CIVIL GOVERNMENT AND EVIL
In speaking of the christians obligation to government we often quote Romans 13:1. "Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God." We are certainly right in stressing the responsibility one has to follow the laws under which he lives. Peter stated it this way,"Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
We must obey government unless their laws attempt to override God's (Acts 5:29). But, there is another side to this issue spoken of in the latter part of verse # 4, which says "But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. " The christian should not only obey government, he has the right to expect government to protect him from, and to punish those who practice evil. God expects that of government, just as he expects you and I to obey laws.
It is in this that we see a failure in the government under which we live, no matter the political party. Yes, they do protect us from some evils, but not all. In fact, they encourage some evil by the laws they pass or by ignoring the fact they are sinful actions. Why does our government even bother to discuss stem cell research, abortion, homosexuality, gambling, drunkenness, fornication, adultery, sorcery, and many other sins under the guise of entertainment, tax sources, freedom of expression, life style, women's choice etc. Seldom do we hear a Senator, Congressman or the President appeal to sin as a reason for opposing an action or proposed law, when that is what God expects of them. In reality they ignore the biblical description of sin, and appeal to man's reasoning, philosophy, the constitution, and other sources for failing to stand against things that are evil.
I recognize that some may think this teaching strange in our free society, but it is just as scriptural as Romans 13.1. It only requires reading a couple more verses to find governments obligation to society is as great as societies obligation to government.
Jack