One of the greatest ironies from the theological perspective is the role of government. Most, if not all governments are servants of satan because of their unrighteous works. However, despite governments being servants of satan, governments are God's earthly tools used to administer his Law.
Romans 13:1-2 says: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Thus, it is clear that governments are ordained by God; not merely tolerated by God, by given authority by God to ensure justice and righteousness. 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 1:4).
Any authority given by God to exercise over others has boundaries set by God. God is the ultimate authority because He is "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). Many Christians in the modern church fail to take this for what it means, that is, God being Sovereign above absolutely all things, and assume that God allows humans to govern as we choose, as long as it is just. This is a deceptive statement because while God does not prescribe any system, He does however, ordain any government to be just and righteous according to His Law, regardless of whether they realise it or not. The philosophy underlying a political system determines whether a system of government will be just and righteous per se and each system is defined according its philosophy.
Romans 13:1-2 says: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Thus, it is clear that governments are ordained by God; not merely tolerated by God, by given authority by God to ensure justice and righteousness. 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 1:4).
Any authority given by God to exercise over others has boundaries set by God. God is the ultimate authority because He is "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). Many Christians in the modern church fail to take this for what it means, that is, God being Sovereign above absolutely all things, and assume that God allows humans to govern as we choose, as long as it is just. This is a deceptive statement because while God does not prescribe any system, He does however, ordain any government to be just and righteous according to His Law, regardless of whether they realise it or not. The philosophy underlying a political system determines whether a system of government will be just and righteous per se and each system is defined according its philosophy.
However, in a fallen world where governments are typically evil and represented as evil in the Bible, governments, more often than not act in unjust and unrighteous ways. Even their attempts to be 'good' are seen as 'filthy rags' by God. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, even the most moral thing an unrighteous government does is abominable in the eyes of God.
So, the question as to what is a righteous government arises. In Psalm 79:6, the psalmist cries out: Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name. The term 'kingdom' comes from the Greek word 'basileuó' which means sovereignty or royal power. Royal power is governmental or political power. Thus, the term 'kingdom' refers to nations as political entities and their governments. Psalm 79:6 is referring to governments that do not call upon God, but try to shun or eliminate Him for whatever excuse the government has - political correctness, tolerance, or freedom of belief.
Any government that does not recognise God as the authority which gives it the authority is has over the governed, elevates itself to God's authority because it is not for God. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad (Matthew 12:30). Since it is against God, it seeks to determines right and wrong, good and evil, justice and injustice according to the carnal human flesh which is not only hostile, but enmity against God (Romans 8:7).
Anyone who is an enemy of God cannot serve righteousness which comes only from God (Romans 3:10; Luke 18:19). Therefore, whoever is an enemy of God is a servant of satan since satan owns the unbelieving, haters of God. As satan seeks to sift those in Christ like wheat (Luke 22:31), satan is sifting those who are not in Christ, that is, enemies of God. Not only does he sift them, he seeks to keep them sifted so he can devour them. He does this by keeping them blind. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Ungodly governments are used by satan for destruction. He reigns through them. Satan's minions - the spirit of mammon, witchcraft and jezebel work alongside him to destroy souls.
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