Romans 13

Okay, today's topic is submission to the authority of the government that God has established for us in America.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1

All governments are given their power by God. The source of their power is given by God. Conveniently, we are our own government. Thus, God has given us authority to govern in a godlike manner, electing politicians who will further His agenda and act with morality. However, that topic is tangential to the current one, and so I will move on.

"Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Romans 13:2

We can't refuse to pay taxes or declare war on America. God wills that we work through democracy to bring about change, not a violent overthrow.

"For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Romans 13:3-4

Follow all laws, no matter how unjust or unfair they seem. Also, 13:4 gives the government the authority to exact God's wrath upon people, i.e. the death penalty.

"Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:5-7

As much as I don't like what our taxes go to (basically anything. If you want me to rant about politics/ economics, I will, just not in this entry) we still must pay them. The authorities are (or should be) God's servants. We owe them taxes and reverence.

A main problem: nowadays, the government likes to do things that are against God. Abortion, homosexuality, affirmative action, welfare, social security, removal of the death penalty, taking away individual rights, etc. Luckily we can vote! Thankfully, God has given us the power of democracy to counter the degradation of society into immorality and ungodliness. Until the Rapture, we, as Christians, must take control of our government, using this God given authority.