Civil Law, Morality, and Holiness

by Micky Galloway

Romans chapter 13 discusses some practical applications of holiness. Perhaps it is a given to recognize that we have a responsibility to civil law (cf Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-17; Matthew 22:17-21; I Timothy 2:1-2).

Law and order is ordained of God (Romans 13:1-2). This had a special application to these Christians in Rome. Jews were reluctant to be subject to the Roman government. It is also reasonable to expect Jews who became Christians to hold on to their former prejudice against being subject to Rome. Gentiles who had become Christians were likely to feel that if Christ is their king, they would not be expected to be subject to any other power. Certainly, if civil power demands that a Christian do anything against the will of God, “we must obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29). However, to resist the government is to take a stand against or defy the authority of government that God has ordained.

Law and order is a terror to the evil, but a blessing to the good (Romans 13:3-4). Please note that the Roman government imprisoned Paul and was responsible for his execution. Yet, he is affirming the proper functions of civil governments. Paul had said before Festus, “If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death , I refuse not to die” (Acts 25:11). Governments sometimes fail to function within their proper limits, just as churches sometimes fail to function as they should. However, this does not prove that the devil originated governmental power any more than he is responsible for the church. Civil government bears "the sword" (a symbol of power; even power to inflict death as a penalty for crime). The death penalty for certain crimes has long been recognized by God. “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:6).

Two motives are described for subjection to civil law. “Wherefore (ye) must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience sake” (Romans 13:5).Wrath indicates the penalty of the government that would be inflicted for failure to be in subjection and certainly the Christian must obey the authorities to have a clear conscience before God.

Involved in this responsibility, Paul says, “Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:7). Brethren, pay your taxes! The Lord taught the Jews to pay their taxes (cf Matthew 22:15-22). Cheating on income taxes is not a new problem and it is still sinful.

This same duty extends to all men. Those willing to cheat the government are often willing to cheat their neighbor. Paul said, “Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8). Pay promptly what you have agreed to pay. When it is time to meet an obligation meet it promptly! Paul is not condemning borrowing money. When you pay by the date you have agreed on, you do not owe, but when the due date comes and you do not pay, you owe. Those who recognize their duties and faithfully discharge them will refrain from doing anyone harm. Note the things mentioned in verses 9-10, “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.” This is quite a different rule than the one recognized by this selfish, “dog eat dog” world.

The fact that salvation is before us helps us to enforce these duties (Romans 13:11-14). The Christian knows that eternal salvation is nearer each day (cf James 5:8; I Peter 4:7; II Peter 3:8-11; Ephesians 5:14; I Thessalonians 5:1-11). Knowing this it is time to wake up! We must “cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). Isn’t that interesting? Christians must live differently from the world and recognize a different standard. Paul had already said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, (which is) your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2; cf Ephesians 5:11; 6:11-17). If we are to live differently, we must learn to think differently from the world, “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5).

We must also learn to walk becomingly (honestly) (Romans 13:13). Again, Paul had already said, “Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17). Do not walk in “reveling” (disorderly conduct, generally characteristic of a drunkard). Do not walk in “chambering” (unchaste conduct with the opposite sex) or “wantonness” (lewd and promiscuous behavior). Do not walk in “strife and jealousy” as these usually grow out of such conduct. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14; cf Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:9-10; Galatians 5:16-24; I Peter 2:11). As we strive to become more like Christ, making his life our life, we must not make provision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.