Romans 13 Part 1

The idolatry of government seems to survive on a misunderstanding of Romans 13.

Rom 13:1¶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.

Rom 13:2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

The word ‘power’ there has a broad meaning. It tends to be falsely attributed to worldly leaders and is sometimes translated ‘authorities’. Then it is often directed only at the Christians and never at the government officials since most believe it is referring to obeying the worldly government official. But the word can mean “power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases” or “jurisdiction” or “the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)”. Remember that this applies to everyone, even government officials, pastors, parents or those in roles of authority as well. So everyone must obey these jurisdictions, liberties or authorities. This puts a huge burden of responsibility for those in a role of authority. God is serious about these ‘powers’, for those that resist will receive damnation , same as if we sin against the law of God. To resist would be to resist God and Gods ‘ordinance’ (or arrangement). God is the one who determines jurisdictions, rights, ordinances, arrangements and authorities, not man or even men in a position of government. Men in authority can only follow his “perfect law of liberty” or their rules have no authority over us!