Many people no longer think the Bible is relevant to today’s world, and it’s easy to see their perspective. For instance, how many ancient books provide suitable insights for how today’s societies should function? Regrettably, some even question whether anything written over 200 years ago can still be relevant (e.g., our Constitution). We are being led by some that think that if something hasn’t been recently written, then it should be ignored or impugned, and this is certainly their attitude towards the Scriptures. Nevertheless, the Bible is always relevant and recently I discovered a rarely mentioned passage that is essential for developing a biblical theology on human governance.
First, it’s necessary to quickly review two well-know passages that explain God’s purposes for government. One is Romans 13.1-9, which explains how Christians should respond to government. Paul wrote that believers should submit to their governments because God establishes them as instruments for good. Consequently, believers should pay taxes and honor to those in authority. Jesus himself said “. . . render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matt 22.21). Some might mistakenly assume that Paul was writing while a “good emperor” ruled the empire. However, the emperor in power as Paul wrote was none other than Nero, the one that would institutionalize Roman persecutions against Christianity. His declarations provided the legal basis for Rome’s ruthless campaigns against Christianity for the following 2 centuries. Nevertheless, Paul explained that the primary function of government was to protect its citizens from external enemies and internal criminals. Consequently, God provides governments with “the sword” in order to fulfill this responsibility. Paul, therefore, directed believers to “do good” and love their neighbors so that they would not fear their governments.
Did Paul know that at times governments would run amuck and diverge from their divinely mandated commission—of course! He certainly was aware of Israel’s past renegade rulers. Nevertheless, God revealed to Paul His intent for governments. That governments at times falter in their divine mandate is no license to oppose them. Does this mean that people should never revolt against tyrannical governments? Again, of course not, but understand that all governments possess “the sword,” so if one is going to overthrow an oppressive government, it will come at a cost of life. History is littered with examples of how hard it is to kill evil governments, so beware.
Another well-known passage is 1 Timothy 2.1-4, here Paul directed believers to pray for all people and especially those in positions of authority so that we may live “tranquil and quiet” lives in all “godliness and dignity.” Paul wrote that God views such self-interested prayers as acceptable. Why would these types of prayers be encouraged? Paul stated that peaceful societies provide opportunities for people to come to faith in Christ, to prosper, and to receive the “knowledge of the truth.” Does that mean that Christianity can’t spread during times of persecution—again the answer is no. Some of Christianity’s greatest expansions occurred during times of intense persecutions. Nevertheless, another divine function of government is to provide an atmosphere of freedom that allows people to live peaceful and self-directed lives where they can provide for their families and do good for those around them. Consequently, God is not offended that believers pray for their rulers so that they may lead peaceful lives; instead He encourages it for the purposes of evangelism and church growth.
These are some better-known passages that explain God’s purposes for governments. That being the case there is another passage that is indispensable to developing a comprehensive theology on human governance. The previous two passages assume benevolent governments; however, 1 Samuel 8.10-18 provides divine insight as to what all governments inevitably become, which is greedy and oppressive. Its greater context is Israel’s rejection of God as their “ruler” and their request for a “king.” The prophet Samuel responded by explaining the inevitable result of their request, which was that their king will take their sons, daughters, their servants, their taxes, and their fields. In short, Samuel warned that their future kings will confiscate the “best” from the people; and eventually the people will become “servants” of their kings (vs 17). While people long for governments that protect their rights; regrettably, sooner or latter rulers are driven by their own lusts, and inevitably turn their citizenry into slaves. As Lord Acton asserted, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”; and as the Bible warns, those in positions of political control always covet more power.
If you think that Samuel’s warning applies to only monarchies, then you need to brush up on world history. Here God has provided for us the inevitable trajectory of all governments, whether they are monarchs, socialistic, communistic, democracies, empires, aristocracies, dictatorships, parliaments, republics, or any combination of them. No matter how noble the initial intent for any government, or how well conceived its charter, in the long run it all will oppress its citizenry. And why is that? It’s because people are systemically sinful (Rom 3.10-18), and all governments are run by people. As time and weather erodes all fortresses, evil people incrementally erode the good within governments by promoting themselves, and while ascending they grab more power in order to entrench themselves in positions of authority. As Jesus himself observed, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them . . . .” (Luke 22.25).
The Scriptures are certainly relevant with respect to a realistic philosophy of human governance. They explain God’s purposes for government, as well as why all governments inevitably fail. Many are deceived into believing that somewhere there is a perfect form of government. One that is just and fair, one that has all the answers, and will provide for all of their needs with equity. Such a perspective is unrealistic and lacks wisdom. I’m of the opinion that a democratic Republic that recognizes and protects our inalienable God given rights is best. But I understand that no matter how hard we try to control governments, in the end they will ultimately control us. No one should be surprised at this outcome; this inevitably is because Satan knows the value of using sinful humans to achieve his ends. If he can control those that lead us, then he will exponentially maximize his evil influence upon entire nations and cultures. Regrettably, scripture foretells of a future global government that will be inspired and influenced by him, and it will monopolize the distribution of essential resources while demanding fanatical devotion from the world’s population to its titular human leader—the Antichrist. Any that reject him will be either executed for treason or relegated to a life of abject poverty (Rev 13.1-17; 2 Thes 2.3-10). Does this future certainty mean that believers should not participate in current governments? Not at all. It only means that we should have a biblical perspective for all forms of government. Specifically, that they all eventually fail, and inevitably one will be the vehicle by which satanically driven people will once again seek to extinguish the people of God. But thanks be to God that the Lord will sovereignly intervene on our behalf. On that wonderful day “the government will rest on His shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, . . .” (Is 9.6-7). May He come quickly.
Copyright @ 2021 Monte Shanks