Doctrines (posted Thursday, July 19 2007)

Throughout history, governments have come to power that either elevate or oppress the religious freedoms of their people. But even in times of freedom, Christians are continually placed under pressure by the world system because of our beliefs. For some, this has led to civil disobedience or revolution or worse.

How are Christians supposed to live in relation to government?

The Christian life in the devil's world

The most important thing for any believer to recognize is that we are the objects of attack for the evil of this world and of Satan. Since he failed to prevent Christ's sacrifice, he can now do little more but trip up believers in our day to day lives. Jesus Christ taught this in person and in visions, without parable or analogy, so that the lesson would be clear.

- John 15:18-21 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."

- Revelation 2:10 "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."

To this end, Paul thanked God frequently in his persecutions from the Roman state for the sake and name of Christ.

- 2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

- Philippians 1:12-13 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Therefore suffering persecutions and hardships under an oppressive system, whether a government or other type of institution, is part of the test which believers will be called to take during their time on earth.

What did Old Testament believers do?

Scripture is clear not only about general persecution for faith, but also on how to live specifically in relation to governments, rulers, kings, and princes. In point of fact, this institution of authority doesn't change even between the Old and New Testaments because it is a fundamental part of how man relates to man.

The Mosaic Law is always clear and simple in its commandments.

- Exodus 22:28 Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

King David also made his opinion clear. Even though King Saul was an evil ruler and God had already chosen David to succeed him, he respected Saul's position even after his death.

- 1 Samuel 24:5-6 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord."

- 2 Samuel 1:14-16 David asked him, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?" Then David called one of his men and said, "Go, strike him down!" So he struck him down, and he died. For David had said to him, "Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, 'I killed the Lord's anointed.'"

Solomon, the wisest ruler who ever lived, discussed how to act in relation to a difficult or emotional king. He taught that wisdom and restraint were key.

- Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.

- Ecclesiastes 10:4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.

- Ecclesiastes 10:20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

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