COVENANTS
PART 8: THE NOAHIC COVENANT
DISPENSATION OF CONSCIENCE
Time Period: Expulsion from Eden until the Flood.
Human Responsibility: Choose good over evil and offer blood sacrifices (Gen 3:7, 22; 4:4)
Failure: Widespread violence and corruption, angelic rebellion (Gen 6:1–6, 11, 12)
Judgment: Flood (Gen 6:7, 13; 7:11–14)
Grace: Noah and his family are saved (Gen 6:8-9; 7:1; 8:1)
CONSCIENCE
After their banishment from the garden of Eden, God instituted conscience as a way humans could distinguish between good and evil. They were to choose good and have a relationship with God through blood sacrifice (Gen 4:4).
THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL
Man had wanted the knowledge of good and evil and
now they have it – in the form of a conscience.
Almost immediately, people chose evil when
Cain murdered Abel because his own sacrifice
was rejected while Abel’s blood
sacrifice had been accepted.
Cain expected God to fall in
line with his own ideas of how
to have a relationship with him.
Cain had a choice which was clearly communicated by God to choose good and reject the dominance of sin – but he ignored the counsel of God. Genesis 4:6-7 clearly indicates how conscience would be the mechanism used to limit evil in this dispensation.
Cain had a choice which was clearly communicated by God to choose good and reject the dominance of sin – but he ignored the counsel of God. Genesis 4:6-7 clearly indicates how conscience would be the mechanism used to limit evil in this dispensation.
Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.
THE END RESULT
Sadly the end result of man being governed by his conscience is widespread violence and corruption.
Gen 6:11-12 (NIV) Now the
earth was corrupt in God’s
sight and was full of violence.
God saw how corrupt the
earth had become, for all
the people on earth had
corrupted their ways.
REASON FOR JUDGMENT
This was one of the causes for the Flood judgment. *
Gen 6:5-7 (NIV) The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart
was only evil all the time. The Lord
regretted that he had made human
beings on the earth, and his heart was
deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I
will wipe from the face of the earth
the human race I have created…”
A JUST MAN
Because “Noah was a just man” (Gen 6:9), God used him to warn others while he built the ark for 120 years.
2 Pet 2:5 (NIV) if he did
not spare the ancient
world when he brought
the flood on its ungodly
people, but protected
Noah, a preacher of
righteousness, and
seven others
GRACE
No one – but his immediate family - heeded and God righteously judged the sin of people. However Noah experienced God’s mercy and grace.
Gen 6:8 (NKJV) But Noah found
grace in the eyes of the Lord.
God spared Noah and his family
demonstrating that “the Lord knows how
to rescue the godly from trials and to
hold the unrighteous for punishment on
the day of judgment” (2 Pet 2:9, NIV).
NOAHIC COVENANT
Before God establishes his covenant with Noah, he gives him some preconditions in order to escape the coming judgment at the close of the second dispensation.
Gen 6:14-18 (NIV) “So make yourself an ark of cypress wood … I am going to bring floodwaters on the
earth to destroy all life under the
heavens … But I will establish my
covenant with you, and you will
enter the ark--you and your sons and
your wife and your sons’ wives with you…”
THE SACRIFICE
After Noah had fulfilled these pre-conditions, and experienced the subsequent benefit of having his own life and the lives of his family spared during the flood, God establishes a blood covenant with Noah
after he leaves the ark.
Gen 8:20 (NIV) Then
Noah built an altar to the
LORD and, taking some of
all the clean animals and
clean birds, he sacrificed
burnt offerings on it.
BLOOD COVENANT
In all the dispensations there is the need for a blood sacrifice to atone for sin.
Dispensation of Innocence – animals skins used to cover man’s nakedness.
Dispensation of Conscience – Abel’s offering
Dispensation of Human government – Noah’s offering
Gen 8:21-22 (NIV) The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” *
DISPENSATION OF HUMAN GOVERNMENT
Time Period: The Flood to the confusion of languages at Babel.
