A Quiet and Tranquil Life

When Government Fails as Judge

Shortly after the flood, at the beginning of this eon, God appointed government as judge to avenge the one who sheds human blood with the death penalty (Gen. 9:5,6). That is the mandate God has given to government. Not less, but also not more. It is telling that governments today have abolished the death penalty, while at the same time claiming far more authority. The ‘modern state’ is well on its way to exercising total control over mankind. The lowest point of this will be reached when, at the end of this eon, government becomes so totalitarian that it is called a ‘beast’ and causes everyone who refuses to bow to it to be excluded from commerce (Revelations 13).

civil war?

How hopeless is the state of a society in which the government—intended to act solely as judge—becomes corrupt and criminal itself?! In recent years, the examples of this have been piling up. Also in our own (so privileged) Netherlands. I only need to mention the words “child benefits scandal,” “lockdowns,” and “forced vaccination.” At present, this lust for power threatens to escalate more than ever, now that it is the farmers who, in large numbers (from “Brussels”), are being forced to give up their land. The water is up to their necks, and a segment of the population traditionally known for its obedience to authority and hard work is now, in great anger, actively disrupting the country. This discontent over bizarre government coercion is much more widespread and could easily spill over into many more sectors of society.

sympathy…

From the above, the reader can clearly conclude that I am indeed of the opinion that governments are vastly overstepping their mandate by interfering in all manner of things and apparently striving for total control. That behind the scenes, sinister (Latin for “leftist”!) circles are rolling out their globalist agenda is less relevant in this context. It is enough to establish that the government is guilty of gross injustice.

revolt?

But then follows the key question: how do we, as believers, position ourselves in this? If “politics” sanctions injustice, what paths then remain open?

when the foundations are torn down, what will the righteous do?
– Psalm 11:3 –

The answer that “the world” gives to this question is: revolt and rebellion. But this stands in stark contrast to what Scripture teaches us. There is one institution that is to uphold justice, and that is government. And when it does not do so, we entrust that to Him who is appointing and deposing rulers (Isaiah 40:23). That is not our concern, and we should not act as our own judge (Romans 12:19).

obedience vs. subjection

Certainly, when the government asks us to do or refrain from things that go against our conscience, we can with confidence disregard its commands. Obedience to God always takes precedence over obedience to men (Acts 5:29). It was therefore by faith that Amram and Jochebed did not fear the king’s edict and hid Moses (Hebrews 11:23). Obedience to government is never absolute. Subjection to government is ( Romans 13:2). This difference between obedience and subjection is fundamental. Even if the government demands something to which I cannot comply, my subjection to it is never in question. I will always acknowledge it as my superior. Even when it tramples justice in every respect, as the Roman government under Emperor Nero did in the days when Paul wrote Romans 13.

quiet and tranquil

So yes, my sympathy certainly goes out to all who are victims of government coercion and lust for power. But to rise in revolt? No way! Paul presents us with a very different path. We pray and give thanks for all who are placed above us. Perhaps they do not leave us in peace, but we leave them in peace. That is what Paul calls “leading a quiet and tranquil life” (1 Timothy 2:2). Outside of all political commotion, we are to take our place as ambassadors in a foreign land. “In all devoutness and gravity.” In full confidence that not man, but GOD will set all things right. In His time (read: soon!) and in His way!

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