What is the Origin of Authority and to what Kingdom are We Influenced by?
There are ultimately two different kingdoms influencing us throughout history: that of the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Scripture reveals the dark sways of the world systems so we can discern, thus avoiding the snares of mixture and seduction, if at all possible:
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. (Eph. 2:2)
…In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not… (2 Cor. 4:4)
Babylon…For thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Rev.18:23)
…The Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. (Jn. 14:17)
It is important to lay some groundwork and define terms. What does the Lord say about these opposing kingdoms? We will go through a discovery process, first, what is authority and its purpose?
Authority: …a right to command or to act;… Power; rule; sway. (Webster’s Dictionary 1828)
From its origin, God gave authority (power; rule; sway) to Adam (mankind) to exercise over creation not humanity.
…Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Gen. 1:28)
I do not believe it was ever God’s intention to sanction, thus setting precedence for man to control and lord over other men. I believe this dominating spirit is a direct result of the fall of man. My examination of Scripture sets the precedence after the flood of Noah’s time with Nimrod, the prince over Babel. Genesis 10 tells the story.
…Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel… (Gen. 10:8-10)
What does it mean, “a mighty one in the earth?”
One who magnifies himself, behaves proudly, a tyrant, who is bold, audacious. (Brown-Driver-Briggs)
What does it mean, “He was a mighty hunter before the LORD?” What was Nimrod hunting?
Nimrod was a great man in his day; he began to be mighty in the earth, Those before him were content to be upon the same level with their neighbours, and though every man bare rule in his own house, yet no man pretended any further. Nimrod was resolved to lord it over his neighbours. The spirit of the giants before the flood, who became mighty men, and men of renown, Ge 6:4, revived in him. Nimrod was a great hunter. Hunting then was the method of preventing the hurtful increase of wild beasts. This required great courage and address, and thus gave an opportunity for Nimrod to command others, and gradually attached a number of men to one leader. From such a beginning, it is likely, that Nimrod began to rule, and to force others to submit. He invaded his neighbours’ rights and properties, and persecuted innocent men; endeavouring to make all his own by force and violence. He carried on his oppressions and violence in defiance of God himself. (Matthew Henry’s Commentary)
In simple terms, Nimrod hunted for the souls of men to rule over them for his selfish agenda in defiance before the Lord. Thus, making them into human resources. This is the origin of the top down, city-state model of government, be it secular or religious systems. Being in contradistinction to God’s design of authority which is possessive, belonging to the individual, not forcefully exercised to lord over others. I believe God originally gave dominion (authority) to the individual, through Adam, to first, rule their own soul, second, for care of family and neighbors.
Fast forwarding to Israel, a nation set-apart by God to produce the promised Messiah to save the world and restore eternal purpose. A nation called out from other nations whose God was their Judge, Lawgiver, and King.
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. He will save us. (Isa. 33:22)
Unfortunately, another precedence was set, to be succinct, the nation degraded from God leading, protecting, and providing for them to a man-king lording over them. In Samuel 8, the people cried out to the prophet Samuel, appoint a king to judge us like all other nations.
But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. They are doing to you just as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods. Now listen to them, but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.” (1 Sam. 8:6-9)
From scripture this is clearly a form of government that rejects the LORD in favor of other gods (powers, authorities, rulers), unfortunately, such is the proclivities of unregenerate man throughout history. The solemn warning of God was not heeded then, as it is not heeded today, as a result they were subjected under a system after the order of Nimrod.
I believe Christ redeemed us and established a new holy nation, the church, the kingdom of God, if we would choose to put Him in His rightful place as King. We need to ask ourselves these important questions: what kingdom is controlling me and in whom have I given authority to influence my life, Nimrod or Christ?
