“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:1-2)
The early Christians were taught to obey the government. The Cretans were subjected to Roman rule. They objected to this rule and many were guilty of causing rebellion against a government. Christians were to show no interest in works of evil. They were to be patient in their attitude toward those who were placed in authority to rule over them. Paul said in Titus 3:3-4 for we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts, and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” Now, today we have learned better, and we know we must obey the laws of the land.
Christians are saved not by their own righteousness, but “by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5) God’s Spirit affects the renewal of the spirit of man, by bringing him to faith, and repentance through the preaching of the gospel. Romans 6:1-8 shows that the sinner dies to sin, is buried by baptism, rises to a new life, and is a new creature. Washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5) refers to baptism.
Romans 13:1-2 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore reisisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive damnation.” Government is ordained to help man lead a quiet and peaceful life. (1 Timothy 2:2) Government is ordained to punish evil doer. (Romans 13:4) God did not ordain monarchy, dictatorship, or democracy, but government. Government is ordained for the good of mankind. (Romans 13:3-4) Without government, a state of disorder (anarchy) will prevail. Anarchy produces every kind of evil. Men may abuse and pervert God’s idea of government under anarchy.
Those of us who love God are bounded to obey the laws of the land, but we are not bound to obey a law of government which commands something sinful and wrong. We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) We must be subject to the government in that the Bible says “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
God has planned for government to exist, and for His children to be in submission to it. Government is not of the devil, but it is of God.