“For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:6-7).
Jesus’ words are clear: You have an obligation to God and also to your civil government. Your obligation to God does not elevate you above your responsibility to pay taxes (Matthew 22:17-20).
Regardless of whether the tax is upon your income, your property, or your purchases, it is to be paid obediently and respectfully.
A failure to pay your taxes ought to violate your conscience and be seen as a failure to pay a lawful debt you owe. Revenue is essential for God’s civil ministers to carry out their responsibility of providing order and justice. Any abuse of their power to levy and collect taxes and any dereliction of duty in performing their divinely given responsibilities will be addressed when God brings His vengeance on all evil.
Just as Jehovah will punish governing authorities for failing to do their job, He will also punish citizens for failing to do theirs. Therefore, pay your taxes.
