In Christ, we honor and obey our governing authorities, while appealing to a higher court, answering to a superior crown, and taking shelter under a safer covering

The Purpose and Role of Government

• The government provides earthly justice and protection
• Governments are to act on behalf of the good of all people (Rom. 13:4).
• “God instituted government to establish an ordered and peaceful social space where not only is judgment carried out, but good is recognized and encouraged.”

– ESV Study Bible Commentary, Michael Oh | Japan

Government was designed by God to check evil and promote good.
– Westminster Assembly

( The Westminster Assembly of Divines was a council of divines (theologians) and members of the English Parliament appointed from 1643 to 1653 to restructure the Church of England.)

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors…

Matthew 22:15-22
Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

1 Peter 2:14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors…who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Romans 13:4-5
For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

1 Peter 2:15
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

1 Peter 2:16
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

“Christians are to submit to our governing authorities unless they command us to do something that God forbids or forbid us to do something that God commands.” – Dr. R.C Sproul, Pastor & Theologian

“When the Civil Government may be and ought to be disobeyed, is one which every man must decide for himself. It is a matter of private judgment. Every man must answer for himself to God and therefore every man must judge for himself, whether a given act is sinful or not. Daniel judged for himself, and so did Shadrach, Mischach and Abednego, and the Apostles.” – Charles Hodge, Pastor & Theologian

1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

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Revelation 19:6-7
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!