The Government of Heaven

Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” The Apostle Paul here was telling the converted God-fearing Christ-follower that they were “in the world”, but not “of this world”. That means having duel-citizenship in this “fallen-in-sin” world and in the kingdom of Heaven, Christians are to live tolerating the godless inequity going on around them, but not be a part of it and live as a light of God’s Word, Will and Way; that the righteous love, joy and peace may be seen and understood, that the grace of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the Savior of the world) may be revealed and an informed and informed choice for salvation made. The born-again Believer is to be an Ambassador for the kingdom of God, making disciples of all nations, decreasing the population of hell, increase the population of Heaven, and advancing the kingdom means being involved in our culture; not isolating ourselves from it. Our immutable and sovereign Creator God has established laws and chains of command to facilitate order in society.   

 

Romans 13:1 says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” The Framers and Fathers of the United States Constitution of government understood this, as evidenced by President George Washington’s statement: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.” Christians are to always be involved in the governing of the nation and be subject to the governing authorities and laws to support stability and peace. The Bible says that God is involved in the process of overseeing the life we live, including government. 

 

Matthew 10:28 tells us, “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” That “Him” would be our perfect almighty God. The American Family Association points out that immoral leaders are God’s reward for an immoral culture. Our culture is not a reflection of our leaders. Our leaders are a reflection of our culture. Of course, when it comes to obeying our leaders, when man’s laws oppose God’s, we must obey God’s law every time. If an unbelieving atheist establish secular laws demanding that Believers disobey the law of God found in the Holy Word of sacred Scripture, they must refuse to comply, challenge the ungodly human authority and defend the faith, stating God’s truth in the land where “In God We Trust” is not only our national Motto, but our way of life. The Bible is the subjective truth and the subjective standard for society. Human immorality and sin are not.

 

Ephesians 2:1-3 is clear that because of the “Fall of Man,” we are all dead in trespasses and sins  in which we walk according to the course of this fallen world, according to the devil, (the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience), among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath. The Bible is clear that all have sinned and the wages of sin is dead and eternal damnation. But, by God’s grace, He sent Jesus Christ (the Savior of the world) that whoever believes in Him should not perish but be forgiven, saved and have everlasting life. On this side of eternity, repentant born-again Believers do not follow sinners, but tolerate them as they follow the government of Heaven, Heaven’s God, and their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, while led by the Holy Spirit in righteousness on the straight and narrow path, being godly and moral, salt and light impacting their culture. In God We Trust.

 

In Christ, Brian