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When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? - Religion - Nairaland

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When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by iliyande(m): 7:12am On Jun 26, 2016
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to the governors, who are sent by him to punish {24} those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men (1 Peter 2:13-15 NIV).

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men (Titus 3:1-2 NIV).

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities which exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves (Romans 13:1-2 NIV).

The answer is no.

We are to obey governments unless they violate Scripture. Acts 5:29 says, "We must obey God rather than men." Whenever a government violates biblical teaching, Christians are obligated to disobey that government. For example, if a government were to declare that we should kill all unbelievers or in support abortion, we should disobey. Governments are run by people and often become corrupt. Furthermore, the Bible never tells us to obey governments in contradiction to the revealed word of God.

When systems become ungodly and anti-Christian, they are no longer properly representing God and should not be obeyed.

Are we seeing a conflict or a contradiction? Not at all. Let's take, for example, Exodus 20, where we see two commandments: obey your parents and do not murder. We can see that our parents are the authorities above us, even as governments are, and we should obey them. But, what should we do it our parents tell us to murder someone? Should we obey? Of course not. Obedience to our parents is only proper when it's consistent with the rest of the Scriptures. Likewise, submission to the governmental systems is only proper when it is consistent with Scripture.

Finally, let's look at Rom. 13:6-7 again, "For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." Notice that Paul says that the rulers are servants of God. This is the context of the submission that is mentioned at the beginning of the chapter. If these rulers are no longer servants of God, and if they contradict Scripture, they are not to be obeyed.

Lalasticlala

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Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Nobody: 7:57am On Jun 26, 2016
My dear u weh write this post so, u knw very well that its not just bcus u love God dat u will not obey govt to kill ppl, its bcus u knw that just being an eyewitness of murder alone can end u up in long term jail in dis country, let alone committing crimes that some influential nigerians would commit and go scot-free. So mr op, the fear of injustice is d begining of nigerian wisdom. I understand you wella!

Ok so my question now is if government refuse to pay christian workers (that have wife and children at home) for 6months, should they join the govt-encouraged corruption train by collecting bribe and doing fraud? Or should they disobey d govt bcus they love God and suffer poverty or child death due to unaffordable health care?

7 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Nobody: 7:58am On Jun 26, 2016
Rebellion is dangerous. Submission even to evil rulers (and there are more evil rulers than righteous on earth) won't kill you. Just because a ruler is evil doesn't mean he's not recognized as such before God. Remember Saul and David? David refused to harm him even when he tried to kill him. He was still the anointed King.

Submission to all kinds of authority is does not have exceptions. Take whoever is in authority as God's appointed servant, and with the ability to make your life miserable upon rebellion. And that will be God's sword, because he will get humility out of His children. So never speak ill of your boss, president, local leaders, because even your own angels will strike you.

6 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by visijo(m): 8:47am On Jun 26, 2016
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Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by ibkgab001: 8:48am On Jun 26, 2016
The bible......

The greatest Book .....

Tells me that i should trust and Obey....

Respect the Authority.....

And also warn us never to go with change .....
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by veekid(m): 8:48am On Jun 26, 2016
Question for the gods; go to osun and ask their governor

1 Like

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by kobonaire(m): 8:48am On Jun 26, 2016
Separation of church/mosque and state is the only way forward. A secular nation will succeed and you practice your religious beliefs/or none privately.

2 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by monaPhilz: 8:48am On Jun 26, 2016
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Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by pythonkid(m): 8:49am On Jun 26, 2016
Sheybi you wan start civil war
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by crunchyg: 8:49am On Jun 26, 2016
No

IN OTHER NEWS: Mr SEUN is my BOY SEUN is my BOY angry angry angry

It's still CRUNCHY G, The EDIBLE guy
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by dejavubobo1(m): 8:49am On Jun 26, 2016
Yes u must obey, Even Jesus acknowledge Cesar & Pontius Pilate's authority on earth. Jesus didn't condemn d law He only modified it.
@O.P dont disobey d laws.

2 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Breadmaker: 8:49am On Jun 26, 2016
Our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens, that's all.


My problem with today's christians is that we have failed to proclaim the gospel and live lives that give clear evidence to the gospel's transforming power.

1 Like

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Nobody: 8:50am On Jun 26, 2016
Nigeria govt is one good example of ungodly one and they can never earn my obedience giving the fact that they are all there for their own selfish interest not having the peoples wish @ heart

1 Like

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by mmsen: 8:51am On Jun 26, 2016
Muafrika2:
Rebellion is dangerous. Submission even to evil rulers (and there are more evil rulers than righteous on earth) won't kill you. Just because a ruler is evil doesn't mean he's not recognized as such before God. Remember Saul and David? David refused to harm him even when he tried to kill him. He was still the anointed King.

Submission to all kinds of authority is does not have exceptions. Take whoever is in authority as God's appointed servant, and with the ability to make your life miserable upon rebellion. And that will be God's sword, because he will get humility out of His children. So never speak ill of your boss, president, local leaders, because even your own angels will strike you.



Cowardice is immoral.

Submission to those who do evil is to silently comply with evil.

Doesn't the Bible say something about a man not being able to serve two masters? How then does one serve good and evil simultaneously.

6 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by dammytosh: 8:53am On Jun 26, 2016
Jesus obeyed Govt and authority wether godly or not.


He paid tax.

This is one of the reasons I support ElRufai on the religion bill.

A properly trained pastor will not teach his congregation Boko HARAM type of message.

What u have simply said is the same teaching Boko HARAM leader gave them.

To them the Govt is wicked.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by dukie25: 8:57am On Jun 26, 2016
It's the duty of Christians to disobey any law that's in conflict with their beliefs.
This is why Christians should stand together against Aregbe who is trying to Islamize osun state.

