Breaking Laws: A Biblical Perspective On Civil Disobedience

The Bible has been used to justify both obedience and disobedience to the government. For instance, in Romans 13, Apostle Paul writes, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. This passage has been interpreted to mean that Christians should obey any government, regardless of its nature. However, others argue that the Bible promotes an open-door immigration policy, which contradicts certain government laws. Ultimately, the Bible suggests that while governing authorities are necessary for maintaining order, Christians should prioritize their loyalty to God and resist unjust laws that conflict with God's commands.

The Bible says to obey the government

The Bible is often cited as an authoritative text on the question of obedience to the government. It is, however, a complex text that is open to interpretation.

One of the most well-known passages on this topic is Romans 13, written by the Apostle Paul. In this letter, Paul instructs Christians to “obey the laws of the government" and to "be subject to the governing authorities". He argues that these authorities have been instituted by God and that resisting them is equivalent to resisting God. This passage has been used to justify obedience to governmental authority, even when it conflicts with Christian values.

However, it is important to note that the Bible also contains examples of peaceful resistance to unjust laws. For instance, Paul himself escaped from imprisonment by a city governor in Damascus, demonstrating that he did not believe Christians should always submit to governmental authority. Additionally, the Bible contains instructions for government authorities, emphasising that they should serve those they govern and treat them justly and fairly.

The interpretation of Romans 13 is further complicated by the broader context of the New Testament, which is largely a critique of the Roman Empire, the governing power of the time. Paul himself expresses contempt for the Empire, comparing it to the Old Testament enemies of the Jews and even asserting that it is controlled by the Devil.

So, while the Bible does instruct Christians to obey the government, it also emphasises the importance of social orderliness, peaceful resistance, and protecting the vulnerable. Christians are called to submit to authority respectfully, but this does not equate to blind obedience, especially when laws contradict their ethical principles or God's commands.

But there are times when we must break the law

The Bible is a tricky text to interpret, and its stance on breaking government laws is no exception. While passages like Romans 13 and Peter 2:13-14 seem to advocate for obedience to governing authorities, there are times when breaking the law may be justified.

Firstly, it's important to note that the Bible differentiates between "submit" and "obey". The original Greek word used in these passages is "hupo-tasso", which means to arrange things respectfully in an orderly manner underneath, reflecting God's concern for order and respect. This is different from "obey," which implies conformity and subordinate behaviour.

Secondly, the Bible recognizes that governments can be unjust and oppressive. In such cases, Christians are still expected to live in obedience, but this does not mean they should passively accept all laws or policies. Christians are called to stand up for justice and protect the vulnerable and marginalized. This may involve breaking unjust laws, as exemplified by the Hebrew midwives in Exodus who refused to carry out Pharaoh's order to murder newborn babies, and Daniel, who directly disobeyed the king's order to pray only to him.

Additionally, when the government asks something that goes against God's Word, Christians are expected to disobey and trust in God's protection. This is exemplified by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol despite the threat of death, and the early disciples, who were imprisoned or executed for following Jesus.

In conclusion, while Christians are generally expected to submit to governing authorities, there are times when breaking the law may be necessary to uphold God's commandments, protect the vulnerable, or stand against unjust or oppressive policies. In these cases, Christians should be willing to accept the legal consequences of their actions, respecting the role of the government in maintaining order while prioritizing their commitment to God and love for their neighbours.

We must submit, not necessarily obey

The Bible has been used to justify obedience to the government, but this is not always straightforward. The Bible is a complex text with many interpretations, and while it does advocate for submission to authority, it does not necessarily advocate for blind obedience.

The Bible has been used to justify both obedience and disobedience to the government, depending on the interpretation. Some passages, such as Romans 13, have been used to argue that Christians should obey the laws of the government. For example, Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited Romans 13 to defend his policies on immigration. The relevant passage states:

> Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

However, interpreting the Bible is complex, and there is no single, clear interpretation. The Bible is made up of various texts from different centuries, and it contains seemingly contradictory beliefs. For example, while it suggests that Jesus was both a human and a divine being, and that there is only one God, but also multiple gods.

When it comes to the topic of government authority, the Bible uses the word "submit" rather than "obey". This is an important distinction, as "submit" implies a respectful social orderliness, while "obey" suggests conformity and following commands. The original Greek word used in the Bible, hupo-tasso, reflects God's concern for order and respect, rather than blind obedience.

