“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” – Romans 13:1-5 KJV

This is likely one of the most misunderstood passages of the Bible. For many take this to mean that we must yield to all governing authorities and rulers because God supposedly appointed them to their offices. But is this what this passage is really saying? Did God really appoint all governing authorities and rulers in this way, or only those that respect His Law?

When this passage is read in context it clearly shows that it is not referring to all governing authorities and rulers, but only to those authorities and rulers that are “not a terror to good works, but to the evil” (v. 3). In other words, governing authorities that are appointed by God are expected to uphold His Commandments. For they are essentially His servants; and where these governing authorities and rulers do not honor God is where we should not yield to them. For then they would be a terror to good works, and a help to evil. By yielding to them in this way we would be supporting them in their cause to further the work of Satan. But we can see very clearly that the Scriptures tell us that God’s governing authorities are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Moreover, they are identified as “a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (v. 4).

Therefore it makes perfect sense to conclude that not all governing authorities have been appointed by God, because not all governing authorities subject themselves to His good works. Incidentally, just because God allows certain people or entities to rule over and govern us, it doesn’t mean that He has appointed them to their offices or that He approves of everything that they stand for or represent. Of course, that’s not to say that certain authorities and rulers can’t be appointed by God and falter along the way at some point. Indeed, a ruling authority could be appointed by God and thus serve Him faithfully for a time; but that same authority can fall into temptation at some point and rebel against Him too, in which case it would not be a terror to evil, but rather a facilitator of it.

It is important for us to understand this because this passage will be used as a means to deceive many people who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. In other words, it will be used by people who claim to be ministers of Jesus Christ in a manipulative manner to persuade those who look to the Scriptures for guidance to subject themselves to governing authorities that do not reflect the virtues of Jesus Christ. The end result for many will be that they will receive the mark of the beast.

Therefore it is important for us to be grounded in the truth so that we may discern the wiles of Satan and see the face of evil for what it really is. Unfortunately, many are not grounded in the truth and do not see the evil and corruption that exists within the world as clearly as they ought to. In many ways they have actually embraced the enemy by accepting the ideas of false ecumenism and moral relativism, which are essentially unlawful worldviews that favor man-made rules and traditions over the Commandments of God. Such is the path that leads to receiving the mark of the beast.

Let’s not forget that the Bible makes it very clear that those who receive the mark of the beast will do so as a result of being deceived.

“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” – Revelation 19:20 KJV

Deception occurs when there is a lack of understanding on matters concerning the truth; it is not enough for us to simply read the Bible in a casual or sporadic manner. Instead, we must study its contents prayerfully, thoughtfully, and contextually. For reading the Bible in a casual or sporadic manner is to leave room for the cultivation of error and misinterpretations that could potentially lead to a destructive end. And many people have done this very thing with Romans 13, that is, they have ignored its context.

Indeed, there may come a time when you will be led to believe that in order to obey Romans 13 you must yield your existence to governing authorities that do not properly represent God. Nevertheless, always keep in mind that Jesus didn’t just say, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s…”, but also said that we should render “unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21 KJV). Hence the government does not own you; and you do not owe your existence to it. To the contrary, you belong to Jesus Christ.

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV

Don’t get me wrong here; I am not telling you that you should live by the sword, or that you should rebel against governing authorities on all counts. For the Bible makes it very clear that those who live by the sword will die by the sword (Rev. 13:10). Moreover, it informs us that vengeance belongs to God (Rom. 12:19). God will have His Day of vengeance; it’s not for us to try to hasten it, but to be patient and continue to exercise faith in Him.

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” – Revelation 14:12 KJV

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV

What this all comes down to is that we should only obey governing authorities where they are manifesting obedience to God; but where they do not manifest obedience to God they should be rejected. Thus our allegiance must be given to God; and our way of doing this is by keeping His Commandments. Man-made rules and laws are secondary. Of course, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t follow man-made rules and laws. They have their place in maintaining order, executing justice, and protecting the people; but if any rule or law doesn’t agree with God’s order of things it should be rejected.  In other words, the thought of yielding to an ungodly rule or law should not even enter into our minds. Not even for a moment.  For first and foremost, we ought to pledge our allegiance to the Lamb of God, that is, to Jesus Christ.  Not to government.  And all governing authorities should do the same.