Responsibility: Scatter and multiply (Genesis 9)
Failure: Unwillingness to scatter and the building of the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–4)
Judgment: Confusion of languages (Genesis 11:5–9)
Grace: Abraham is chosen—the start of the Jewish race, through whom Messiah would come (Genesis 12:1–3)
THE COVENANT
2 parties
|
God and “all living creatures of every kind on the earth”
|
Type
|
Royal Grant / Suzerain Vassal
|
Dispensation
|
Human Government
|
Royal Grant (unconditional)
|
Never again would God destroy the earth by water
|
Reason for grant
|
Faithfulness of Noah
|
Reference to the “seed”
|
Preservation of the seed
|
Man’s responsibilities
|
Man must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it
Sanctity of human life
|
Blood covenant
|
Sacrifice of “clean” animals by Noah
|
Covenant sign
|
The rainbow
|
Terminating Judgment
|
The tower of Babel
|
ROYAL GRANT?
This general covenant was made between God and Noah following the departure of Noah from the ark. Many see it as a royal grant because God promises never to destroy the earth again with water. This is an unconditional promise.
Gen 9:8-11 (NIV) Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you … Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood …”
However there are clear instructions as well, so it better fits a conditional (Suzerain-Vassal) covenant. (Gen 9:4-6)
THE BLESSING
Noah receives a blessing.
Gen 9:1 (NIV) Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.”
The directive to “fill the earth” – once given to Adam and Eve (Gen 1:28) – is repeated.
THE COVENANT SIGN
The rainbow was the sign of the covenant with Noah.
Gen 9:12-13 (NIV) And God said, “This
is the sign of the covenant I am
making between me and
you and every living creature
with you, a covenant for all
generations to come: I have set
my rainbow in the clouds, and it
will be the sign of the covenant
between me and the earth.”
A NEW SIGN?
Some maintain that the rainbow was a new sign because it did not rain before the flood.
Gen 2:5-6 (NASB) Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground.
But the context seems to indicate that was only the case until the appearance of man and cultivated plants.
THE CANOPY THEORY
Could this condition of no rain have lasted until the Flood?
This is the belief of those who hold to
the canopy theory. * If so, this might
explain why Noah was mocked when
he tried convincing people about a
judgment involving rain.
But the Bible is actually silent on this
issue. It mentions Noah preaching
(2 Pet 2:6), but not being mocked.
A FAMILIAR SIGN?
As the rainbow was the covenant sign with Noah, some assume that it must be something new after the Flood.
Yet it is a natural spectrum appearing in the sky after rain and there is no indication that God changed the laws of nature after the Flood.
So if there was rain before the Flood, surely Noah would have already been familiar with the rainbow. If so, this would not be the only time God used an existing thing as a sign of a covenant e.g. bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper – where God uses familiar items but attaches a new symbolism.
NO MORE VEGETARIAN DIET
Formerly – starting in Eden – mankind and animals were given a vegetarian diet. (Gen 1:29-30)
Now mankind’s diet is extended to include meat.
Gen 9:2-3 (NIV) “The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you, just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.”
WHY A CHANGE IN DIET?
What changed after the Flood that this concession was made? According to some Jewish commentators:
Noah and his family came out of the ark to a barren world, with nothing to subsist on. They were allowed to eat meat in order to survive – and that became permissible for all time (Abarbanel). *
Man was weaker after the Flood (as reflected in his shorter lifespan). The world’s flora was also of inferior quality to that which existed before the Flood. The world would now have seasons, with long unproductive winters. Man was also destined to spread out further – to colder areas of the globe. As a result, he would require meat to survive (Malbim, R. Hirsch). *
NO MEAT WITH BLOOD
But there was a prohibition on eating “meat that has its lifeblood still in it” (Gen 9:4-6). * In fact it is repeated at the Council of Jerusalem
as still being in force, despite the Gentile church being
released from the requirement of circumcision.
Instead we should write to them [Gentiles], telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. [Acts 15:20, NIV]
A “BLOODY” STEAK?
What about a bloody steak? According to “The Daily Meal” website:
There's no such thing as a “bloody” steak. You can be forgiven if you think that the pinkish liquid that makes a
rare steak “juicy” is blood...
The “juice” in your steak looks
and tastes nothing like actual
blood, because it isn’t; it’s
called myoglobin, and it’s a
protein that's only found in
muscle tissue. *
DISPENSATION OF HUMAN GOVERNMENT
THE PROBLEM WITH VIOLENCE AND MURDER
The second dispensation demonstrated that mankind would not obey God on the basis of the human conscience alone.