Furthermore, the Bible also provides examples of figures who disobeyed laws that conflicted with God's commands, particularly when those laws hurt the poor or vulnerable. For instance, the Hebrew midwives in Exodus refused to carry out the Pharaoh's order to murder newborn babies, and Daniel in the Old Testament disobeyed the king's order to pray only to him. These examples demonstrate that submission does not always mean obedience, and that it is possible to respectfully disagree with or disobey authority when it conflicts with one's moral or religious beliefs.

In conclusion, while the Bible does advocate for submission to governing authorities, it does not necessarily advocate for blind obedience. Christians are expected to use their judgment and prioritize their religious beliefs and ethical treatment of others, even if it means respectfully disagreeing with or disobeying the government.

God's only law is love

Although the law came by Moses, grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and truth came through Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfilled the law and became the end of the law so that it passed away. Jesus brought a new law of love, God's only law for the lovers of Jesus. Now, God's only law for us is love, which more than fulfils the Mosaic Law.

Jesus said:

> "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil...For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 7:12,18; Romans 10:4)

> "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God...and thy neighbour as thyself...On these hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:36-40)

> "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)

> "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But the fruit of the Spirit is love...against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:14,22,23)

The Apostle James says that we who do the will or the love of God now dwell under a new law, a perfect law of liberty, freedom from the old law. Therefore, since we do all that we do in love, all things are now lawful to us in love, including our sexual freedom, as long as it is done in the unselfish, sacrificial love of God.

Jesus' law of love frees us from the old Mosaic Law. God's only law is love, and as long as something is done in real, unselfish, sacrificial love—God's love—then it is lawful in God's eyes. The Bible says, "The fruit of the Spirit is love...Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22). Against pure love, unselfish sacrificial love for God and our fellow man, there is no law of God.

Love is greater than righteousness, and mercy is greater than justice. We are now to treat others with love, mercy, and kindness. In the Mosaic Law, there was virtually no forgiving. It was "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20). But Jesus said that we should treat even those who harm us the way we would want them to treat us. This is God's love.

The law of love is much stricter and more difficult to keep—in fact, it's impossible to keep without Jesus. If the old Law was impossible, then Jesus' Law of Love is even more impossible. That's why He says, "Without Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). You can't possibly keep His Law of Love without His power. Unless you have Jesus in your heart and God's love within you, you will never be able to truly love others as much as you love yourself.

However, it is important to note that the Bible also instructs believers to be subject to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God. This means that, while God's only law is love, believers are also expected to obey the laws of the government.

We must disobey the government when it contradicts God's word

The Bible offers seemingly contradictory advice about the role of government and how believers should respond to authority. On the one hand, the Bible says that "everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1) and that "there is no authority except that which God has established". On the other hand, the Bible also advises that "governments aren't divine" and that "God's only law is love".

So, what should believers do when the government contradicts God's word?

Firstly, it's important to recognise that the Bible does not advocate for blind obedience to any authority. The Greek word "hupo-tasso", which has been translated as "submit" or "be subject", implies a sense of "social orderliness" rather than absolute obedience. This is distinct from the word "hupo-kouo", which means to "obey" or "conform". Therefore, while believers should generally respect the governing authorities, this does not mean that they must obey every law or command without question.

In fact, there are several examples in the Bible where individuals chose to disobey the government or authority figures when it contradicted God's word. For instance, the Hebrew midwives in Exodus refused to carry out Pharaoh's order to murder newborn babies. Similarly, Daniel directly disobeyed the king's order by continuing to pray to God, even though it was forbidden. These individuals demonstrated that their loyalty ultimately lay with God, and they were willing to accept the legal consequences of their actions.

So, when faced with a situation where the government contradicts God's word, believers should follow the example of these biblical figures. They should prioritise their loyalty to God and be willing to disobey earthly authorities if necessary. This may involve peacefully protesting or resisting unjust laws, but it should not involve violence or chaos. Believers should also be prepared to humbly accept the legal consequences of their actions, trusting in God's power to protect and guide them.

In conclusion, while the Bible emphasises the importance of respecting governing authorities, it also makes clear that God's word takes precedence. When faced with a conflict between the two, believers should disobey the government and faithfully stand firm in their commitment to God and His commandments.

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