The Relationship of the Church to the State

One of the areas of greatest confusion in the history of the Christian Church is that of the relationship of the Church to the civil government.

The Scriptures are clear that God has instituted civil government, and that the government is to be obeyed, unless it commands us to practice behavior contrary to the eternal moral law of God or contrary to His express will for us.

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: 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. (Romans 13:3,4)

Man is not able to govern himself. It is God who upholds the rule of men over other men. Human beings have not been created with the ability to govern themselves; they must be governed. This fact hinders the effectiveness of democratic government.

The spiritual-political environment of the earth consists of God and Satan. Gigantic spiritual forces are arrayed on the side of righteousness and also on the side of wickedness. Because man is a feeble bit of dust he cannot rule himself in the presence of the colossal spiritual powers that are contesting for his worship and allegiance.

Whenever man decides to govern himself he automatically is governed by Satan. Until a person chooses to be ruled by the Lord he is fair game for the enemy. Whoever does not gather with the Lord, scatters. There absolutely is no middle ground!

This is why the otherwise beneficial political doctrine of freedom of speech has been corrupted in America until it is the legal basis for governmental support of a figure of Christ in a urinal and of various other art forms that blaspheme God. The direct result of freedom of speech, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America, is a figure of Christ in a urinal.

To maintain that the same guarantee of freedom of speech applies to the Christian ministry is not an adequate defense. No true saint will ever accept a government policy that blasphemes the King of all kings and Lord of all Lords. Nor will the God of Heaven accept it! Ungoverned expression produces wickedness, and wickedness shall be punished with everlasting fire.

The policy of separation of church and state. The Lord Jesus did not direct us to advocate the separation of church and state. Rather He commanded us to make disciples of the nations, to teach the people of the nations His commandments until He is ready to appear and assume visible, physical control of earth's governments.

This does not suggest that the Christian churches are to be involved in the political affairs of civil government.

To be continued.