Authority, of human institutions

The exercise of God-established freedom to regulate society for the good of its members.

Without authority sin is unrestrained

Romans 1:24–26 See also Genesis 6:5 This was before the giving of the law; Judges 21:25; Romans 13:4

Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.

All human authorities are instituted and established by God

Romans 13:1–2 See also Genesis 9:5–6; Daniel 2:21, Daniel 2:37–38, Daniel 4:17, Daniel 5:18–21, Daniel 5:26; John 19:11; 1 Peter 2:13

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Rulers are God's servants to do good and restrain evil

Romans 13:4 See also Isaiah 45:1; Jeremiah 25:9, Jeremiah 27:6, Jeremiah 43:10; Romans 13:6; 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 2:14

For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

The proper response to human authorities

They are to be obeyed by everyone

Romans 13:1 See also Ecclesiastes 8:2; Matthew 22:17–21 parallels Mark 12:14–17, Luke 20:22–25; Romans 13:5–7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13–14

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

They are to be honoured and respected

Proverbs 24:21 See also Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17

My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

They are not to be obeyed if their demands conflict with the law of God

Acts 4:19 See also Exodus 1:17; 1 Kings 21:3; Daniel 3:18, Daniel 6:12; Matthew 22:21 parallels Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25; Hebrews 11:23

But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

They are to be prayed for

1 Timothy 2:1–2 See also Jeremiah 29:7

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Christians are to use rights granted by the authorities

Acts 16:35–39, Acts 22:22–29, Acts 25:1–12