The first recorded sin in the second dispensation was the murder of Abel by Cain.
Cain’s descendant Lamech also killed a man, claiming it was self-defence.
The dispensation ended with widespread violence in the earth. The world was judged because of the violence and murder which was largely unchecked and unpunished.
Noah and his family had practical knowledge of the failure under the dispensation of Conscience, and God made them responsible to protect the sanctity of human life. *
HUMAN GOVERNMENT
After the Flood judgment, God instituted a new dispensation.
The former dispensation was one of Conscience. While conscience is personal, the term “by humans” in the Noahic Covenant indicates that society should corporately restrain wickedness and protect man from the consequences of his own sinful nature.
So God stepped back from directly judging the earth until the Second Coming, opting instead to use a human agency - government - as a tool.
The NT affirms that God instituted human government.
Rom 13:1 (NIV) Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established
SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
Government has a God-given mandate to uphold the sanctity of human life as indicated by the directive to enforce capital punishment.
Gen 9:5-6 (NIV) “And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”
This directive to preserve human life includes preventing the slaughter of unborn children by abortion.
MAN’S UNIQUENESS
In the Edenic Covenant, mankind was given dominion over the earth and all living creatures (Gen 1:28) immediately after the statement that “God created mankind in his own image” (Gen 1:27).
In the Noahic Covenant, again man’s God-given uniqueness – “for in the image of God has God made mankind” - is stated as the reason for the sanctity of man’s life and the reason he is accountable to God.
Man was to be responsible for establishing social order and justice based on this underpinning reality that recognized and reflected man’s unique Godward substance, and hence his dignity and accountability to the God in whose image he had been formed. *
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
God commanded that the murderer’s blood be shed by mankind. Capital punishment necessitates all forms of legislation, organization and enforcement. It presupposes a human government agency to investigate the murder, to apprehend and try the murderer, and to administer the sentence of execution. Thus, when God ordained capital punishment, it is seen
as the institution of human government
as a further restraint against the
wickedness of mankind.
THE EVERLASTING COVENANT
God’s command in Genesis 9:6 has not been revoked. Capital punishment predates the Mosaic Law and is part of “the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures.” (Gen 9:16). Later (in the end times) God rebukes the inhabitants of the earth for breaking it.
Isa 24:5 (NIV) “The earth is defiled by its people; they have … broken the everlasting covenant.”
He clearly indicates that the breach carries a penalty.
Isa 24:6 (NIV) “Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt. Therefore earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and very few are left.”
WHICH EVERLASTING COVENANT?
Which “everlasting covenant” is being referred to by Isaiah?
Some point out that the Abrahamic (Gen 17:7, 13, 19), Davidic (2 Sam 23:5), New Covenant (Jer 32:40) and the covenant God made with Israel and the priesthood (Lev 24:8) are also called everlasting covenants so we cannot use the Isaiah passage to refer exclusively to the Noahic Covenant.
But the Abrahamic, Davidic and New covenants are all Royal Grants and hence unconditional – unlike the Noahic covenant. This excludes them as God couldn’t reprimand people for breaking those covenants.
God rebukes and judges the “earth’s inhabitants” so it cannot refer to the Mosaic Covenant which was with Israel, or the Davidic covenant (with David).
SEVEN LAWS OF NOAH
This is how the Genesis 9 passage was generally understood by Jews. According to the Talmud, the Seven Laws of Noah were given by God as a binding set of laws for the "children of Noah" – that is, all of humanity.
According to Jewish tradition, non-Jews who adhere to these laws are ... regarded as righteous gentiles ... The Seven Laws of Noah include prohibitions against ... murder ... as well as the obligation to establish courts of justice. *
The Talmud (the central text of Rabbinic Judaism) and Maimonides (one of the most prolific and influential Torah scholars of the Middle Ages) interpreted the prohibition against homicide as including a prohibition against abortion. *
BEARING THE SWORD
Rom 13:3-4 (NIV) 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 …
Civil rulers are servants of God who “do not bear the sword for no reason.” These words denote capital punishment as the sword was an instrument of execution.
IS THE DEATH SENTENCE JUST?
