Are human laws, laws set up by governments, safe to follow?

Dear Reader,

    There is one fact that all individuals must always remember, and that is, that without laws humanity would descend into sheer anarchy.  No one would be safe; in a lawless society we can actually destroy ourselves.

    As Christians we should be first to abide by the laws of the land for the sake of peace and security, and the orderly running of the country.  In fact the Bible tells us to honour the government and respect its laws.  We read in the book to the Romans, (Rom 13:1 KJV) 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.

(Rom 13:2 KJV) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

(Rom 13:3 KJV) 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:

(Rom 13:4 KJV) 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.

    These texts tell us that God has appointed the establishment of governments for the sake of the orderly running of any country; they also tell us that we must submit to the laws of the land.  So Christians must respect their governments and obey their laws.  The only time when the Christian and the government come into conflict is when the government takes it upon itself to abrogate or annul the moral laws of God and set up conflicting laws.  Very often the government has a very difficult task to do.  They have to make laws to safeguard society, and at the same time they may be forced by members of the government to make laws that pander to the wants and wishes of the rich, the salacious, and the ungodly (atheist).  It is when these types of laws are enacted, that they can conflict with the laws of God, and in so doing they put the Christian in an unenviable position.

    Apart from these factors, the Christian is to be respectful and obedient to the laws of the land.  God is a God of order and would wish His creation to be so as well.  Concerning this we read in the Bible, (1 Cor 14:33 KJV) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  Of the vast universe the Bible says, (Isa 40:26 KJV) Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. 

Yes, friends, if God can order the universe, should He not expect our governments to enact laws for the safe keeping of society?  Of course.  May God grant us Christians the wisdom to support our governments in that which is right and good for society.  God bless.

   Pastor Ron is a retired Adventist pastor. Reach him at ron.hende@gmail.com. with your comments.