Church and Human Government

1 Peter 2:13-15 AMPC

Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service. For it is God's will and intention that by doing right your good and honest lives should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.

The church is the called-out ones, the church is not the building where we worship but the church is you and I. Buildings with stained glasses or an effigy of Jesus on the cross or some symbolism of Christ or heaven is not the church in the biblical sense of the church. The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia which is defined as an assembly or called-out ones.  

As the church we owe it as a responsibility to be obedient to the laws of the land. This duty comes from the understanding that every government is ordained by God for a time and for a reason. That promotion and leadership comes from God.
Psalm 75:6-7 KJVS
[6] For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. [7] But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

The bible also teaches that we should be obedient to human governments because they are ordained by God. Romans 13:1 KJVS
[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.

As God's people, we ought to as individuals and as a collective be at the forefront of ensuring we are always in line with the laws that govern our community. We should actually be examples to others on giving to Caesar what is his and unto God what is Gods. Matthew 22:21 Jesus said "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."   

Our obedience is more so expected when those laws are in consonance with the word of God. We cannot represent Christ effectively on this earth when we as the church are at the receiving end of all that is not lawful. We cannot break the law and then preach the kingdom with same breath.

The Church should actually be partners with the government in preaching against corruption, fraud, lawlessness, nepotism, kidnapping and every societal vice that abounds around us. As we do this, the nation becomes a better place for everyone, especially for the Church.

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