93 – Civil Government

CIVIL GOVERNMENT

§ 93. The divine institution of civil government¹ serves as a bar to the evil propensities of men forasmuch as civil governments are endowed with legislative, judicial, and executive authority to enact, maintain, administer, and execute civil laws for the protection² of the life, health, honor, property, civil status, lawful pursuits, and other legitimate interests of individuals, the existence, possessions, peace, order, and other civil rights of lawful societies and communities, and the peace, prosperity, and security of municipalities and states.

1.The divine institution of civil government

Proverbs 8:15 By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

Daniel 2:21 And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin.

I Peter 2:13–14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors as unto them that are sent by Him.

Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

2. serves as a bar to the evil propensities of men forasmuch as civil governments are endowed with legislative, judicial, and executive authority to enact, maintain, administer, and execute civil laws for the protection

I Timothy 2:2 That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Romans 13:3–4, 6 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Matthew 22:21 Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.