So then where do we stand fast, dig in our heals and reject the rule of government? It is simple. When the order from the government is in direct conflict with a direct command from God. When it prevents our worship, not when it just places restrictions on how, where and when based on restrictions the government places on other groups. Let me give some examples. If the law restricts off premises sound levels for a secular gathering we should not exceed them. If they restrict the number of people based on safety, we should not break that law. If they declare a snow emergency to keep people off the roads we should comply. If they limit the number of people who can gather on a street corner for any group we should comply.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Rulers are a terror to those who do the works of evil. Do you think Paul was thinking of giving a murderer a slap on the wrist or telling him that isn't nice? The word terror says it all. He was to be in mortal fear. But he also says to do good and have the praise of the same. I've seen ministers of the gospel be honored by Mayors, Governors, Senators and even Presidents because of some good thing they were doing. And I have seen Christians so honored. One of the most decorated soldiers of WWI, Sergeant York was a conscientious objector medic who watched his unit being shot up and took up a gun to "keep them from killing his friends." He refused to carry a gun and kill but he went as an unarmed medic, probably a more dangerous position. And if you know that story, he killed very few enemy soldiers that day. He got into a place that allowed him to capture a large number of them. He objected to the law that he had to fight, he went as a medic, an alternative, and when the chips were down and someone had to do it, he did. This is obeying conscience and the state at the same time. Generally this is possible unless we get proud and arrogant.
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Paul goes further with this. Note the phrase "beareth not the sword in vain." If that is not capital punishment, I don't understand. When you use a sword on someone it is very likely that they may be killed. What does the phrase, “execute wrath on the one who does evil” mean? For the one who would do evil the officer represents the law. The officer is there to keep him in line.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
And here is the crux of it for the Christian. We are not to obey and give lip service when the officer is there and then go on doing our own thing but we are to obey for conscience sake. That means when the officer is not there too. Several years ago I was dropping off some tools in center city York for my son. I pulled up at a red light, looked both ways and went through, treating it like a four way stop sign. I was barely through when I realized the mistake and before I could go a half block there was an officer behind me. I pulled over and stopped. He came up to my car. I just sat there and shook my head. I told him I knew what I did, I knew it was wrong, it was just stupidity. By the way, if you want the full story of the stupidity, the Police Station is on the corner where the red light was! He was just coming out to go back on duty. He took my license, went to his car and then came back. He handed my the license and in an almost pleading tone said, "Mr. Brandt, could you try to be more careful?" I said, "Yes." He responded, "I don't see the value in giving you a ticket, but please for me, be careful and a little more attentive." I later learned it was most likely Gene, one of the toughest, most diligent and most honest cops on the York City Police force. He walked away. I knew I was wrong, if he had ticketed me he would have been right. Why didn't he? I don't know. Good driving record, maybe. But more likely it was the attitude I presented that I had screwed up bad and I knew it. From what I have heard of him, he is a good judge of situations. For conscience sake I could not have argued with him, even if I wanted to. And I would love to some day tell Gene that stop has made me more attentive. I remember that tough cop that handed back my license without a ticket when he had me with no defense. He submitted to him for conscience sake, I knew I was wrong. Grace was extended to me.
