“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:3-4).
Startling simplicity saturates Scripture. This feature is a continuous proof of its divine origin. Only God can make the profound so simple without being simplistic.
If a Christian wants to avoid civil and divine punishment, he needs to do two things as a citizen:
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Do good. Love your neighbor as yourself. Treat others as you want to be treated. Be rich in good works, especially to the needy. Submit to the laws of the land.
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Do not do evil. Do not mistreat or sin against your neighbor. Do not be unkind, cruel, or unmerciful to others. Do not be selfish and self-absorbed. Do not unnecessarily defy or disobey the laws of the land.
These two simple rules of citizenship work under any type of civil government.
