I do know that what we are all asked to obey in the world, is always subtle, and difficult to get to the root cause - and if one proves the root cause, and it is contrary to His Word, how can one obey that which His Word instructs us not to obey (i.e. should a member of His Elect who is working in a hospital, where abortions are carried out, obey those in authority over them without question and be party to the abortion).
Does His Word really teach us to obey those in authority in this world, while at the same time ordering us to come out of her (Babylon the great) and not be party to her sins.
How can we come out of her (Babylon the great) and be in the world but not of the world, and still obey those in authority in the world (especially as the Elect should not be in Satan's kingdom).
(Still enquiring) George.
Hi George, it seems to me you are taking a general statement that Paul made and making very specific arguments against it. Paul was saying what the law was meant to be, not what corrupt people have turned it into. I believe laws are generally to keep the public at peace, so the higher ups can live in peace... but of course there is much corruption in every level of government, as in every aspect of society.
My only point of poor understanding is why or how Paul of all people could write that rulers are not a terror to good but to evil. I just don't see that being true.
I think Paul was teaching that believers should live in peace with the rulers/authorities of the land... as in we cannot rebel against the laws they have put in place. Paul is not trying to say the governments of this world are necessarily good, no, though he is saying most laws are generally designed to keep peace. Certainly there are those that abuse their authority, but that is not what Paul is focusing on.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul
be subject(G5293) to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
v. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
G5293
hupotassō - to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
If anything, believers are to be peacemakers and are to "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (Tim 2:2) and are never to "repay no one evil for evil" (Rom 12:17), as in rebellion against the authorities "appointed by God."
Heb 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
We/believers cannot upsurge the powers that be or pick and choose which laws we will obey, because showing dissidence could lead to being arrested. I think Paul is warning us about being self-righteous against the rulers/authorities to the point of bringing on our own persecution/suffering.
1Peter 2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
We are to resist the devil - yet Satan is the ruler of this world (and in authority over the rulers of darkness and wickedness), which include mankind in authority as kings and in government.
Satan is only in power under God's sovereignty, it is God who has determined how this society will be and it is God who puts the circumstances in each and every one of our lives. Yes sometimes people suffer even when trying to do the right thing, that is part of the evil experience we will endure in this world. But we can always make things worse by the way we respond, we are now to be the meek of the world.
Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
v. 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility (meekness) to all men.
1Peter 3:11 You must turn away from evil and do good; you must strive for peace with all your heart.
v. 12 For the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers; but he opposes those who do evil."
v. 13 Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?
v. 14 But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. (GNB)
As far as working where you are expected to do things that go against your conscious... then I would say that is not a good place for you to work. Surely you don't think it would be better to go against the establishment rather than change jobs? You/we cannot change what this world is, but we need to learn how or where we can live in this world and be at peace.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
mercy, peace and love
Kat