Keith Mack
The Bible says that Christians should obey the laws of the land. However, this does not mean that they should ignore the laws of God. So, if a law of man breaks the law of God, it is acceptable for Christians to break it. For example, idol worship is against God's law, so Christians are not bound to serve other Gods if commanded to by the government. Generally, God expects his followers to follow the law, and several Bible verses support this. However, some Christians believe that minor infractions, such as speeding or jaywalking, are not sinful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| God's expectations | God expects people to follow the law. |
| Obedience to the law | Obedience to the law is not conditional on whether or not people like those in power. |
| Government | God instituted governments and people are expected to give them respect, taxes, etc. |
| God vs. Government | People should submit to authorities unless it comes to choosing between obeying the law and obeying God. |
| Sin | Sin is breaking God's laws. |
| Lawlessness | Breaking the laws of the government is being lawless. |
| Government's laws | God wants people to obey the laws imposed by the government. |
| Government's will | It is God's will that people obey the laws of the government. |
| God's law vs. Government's law | When the government violates God's law, God wants people to obey Him and not the government. |
| Civil disobedience | Christians are constantly striving to live a life that honours God. |
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What You'll Learn
God's law vs. man's law
God's law and man's law have been a source of conflict for Christians since time immemorial. The Bible offers some guidance on how to navigate this conflict.
God's Law vs Man's Law
The Bible makes it clear that God expects Christians to follow the law. In Romans 13:1,6-7, it is written: "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God… Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do." This passage establishes that God is the one who instituted governments and that Christians are subject to the government.
However, the Bible also acknowledges that there may be times when God's law and man's law conflict. In such cases, Christians are instructed to "obey God rather than men." This principle is illustrated in Acts 5, where the apostles continue to preach the gospel despite being forbidden to do so by the Jewish Council. They chose to obey God rather than man, even though it meant going against the law of the government.
Another example is found in Daniel 3, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden image set up by the King of Babylon, even though doing so would result in being cast into a furnace of blazing fire. They chose to obey God's commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me," rather than the king's command to worship the idol.
Navigating the Conflict
So, what should Christians do when faced with a conflict between God's law and man's law?
Firstly, it is important to recognize that God's commandments take precedence over man's laws. Christians should strive to live a life that honors God and obeys His commandments, even if it means going against the laws of the land.
Secondly, Christians should generally submit to the government and follow the law, unless it directly contradicts God's law. This means that Christians should pay their taxes, respect authority, and abide by most traffic laws, as these do not typically conflict with God's commandments.
Thirdly, Christians should be mindful that breaking man's laws can have consequences. While they may be following God's law, they may still face punishment from the government for breaking the law of the land. In some cases, this may involve civil disobedience or peaceful protests, as seen in the example of the apostles in Acts 5.
Finally, Christians should remember that God's laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in His love for humanity. For instance, the commandment to not eat pork was given to protect the Jews from trichinosis, a deadly disease. Similarly, the commandment to not commit adultery is to protect people from sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and broken hearts.
In conclusion, while Christians should generally strive to follow the laws of the land, their ultimate allegiance is to God and His commandments. When faced with a conflict between God's law and man's law, Christians should obey God rather than man, even if it means facing earthly consequences.
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Civil disobedience
The Bible provides some guidance on when Christians should and shouldn't break the law. In Romans 13:1,6-7, Christians are told that they must submit to governing authorities and pay their taxes because all authority comes from God. However, Acts 5:29 suggests that Christians should prioritise obeying God over the laws of the government. For example, in some places, it is illegal to have Bibles or churches, but Christians may choose to smuggle Bibles in and meet in illegal churches.
Some Christians believe that they should follow the law most of the time, but there are certain situations where they should prioritise God's laws over the laws of the government. For instance, if a law goes against their conscience or their interpretation of the Bible. Other Christians believe that they should follow all laws, even minor ones like jaywalking, unless the law directly contradicts God's laws.
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Sin and lawlessness
Christians are generally expected to follow the laws of the land and respect governing authorities, as these institutions are considered divinely ordained. Romans 13:1-7 underscores this principle: "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God… Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do."
However, this submission to earthly authority is not absolute. Christians are first and foremost subject to God's laws, as expressed in Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men." When earthly laws contradict God's commandments, Christians are expected to prioritise their religious duties. For instance, worshipping idols is considered a sin, so Christians would refuse to obey a law that mandates idol worship.
