Gavin Howe
The Bible makes it clear that Christians are to follow the governing authorities that God has placed over them. However, there are instances in the Bible where believers in Christ have broken the law. For example, in the book of Acts, the apostles were told by the governing authorities to not share their faith with others, but they replied, We must obey God rather than any human authority. This raises the question of when it is okay for Christians to break the law. Some interpret the Bible to mean that Christians should obey the laws of their government because God establishes and removes governments. However, others argue that the Bible advocates for breaking the law in certain situations, such as when the law contradicts God's law or is considered unjust. Ultimately, the Bible suggests that Christians should use their own ethical judgment, guided by their love for God and their neighbors, rather than blindly following the law of the land.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christians should follow the governing authorities that God has placed over them | Everyone must submit to governing authorities |
| Christians should only break the law when it contradicts the law of God and would cause a believer to sin | "We must obey God rather than any human authority" |
| God wants Christians to share their faith with other people | "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?" |
| God wants Christians to obey the laws of the government | "God establishes and removes governments" |
| Christians should wear a face mask during a pandemic | Wearing a face mask demonstrates "love and concern for the well-being of those around you" |
| Christians should pursue love for their neighbors, even if it conflicts with the law | "An unjust law is no law at all" |
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What You'll Learn
- Christians should break the law when it contradicts the Bible
- God's will is for us to obey the laws of our government
- Christians should break the law when it interferes with God's word
- Christians should break the law when it prevents them from sharing their faith
- Christians should break the law when it prevents them from helping their neighbours
Christians should break the law when it contradicts the Bible
The Bible is clear that Christians are to follow the governing authorities that God has placed over them. As Romans 13:1-4 says, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and will be punished.
However, this does not mean that Christians should obey every law that a governing authority puts in place. The Bible also says, "We must obey God rather than any human authority" (Acts 5:29 NLT). This suggests that Christians should break the law when it contradicts the Bible. For example, in the book of Acts, the apostles were told by the governing authorities of the day not to share their faith with others. The apostles replied that they could not disobey God, and so they continued to preach about Jesus.
Another example is found in Daniel 6, where King Darius put out a law stating that no one could pray to anyone other than the king for 30 days. Daniel openly disobeyed this law and prayed anyway, even though he knew he could be punished for it.
In some cases, breaking the law may be the most loving thing to do. For instance, during a pandemic, wearing a face mask demonstrates love and concern for the wellbeing of others. So, even if it is not legally required, Christians may choose to wear masks as a way to obey God's command to love their neighbors.
Ultimately, Christians must use their judgment and seek God's guidance when deciding whether to break the law. While it is generally important to respect and submit to governing authorities, there may be times when obeying God means breaking the laws of the land.
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God's will is for us to obey the laws of our government
The Bible makes it clear that Christians are to follow the governing authorities that God has placed over them. It says, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." So, when we rebel against the authorities, we disobey God and will be punished. God establishes and removes governments, and He wants us to obey the laws our government imposes on us. In fact, it is God’s will that we obey the laws of our government.
However, there are times when believers in Christ should break the laws of the land or any other God-given authority when that authority contradicts God's law and would cause a believer to sin. For instance, in the book of Acts, the apostles were told by the governing authorities of the day not to share their faith with others. But they replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority." Similarly, in Iran, where the government practices Sharia or Islamic Law, which does not allow individuals to convert from Islam to any other religion, God wants Christians to share their faith with other people regardless of whether the government condemns it.
Another example is when the law of the land goes against God's higher law of love for our neighbors. For instance, wearing a face mask during a pandemic demonstrates love and concern for the wellbeing of those around you.
Additionally, the Bible is full of examples of civil disobedience against unjust rulers. For instance, in Exodus 15, the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Purah refused to obey the King of Egypt's command to kill Hebrew baby boys. In Daniel 6, King Darius put out a law stating that no one could pray to anyone other than the king for 30 days, but Daniel openly disobeyed.
Therefore, while God's will is generally for us to obey the laws of our government, there may be times when Christians need to break the law when it contradicts God's law or to stand up against unjust rulers.
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Christians should break the law when it interferes with God's word
The Bible makes it clear that Christians are expected to follow the governing authorities that God has placed over them. According to the Apostle Paul, all authority comes from God, and those in positions of power have been placed there by God. Therefore, rebelling against authority is seen as rebelling against God, and those who oppose will be punished.
