Gary discusses his book, God and Government, and the current political situation in America and around the world.
The Bible directs us to submit “to every human institution” (1 Peter 2:13). While Peter has civil authority in mind here (“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”), this text is inclusive of all God-ordained authorities. As Bible-believing Christians we must always remember that authority means much more than civil authority. The family exercises real authority over its members: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). The symbol of authority for the family is the rod of correction: “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently” (Proverbs 13:24).
The church, through its leaders, has real authority to discipline members: “And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer. Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:15- 18). The Apostle Paul goes so far as to place ecclesiastical authority on par with the civil courts: “Does anyone of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?” (1 Corinthians 6:1-11). The symbol of the church’s authority is the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19).
As citizens, Christians must submit to those who rule because God has established them in their positions of authority by His own sovereign will (Romans 13:1). Civil rulers, as well as family and ecclesiastical rulers, are “ministers of God.” This is why rulers should not be cursed by the people: “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people [because he represents God]” (Exodus 22:28; cf. Romans 13:1). This does not mean, however, that sinful practices and policies of rulers are what God demands. Unlawful practices of rulers should not go unnoticed or unchallenged (cf. Mark 6:18). Moreover, Christian citizens are obliged to disobey laws that prescribe something contrary to the laws of God (cf. Exodus 1:15-22; Daniel 3; Acts 4:18; 5:29): “We read of Peter, ‘They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go.’ But notice what Peter and John did. With their backs still painfully tender, the blood scarcely dry from the flogging they had received, they went straight out and disobeyed the state and courts of their day. And day after day, in the temple and courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ [Acts 5:42].”[1] Jesus made it clear that evil rulers must be exposed (cf. Luke 13:32).
God and Government
With a fresh new look, more images, an extensive subject and scripture index, and an updated bibliography, God and Government is ready to prepare a whole new generation to take on the political and religious battles confronting Christians today. May it be used in a new awakening of Christians in America—not just to inform minds, but to stimulate action and secure a better tomorrow for our posterity.
Buy NowIn this first part of his interview with Dr. Steve Hotze, Gary discusses his book, God and Government, and the current political situation in America and around the world. Join Gary and Dr. Hotze at the upcoming Christian Patriots Rally in Houston on Sept 17, 2022.
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[1] Franky Schaeffer, A Time for Anger (Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1982), 54.