The interplay between sin and lawlessness becomes nuanced when considering minor infractions or civil disobedience. Christians are encouraged to obey traffic laws, for instance, but a speeding ticket or a jaywalking citation doesn't necessarily equate to sinfulness. The Bible provides guidance on how to respond to such situations, emphasising repentance, confession, and striving to live a holy life.
In summary, sin and lawlessness are intertwined concepts, with sin representing a violation of God's laws. Christians are expected to respect earthly laws and authorities but are ultimately subject to divine law above all else. The complexity arises when navigating minor infractions and situations where earthly laws conflict with religious duties, requiring careful discernment and a commitment to living a righteous life.
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God's expectations
God expects his followers to adhere to the laws of the land. He instituted governments and established their authority, and it is right that the government can demand something of its citizens. This means paying taxes, respecting authority, and obeying the law.
However, God's laws take precedence over the laws of man. If a law goes against God, then God's followers should side with God. For example, worshipping idols is against God's law, so followers are not bound to serve other Gods if commanded to by the government. Christians should strive to live a life that honours God, and if that means breaking the law, then that is what they should do.
God does not say that obedience to the law is conditional on whether or not you like those in power. However, if a Christian breaks the law, they should repent and turn away from that sin. They should not repeat it, and if caught, they should accept their punishment.
Christians should also remember that they are not being watched by God to see if they slip up, but that God forgives all sins if they are admitted to and repented.
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Christian confessions
Dear God,
I confess that I have sinned against You. I have broken the law, which is a sin against Your ordinance and a transgression of Your commandments. I know that sin is lawlessness and that it goes against Your standard. I am sorry for my disobedience and ask for Your forgiveness.
I confess that I have not always obeyed the governing authorities, as You have commanded in Romans 13:1-7. I recognize that these authorities are established by You and that I am to submit to them and give them what I owe, whether it be respect, taxes, or other fees. Forgive me for the times I have rebelled against them and brought judgment upon myself.
In particular, I confess that I have broken the law in the following ways: [Insert specific instances of law-breaking here]. I know that these actions are wrong and that they go against Your Word. I repent of my sins and turn away from them, striving to obey both You and the governing authorities that You have established.
I also confess that there may be times when the laws of the land conflict with Your laws. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I pray that I would have the courage to remain obedient to You above all else, even if it means breaking the law. Help me to always honor You first in my life and to stand firm in my faith, no matter the consequences.
Thank You, God, for Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to live a life that honors You and brings glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Biblical Passages for Reflection:
- "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God... Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do... Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority." (Romans 13:1,6-7)
- "Therefore, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves... Consequently, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience." (Romans 13:2,5)
- "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)
- "Sin is lawlessness. It is a violation of God's standard." (1 John 3:4)
Reflection and Application:
- Reflect on the biblical passages provided and consider how they apply to your life. Have you been obedient to the governing authorities, or have you rebelled against them? Remember that God expects us to follow the law and submit to the authorities He has established.
- Identify specific instances where you have broken the law, and confess these sins to God. Repent and strive to turn away from these lawless actions, seeking to live a life that honors God instead.
- Consider the distinction between obeying the government and obeying God. Pray for wisdom and discernment to know how to respond in situations where these two authorities may conflict. Remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God, and we must obey Him above all else.
- Give thanks to God for His forgiveness and grace, which is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Commit to living a life that honors Him and brings glory to His name, even if it means facing consequences for obeying God rather than man.
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Frequently asked questions
Breaking a law is considered a sin, but there are differing opinions on the severity of sin. Some believe that breaking a law is a serious sin, while others don't view it as such. Generally, God expects his followers to obey the laws of the land.
God's laws take precedence over the laws of the government. If a law contradicts God's laws, then it is acceptable to disobey the government's law.
God is unhappy when his followers break his laws or the government's laws, whether it is done intentionally or accidentally. However, Christians are forgiven for their sins if they confess and admit to them.
Breaking the law is considered a sin, even if it is a minor infraction. However, if you are shown leniency by the authorities, you are allowed to accept it.
As a Christian, you should still repent and turn away from the sin, striving not to repeat it.
