The state at various times is described in scripture as an enemy of the church, but we approach this text in Romans with the understanding that Christ has and will subdue all things on this Earth to Himself, and He is the King and Inheritor of all nations. Everyone in the Church is to be subject to the rule of the earthly governing authority. While sometimes it is right to resist the rule of the state – as Peter did when commanded by the Sanhedrin not to preach in the name of Christ – none are exempted from the general principle of submission to authority. The state receives its power directly from the hand of God entailing certain responsibilities to King Jesus. The text in Romans speaks of some basic functions of the state in using the sword against wickedness and enforcing that which is good; these are not to be functions of the Church. Christians are called to be obedient to the state with the specific examples of paying both taxes and respect to the earthly rulers. Christians must live out their testimony in all spheres of life at all times, and they are to fervently pray that the Lord will grant them leaders willing to submit to Christ the King.
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Nathan Eshelman holds a Master of Divinity degree from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. He serves as clerk of the Pacific Coast Presbytery (RPCNA),...