Even the thief on the cross acknowledges the justness of his death sentence.
Luke 23:41 (NIV) “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve...”
IS THE DEATH SENTENCE JUST?
Likewise, Paul declares to Festus that if he has
“committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not
seek to escape death”
(Acts 25:11, ESV). Clearly,
Paul recognizes the
appropriateness
of capital
punishment for
certain offenses.
THE duties OF GOVERNMENTS
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT?
The primary function of government is to protect basic human rights:
English philosopher, John Locke, wrote that all individuals are equal in the sense that they are born with certain “inalienable” natural rights. That is, rights that are God-given and can never be taken or even given away. Among these fundamental natural rights, Locke said, are “life, liberty, and property.” *
JOHN LOCKE (1632-1704)
PROTECTION
Defend Against External Enemies
War between nations are a constant threat.
The government has a responsibility to keep
external aggressors at bay.
Defend Against Internal Enemies
Governments must also ensure security within its borders.
Ps 72:4 (NIV) May he [the king] defend the
afflicted among the people and save the children
of the needy; may he crush the oppressor.
PROTECTION
Civilizations need some form of restraint and rules to protect people from each other.
An example of this function is seen in Acts 21:27-37 where Roman soldiers intervene to prevent Paul from being murdered.
LAW ENFORCEMENT, LEGAL & PENAL SYSTEMS
Governments provide:
a law enforcement system to investigate and apprehend criminals
a legal system to convict wrongdoers
a penal system to punish lawbreakers
1 Pet 2:13-14 (NIV) Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Rom 13:3-4 (NIV) For rulers … are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Courts also settle private disputes
between citizens to maintain law and order.
Courts also settle private disputes
between citizens to maintain law and order.
In Ephesus, when the rioting pagans seize Paul’s companions with the intent to do harm, it is the civil authorities (the town clerk) who instruct them not to resort to violence – but to follow the legal route if they have a legitimate complaint.
Men of Ephesus … you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash … If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.” [Acts 19:35-38 ,ESV)
OTHER FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
Provide infrastructure for public services
Roads, hospitals, telecommunications, orphanages, water, sanitation,
electricity, postal services, etc.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Note how the “discerning and wise” (Gen 41:39) ruler Joseph creates a long-term Agricultural Policy and infrastructure to prepare the country for famine.
Gen 41:46-49 (NIV) Joseph … entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph … travelled
throughout Egypt … Joseph
collected all the food produced
in those seven years of
abundance in Egypt and stored
it in the cities … Joseph stored
up huge quantities of grain …
PROMOTION & ECONOMICS
Promotion: Government is to promote the general welfare of the community.
1 Tim 2:1-2 (NASB) … I urge that entreaties and prayers … be made on behalf of … kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Managing Economic Conditions: The modern government has a duty to fight poverty and improve the quality of life of its citizens. In order to achieve this, the government must create a conducive environment for material prosperity and economic growth. *
TYPES OF ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
There are different types of economic systems used by governments e.g.
Socialism: emphasizes equal distribution of wealth among the people.
Communism: an extreme form of socialism.
Capitalism: people work for their own wealth.
Factors Of Production: are the elements required to produce goods and services (e.g. land, labour and capital).
Capitalist economy: owned by individuals.
Communist economy: owned by the government.
CAPITALISM vs COMMUNISM
HOW THE VALUE OF GOODS ARE DETERMINED
Production Decisions & Price control:
Capitalist economy: Production and prices are determined by free market forces such as supply and demand, individual choice and competition.
Communist economy:
Government control
prices and determine
which goods and
services get
produced.
CAPITALISM
COMMUNISM
CAPITALISM vs COMMUNISM
Political system:
Capitalism: associated with
democracy - multiple political
parties and free elections.
Communism: totalitarian
(one-party state).
Personal liberties
Capitalism: Freedom of speech, free press, freedom of religion
Communism: Strong censorship, religious persecution
vs
VOTE
REVOLUTION
WELFARE
There should be state welfare and assistance for the poor (orphans, widows, disabled, aged) by pensions, grants, subsidizing food, housing, healthcare etc. This is not something that originates with socialists or communists. It was present in the Law of Moses which legislated assistance for the poor, e.g.
