From my friend:
The Old Testament civil law was never done away with by Jesus, in Israel, God made the laws. In America, Congress makes the law, so Congress is America's God. We should repent of this idolatry, and go back to a nation run by the Old Testament if we ever want to honor God as a nation.
Thoughts?
I think this is a great question. If you understand that congress is an authority that is not of God, then it would be important to read
Romans 13 and demolish the misconception that this implores us to obey all the laws of men.
Shall I assume the position of such a destroyer and revealer? ;P
Romans 13
[sup]1[/sup] 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. [sup]2[/sup] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [sup]3[/sup] 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. [sup]4[/sup] 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. [sup]5[/sup] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:1
A: Is our president a Christian?
How many of us understand that God lets things happen?
Romans 13:2
A: Do you believe this is true? How many Christian organizations are rebelling against the authorities which govern abortion clinics and homosexual rights? In how many ways are the governing authorities proven to be a godless (merely human, or demonic) force?
Romans 13:3
A: You do realize that in instances such as a military draft the governing authorities are forcing men to become potential murderers? Thou shalt not kill?
Romans 13:4
A: To me, this just honestly sounds like some human trying to put a saddle on God's people and ride them around town. While these things may have been true for them in their era, in today's age it is entirely different and it should be obvious how different it is.
Romans 13:5
A: So... 4 and 5 are essentially saying by reason of fear we are to submit to the authorities which are likewise merciless in judgement as per the nature of a God who has laid down His life for us in that we simply come to a full and true repentance (okay that WAS sarcastic
).
...doesn't Revelation say something about the cowardly?
The truth of the matter is the regulations of the American government are morally unkempt from the Christian perspective and yet nonetheless fit to govern the godless. Better it than none at all, and yet if an orthodox Christian tried to set foot onto the playing field they would be met with endless dilemmas of conscience and command. This should make it clear to all Christians that the affairs of the world are not within their territory, and that their duty is merely to live humbly and peacefully amidst those who (by mandate of God) have been given the free will to roam outside of the faith.
So let's emphasize one of the less complex things that set the church and state apart: The bible commands us not to kill, and yet many do not consider casualties of war as part of the Christian trespasses. To me it is ridiculously desperate of an individual to excuse murder in an attempt to reconcile their godless environment with their religious philosophy. It is better for them to admit it makes no sense at all than to salvage irrational reasons in order to continue to believe in something. Anyway...
Let's ask this: Would a Christian president be able to engage in war with other nations? He would be a murderer, and he would also be a meddler, and he would also be a corrupter of multitudes. Yet can you imagine what would happen to us if the nation did not defend itself? Better it is then to let the authorities do as they like, and to acknowledge that Satan is just as much of an authority on this planet as God
as well as the principalities.
1 Peter 4
"[sup]15[/sup] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters."
What a great burden lifted from our hearts, no? Ours is the humble work; meek avoidance and bellies full of bread as the whole world dances and dies before our eyes. Take no heed of the teachings of this world and do not be fooled by the impostor churches and authorities; the Spirit will reside within you and you will hear its Voice if it is your will to truly befriend God.
We all fail and continue to fail and
endure to fail, but thankfully God will never fail. I can imagine that a long time from now the "government" will look nothing like the one we see today. The government we reside in right now is for those who have no sense of morality or restraint, and because of this there needs to be a means of protecting people from and regulating the godless. Seeing as those in the faith are fit to govern themselves through their self-willed obedience and abstinence (and solely perform the works of the Spirit), there may be no need for a physical government like the one(s) we see today.