Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Romans 13:1 NKJ)
We are told in Scripture to submit to those in authority (Romans 13:1-7); yet, are we to obey those in “authority” when they violate the law of the land or require believers in Christ to violate the law of God; i.e., not preach the gospel or not gather yourselves together on the Lord’s Day, or some such edict that is given under the pretense of the “common good” of humanity?
Let’s be clear about this; the “authority” is the written rule of law. Those in authority are only those who rule under the rule of law (the rule of law is what gives a person his “authority”), whether it’s civil law or God’s law. We are to submit to those who are in authority as civil magistrates as long as they submit themselves to the rule of law, as long as the civil law doesn’t violate the law of God in His word. Even those in “authority” within the church are subject to the God’s rule of law that is according to His written word, the Bible. Believers are to obey those in authority over them, so long as those in “authority” remain faithful to God’s word and don’t require anything that is contrary to God’s commandments or cause those under their authority to stumble by imposing man-made commandments.
Peter disobeyed the Jewish rulers (those in “authority”) of his day when they told him he couldn’t preach the gospel (see Acts 4:18-20 and 5:27-32). By the way, after being beaten Peter and those with him went out anyway, “daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:32).
The apostle Paul also defied the Jewish leaders by preaching of the gospel and was incarcerated for years as a result under Roman guard (see Acts beginning with Chapter 21 to the end of that New Testament historical record) – eventually, the apostle lost his head, literally, because he refused to obey the magistrate and bow his knee to Caesar who claimed to be a god.
Today, in the post-Christian era, or Neo-Christian culture, many churches have embraced cultural ideologies and ideas even to the point of denying their Savior, who paid the penalty for, and ransomed many from their sin, making atonement for their sins, once and for all time. Many have devised another gospel, a man-centered works righteousness, which is no gospel at all but just another flavor in the “Baskin & Robbins” selection of religions; or they have re-imagined a “Jesus” that fits their ideologies and humanist notions that robs the Jesus of the Bible of His deity and/or trivializes His death on the cross while denying His Incarnation and resurrection. Others who are more orthodoxy, fundamental or Reformed, in the meantime, have become so weak and cowardly, they won’t even speak up for the truth and the gospel; to stand up for the civic rule of law, much less, God’s rule of law, especially the law of righteousness which is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. They’re too busy with the things of this world to be bothered, too busy chasing the ever illusive “American Dream” (wealth and comfort in the things of this world); or, they are too afraid to jeopardize a business or personal relationship – REALLY!?
Where sinful practices (defined by God’s word, not the culture of our day) abound and celebrated, LAWLESSNESS REIGNS – will you be a part of the lawlessness of our day as a Reformation “Worrier”? Or, will you speak up to defend the truth, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and submit to those in authority as civil magistrates who rule under submission to the rule of law of your nation in so far as it conforms to the God’s Law in Jesus Christ as a Reformation Warrior? The Reformation Warrior will faithfully obey God’s word, even if it means disobeying those in “authority” over them, willing to accept the consequences of obeying God rather man that are unfavorable or even means death. Stand strong in the power of the Holy Spirit – don’t be a cowardly “Worrier” (Revelation 21:8)!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Reformation Gospel Ministries 
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