AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH: God appointed a “bad president,” Christians must still submit
Christians must submit to rulers and authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:2-5). However, if your King or President tells you to dishonor God, the Bible has caveats to dissent (Romans 13:1; Mark 12:17). We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
We must obey God rather than men.
Five examples in the Bible of why we should submit, even if the government is wayward
1. The Jews submitted to their evil captors
The Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, and Jewish religious leaders of “God’s chosen people” were abusive. In WW2, the Jews submitted to Hitler’s evil reign to the point of death.
Some may call it weakness, but perhaps, their ability to submit to authority or inability to rebel is one reason they were chosen as God’s people.
What happened to the Jews was beyond painful. Europeans have been trying to drive out Jews for hundreds of years, but they wouldn’t budge until Hitler.
The aftermath of WW2 fulfilled one of the most critical Biblical prophecies. Israel was reborn, fulfilling God’s promise to return them to the promised land after 2,000 years.
Biblical prophecy fulfilled.
2. Nehemiah led a rally but submitted to the crown
Nehemiah led the “great protest” in the Bible. He defended his people from bad leaders who exploited them. Others use this to justify government resistance. Well, it is not.
Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, which meant he had to be submissive and respectful to be trusted. He reasoned and fought for the people being abused by their own Jewish brothers, not the King. [Nehemiah Commentary]
3. The Hebrews submitted to slavery and waited on God
Moses’ family hid him when he was a baby. When he grew up, God appointed Moses to tell the Pharoah to release His people, who had been enslaved for 430 years.
God’s people could have mounted an earlier revolution, but they waited on God. “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord. Although their deliverance took a long time, God’s glory was revealed according to His timeline.
4. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego’s attitude towards a pagan king
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the pagan gods. God alone deserves our worship! They expressed their position gently and respectfully before King Nebuchadnezzar. Not affront and without insulting his gods. [Daniel 3:16; Gill’s Exposition]
In the end, God’s glory was revealed after they submitted to the cruel order. The King’s attitude changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego by issuing a decree to protect and promote them.
God’s glory revealed.
5. The apostles urge us to be at peace with leaders, good or bad
Even if the pagan Roman authority was evil, the Apostles urged Christians to pray, intercede, & be thankful. Why? So that they may have a peaceful quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
They left the political battle to unbelievers because they fought the real enemy.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
Titus 3:1-2
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, obey, be ready for every good work, slander no one, avoid fighting, and be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.”
Romans 13:1
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except God, and God has instituted those that exist.”
Acts 23:5
And Paul said…, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ (Exodus 22:28; Ecc 10:20)
Why would God allow a bad leader to rule?
Evil rulers have NO authority unless God allows them to continue in their seats of power (John 19:11). We do not know the mind of God as to why He would allow bad leaders to rule. In the past, God placed “bad leaders” for these reasons:
- To judge a nation. (2 Kings 20:17-18)
- Test their faithfulness. (Isaiah 13:19)
- Expose sin that brought judgment. (Isaiah 10:5-19)
- Set in motion the birth of the Messiah. (Psalm 18:50)
God chooses who sits on an earthly throne
Pilate asked Jesus, “Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
God establishes all government, good or evil, and removes them as He pleases. (Romans 13:1; Daniel 2:20-22)
God has raised up wicked rulers in the past to judge a nation
God raised the Chaldeans to judge and punish His people. Habakkuk cries out, “Lord, You appointed them to execute judgment; my Rock, You destined them to punish us…” (Hab 1:6; 12-13).
Many more rulers abused the Jews, but God also raised an unbeliever like King Cyrus to save His people (Isaiah 45:1-25). We have to trust God for the kind of leaders he gives us.
Is it a sin to criticize a bad person?
Remember, Jesus avoided politics: In Matthew 21:22, if Jesus said NO to pay taxes, it’s subversion. If He said YES, it’s condoning the Emperor’s ownership of the people. Jesus pointed to the image of Caesar and said, “Give back to Ceasar…” The people were amazed because he was apolitical to something that had obvious political implications.
Our response as Christians
The apostles didn’t bother to change the government; why should you? We are citizens of heaven, and our task is to make disciples (Philippians 3:20; Matthew 28:16-20).
Expose evil
If God gives you a platform—expose evil! If you work in the government, exercise righteousness. Meantime, we move mountains through intercession and change society through discipleship.
Jesus knew the abuses of the Roman government, but His appeal was to the hearts of men, not their political freedom. (Matthew 22:21)
social justice in the Bible is helping the brethren, not arguing with authority.
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Should Christians rally?
Is it a sin to criticize the government?
Maraming Christians ang makakarelate dito. Nakakatawa kasi minsan yung mga leader mong magsasabi sayo ng tama, sila pa mismo ang hindi makakagawa noon. Respetuhin mo pa rin kahit ganun ang leader mo, kasi sila pa rin ang binigay ni Lord na manguna sayo
Hindi ako agree sa sinasabi mo kasi kung ano ang puno yun din ang bunga. Kaya if your leader is a bad influence to you, you better evaluate on yourself. Baka hindi mo alam na cocorrupt ka na rin
We can’t expect all to agree. Remember, the Holy Bible is the book for God’s Children.
Everyone is created by God but not all are His children. He only gives and grants the adaption to His family to those who believe and receive Him as Lord and Savoiur.
John 1:12 , “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Matthew 7:23, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
It’s true that we must submit to our governing authorities, but not if they violate God’s laws.. and that is in the bible. Please research and then give the correct info here. Thanks!
well that’s tough
Christians are commanded to submit to rulers and authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:2-5). However, if your leader is asking you to dishonor God, the Bible has caveats to dissent (Romans 13:1; Mark 12:17). We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
You can find this in the same document..
It’s fucking wimps like you stupid “Christians” that we have such a backwards perverted world. Why did the American colonists rebel against the British empire? They didn’t submit, did they? Fucking weaklings!
Some believers felt led by the Holy Spirit and did subject themselves to the Jab. This does not make them wrong or disobedient. Results are in and millions of people have now suffered the consequences of listening to their false leaders and many are now six feet under due to their bad decision making. Satan comes to lie to kill and to steal and destroy us because he uses evil rulers to do his bidding to accomplish his evil deeds. Jesus came to give us life and not death. There is a fine line and hearing the Holy Spirit will keep us informed and alive. It is time to wake up and become people that shun fear and tyranny in the face of persecution. It is sad to see that so many are still deceived and still believe the lie no matter how great the evidence is…even 3 years later.