The eventual return of property lost due to financial difficulty. If someone became poor and sold their property, it could be redeemed at a later stage.
Lev 25:25-28 (NIV) But if they do not acquire the means to repay, what was sold will remain in the possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee. It will be returned in the Jubilee, and they can then go back to their property.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Gleaning – food assistance
Lev 23:22 (NIV) When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you…
WELFARE
Solomon – the son of David – requests God to enable him as king to assist the needy. This is prophetic also of the future reign of the quintessential “Son of David” in the Millennium.
Ps 72:12-14 (NIV) For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.
EDUCATION
In Biblical times, education (in particular religious education) was the parents' responsibility.
Deut 6:6-7 (ESV) And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Prov 1:8 (ESV) Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching
Eph 6:4 (ESV) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
IS EDUCATION A GOVERNMENT ROLE?
Sons often followed the trade of the father, so they would often be taught by the parent. Some, like Paul though, were instructed by a teacher – in his case, Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). While modern parents may need to send their children to educators to acquire skills they themselves are not able to teach, nothing in the Bible can be used to indicate that this is solely the government’s responsibility.
While parents may pass responsibility on to others (like a school, Sunday School or university) they are not released from the accountability before God. They will have to give account to him for what they have done with the children committed to their trust. God will hold them responsible for their children receiving an education that leaves God out.
TYPES OF GOVERNMENT
WHO RULES?
DEMOCRACY vs AUTOCRACY
Autocracy: a system of government in which one person holds all political, economic, social, and military power. The autocrat’s rule is unlimited and absolute and is not subject to any legal or legislative limitation.
E.g. dictatorships, such as North Korea and Cuba
Democracy: refers to a form of government in which the people are given a direct role in choosing their leadership. Its primary goal is governance through fair representation, a system in which no single force or entity can exercise unchecked control or authority. Democracy is typified by fair and free elections, civic participation, protection of human rights, and the rule of law. **
According to Pew Research: As of the end of 2017, 96 out of 167 countries with populations of at least 500,000 (57%) were democracies of some kind, and only 21 (13%) were autocracies, 46
(28%) – exhibited
elements
of both
democracy
and autocracy.*
According to Pew Research: As of the end of 2017, 96 out of 167 countries with populations of at least 500,000 (57%) were democracies of some kind, and only 21 (13%) were autocracies, 46
(28%) – exhibited
elements
of both
democracy
and autocracy.*
OLIGARCHY
Oligarchy (meaning "rule of the few") is a catch-all phrase for any number of other forms of governance in which a specific set of qualities — wealth, heredity, race — are used to vest power in a small group of individuals. *
Plutocracy – rule by the rich.
Military junta – a government led by a committee of military leaders.
The apartheid government that ruled South Africa from 1948 to 1991 was a racially constructed oligarchy, one in which the minority white population exercised dominance and imposed segregation over the nation’s black population. *
Theocracy – rule by religious leaders.
THEOCRACY
Theocracy: a form of government in which a specific religious ideology informs the leadership, laws, and customs of a nation. In many instances, there will be little to no distinction between scriptural laws and legal
codes. Likewise, religious clergy will typically occupy roles of
leadership, and in some instances, the highest office in the
nation. *
E.g.: Since the 1979 revolution toppled the Iranian
monarchy, the ayatollahs have ruled the in Iran.
The elected president is subservient to this
supreme Islamic scholar.
AUTOCRATIC GOVERNMENT TYPES
Monarchy: a form of autocratic rule in which absolute power and authority are held by a single member of a royal bloodline. Until the 19th century, monarchy was the most common form of government in the world. In a constitutional monarchy the sovereign exercises authority in accordance with a constitution.
E.g. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Swaziland, and Brunei.
Some modern monarchies are merely symbolic (e.g. the UK).
Military Dictatorship: A nation ruled with absolute power by the head of the armed forces - who seize power in a coup d'état, not by a democratic election.
E.g. Sudan (2019), Mali (2020) and Myanmar (2021).
FEDERALISM
Federalism: is a form of democratic government that both combines and divides powers between a centralized federal authority and an array of regional and local authorities. This is typically a system in which a set of states, territories, or provinces
are both self-governing
and beholden to
the authority of
a broad, unifying
government structure. *
Example: USA
OLDER TYPES OF GOVERNMENT
Tribalism: a form of governance in which there is an absence of central authority and where, instead, various regional tribes lay claim to different territories.