Bringing a Balanced Perspective
In light of the aforementioned, it is fairly obvious, the majority of the systems influencing us today are not from the original intent of God’s heart but that of the lineage of Nimrod. So how do we navigate through this cesspool of negative influences to be as effective as possible for the Kingdom of God? From a balanced perspective, we will examine our biblical responsibility to authorities in civil and church jurisdictions. In doing so, the first question is, have we given our authority or agreement (contract) that obligates us to that group or body politic? If so, out of integrity, it is important to submit to those powers without violating our allegiance and obedience to Christ, if possible. The example of the first century followers of Jesus renounced the cosmos (world order). In several provinces of the Roman Empire, citizens were forced to put a pinch of incense on the altar of Caesar, signifying allegiance or worship, many Christians refused because of their devotion to Christ. This was usually to their peril. Where is that kind of conviction or devotion in America today? Even in light of it not costing our lives as it did theirs–for now.
My conviction is, where the “laws of the land” line up with the laws of God, I will humbly submit to them in obedience to the Lord. Nonetheless, maybe against popular opinion, I do not believe the full counsel of God in scripture supports carte blanche submission to ALL authorities, as previously explained. It has been spoken for years, from multiple pulpits, be subject to all authorities (powers) for they are ordained of God; Just submit, or you will reap damnation on yourself. Usually without a balanced explanation.
May we continue our examination.
In my opinion, there’s grave error with this pervasive misinterpretation of Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Titus 1:1-2 without tempering it with sound exegesis (a critical explanation or interpretation of a text) and Hermeneutics (the study of the principles of interpretation of the Bible). Unfortunately, imbalance, assumptions or half-truths have been spewed from the pulpits of America for decades feeding on the peoples’ ignorance. I first detected this error when I was in my twenties. My conscience knew something was wrong, but all the dots were not connected in my mind. After all, the pastors were supposedly the experts, so I just held my peace, initially. I didn’t have the maturity or understanding to process it soundly. But I couldn’t help my mind from reeling–That means that Emperor Nero, corrupt Papal Rome, Genghis Khan, Hitler, Mussolini, Mao, Hussein, and every other tyrant are “ordained” of God? We have a problem if God is saying to be loving, righteous, good, and holy but at the same time “submit” and obey unholy, arrogant authorities that practice evil. That’s the definition of hypocrisy, or at the least a double standard. God never contradicts Himself. I discovered that if every authority figure is “of God” then why does it say in Scripture:
They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not… (Hos. 8:4)
No matter how sincere, there’s something askew with the way we’ve been taught and are thinking. May I challenge this line of Nimrodic mind control and encourage us to pray for God’s understanding.
What is God-Ordained Authority?
I define God-ordained authority as being those delegated with influence and wisdom from the Creator to accomplish His good will. The Lord spoke to me clearly that His delegated authority is given to serve the object of His love: His people. It is not to be abusive and dictatorial–iron fisted—“little Hitlers” to promote wickedness and self-interest. This is the abuse of power. We can respect or submit to an office without obeying their demands when in conflict with Christ. I believe we have the right, moreover, the godly duty to speak out in objection to error. To take a stand like the early Church in passive resistance and say: “We have only one King–Jesus!” Acts 17:7 (I discuss in another article, Does God Use Ungodly Authority?)
I believe a good approach to making sound decisions in relating to authority is to love what God loves and to hate what He hates. To submit to what is of Him and resist what is not of Him. Scripture says:
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
This should be the plumb-line. It is prudent to guard ourselves against the influences of false religious opinions and moral relativism when making decisions. Having revelation of the Father’s heart gives us discernment in how to relate to the demands of leaders. In the context of America, it is clear to me, scripturally, to obey leaders that exhibit and uphold God’s standard of righteousness and morality. I can support policies that help the poor, the widowed, and the orphaned; laws that protect personal religious freedoms, guards the sanctity of life, and executes justice for innocent victims. But on the other hand, I can boldly resist public policy that promotes abortion, the homosexual agenda, sexualizing our children, and economic slavery.
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (I John 2:5)
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Pro. 6:16-19)
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.(Pro. 8:13)
Ask yourself: “Why would God say, ‘The fear of Him is to hate evil,’ and on the same hand, tell us to submit to powers that operate in wickedness?” Let’s bring light to the confusion. Think. I believe there’s a line that must be drawn: when leaders operate outside the standards of justice and righteousness set forth in the scriptures we must say—no– and refuse to be party to it. I do not want to ignore God’s standards in Christ and suffer the consequences.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Gal. 6:7-8)
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Ps. 9:17)
The scriptures clarify the matter if we are willing to search them out. To reiterate, just because someone has a title or a position or a nomination doesn’t mean they are ordained powers by God. The standard God sets for ordained powers is clear in scripture and non-negotiable.
