Brad Alles

This month’s blogs focus on politics, which is the policies or goals of government.  The Bible teaches that government’s goals should be justice, freedom, and order.   We see that in various passages throughout Scripture.

For example, since Adam and Eve were created  in God’s image, we all have have rights.  These rights are implied in the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20.  For instance, we are not to kill or steal or bear false witness since people have the right to live, own possessions, and not have their reputation ruined.  God gives us these rights–they are not bestowed by any government.

However, since Adam and Eve sinned, we have lost the image of God and have a sinful nature that automatically rebels against God.  What is more, this sinful nature rebels against others and does evil against other people.  Since we’re sinful, we need order in society established through laws.  Without order and laws, chaos ensues.

The fact that government was established by God because of our sinfulness is clear from Romans 13: 1-7.   It says,
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

The goals of government from a biblical perspective is clear.  God gives us rights that need to be protected from other sinful people.  Government’s job is to keep order since it is established by God.  The politics should be freedom, justice, and order for all.