Government affects our lives daily. It tells us how fast
to drive. It regulates our commerce. It protects us from foreign and
domestic strife. Yet we rarely take time to consider its basic function.
What is a biblical view of government? Why do we have government? What
kind of government does the Bible allow?A Christian view of government
differs significantly from views proposed by many political theorists. The
basis for civil government is rooted in our created nature. We are
rational and volitional beings. We are not determined by fate, as the
Greeks would have said, nor are we determined by our environment as modern
behaviorists say. We have the power of choice. Therefore we can exercise
delegated power over the created order. Thus a biblical view of human
nature requires a governmental system that acknowledges human
responsibility.
While the source of civil government is rooted in human responsibility,
the need for government derives from the necessity of controlling human
sinfulness. God ordained civil government to restrain evil (cf. Gen. 9).
Anarchy, for example, is not a viable option because all have sinned (Rom.
3:23) and are in need of external control.
Resources helpful in understanding Biblical governmental and legal
responsibilities for Christians include:
