In any Christian discussion of government and politics, the guidance of Romans 13:1-7 is essential:
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the 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 the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
The submission to government commanded in this passage is conditional on its righteousness. To deserve obedience, government must
1) be a terror to evil works,
2) be a minister of God to the citizens for their good, and
3) execute wrath upon evildoers, but never those who do good works.
Critically for American Christians to also consider is the unique form of our government. Unlike the Roman Empire which ruled as a military dictatorship over all the local governments to which the early Christians were subject, America is the worlds first, best and longest lasting constitutional republic. In this system WE are the government, and all the rights and duties of Romans 13 inure to us, both as citizens and as rulers (by delegation of our powers).
That has given special meaning to Romans 13 for Americans since the Declaration of Independence first stated that “whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”
Has the current American government “become destructive to these ends?” It most certainly has in innumerable ways! To realize the extent of its destructiveness, consider that our government has not only directly and indirectly endorsed and funded the wholesale slaughter and commercial marketing of unborn babies for decades, it has now been exposed for buying and using harvested baby parts for medical research. This factual reality is more ghoulish than any fantasy-based Hollywood horror movie.
So tell me Christians, do we truly have a duty to submit to this government under Romans 13? Or, on the contrary, do we have a duty to dismantle and reform this government forthwith and ensure that the specific evil-doers responsible for these atrocities are properly punished by duly constituted criminal courts for the wickedness they have done against God in our name? In my view that should absolutely include capital punishment for the ones killing these precious innocent babies and carving up their bodies for marketing.
Are we limited in this duty to asking this government – its agencies, law enforcement and courts – to correct themselves? Like the Founders, I think not.
The best method of correction is, of course, the legislative system – to the extent that it can still function as a mechanism of citizen self-government. If that mechanism fails the only options will be submission to tyranny or revolution.
Although many populist voices are already calling for revolution, there is no acknowledgment of the terrible cost we all would pay for choosing that road. Yes, revolution or civil war would be better than living as slaves, but not much. It would be far better to fix our legislative problem before it reaches that stark choice. To do that we must force necessary changes to our elections and purge the Marxists from the seats of power through aggressive cultural and political action. It will require greater effort and resolve that we have yet seen. And it will require that many more Christians stop following a false interpretation of Romans 13 and accept their duties of citizen rule
We Christian citizens, individually and collectively, must become a righteous terror to evil as Romans 13 commands. And we must do that NOW or it will be too late!
If you are a self-starter, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into action and follow His direction. If you want to be part of a group effort, get involved in one or more political or activist campaigns wherever you live, or run for some office if for no other reason than to have a platform to speak truth from, while forcing the left to spend money against you. Join or start a MAGA group. Join the Republican Party as a constitutionalist change agent and drive out the RINOs. Join the Democrat Party as a spy and feed intel to the conservatives. Get hired by the media and WOKE companies in jobs where you can identify and expose the most rotten people. Be creative in defense of truth and liberty!
You are also welcome to join my Revolutionary Remnant Regiment here.
