What does the Bible say about a Christian’s relationship to civil government? While there is quite a difference between the elected government in the US and the oppressive dictatorships in some countries, what God says about civil government applies to both. The statement below is our church’s proposed doctrinal statement about Civil Government.

We believe that God has ordained civil government for the good order of society and the punishment of evil (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:1-7). We should honor, obey, and pray for government officials (Acts 23:5; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-14, 17) and pay taxes when required (Matt. 22:15-22; Rom. 13:7). However, we must respectfully disobey laws and commands from civil government that contradict the clear teaching of Scripture (Ex. 1:15-21; Dan. 3:13-18; Acts 4:19-20; 5:29). Because not all government officials are just or God-fearing (2 Sam. 23:3), we should use discernment so as not to be unnecessarily taken advantage of (Acts 16:35-39; 25:9-11).