Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 13:1-7.

 

“¹  Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 

 

²  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;  and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

 

³  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

 

⁴  for it is a minister of God to you for good.  But if you do what is evil, be afraid;  for it does not bear the sword for nothing;  for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

 

⁵  Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

 

⁶  For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.

 

⁷  Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom;  fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”  Romans 13:1-7. 

 

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Here is what The Belgic Confession states in part:

 

Article 36:  Of Magistrates.

We believe that our gracious God, because of the depravity of mankind, hath appointed kings, princes and magistrates, willing that the world should be governed by certain laws and policies; to the end that the dissoluteness of men might be restrained, and all things carried on among them with good order and decency.  For this purpose he hath invested the magistracy with the sword, for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the protection of them that do well.  …

to subject himself to the magistrates;  to pay tribute, to show due honor and respect to them, and to obey them in all things which are not repugnant to the Word of God;  to supplicate for them in their prayers, that God may rule and guide them in all their ways, and that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  Wherefore we detest the Anabaptists and other seditious people, and in general all those who reject the higher powers and magistrates, and would subvert justice, introduce community of goods, and confound that decency and good order, which God hath established among men.

And, we need to pray for our government leaders.

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4.