Authority of God in a world in rout

Monday 20 March 2023

The whole world is under the power of evil. 1 John 5. 19

Let everyone submit to the authorities that govern us, because all authority comes from God. Romans 13.1

Authority of God in a world in rout

The questioning of authority and sometimes violent protest are frequent in our societies. Under cover of individual freedom, of defense of acquired rights, civil insubordination multiplies.

However, without authority, social life would be impossible : all human relations, whether family or social, national or international, presuppose authority.

The Bible reveals to us that, without the authority of God, the ordered universe will not exist. “He upholds everything with his mighty word” (Hebrews 1:3).

On the other hand, all authority on earth is ordained by God (see the verse of the day), even if in many cases those who hold it are not aware of it, and do not take it into account in their decisions.

The Bible teaches us to submit to the authorities that govern us. Is this submission without limit ? No ! But only in the case where it enters into formal contradiction with the authority of God : "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5. 29).

The Christian is called to obey God first, and to accept the possible consequences. He does not rebel against authority, which, even when weak, remains ordained by God.

The apostle Paul lived under the authority of Nero who persecuted Christians, and he encouraged them to pray "for kings and for all who exercise authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, in all godliness and with all respect" (1 Timothy 2:2).

Source (The Good Seed)