Keeping Government in Perspective: A Biblical View – As a lifelong Baptist, I’ve often heard the foundational teaching that God has ordained three institutions: the Church, the home, and the government. While this remains biblically true, our interpretation—especially of government—must be rooted in Scripture, not filtered through our national identity.
To teach that God ordained government without rightly dividing the Word of Truth can mislead people into placing flawed systems above God’s ultimate authority.
Government Ordained by God
“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.”
—Romans 13:1 (KJV)
This passage affirms that human authority is allowed by God. But that doesn’t mean every policy or form of government is righteous or God-honoring. Scripture teaches order and submission, but never blind allegiance to systems corrupted by sin.
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
—Romans 13:3–4 (KJV)
These verses reveal God’s intention for government: to restrain evil and commend good. When the government fulfills this role, it operates as a servant of God. But when it rewards evil and punishes righteousness, it no longer reflects its divine purpose.
A Caution Against Nationalism
In America, it’s easy to confuse patriotism with spiritual loyalty. But the Bible wasn’t written with Western democracy in mind. Believers live under monarchies, dictatorships, and communist regimes—and God’s Word remains just as true there.
To assume that the American government uniquely reflects God’s plan is to reduce His sovereignty to our cultural ideals.
We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
—Acts 5:29 (KJV)
When governments demand what God forbids—or forbid what God commands—our loyalty must be to God first. We’re never called to offer unlimited or unconditional loyalty to any human authority, especially when it contradicts the Word.
Tainted Institutions Require Discernment
Like families and churches, governments can be corrupted. God may have ordained the institution, but that doesn’t mean He endorses its every expression. Throughout history, governments have persecuted God’s people, justified evil, and exalted injustice.
The question isn’t “Was this government ordained?”—it’s “Is this government operating in a way that honors God?”
Conclusion: Kingdom First
Yes, God ordained government. But He did not give it supreme authority over our souls. As believers, we must keep our focus on the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world.
Preach truthfully. Live faithfully. And always let the Word of God rise above the word of man.
Keeping Government in Perspective: A Biblical View