This was particularly common in the premodern world ... e.g.: Afghanistan
Colonialism: is a form of governance in which a nation will seek to extend its sovereignty over other territories. This often entails occupation of indigenous populations and exploitation of resources to the benefit of the ruling nation. *
Colonialism is obsolete today. Just between 1945-1960, three dozen new states in Asia and Africa achieved independence from their European colonial rulers.
ANARCHY
Anarchy: the absence of government, a condition in
which a nation or state operates without a central
governing body. This denotes an absence of public
utilities or services, a lack of regulatory control … and
in most instances, a society divided into different,
locally-ruled settlements. *
Now, some intellectuals in the West have openly
espoused anarchy based on a utopian view of society and an overly optimistic view of human nature. “We can get along without government,” they say. Well, the problem is Romans 3:10-18 has already diagnosed the human heart. **
THE RESULT OF ANARCHY
If you remove government, people's sinful nature is unrestrained and loss of life, liberty and property would be even more widespread.
Rom 3:10-18 (NIV) There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless. There is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves, their tongues practice deceit, the poison of vipers is on their lips, their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness, their feet are swift to shed blood. Ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.
WHAT ABOUT BAD GOVERNMENT?
Now, the government of Saddam Hussein's was a wicked government, evil. It's better that it's not there, but in the absence even of that evil government, look what happens. People's wickedness floats to the surface, people take advantage of the situation. *
We saw the same in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. You see pictures or reports of looters going all over the place, and then private citizens guarding their possessions with weapons and willing to gun down anybody who steps on their property. It's anarchy. *
So even bad government restrains evil and chaos. Without government, might makes right and anarchy rules. *
THE ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CITIZENS
God expects civil servants to be just, righteous and godly.
Prov 29:2 (NKJV) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Ps 72:1-2 (NIV) Endow the king with your justice, O God … May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.
These civil servants should not engage in corruption.
Prov 29:4 (NIV) By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
NO CORRUPTION
Isaiah 1:23 (NIV) Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts…
Micah 7:2-3 (NIV) The faithful have been swept from the land … the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the
powerful dictate what they desire…
NO EXTORTION
Likewise, the security forces must not be corrupt and extort money from the people they are supposed to protect.
Luke 3:14 (ESV) Soldiers also
asked him, “And we, what
shall we do?” And he said to
them, “Do not extort money
from anyone by threats or
by false accusation, and be
content with your wages.”
JUSTICE FOR THE POOR & FOREIGNERS
The poor and foreigners (non-citizens) must not be deprived of justice.
Ex 12:49 (NIV) The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.
Ex 22:21-22 (NIV) Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.
Deut 24:17 (NIV) Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.
CONCERN FOR THE POOR & UNDERPRIVILEGED
God rebukes the leaders of Israel for lack of concern for the underprivileged.
Isa 1:23 (NIV) Your rulers … do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.
The Divine Council (angelic beings who work behind the scenes of rulers) are judged by God for failing to promote these actions.
Psalm 82:3-4 (NIV) Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
THE ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR OF GOOD CHRISTIAN CITIZENS
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO GOVERNMENT
We are to recognize that the powers that be are ordained by God.
Rom 13:2 (NIV) 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.
Rom 13:6-7 (NIV) … the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
This truth applies even to ungodly human governments. In fact, when Paul wrote those words, the evil emperor Nero was on the throne.
SUBMISSION
Obey the laws of the land.
Titus 3:1 (NASB) Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed
Rom 13:5 (NIV) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
1 Pet 2:13-14 (NASB) Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him …
EXCEPTIONS
We obey the law unless it conflicts with God’s law (e.g. prohibition on worship or evangelising). In that situation the believer must rather obey God.
Acts 4:18-20 (NIV) Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s
eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You
be the judges! As for us, we cannot
help speaking about what we have
seen and heard.”
TAXES
In order to pay for services (security forces, infrastructure, etc.) taxes need to be collected from the able-bodied workers. Christians should be good citizens and pay their taxes.
