The intimate connection to what was just stated in Chapter 12, about not seeking personal vengeance, must now be seen in what Paul says next to the church at Rome, and to all of us who are part of the church.  God has instituted governing authorities to maintain civil obedience with the means of executing punishment; in so doing, they represent the wrath of God upon evil. This does not mean that all governments are moral and good (by God’s measure), nevertheless, all are permitted by God to rule with authority over those that they govern.  Ideally, governments protect those who do good and punish those who do wrong.  By submitting to their authority, Christians demonstrate submission to God who has allowed them to rule. Therefore, as Christians, submit to the laws of the land: we pay taxes (whether we deem them fair or not!), and we show respect and honor which is due, according to their position of headship over us.  And we do this, even if they are not respectable and honorable as individuals.

This Week’s Bulletin:

https://thechapelingreen.cdn.prismic.io/thechapelingreen/aR8wAGGnmrmGqFMW_11.23.25Rm131-7God-Government-ChristianOutline.pdf