Romans 13:1 states that all authority or power is appointed by God, and we have been taught that this means “ALL” power and authority. But is this the case? Has there ever been an example where authority or power existed that was not appointed by God?
What about Satan’s power and authority? Does Satan have power? I think the answer to that question is “yes.” But does Satan have authority? The answer to this question is still “Yes!”
Does God intend for us to submit to Satan’s authority and power? God Forbid!
There is a common misunderstanding among unbelievers of the phrase “God is love.” People have re-invented this passage to state “Love is God.” However the two phrases while very similar, have very different meanings. God is love, but love is not God. Love is an attribute of God’s character. It is intrinsic in who God is. But love is not God, and could never be God.
Following the logic above let’s apply it to authority. The Bible states that God is authority. However the Bible does not state that authority is God. This is the lie that we have embraced. That authority is God. It doesn’t matter whether or not that authority is lawful or unlawful, for bringing God glory or glory to man. It should be obeyed.
But what does God say:
Hosea 8:4 – “ They set up kings, but not by Me; They made princes, but I did not acknowledge them. From their silver and gold They made idols for themselves—That they might be cut off.
God is readily acknowledging in this passage that there will be people in high places of power and authority that God does not acknowledge. God says they came into power by the will of man, and not by His will. God was not consulted when certain kings and princes took to their throne. Wouldn’t it be logical then to assume that God did not appoint these powers or authorities?
Interesting thoughts.
I’ve been struggling with this for some time and also feel that when someone tells me that, for example, a supervisor was “placed over you by God,” I cringe.
I’m of the camp that says that God does NOT place individuals in positions of authority that do not reflect Him, as to His character, but rather people TAKE positions and usually end up screwing up because of the intoxicating effect of power.
But what about the word “all?” Is that in the original and what does it mean?
Blessings.
Ricky-
Welcome!
I haven’t looked recently at the original language, but was simply following some logical thought. Surely God didn’t mean “all authorities” because that would include obedience to Satan. Right? I don’t think that is at all what Paul is saying here.
I believe that there is true and false authority. True authority has been recieved from God, and false authority has been received from power. We are to obey “ALL TRUE AUTHORITY,” because it finds it’s source in God Himself!
Here’s somehting to think about:
“Can God give an individual power, but not authority?”
And
“If He gives someone power (not authority) would their authority be limited proportionately to the amount of power they received?”
Where in the Bible does it state that “God is Authority”?
I don’t recall such a passage that speaks those three words exactly as you have paraphrased them..
Cory -
Welcome!
Not sure what your getting at? From the above post – I did not make an exact Biblical quote. I stated that the “Bible states that God is authority,” which the Bible does in deed state in so many words. Let’s simply take the words of Jesus for instance – “All authority has been given to me on heaven and on earth . . .” Who gave that authority? Would it not be the father? And who could claim more authority than the father? The creator of all things.
I don’t think your question is really your question. What are you getting at exactly?
Blessings!
Sir,
I guess we can say God has infinite Authority.. I understand what you are saying there.
However, the Bible does not state that “God is Authority”.
Sorry,
I apologize for my lack of understanding.
Jesus is Lord and God is authority are both rather synonymous
So yes, God is authority.
I would like to ask for your mercy and help in deleting my previous statements.
Sorry,
I apologize for my lack of understanding.
Jesus is Lord and God is authority are both rather synonymous
So yes, God is authority.
I would like to ask for your mercy and help in deleting my previous statements.
Hi Heretic!
Definitely some interesting thoughts and questions. This is difficult, but to say that God does not use us sovereignty to guide even pagan leaders would be incorrect. I would recommend checking out Cyrus the Great, King of Persia. You can read about his leadership prophesied in Isaiah 44:28 – 45:1ff. Cyrus was a pagan king from Persia, yet the Lord used him mightily. Even Satan will be used as a tool to show God’s glory. The gravity of an eternal hell is merely a reflection of the greatness of the glory of God, and how despicable our rebellion of Him is.
Isaiah 55 tell is that God’s ways are not are ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts. That tells us that we will not always understand how or why God operates the way He does, but his word at face value. It is astounding that even our sin is used to manifest His glory.
@ Andrew-
Welcome! I don’t think I’ve ever stated or believe that “God in His sovereignty does not use or guide pagan leaders.” What I am stating is that the pagan leaders do not carry Godly authority. I don’t have any quarrels with what you’ve stated. God uses even the Pharaoh do bring glory to Himself – but that does not mean that the Pharaoh has Godly authority.
sorry typo “…does not use HIS sovereignty….” line #2
So, does this mean that we are to follow the “authority” put in place of us, UNLESS it directly contradicts God’s character/willl?
Example: If we believe it was wrong, or even-evil for the U.S. to invade Iraq, do we ignore it, support it as a part of God’s “plan” or openly protest it?
Just my own curiosity…..
@ L -
Welcome! Sorry, I’ve been a little lax about getting back to this forum of late. To answer your first question – I believe that God requires us to live at peace with all men (as much as is possible to do so). I believe this is found in Romans 13. Meaning that there will be times when we cannot live at peace with all men because it is impossible. Living at peace becomes impossible when men or governments align themselves against God and His kingdom. I believe that the church of America is in danger, because we have taught from the pulpits that we are to obey (unequivocally) the US government. This is simply not biblical. The only thing we are to obey unequivocally is God and His Law. When (governments of) men come into conflict or contradict the Law of God it is our duty to resist.
However – after I re-read your comment coupled with your example – I’m not so sure how to respond. It is the Law of God that binds us. To say that the war in Iraq is wrong or evil – I believe to be a personal opinion – and would not say that it contradicts God’s character or will. Follow me through on this one – because I have some mixed emotions and thoughts about it.
I believe it was wrong for the US to invade Iraq. I believe there were ulterior motives behind the invasion. However – I also see the redemptive hand of God in the situation – bringing an open door for the Gospel to an area that was once held captive in darkness. Light is flooding Iraq like never before, despite what the media may portray. God is using this moment in history to set the captives free and build His kingdom in Iraq of all places. God is sovereign and could have accomplished this another way – but this is the way He’s doing it.
To say that the US acted under Godly authority to invade Iraq would be a stretch – but to say God allowed or authorized such an invasion (regardless of the motive of the US government) would be well within God’s character or will. Our response should be to support the men and women that are there (military and Christians working hard to spread the Good News). Our response should be to pray for and seek peace – by building the Kingdom. Does Satan have a plan for what’s happening in the Middle East right now? You bet! But so does God! His desire is to ransom His children that have been held captive in darkness for too long.
So the question that begs to be answered is “was it wrong or was it right?” The answer I believe is yes. What’s been done is done. It is what it is. But in reality – It is an open door for God to make His name Great in a part of the world that tried very much to hide His existence!