Subject Unto Higher Powers

The Christian is commanded by God to obey the state, for the state as an institution is ordained and established by God. God has instituted government because in this fallen world we need certain restraints and authority to protect us from the chaos and lawlessness that is a natural result of sin. The civil government, as does all of life, stands under the law of God. God has ordained the state to be an agent of justice, to restrain evil by punishing the wrongdoer, and to protect the good in society. Paul decribes government as it should be. (Romans 13) When it abandons it's proper function, it is no longer of God nor according to His purpose. For example, when the state requires something contrary to the Word of God, the Christian must obey God rather than man. It is the duty of all believers to pray for those in authority. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)