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates . . . and they shall judge the people with just judgment. (De. 16:18)
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:1-3)
A common thread you will see through the scriptures on authority is that it is “for good.” So, if a leader ceases to be “good” or “just,” and they refuse to repent, they are outside their delegated authority. This standard applies both to civil and church jurisdictions.
Examples from Ancient Israel and American Government
Here’s a short example from ancient Israel’s history with King David, 2 Samuel 11. David was operating in the boundaries of his lawful authority when he righteously led as king, exercised justice, and protected Israel. One day David was on his roof top and beautiful Bathsheba, while bathing, caught his eye. He sent for her and propositioned her to sin, this went outside of his delegated authority. She was a married woman and had the right from God to resist David’s authority because it was out of order. His sin set off a chain reaction, not only did he commit adultery, he committed murder. Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, was off in battle and David had him sent to the front line to be killed so David could have Bathsheba.
I’m convinced God did not ordain this kind of abuse of power, there’s no two ways about it. There’s nothing new under the sun. Today, these practices are being done from the highest to the lowest offices in the land; the Lord is not pleased. There were dire consequences that David suffered because of his sin which is found in 2 Samuel 12:11-12. We would be wise to understand obedience to God prevents many needless trials.
But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. (2 Sam. 11:27)
Moreover, in America, oath bound, elected public servants are supposed to represent and serve the people, not their own interest. Perhaps their representation is a true reflection of the decadence of society, and unfortunately, institutional religion. There is a whole lot of mixture, Jesus warned, “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Lord have mercy. To be clear, sin is sin across the board no matter if it’s down-played or justified. Sin violates love. Sin not only injures the individual but also the entire community or nation.
For example, look at the sin of Achan, about thirty-six people died and God was angry at Israel because of his covetousness.
… Achan son of Carmi… took some of what was set apart. So the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites. (Joshua 7:1)
Here’s another example, look at the effects to Israel because Jeroboam, their wicked king, caused Israel to sin:
So He will give Israel over on account of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit. (1 Kings 14:16)
Conclusion, What Have We Learned?
You have only one master now… But with this ‘yes’ to God belongs just as clear a ‘no.’ Your ‘yes’ to God requires your ‘no’ to all injustice, to all evil, to all lies, to all oppression and violation of the weak and poor, to all ungodliness, and to all mockery of what is holy. Your ‘yes’ to God requires a ‘no’ to everything that tries to interfere with your serving God alone, even if that is your job, your possessions, your home, or your honour in the world. Belief means decision. –Dietrich Bonhoeffer
We must not be passive with the aforementioned, Saints. Pray and act. We are the salt and the light of the world.
- Allow God to examine our hearts,
- Root out any agreement to sin (the proclivities that resist Christ),
- Commit to keep Christ’s standards and do not participate in the legislated sin of a nation.
In short, understand America, a constitutional republic, is not a perfect fit in comparison with first century politics or the religion of Rome and Israel. Nonetheless, what can we glean in how we conduct ourselves today regarding this subject matter of Biblical authority? In my opinion, when civil or religious powers reject God’s ethics and replace His authority for theirs, they become antichrist, the enemies of God.
We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
If “powers” act wickedly, without repentance, it is at this point civil disobedience is acceptable, and I will go so far as to say it is our duty. What is our responsibility as followers of Jesus?
- Live in obedience to Christ with a heart of fidelity.
- Pray for “powers” that our King will save, change, and draw them to righteousness.
- Refuse to participate or support activities, trends, and wicked legislation that further perpetuates societal degradation and emboldens false authority.
- Live in peace, yet boldly speak the truth in love when addressing the issues of the day.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Rom. 12:18)
My hope is that you will be aware of the opposing kingdoms, discern Christ’s heart, and avoid the trappings of ill motivated leaders of these systems. We need to be in constant intercession, live godly before all, and be the living message of the kingdom of God. Never forget, Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Matt. 28:18. Surrender to Jesus as the Supreme Authority.