Rom 13:6-7 (NIV) 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…
RENDER TO CAESAR
Matt 22:17-21 (ESV) “Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.
And Jesus said to them, “Whose
likeness and inscription is this?”
They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said
to them, “Therefore render to Caesar
the things that are Caesar’s, and to
God the things that are God’s.”
RESPECT
We must respect our leaders.
Rom 13:6-7 (NIV) … the authorities are God’s servants… If you owe … respect, then [give] respect; if honour, then honour.
We must not slander our leaders.
Ex 22:28 (NIV) Do not … curse the ruler of your people. [cf. Acts 23:5]
King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defence … Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. [Acts 26:2-3, NIV)
PRAYER
We must pray for our leaders.
1 Tim 2:1-3 (NASB) First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so
that we may lead a tranquil
and quiet life in all godliness
and dignity. This is good
and acceptable in the
sight of God our Saviour.
THE WATCHDOG
Do we never speak out against the evil committed by leaders?
The prophet Nathan publicly rebuked David for his sin (2 Samuel 12:7).
The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke
out against evil leadership and God’s
coming judgment.
John the Baptist publicly reprimanded
Herod for his adulterous relationship.
Peter and John refused to obey the
Sanhedrin’s direct command to refrain
from preaching.
You are the man!
ELIJAH AND AHAB
After Queen Jezebel uses false witnesses to get
Naboth killed in order for her husband,
Ahab, to seize his land, King Ahab is
confronted by the prophet Elijah.
This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property? … This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ [1 Kings 21:19, NIV]
CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT
Note the following though:
It was the spiritual leaders who acted as the watchdog for the government.
They spoke out publicly against the sinful practices.
It was only godly kings like David who accepted harsh criticism from God’s prophet and repented. Those who condemned the rulers often faced consequences e.g. Peter and John were flogged, Elijah had to flee to escape execution. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit. Jewish tradition says that Isaiah was sawn in two at the order of King Manasseh.
CONSEQUENCES
John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed for condemning Herod’s sin.
Matt 14:3-4 (ESV) For
Herod had seized John
and bound him and put
him in prison for the sake
of Herodias, his brother
Philip’s wife, because
John had been saying
to him, “It is not lawful
for you to have her.”
THE ROLE OF CHRISTIANS IN GOVERNMENT
PROGRESSIVE REVELATION
God reveals more of himself progressively in the dispensations:
Thus, despite the end of the Dispensation of Innocence, the state of innocence still remains (for children).
Isa 7:16 (NKJV) For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good …
Conscience continues (for adults). Unbelievers are ruled by their conscience.
Rom 2:15 (NIV) They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.
CONTINUED ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
So too, human government remains today as a restraint on human evil. In fact, government will be the mechanism Christ uses to rule with his saints in the Millennium.
Isa 9:6 (NASB) For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders …
Daniel 7:27 (ESV) And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
CONTINUED ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
Even though some governments may be corrupt (just like people’s consciences) they are still a tool of God for limiting wickedness.
If you think government is bad, anarchy is worse. Consider that before the Flood only 8 people on the planet were spared God’s judgment.
Therefore while we do not hold to Postmillennialism – which says the world is totally converted (including government) before the coming of Christ, we believe Christians have a role to play in ensuring we have good governments.
SHOULD CHRISTIANS VOTE?
Christians fulfil this role by voting for righteous rulers and by participating in politics.
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
- John Quincy Adams (sixth president of the USA)
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your
government, then you are doomed to live under
the rule of fools. ... The price of apathy towards
public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”
- Plato (Ancient Greek philosopher)
SHOULD CHRISTIANS PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNMENT?
Christians can participate in and influence even ungodly governments.
Nehemiah influenced a pagan government to support the rebuilding of the temple.
Esther used her influence with government to save her people from genocide.
DANIEL AND HIS 3 FRIENDS
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were righteous men who functioned as high-ranking administrators in pagan governments and repeatedly used their positions for good.
JOSEPH
As the second-in-command in
a pagan Egyptian government,
Joseph was able to save both
his people and the Egyptians
from starvation.
“The only thing necessary for
the triumph of evil is for good
men to do nothing.” - Edmund
Burke (18th century Irish
statesman and philosopher)
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Other Scripture quotations taken from:
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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