The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Romans 13

I have a question please. We are in a terrible state in this nation, and more and more ungodly laws are being introduced, at which we are quite horrified! One or two brothers in Christ are wanting to openly oppose these laws, begging for thousands of letters to be written to Government, and protesting even in the streets. In view of the scriptures in Romans 13, accepting God's Sovereignty in all things, are we to be obedient and just pray, or are we to be actively opposing an evil Government?
Your scriptural views would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Love from English Rose

Dear Rose,

From where I sit in the USA, the two actions of which you speak (writing letters and street protests) are not what I would call violations of the Apostle's instructions in Romans 13. If one lives in a representative democracy (which the USA and the United Kingdom still are), those two actions (as long as the protest is nonviolent) would be an exercise of free speech. In the USA that is protected under the Bill of Rights, but in the UK there is supposed to be some freedom of expression as well under the Human Rights Act. So to my mind, writing letters and peaceful protests would not be violations of Romans 13, unless the UK forbids gatherings for peaceful protests.

Theo

Thank you, Theo, your answer is very helpful.
A brother in Christ who has a teaching ministry, has said that we should not do any of these things, i.e. oppose the laws, as it is then going against God's will. (Romans 13)
Another brother who is a Pastor is saying that we must do them. So I have been in conflict.
My husband says that in theory, we still have free speech, but in practice, certainly not!! To quote the Bible in public would be looked upon as "stirring up religious hatred!" and people have been arrested for such!

Brethren, please pray for us.

Sincerely, English Rose

Hi ER,

I do no think it is an either/or. There are some cautions given, but since both Jesus and John the baptist spoke out about civilian affairs I do not think that it is at all forbidden. Even Paul made appeals to secular law in a way that demanded his rights as a citizen be upheld.

But, we are admonished not to get entangled in civilian affairs. And, when the Scripture says so, it does not preclude being involved in them, for some of the NT saints were themselves politcos. Ephesians gives us a priority. We are to come into the unity of the Faith which has to be the first of our loves, by doing that we are then equipped to stand no matter the turn of the political winds. Just like marriage, engagements distract from the work that God has given the church, but it they do not undo them, necessarily. It does not mean however that we are not to marry, nor does it mean that we cannot engage in civil discourse or governing. The Lord asks that we sacrifice our lives for his sake, and if in that sacrifice we can remain faithful to Him while being involved in life then we have achieved the balance required to be in the world but not of it.