God's Plan for Civil Government – Part 7 - Sermons on Romans 13:1-6 were different in Colonial Times

In January through April of 2012 I led a Bible Study on the Bible and Civil Government. It lasted 13 weeks. These lessons are being posted on a website: https://bibleandcivilgovernment.com.

The Lessons are a bit long for people to read on facebook, so the lessons are being posted on facebook in shorter pieces.

God's Plan for Civil Government # 6

From Number 7: Has it always been this way?

The Answer from number 5 is "No". Lets look at one more exceprt from a sermon on Romans 13:1-7:

Rev. Jonathan Mayhew

The apostle enters upon his subject thus—Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God. Here he urges the duty of obedience from this topic of argument, that civil rulers, as they are supposed to fulfil the pleasure of God, are the ordinance of God. But how is this an argument for obedience to such rulers as do not perform the pleasure of God, by doing good; but the pleasure of the devil, by doing evil; and such as are not, therefore, God’s ministers, but the devil’s! Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation.

Here the apostle argues, that those who resist a reasonable and just authority, which is agreeable to the will of God, do really resist the will of God himself; and will, therefore, be punished by him. But how does this prove, that those who resist a lawless, unreasonable power, which is contrary to the will of God, do therein resist the will and ordinance of God? Is resisting those who resist God’s will, the same thing with resisting God? Or shall those who do so, receive to themselves damnation!

The sermon by Jonathan Mayhew was delivered in 1750 and was instrumental in framing the sentiment that led to the resulting conflict with England.

This sermon was typical of sermons delivered on this subject and specifically Romans 13:1-7 throughout the Colonies by what became known as the Black Regiment, due to the prevalence of black robes.

Comparing the modern interpretations and newer translations with the sermon by Jonathan Mayhew and other Black Regiment preachers of the Colonial period - raises some questions:

• Does the Scripture show that God chooses all magistrates and ordains their authority over us? – No, the Scripture demonstrates otherwise. --
• Did the apostles contradict their own words? Although not contained in the Bible - historical records state that most of the Apostles and Disciples were put to death for disobeying their civil government. Did these apostles contradict their own words? – Doubtful! --
• Does God’s Word command us to obedience in all cases? The Scripture contains many passages which demonstrate deliberate disobedience to civil government with God’s Blessing. If God gave His Blessing to disobedience to civil government would His Word command us to obedience in all cases? – Doubtful! –
• Based upon these modern interpretations our country would have been founded in disobedience to God. Did our Founding Fathers deliberately violate God’s Word? Their statements indicate they thought otherwise!

The next step in this study will be to look at each of these questions to determine if there is a contradiction in these modern translations and interpretations. If you are looking for a short bible study, quit reading now. This study will cover a lot of Scripture. The Lord actually gave us clear instructions on civil government, perhaps someday in the future we will follow these commands again as in the past ...

The Bible is the inspired Word of God and is inerrant.

If there are such differences and questions it is a case of:

A lack of knowledge … or …

A lack of understanding … or  …

False doctrine.

When faced with conflicting interpretations that seem to reflect a contradiction we need to study further to receive the Truth which will set us free.

If there are in fact contradictions and we do not study further then will we be viewed by God as he viewed Israel speaking through the prophet Hosea, “My people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge.” Will our land receive God’s Judgment as the northern kingdom did?

 

Part 8 - Does God Choose All Magistrates