Articles
The Election is Over
The Election is Over
The deed is done! The elections are over, and our nation’s government is set for another four years.
You have no doubt heard the phrase "there are two things one doesn't discuss: religion and politics." This phrase was no doubt adopted because of the emotional stir that both of these subjects create. But, religion and politics have a great deal in common: they both have the same author.
All we know about the spiritual realm is that which God has revealed. In Romans 11:33-36 we are told: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen.." And again in 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 we are instructed that "the things of God none knoweth, save the spirit of God," and that the apostles received "the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God...For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." Such being the case, we must rely upon the word of God to know that which is acceptable to God in reference to religion and politics.
Romans 13 tells us that the rulers of this world, the higher powers...the powers that be are ordained of God. God, knowing the need for man to be governed, religiously and politically, established the government for the purpose of meeting certain needs. The scriptures reveal what those needs are and how the government fulfills its obligation.
The Old Testament is extremely beneficial in revealing the obligations of the civil government to the people. The Law of Moses was both civil and religious in its nature. When we see how God expected Israel to respond in the civil arena, we get a glimpse of our own government's responsibility to the people.
The New Testament also deals with the government and its obligation to the people. It is to the New Testament we want to direct our attention.
Romans 13:3-5 instructs us that “For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake."
1 Peter 2:13-17, "Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."
Proverbs 14:34-35, "Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people. The king's favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisley; But his wrath will be against him that causeth shame."
1 Timothy 2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."
Exodus 22:28, "Thou shalt not revile God, nor curse a ruler of thy people." And finally, in Ecclesiastes 10:20, these words of caution sound forth. "Revile not the king, no, not in thy thought; and revile not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the heavens shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter."
Two of the things we learn:
1. Government has been established by God for the benefit of all mankind. Without government, we would live in a society of chaos and anarchy. Government has the responsibility to exercise
"vengeance on evil-doers" that those that do-good might "lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." And it is for this cause that we pay tribute(taxes).
2. Not only does government have obligation to the people, but so also are the people under obligation to the government.
a. Paying of tribute allows the government to do its job. We don't much like it but where would we be without it?
b. We are to be in subjection to our government. Subjection involves obedience to the ordinances "even when we don't like it."
c. We should not speak evil of our rulers.
d. We should pray for our rulers.
Regardless of who is in office, their responsibilities remain the same. Regardless of who is in office, our responsibilities remain the same.
Romans 14:12 "So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God." Are you ready to do your part? ret
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