2 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Nobody: 8:57am On Jun 26, 2016
Even at point of death. Obey authorities.


DrabeeyWasHere

1 Like

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Nobody: 8:58am On Jun 26, 2016
You must obey government rules

1 Like

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by johnstar(m): 8:59am On Jun 26, 2016
Na illegal sure nw o



Dis country no b am at all undecided

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by joseph1832(m): 9:07am On Jun 26, 2016
OP! The truth is, you are free to disobey government even when they go against the scripture, yes, its your God given right, your freedom of expression that no body can take, except death. However, I'll have you know, when you indeed choose to disobey government and get thrown in prison, even your God will not come to your rescue, like he did with Paul and Silas.

This my friend, is the difference between harsh reality and standard dogma. The truth is staring at you, you can choose to ignore it.

3 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by freecocoa(f): 9:09am On Jun 26, 2016
Don't obey you hear, na prison go be your middle name, rubbish.angry
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by yaqoub: 9:10am On Jun 26, 2016
The same Christianity says respect and follow your leaders. So beware of your action! QED
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by COUSTON: 9:10am On Jun 26, 2016
It takes only a strong christian to hold on to their faith wen such temptation comes their ways
Most of us give up due to fear or love for money
Its true that God says we should obey our parents or leaders
But God never told us to commit evil in order to obey this people
In God's sight evil is evil and judgment awiat every evil men
So let's not try to paint this thing call evil
Wen u know what is right do it
And avoid every wrong or evil thing no matter where the autority may come from
Let's not forget the three wise men in the bible
Even at the point of death still they hold on to their faith never to serve a man maid GOD
We all see what happens after
To me its better to die a righous man
Than living in sin and evil.....thanks

2 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by joseph1832(m): 9:11am On Jun 26, 2016
dammytosh:
Jesus obeyed Govt and authority wether godly or not.


He paid tax.

This is one of the reasons I support ElRufai on the religion bill.

A properly trained pastor will not teach his congregation Boko HARAM type of message.

What u have simply said is the same teaching Boko HARAM leader gave them.

To them the Govt is wicked.
Some christians are oblivious to this fact. The always want to believe their own religious laws supersede the law of the land.

I remember telling a friend who always open his mouth to say his religious laws supersede the law of the land, that he should go and live in the Vatican, if christian religious law is what he truly want to follow.

2 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by kelvyn7: 9:11am On Jun 26, 2016
yes
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Nig4Greatness: 9:22am On Jun 26, 2016
Why don't you pack your bag and go to country that is godly if you will ever find one or better still go create your own 'godly' country.
There's nothing like an ungodly government,bible ask us to obey the law of the land.either those laws are godly or not is for the God himself to decide.yours is to just obey,that is biblical.may God help your obedience.
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by seunmsg(m): 9:24am On Jun 26, 2016
iliyande:
[s]Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to the governors, who are sent by him to punish {24} those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men (1 Peter 2:13-15 NIV).

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men (Titus 3:1-2 NIV).

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities which exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves (Romans 13:1-2 NIV).

The answer is no.

We are to obey governments unless they violate Scripture. Acts 5:29 says, "We must obey God rather than men." Whenever a government violates biblical teaching, Christians are obligated to disobey that government. For example, if a government were to declare that we should kill all unbelievers or in support abortion, we should disobey. Governments are run by people and often become corrupt. Furthermore, the Bible never tells us to obey governments in contradiction to the revealed word of God.

When systems become ungodly and anti-Christian, they are no longer properly representing God and should not be obeyed.

Are we seeing a conflict or a contradiction? Not at all. Let's take, for example, Exodus 20, where we see two commandments: obey your parents and do not murder. We can see that our parents are the authorities above us, even as governments are, and we should obey them. But, what should we do it our parents tell us to murder someone? Should we obey? Of course not. Obedience to our parents is only proper when it's consistent with the rest of the Scriptures. Likewise, submission to the governmental systems is only proper when it is consistent with Scripture.

Finally, let's look at Rom. 13:6-7 again, "For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." Notice that Paul says that the rulers are servants of God. This is the context of the submission that is mentioned at the beginning of the chapter. If these rulers are no longer servants of God, and if they contradict Scripture, they are not to be obeyed.[/s]

Lalasticlala


Rubbish. Nigeria is ruled by the constitution and not the bible. We have atheist, pagans, Muslims, Buddhist etc in the country who doesn't believe in the bible. Nigeria is a multi religious country so stop this crap you are spewing.

6 Likes

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by Originalsly: 9:30am On Jun 26, 2016
Was there ever a Godly governmemt?...hmmm.....funny Christians! .... wasn't Jesus crucified because he refused to go along with the authorities/law of the land? Why were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego thrown into the pit of fire?...and saved by God? Hmmm.....Christians not sure which is follow...the laws of the land or the laws of God.
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by iliyande(m): 9:31am On Jun 26, 2016
seunmsg:



Rubbish. Nigeria is ruled by the constitution and not the bible. We have atheist, pagans, Muslims, Buddhist etc in the country who doesn't believe in the bible. Nigeria is a multi religious country so stop this crap you are spewing.

If only you read through what you quote

1 Like

Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by doskie(m): 9:32am On Jun 26, 2016
You know the political undertone of today's churches. You hear of today's pastors plucking pure women's fruits under the disguise of delivering them. So if i may ask... What is the definition of a 'godly' country
Re: When a government is becoming ungodly: should Christians continue to obey? by LordIsaac(m): 9:40am On Jun 26, 2016
How do you know a government ''that is becoming'' ungodly if there's no pride and rebellion in your heart? Paul submitted to ungodly Felix and appologised for the manner he challenged him. My son, be careful....the spirit of the last days loading!

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