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God, 2 so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance hath resisted; and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment
Romans 13:3 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: 4For 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.
Originally posted by halfoldman
I remember arguing about Romans 13 with some Christian friends in the Bush years. They repeated a very popular fundamentalists teaching that George W. Bush was not voted into power, but appointed by God Himself, and therefore we shouldn't question the US President's decisions!
Originally posted by Bigwhammy
It is about civil authority. That is obvious. We have early Greek manuscripts there is no debate here. But you don't obey them in disobedience to God.
[edit on 5/15/2010 by Bigwhammy]
3. 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:
4. 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.
1 Timothy 1:19 ... Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.
20. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Jesus taught that we should pay what we rightfully owe to the government and, by implication, obey the law of the land insofar as it does not require us to disobey God.
Rom 13:1 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.