9. We believe that civil government is ordained by God for the orderly management
of society; that its rulers should punish evildoers and praise law-abiding citizens.
We believe in order to promote the welfare of the state that Christians should
earnestly pray for their leaders, that they might live a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and fear; and that they should submit to every ordinance
of man for testimony and conscience sake. We believe that no Christian should
be involved in outright civil disobedience, unless they are required to violate
God's law, thereby suffering the consequence of such action joyfully; but at
the same time have the right to defend themselves by due process of law.
We believe as Christian citizens in a free society, such as the United States
of America, where we are accorded the privilege to vote, that we ought to be
patriotic in our duty, exemplary in our actions and faithful in our fiduciary
obligations to the state. We believe that the good of the State is bound up
in the morality of its leaders and citizens, so that righteousness exalts a
nation and sin is its reproach. As good citizens, we ought to oppose legislation
and executive orders which promote wickedness through every legal means available.
Romans 13:1-7
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.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:
and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 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:
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: for he is the minister
of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience
sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending
continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom
to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 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.
Titus 3:1
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates,
to be ready to every good work,
Matthew 22:21
21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto
Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
Acts 5:29 (cf.
Daniel 3:18)
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God
rather than men.
Daniel 3:18
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods,
nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Additional Scripture
1 Peter 2:13-17;
Acts 16:37;
Acts 25:11;
Proverbs 11:10-11;
Proverbs 14:34;
Proverbs 28:12;
Proverbs 29:2
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