"Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understands and know me, that I am the Lord which exercise judgment and righteousness and loving kindness in the earth: for in these things I delight saith the Lord." Jeremiah 9v23-24
In Romans chapter 13v1 - 7 Paul is reminding us that Almighty God is directly involved in the affairs of men and remains in overall control. He uses agencies whether demonic, angelic, or human to achieve his purposes. He is opposed to all evil and he will put it down. Thus the "long arm of the law" is in fact the arm of God; he wields His justice through authorities which he has ordained. Through them, he brings fear to all those who would practice evil. The sanctions which they impose may be in the form of fines, or imprisonment, or even death. The language Paul uses here presents this very clearly. He speaks of "terror;" he speaks of "wrath;" he speaks of "vengeance;" he speaks of "bearing the sword not in vain." All these tell us that God will come down on evil wherever it happens and that He is actively involved in world judgement as we speak. The greatest need of any age is to recover a sense of the fear of the Lord. Those who appear to escape judgement now, will face it in the future. "Every transgression and disobedience shall receive a just recompense of reward." Hebrews 2v2
Paul says in Romans 13v3 "Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil." If I am doing good I have nothing to fear but, if otherwise, I should be really afraid because in some way and at some time I will surely face the judgment of God. In chapter 13v4 Paul brings before us now the fact that individual members of these authorities are to all of us in the place of God. "He is the minister of God to thee for good." I am to consider the judge, the magistrate, the policeman, the soldier etc. etc. to be the servant of God, achieving His purpose, His standard of righteousness, whether locally or nationally. The only alternative to this would be a state of anarchy; not only are the authorities to be held in awe but each individual member just as if we were facing God Himself. This of course brings a great responsibility on those so involved. Any failure in their administration will be adjusted and corrected by God. When those authorities appointed by God no longer do His will the result will be disastrous both nationally and individually.
In an epistle which has expounded the love and the grace of God, we are brought here a sharp reminder that the wrath of God is against all ungodliness and all unrighteousness of men. Romans 1v18. Romans chapter 13 is one of the ways in which this aspect of the divine nature is " revealed from heaven." All authorities and all individuals within those authorities are doing God's work for the good order of society and we should not resist them. Paul therefore concludes "therefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath but also for conscience sake. The word "subject" means to "be arrayed under." I must live my life within the universal rules God has instituted for the benefit of all. A Christian, who is privileged to be a citizen of the heavenly kingdom, is to be a model citizen in the present world. These authorities can impose tariffs which can include death and no one will escape. This subjection is not only for the sake of escaping judgment but is stated to be "for conscience sake." Thus we respect the authority not only to avoid penal consequences but to be aware of our positive role in the world in which we live. We are here to represent God to the world, and any misdemeanor which requires the authorities to act will in fact diminish our influence in the world. This is why the apostle Peter says in 1st Peter 2v13 "Submit yourselves to every ordnance of man for the Lord's sake." Another aspect of this is that by falling foul of the authorities, or resisting them, we would be opposing God and our fellowship with God would be hindered. From both these points of view we must be subject to divinely ordained authorities.
What about when the authorities go astray? They are God's servants, leave it to Him!
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