Romans 13:1-2
"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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
Politics is seldom discussed in the church, primarily because we don't want to fall into some kind of extreme. We are afraid to participate too much in politics to the point of turning into a political machinery. Thus, traditional churches often fall into the other extreme of shutting their doors and only be concerned about their own affairs like preaching the gospel and saving the souls, but have no regard for issues of public wellbeing. Actually, both extremes are not what the Bible taught us. The separation of church and state does mean the church shouldn't be concerned about politics, but rather it means the church shouldn't interfere, make decision for or even control the internal affairs of the government. In the same manner, government should not interfere, make decision for and control internal affairs of the church. This doesn't mean that church cannot make suggestions or give advice to the government. Similarly, under special circumstances, governments can also provide suggestions and advice to the church, and both sides should respect each other.
When God created heaven and earth, He gave human beings two commissions: First one is the procreation through families, and second one is the governing of the land. Therefore, government is the form of authority that God has granted human beings. This doesn't mean that God will agree with everything that the earthly governments does; in fact, because of sin, the earthly governing authorities often act in contrary of the way of God. What we can't deny, however, is that the authority of the earthly governments is rooted in God. God may not agree with them, and yet may allow them to temporarily exist, and the ultimate goal is the completion of God's eternal plan of salvation. Therefore, when Jesus Christ went on trial before Pontius Pilate, Pilate thought he had authority, so he told Jesus: "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus replied: "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." On the one hand, Jesus clearly express His position of obeying God's authority but not men's. On the other hand, because He clearly understood that the earthly authority to prosecute Him is from God, he was willing to obey it to the point of dying on the cross. Thus, when we are confronted with the earthly governing authorities, we must have our position clear that we serve God; however, we must also have an attitude of obedience because we know that they have received their authority from God.
Let us learn together to pray for our governments. May God give them hearts that fear Him as they rule the people.
Pray with Pastor Tong Liu
Dear Lord, we pray blessings for the governments of United States, China and Taiwan; we ask that you would touch the hearts of the rulers in positions of authority. Let them get to know your Kingdom and rules so that the peace you grant us will come upon people on earth. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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