What Scripture Teaches Us About Government

Whether we like it or not,  government is a fact of life that people must live with. Throughout human history we can see that God has used government to help govern the affairs of mankind.  So, it is not a surprise that Scripture even references government. 

Every government is put in place by God.

• Jesus Answered [Pilate], "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above." (John 19:11)
• "There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1b) 

God uses even sinful governments to accomplish His will for our good.

• "Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: Because you have not obeyed my words, behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, declares the LORD, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and an everlasting desolation." (Jeremiah 25:8-9)
• God even used the government to oppress Jesus Christ.  "Truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you [God] anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place." (Acts 4:27-28)

We ought to pray for those who govern us whether or not we agree with them.

• "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

We should honor and submit to those who govern us. (Biblical honor)

• "Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:13-17; also consider Romans 13:1-4)

All human government will eventually end and Jesus Christ will reign over everyone forever.

• "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. … From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords." (Revelation 19:11, 15-16)