“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
In this passage the inspired penman states three categorical reasons for the imperatives “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (v. 1) and “you must be subject” to them (v. 5). These reasons are:
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The God who has all authority has authorized civil government.
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To resist the authority of civil government is to resist the authority of the God who ordained it.
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To resist the authority of civil government and the God who authorized it ensures you will receive divine judgment for your insubordination.
Though radical and violent “disobedience” to civil government has been glamorized and is extolled as virtuous by some today, it remains sinful rebellion in God’s eyes.
