Alliegence to government

[DMorgan]

At what point can we rebel against an unchristian government? Paul , in Romans 13 is quite clear as to our duties to government, but Peter in Acts addressed the jews and said God before man. Can someone clear this up for me?

 

[JohnDeereFan]

At what point can we rebel against an unchristian government? Paul , in Romans 13 is quite clear as to our duties to government, but Peter in Acts addressed the jews and said God before man. Can someone clear this up for me?

Kind of a tricky situation.

On the one hand, we're commanded to obey those in authority over us up to the point that they force us to do something sinful or something that dishonors God.

On the other hand, in the United States, under our system of government our government (legally) only has any authority inasmuch as its orders adhere to the Constitution.

Because of this, I don't believe we are to obey them if they are acting, or order us to do something, outside its Constitutional boundaries.

That's not to say you might not still face legal consequences, but when the government acts outside those boundaries, it's out of its jurisdiction.

But for now, I would stick with obey the government until they tell you to sin, but know your rights and don't be afraid to stand up for them.

 

[Reformed]

At what point can we rebel against an unchristian government? Paul , in Romans 13 is quite clear as to our duties to government, but Peter in Acts addressed the jews and said God before man. Can someone clear this up for me?

I think the key word here is rebel. Scripture is clear that we not only have a right, but an obligation, to disobey an unlawful command (Acts 5:29). But rebellion is in the eye of the beholder. If, by rebellion, you mean an actual uprising against government, that is a difficult thing to justify. I am not saying impossible, but difficult. If by rebellion you mean what we, as obedient Christians, are accused of by our enemies, that is easier to accept. If we obey God father than man, then we may be accused of rebellion even if we are not rising up to oppose governing authorities.

 

[DMorgan]

Yes Reformed, disobedience to laws contrary to Christian standards. Armed insurrection only in response to assaults by the government on Christians. Thank you.

 

[Reformed]

Armed insurrection only in response to assaults by the government on Christians. Thank you.

I am not arguing with you, but I wonder how we can justify armed insurrection of any type when we read about the commands the Apostles gave the early church. They were instructed to endure persecution without opposing it. Please understand, I am not disagreeing with you. I am just trying to figure out where the Bible gives us a positive command to rise up and bear arms.

 

[DMorgan]

I understand Reformed. I also wrestle with this. When does self defense and defense of family and community trump turn the other cheek?