There is a very well-argued, well-cited, scripture-based post this week at Answers in Genesis (link below).
Much has been said about the merits (or rather demerits) of recent legislative trends in the United States of America. Talk radio is abuzz with passionate discussions of the founding fathers, the U.S. Constitution, and the desire for liberty over tyranny (which is insightful and helpful in most cases). Doug Phillips, writing on the AIG website, offers a Biblical view of what makes for God-honoring, scriptural government. A few pull quotes are provided, but the full article is definitely worth a read.
In the years that followed [the fall], three distinct units of government emerged, each with privileges and duties. Today, they are known as family, civil, and church governments. Each government carries a God-ordained instrument of punishment to enforce the moral law of God: The family is given the rod (Proverbs 23:13–14); the state, the sword (Romans 13:4); and the church, the keys (Matthew 16:19). But self-government under God remains the defining obligation of every individual.
The spirit of Babel is alive and well. Men still crave “government” solutions to spiritual problems. At the heart of this crisis is a misdiagnosis of the basic problem. Man’s problem is not his environment; it is sin (”For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~ Romans 6:23 ESV). The solution begins with spiritual redemption, not social reform or state-imposed order. Because nations are comprised of individuals, the solution requires a change in heart, which only God can do.
READ the Full Article at Answers in Genesis: One Nation Over God
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2 ESV)
