“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those
that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed,
and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you
have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is
God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the
servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:1-4 ESV
Human government is an institution of God’s. It is God’s idea as His institution of justice to bring order
to mankind in this fallen world. Sin entered creation causing great harm to relationships with ourselves,
others, creation, and ultimately our relationship with God Himself.
Our merciful God instituted government, a form of justice and law, to protect, guide, and teach the
citizens it serves, and when done rightly it will be a blessing to the people. Righteous law will point us to
the direction that leads to life and will protect us from the direction that leads to death. Law, in itself,
cannot save. It can only point to the Righteous One who can save.
Prayer Points