However, there are instances in the Bible where believers in Christ are encouraged to break the law when it contradicts God's law and would cause a believer to sin. For example, in Acts 5:27-29, the apostles were told by the high council not to share their faith with others, but they replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority". This suggests that when human laws prevent Christians from carrying out God's commands, it is justifiable to break them.
Another example is found in Daniel 6, where King Darius issued a decree prohibiting prayer to anyone but himself for 30 days. Daniel openly disobeyed this law by continuing to pray to God and was punished for his actions.
In addition, the Bible contains several other examples of civil disobedience, such as the Hebrew midwives in Exodus 15 who refused to obey the King of Egypt's command to kill Hebrew baby boys, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow down and worship King Nebuchadnezzar's idol in Daniel 3.
Ultimately, while Christians are generally expected to submit to governing authorities, there may be times when obeying God's laws takes precedence over obeying human laws. Christians should carefully consider their actions and seek guidance from God's word to determine when breaking the law is justified.
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Christians should break the law when it prevents them from sharing their faith
The Bible makes it clear that Christians are expected to follow the governing authorities that God has placed over them. The Bible says, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." This suggests that rebelling against authority is akin to rebelling against God and will be met with punishment.
However, there are instances when believers in Christ should break the law of the land or any other God-given authority when that authority contradicts God's law and would cause a believer to sin. For example, in the book of Acts, the apostles were told by the governing authorities of the day not to share their faith with others. In response, the apostles stated that they "must obey God rather than any human authority." This demonstrates that Christians should prioritize obeying God over any conflicting laws or regulations set by earthly rulers.
In countries where the government practices Sharia or Islamic Law, individuals are not allowed to convert from Islam to any other religion, nor are they permitted to share their faith with Muslims. Despite these laws, God wants Christians to share their faith with others, regardless of governmental condemnation. Jesus gives believers the command to spread the gospel so that others may freely choose to believe in Him.
In conclusion, while Christians are generally expected to follow the governing authorities, there are times when breaking the law may be justified. If a law prevents Christians from sharing their faith and thereby causes them to sin against God, then it may be necessary to disobey that law in order to remain obedient to God's commands. Prioritizing obedience to God over earthly authorities is a declaration of whom one truly worships.
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Christians should break the law when it prevents them from helping their neighbours
The Bible makes it clear that Christians are to follow the governing authorities that God has placed over them. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, told believers to submit to the governing authorities over them, as all authority comes from God. However, there are instances when Christians should break the law when it contradicts God's law and would cause a believer to sin.
Christians are called to love their neighbours and help those in need. The Bible commands followers to feed the hungry and care for the less fortunate. For instance, a Christian father and his son were making plates of food and sandwiches to distribute to the homeless, disregarding city ordinances against feeding the homeless. In this case, they prioritized God's command to help those in need over the law of the land.
In another example, a group of people, including at least one committed Christian, caused £1.7 million of damage to a warplane that was likely to be used in attacks on civilians in East Timor. They were arrested for criminal damage but found not guilty, as the jury recognized their intention to prevent harm. Similarly, Christians have participated in peaceable protests and boycotts, demonstrating their commitment to racial, gender, and social equality, even when it means breaking the law.
Additionally, in Acts 5, the apostles were imprisoned for teaching and healing people in Jerusalem. An angel released them from prison, and they continued to teach about God, disobeying the authorities. They stated, "We must obey God rather than any human authority." This sets a precedent for civil disobedience when following the law would contradict God's commands.
While Christians are generally expected to submit to governing authorities, there are times when breaking the law is justified to uphold God's law and help their neighbours. Christians must strive to live a life that honors God, even if it means breaking laws that prevent them from fulfilling His commandments.
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Frequently asked questions
The Bible says that everyone "must submit to governing authorities" as all authority comes from God. However, it also states that God's laws take precedence over the law of the land.
Christians can break the law when the authority contradicts the law of God and would cause a believer to sin.
In Daniel 6, Daniel openly prayed when King Darius had made it illegal to pray to anyone other than the king for 30 days. In another instance, the apostles shared their faith with others when the governing authorities had told them not to.
Wearing a face mask during a pandemic can be considered an example of breaking the law in good faith, as it demonstrates love and concern for others.
Sin is breaking God's laws, and any sin is serious enough to send one to hell without Jesus' forgiveness. However, God forgives our sins when we confess and admit to them.
