To obey or not obey, that is the question. As of late, the doctrine of rebelling against the governing authorities has taken center stage in some ‘believing’ circles.
On one hand, there’s a group who steadfastly support keeping the laws of the land, yet there are others who are convinced that, “coming out of Babylon” (Rev 18) refers to ridding one’s self of the necessity to keep human mandates. Lastly, there’s the majority, who should examine this with care.
To obey or not to obey governments, that is the question.
What exactly are we addressing?
As a member of a physical congregation, we have seen the effects of anti-government sentiments among the body, and have been led to speak on the matter. While most of us disagree with some policies, procedures and other miscellaneous government activities, I am directly speaking about doctrines that encourage behaviors such as; destroying ID’s and birth certificates. Doctrines like sovereign citizen which dissuade one from obtaining vehicle registrations, or other documentations.
Likewise, doctrines that encourage one to somewhat defy local authorities, police, judges, magistrates and other officials are included in this discussion. Not all share this doctrine unilaterally, however the general concept is sown in the mind of others that “we as believers are above man-made laws (because we follow the Torah), and therefore do not have to keep them”. I have personally witnessed the fruit of these concepts, and none have produced anything of value to the body. Nevertheless, this study will be leaning not on our own understandings, but scripture alone. Let’s put this theory of disobedience to the test.
OPENING WORD
Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from Elohim, and those which exist are established by Elohim. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of Elohim; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a servant of Elohim to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of Elohim, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of Elohim, devoting themselves to this very thing. Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:1-7
Praise be to YHWH, Paul makes it clear that we are to obey the governing authorities. In fact, Paul makes the distinction that no governing authority is in place without YHWH. This is echoed in Revelation, when speaking about the ‘Kings of the Earth’.
For Elohim has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of Elohim will be fulfilled.
Revelation 17:17
When sharing this passage within the discussion, those who adhere to an anti-government stance typically interpret Romans 13 as referencing YHWH’s priesthood, or rulers or judges in Israel.
“But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of Elohim“
Let’s not forget Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon.
And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.
And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.
And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, says YHWH, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand
Jeremiah 27:6-8
Nevertheless, all matters are established by two or three witnesses, so let’s move on from Romans 13, even though it should be enough to end the debate.
FROM THE MOUTH OF PETER (THE CHIEF APOSTLE)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Elohim’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of Elohim; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify Elohim on the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of Elohim, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of Elohim. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear Elohim, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:9-17
Peter is in full agreement with what Paul taught regarding governments.
Consider for a moment that Israel (Northern House) and Judah (Southern House) both were sentenced to exile into the nations. Though we may be living in nations void of laws containing true council and righteousness (according to the Torah), this is part of the punishment we must endure until Messiah returns for the final regathering. Vengeance is YHWH’s, he will repay these rulers for their wickedness (see Psalm 82). Until then, we are lower in authority in this world and must be subject to the governing authorities.
What is man that You think of him, And a son of man that You are concerned about him? Yet You have made him a little lower than angels, And You crown him with glory and majesty!
Psalm 8:4-5
DANIEL (IN BABYLON)
Let’s take some tips from the righteous man and prophet, Daniel. Daniel not only lived in Babylon, but became one of the chief rulers of it!
Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
Daniel 2:48-49
Question: Do you think Daniel walked contrary to the day-to-day civil laws of Babylon, given he was not only a citizen there, but a ruler?
Another great concept to glean regarding this subject is weaved within the story of Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael. We must also recognize there has to be a stopping point in obeying the governing authorities. What happens when the government asks us to sin, or break one of YHWH’s laws?
Thanks to the righteous examples set by Daniel, we know that if a Government forbade us to worship YHWH, or pray to Him, we must not obey. Likewise, if we were ever commanded to bow down and worship an idol, we would reject the notion, even unto death. Nevertheless, it seems highly likely that Daniel and the three, were not of the anti-government mindset with the day-to-day civil laws of Babylon.
Saying, Did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey Elohim rather than men
Acts 5:28-29
When a law of man would cause us to break YHWH’s commands, we do not follow.
RIGHTEOUS EXAMPLES
Let us search the scriptures for other examples of righteous men of YHWH who also understood their place and obligation; to do what is right in the sight of YHWH and men.
Paul
It’s been taught by some that we are to renounce our citizenship’s, as some sort of show of allegiance to YHWH alone. Paul confirms this type of thinking to be of a false interpretation. Here, in Acts 21, Paul is confronted by jealous Jews, and eventually Roman Centurions (enforcers of the law of the land).
But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech you, suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
Acts 21:39-40
The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what you do: for this man is a Roman. Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yes.
Acts 22:24-27
Though I do not agree with all American policies, I will follow Paul’s lead in this matter.
Let’s not forget about Joseph, who became the chief ruler over Egypt. Certainly he would have not been a bad example to the inhabitants of the land by being disobedient to the common laws governing the land. The same can be said about Zerubabbel (Nehemiah 1-3), who was the king’s cup bearer and found favor before him. Also, Joseph, husband to Mary was subject to the Roman government.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child
Luke 2:1-5
Speaking of taxes, we would be making a huge mistake in not echoing the Masters’ words here.
And they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of Elohim on the basis of truth. Is it permissible for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But He saw through their trickery and said to them, “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to Elohim the things that are Elohim’s.” And they were unable to catch Him in a statement in the presence of the people; and they were amazed at His answer, and said nothing
Luke 20:21-26
Brothers and sisters, though salvation is given freely, this walk of following Messiah is not given a guarantee of ease. In fact, Yahusha warns us several times that it would be this way, and we must endure until the end. With this in mind, we must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Let us be blameless in the sight of YHWH and man; being ready for the return of our Master!
