Authority is from God — not from men.
The doctrine of civil government teaches that all human authority originates with God. Governments exist by His decree to maintain order, punish evil, and protect the innocent. While Christians are called to submit to lawful authority, our ultimate allegiance is to the Lord Jesus Christ.
When man’s commands contradict God’s Word, we must obey God rather than men.
This doctrine works in harmony with The Doctrine of God the Father, The Doctrine of the Church, and our Statement of Faith.
Romans 13:1
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.
1. God Ordained Government for the Restraint of Evil
The doctrine of civil government begins with divine authority. Human government is not man’s invention — it is God’s institution. From the days of Noah, God established authority to maintain justice and peace in a fallen world.
Genesis 9:6
Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Romans 13:3–4
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil… 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.
The government’s authority to punish evil is derived from God, not from majority rule or popular opinion. True justice must reflect His righteousness.
2. Christians Are Commanded to Obey Lawful Authority
The doctrine of civil government calls believers to live peaceably, pay taxes, and honor rulers — as long as such obedience does not conflict with Scripture. Submission to government is submission to God’s order.
1 Peter 2:13–15
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors… 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Titus 3:1–2
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.
The Christian should be the best citizen — honest, honorable, and holy — because his obedience reflects his faith in God’s authority.
3. God Sets Up and Removes Leaders
The doctrine of civil government teaches that leadership is not random — God appoints and removes rulers according to His purpose. Even wicked kings serve within His providence to accomplish His will.
Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
History is not guided by political power but by divine sovereignty. Every election, empire, and edict serves the plan of God.
4. Obedience to God Comes Before Obedience to Men
The doctrine of civil government draws a clear boundary: when government commands what God forbids, believers must stand with Scripture. The apostles refused to stop preaching Christ even under threat of punishment — and so must we.
Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Exodus 1:17
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
Civil authority is limited. Only God’s Word is absolute. No government has the right to silence truth or compel sin.
5. Prayer for Rulers Is a Biblical Command
The doctrine of civil government teaches that prayer is the believer’s most powerful civic duty. We are commanded to pray for those in authority — not because we agree with them, but because we trust God’s sovereignty over them.
1 Timothy 2:1–2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Prayer aligns our heart with God’s will and keeps our focus on His kingdom rather than man’s politics.
Application and Affirmation
The doctrine of civil government calls Christians to live under authority without bowing to tyranny. We honor rulers, obey laws, pay taxes, and pray faithfully — yet our ultimate loyalty remains with Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Affirmation:
- God established human government for justice and order.
- Christians must obey lawful authority and pay taxes honestly.
- All rulers are accountable to God.
- When laws contradict Scripture, we must obey God first.
- We are commanded to pray for all who hold authority.
