Breaking The Law: Biblical Perspectives On Civil Disobedience

The Bible contains many verses that address the topic of breaking the law, with a focus on the consequences of such actions and the importance of upholding God's commandments. In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, there are several passages that discuss this subject, offering guidance and warnings to those who read them. One such verse is James 4:17, which states, Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. This verse emphasizes the idea that failing to act on one's knowledge of good is a sin in itself. Additionally, 1 John 3:4 highlights the connection between sin and transgression of the law, stating, Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

The Bible also provides instructions on submitting to authority and the consequences of resistance. Romans 13:1-2 states, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. This verse underscores the importance of obedience to God-ordained authority and the potential consequences of defiance.

Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the indivisibility of the law, suggesting that breaking one commandment is akin to breaking them all. James 2:10 illustrates this concept: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. This verse highlights the high standard of holiness expected by God and the need for grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Sin as transgression of the law

The Bible is clear that sin is defined as the transgression of the law. In other words, sin is breaking God's law. This is evident in the following verse: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4).

The Bible also states that the law serves as a standard of righteousness and a guide for holy living. It is a reflection of God's perfect and unchanging nature. Breaking one commandment is considered tantamount to breaking the entire law, as seen in James 2:10: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." This highlights the indivisibility of the law and the high standard of holiness required by God.

The law includes moral, ceremonial, and civil components, and keeping the whole law was seen as an ideal in the Jewish context. Adherence to the law was a sign of faithfulness to God, and its observance was central to Jewish identity and religious practice.

The Bible also teaches that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are freed from the condemnation of the law. While the law reveals sin, it cannot save a person from sin. Only through faith in Christ can one be justified and made right with God. This is because Christ fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf.

Additionally, the Bible instructs believers to submit to the governing authorities and to obey God rather than men when there is a conflict. It emphasizes the importance of love and grace, which fulfill the law.

Submission to higher powers

Romans 13:1-2 states: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." This passage emphasizes that resistance to authority is equivalent to resisting God's ordinance and will result in condemnation.

The Bible also provides guidance on how to respond when faced with a conflict between obeying God and obeying human authorities. Acts 5:29 provides the answer: "We ought to obey God rather than men." This suggests that while submission to higher powers is important, ultimately, obedience to God takes precedence when the two are in conflict.

In conclusion, the Bible places a strong emphasis on submission to higher powers, recognizing all authority as coming from God. Christians are instructed to submit to these powers as a way of submitting to God's will. However, when faced with a choice between obeying God and obeying human authorities, the Bible makes clear that obedience to God takes precedence.

False witness and lies

False witness and lying are abhorrent to God. The Bible is clear that false witnesses will be punished and will perish. Speaking lies, or bearing false witness, is a sin.

The Bible gives many examples of false witness and lying, and the consequences of these actions. False witnesses rose up against Jesus, seeking to put him to death, but they were not believed. The Bible also gives examples of false prophets, who prophesy in God's name but are not sent by him. These false prophets are called "ravening wolves" and "a liar and the father of lies".

False witness is also mentioned in the Ten Commandments: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour". This commandment is reiterated in the New Testament, where Jesus repeats the commandment.

The Bible also gives guidance on how to spot a false prophet: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world".

Lying and false witness are serious transgressions in the Bible, and those who perpetrate them are warned of severe consequences.

The law as a schoolmaster

The Bible, in its King James Version, offers several insights on breaking the law. The Bible makes it clear that breaking the law is a sin and that those who commit sin also transgress the law. It emphasizes the importance of being subject to higher powers and authorities, as they are ordained by God.

The Bible also highlights the indivisibility of the law, stating that failing to keep just one commandment is tantamount to breaking all of them. This is because the law is seen as a unified whole, reflecting God's perfect and unchanging nature.

The Bible further explains that the law was given to bring people to Christ and that justification comes through faith in Him. It is not possible to be justified by following the law, as it only brings awareness of sin.

Additionally, the Bible condemns false witnesses and lying, emphasizing that those who speak lies will not go unpunished. It also provides guidance on various moral issues, such as adultery, murder, stealing, and bearing false witness.

The Bible also addresses the role of the law in society, stating that rulers and authorities are not a terror to good works but are meant to punish evildoers. It encourages people to submit to ordinances and respect authorities for the Lord's sake.

In summary, the Bible's teachings on breaking the law emphasize the importance of obedience, faith, and moral conduct. It highlights the role of the law in bringing people to Christ and provides guidance on various moral and societal issues.

The law as holy and just

The Bible, in the King James Version, contains several verses that emphasise the holiness and justice of the law. It is important to note that the law is seen as a guide to living a life that is pleasing to God, and breaking the law is considered a sin.

One verse that highlights the holiness of the law is James 2:10, which states, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." This verse suggests that even a small transgression is significant, reflecting the high standard of holiness required by God. The Bible also says in 1 John 3:4 that "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." This further emphasises that any violation of the law is a sin.

The Bible also describes the law as just and good. In Romans 7:7, it is written, "Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, 'Thou shalt not covet.'" This verse suggests that the law is a source of knowledge about sin and helps guide people towards righteous behaviour. Additionally, in Romans 13:1-7, the Bible instructs believers to submit to the governing authorities, as they are established by God and are a source of terror only to those who do evil.

The Bible also mentions the role of the law in bringing people to Christ. In Galatians 3:24, it is written, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." This suggests that the law serves as a guide or teacher, leading people towards faith in Christ.

Overall, the Bible presents the law as a holy and just standard established by God. Breaking the law is considered a sin, and the law serves as a guide to righteous living and a path towards faith in Christ.

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