Thoughts from Romans 13 (part 7)

In our study of Romans 13 up to this point, we have somewhat danced around a very important question.

Both Peter and Paul talk about being subject to the government. “Governing authorities” or “rulers” or as Peter says, “every human institution”, and then the “emperor” and “governors”. We know that these were established by God (their origin). And we know their purpose – to approve what is good and punish what is evil.

So here’s the obvious question – good and evil according to whom?

Perhaps if Nero had been asked that question, he would have said “according to me!” Well, maybe not – actually, I think that the philosophy of government in the Roman empire was more sophisticated than we give it credit for. But the point remains – some governments will basically argue that they make the laws, or perhaps in a democracy, it’s the people who make the laws (theoretically). And we get dangerously close to rex lex – the king is the law.

But this can’t possibly be what Paul is talking about. Let’s read the first four verses again:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:1-4

These verses simply do not say: Would you have no fear? Then do what is good according to the government, because it is God’s servant for your good, whatever men may think that is. Of course not! “He is God’s servant”! “…he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”

Let’s say the government is punishing someone for preaching the gospel. In that action, it is not acting as a servant of God.

And so, every government is responsible to punish evil and approve good according to God’s Word. In fact, there is no other morality.

Imagine how ridiculous this would be if you tried to cram evil acts into this passage. Let’s say that the government decides to execute everyone with large noses (you know who you are), but to leave all other evil unpunished. Would you have no fear? Just do what is good, and you will receive approval (although you may be executed for the size of your nose). But if you do evil – well, no problem. Unless your nose is a little larger than the average, of course.

That’s a silly example, but I hope it makes the point – the words good and wrong have a meaning in the context.

Oh, but they don’t believe the Bible. Maybe not, but they’re still responsible.

Here’s a real-life example. You may have read about the wicked Canaanite nations in the Old Testament. Idol worshippers. Basically, God says, “Listen, these nations are evil. Here’s a list of their sins. Their time is up.” You can read about this in Leviticus 18 and Deuteronomy 9.

But wait! These nations weren’t under a theocracy. They didn’t have prophet after prophet sent to them to teach them God’s Word. Moses’ Law was not even written. There were no believing priests (or very few). But their governments were responsible to approve the good and punish the evil.

Let’s say there’s a government that is completely atheistic. If that government punishes murderers, thank the Lord! If they praise murderers, they are disobeying God and will be punished by Him.

We haven’t had time, and won’t take the time in this series, to talk in detail about the responsibilities of the government. But we’ve learned a few things, right? They are to approve good. Punish evil. They are to give us freedom to serve our families and our communities, and to worship God. As we read in 1 Timothy – “…that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Actually, God’s words to Pharaoh are a good summary. “Let my people go, that they may serve me…” “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me…” That is truly the purpose of our freedom.

And so the government has responsibilities. It also has limits. Freedom means that the government will leave us in peace so that we can do what is good.

For example, a government cannot give or take away basic human rights – that is, rights that we have according to God’s Word. Have you ever thought about that? The government can recognize and promote human rights, yes. But it can’t give us something that we already have from God.

Hence the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms rightly begins by saying,“Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law…”

We have a right to worship God. If a constitution says that we have that right, great! But that right comes from God, not the government. Do you see the difference?

But looking at the context of these passages, I think there is a very useful way to start to think about the responsibilities and limits of government. We’ll talk about that next time.