In Romans 13:1 Paul states: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” At least one implication can be drawn from this verse: civil government is not fundamentally a human creation.
I say this because in political theory, several theories of government origin exist, to name a few:
- Government exists because of the consent of the governed
- Government exists because of an election
- Government exists because of a psychological need for it
- Government exists because of the will of the majority
- Government exists because of a social compact
These reasons, however, are not why government exists. Government fundamentally exists because God established it. Therefore, government is not fundamentally a human creation.
Whether you agree or disagree with the policies of the governing authorities at the national, state, or local level, these authorities are ordained by God. Even the very specific forms of government and the specific governing authorities, “those which exists are established by God” (Romans 13:1).
This truth, that civil government is not fundamentally a creation of man, comforts me during these crazy times of uncertainty. The coronavirus pandemic has everyone wondering what is coming next. But I am thankful that the governing authorities that do exist, God has appointed. Whatever decisions they are making, these decisions ultimately come from God. I am thankful that civil government is not fundamentally a creation of man.
Pastor Dan
For more on civil government according to the Bible, see the message here, here, and here.