Romans 13:3-4 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Law abiding citizens should have no fear of government if the government is just. Paul is referring to how good citizens ought to behave. There is a certain degree of trust involved between leaders and people. The citizens trust that the leaders are making good laws for society. The leaders trust that the citizens will follow these laws. If both factors are done, then there will be peace. If the leaders are ungodly and create bad laws, the citizens will lose faith in the leaders. Verse 3 especially refers to those who do not follow the laws of the authorities, assuming these laws are just and reflect truth. Lawbreakers should have fear of punishment. Christians ought to be good citizens so that they can live peace and quiet lives. God has set up human governments to keep the peace. Leaders who do not keep the peace with truth and justice are going against God’s plan and should be removed. God has a system for human societies. This system is not a specific type (monarchy, democracy, and so forth) but must have the qualities that guarantee righteousness and justice. The Old Testament shows clearly how God deals with nations who do not live by these. God will remove leaders and bring about the downfall of nations. Sin will not go unpunished. These are difficult words to receive in our day when governments and leaders think they are immune to God’s justice, and where citizens think that laws are only suggestions. Societies break down and innocent people are harmed when God’s intentions are not followed.
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