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How Does God View Human Government?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the relationship between God and human government, it is evident that all authority ultimately derives from God. Human government holds a delegated authority, legitimized by Him, as Jesus Christ declared to Pilate that his power was not intrinsic but granted from above. This means that all power, in its legitimate form, comes from God and must be recognized as such. Jesus Himself respected this authority, courteously answering Pilate's questions and acknowledging Pilate's right to judge, even when the judgment was wrong, without suggesting that such authority be stripped away. The authority of human government, while divinely authorized, is not absolute but limited by the moral nature of God from whom it originates. This limitation implies responsibility, and when those in authority fail to act according to God's standards, they are held accountable to Him. Jesus emphasized this by speaking of sin in connection with Pilate's authority, indicating that misuse of power involves sin against God, who is the ultimate source of all legitimate rule. Furthermore, the Bible places specific limits on obedience to human authorities. Christians are called to be model citizens, honoring and respecting those in power, obeying civil laws, and paying taxes honestly, even under corrupt rulers. However, obedience must not extend to actions contrary to God's direct commands or moral standards. When authorities forbid the proclamation of the gospel or command immoral acts, resistance is required, even at the cost of suffering consequences such as imprisonment or death. The sovereignty of God over human affairs is paramount. God is the ultimate authority, and His rule surpasses that of any human government. Even when human rulers act unjustly, as Pilate did in condemning Jesus, God's purposes prevail. The state's authority, though legitimate, remains subject to Him, and without God in the picture, there is no sure check on human power, leading to potential abuse and tyranny. True power and strength belong to God alone, as seen in His creation, sustenance of the world, and mighty acts of salvation, affirming that the Lord God omnipotent reigns supreme.
God and Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's government stands as the ultimate authority over all forms of human rule, transcending the flaws and failures inherent in carnal systems. No human government, regardless of its structure, can achieve perfection due to the fallible nature of those who operate it. Yet, God remains sovereign, always at the pinnacle of every chain of command, whether acknowledged or not by those under it. His supremacy is the foundation of all government, and submission to Him is the basic law of the universe. Resisting this reality reveals human perversity, as He rules and we must submit for any system to function rightly. The success of future eras, such as the Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment, hinges on the establishment of proper godly government. Those who submit to God's authority in this life, learning to be governed and to control themselves, will be rewarded with positions of authority in the world to come. They will reign and judge, having been trained through faithfulness to follow Jesus Christ, equipping them to govern others with wisdom and experience gained under His guidance. God's position at the apex ensures that His government will work, as those under it will comply with wholehearted obedience. Scripture reveals that God has worked through various human governmental forms without mandating a specific structure. From patriarchal systems with Abraham, to the theocratic leadership under Moses, to military governance with Joshua, and the judges who acted as deliverers and justices, God adapted to cultural practices and human setups. Even through monarchies, imperial governorships like Nehemiah's, and the diverse roles within the early church, He moved His plan forward. His focus is not on the form but on the faithfulness of those within it, emphasizing submission to Christ as the Head over any organizational chart. Christ's pre-eminence is paramount in all governance, especially within the church. Whether a hierarchy or another structure is employed, the critical factor is that all involved submit to Him and to one another, working in love for the benefit of all. God often operates in a top-down manner through a chosen individual, but the success of any system depends on the Christ-like character of those in leadership. Without faithfulness to Him, no government, human or otherwise, can endure. Ultimately, recognizing and submitting to Christ as the reigning Head ensures a faithful, peaceful, and joyful life under God's governance.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs the number of human beings increases within any jurisdiction, governing them becomes increasingly difficult, requiring more rules and structures to maintain order. Yet, in the vision of the Great White Throne judgment period, with a vast population of resurrected individuals, God's government operates on a profound principle of self-government. This is not the self-government of those who reject authority, but of individuals who acknowledge God as Sovereign and voluntarily submit to His laws through the righteous character they develop in imitation of Jesus Christ. These individuals govern themselves, having ingrained the mind of Christ, and live in harmony with God without the need for external coercion or a vast bureaucracy. During the Great White Throne judgment, despite the enormous population, God will not require rigid control or an extensive governmental structure. Without the interference of satan and with ready access to the Holy Spirit, most who rise in the second resurrection will readily submit to God's government. They will emerge from the wretchedness of their past carnal lives and witness the stark contrast of God's way, learning to build righteous character with His help. Those who learn to govern themselves will attain eternal life, while those who refuse will face the Lake of Fire. Ultimately, God's government is rooted in self-control, a rigorous self-mastery that aligns with His laws and goodness. In the New Heavens and New Earth, there will be no need for external government because all who remain will possess the character of Jesus Christ, governing themselves in holiness and righteousness. They will be perfectly united with God, having His ways written on their hearts and minds, ensuring that rebellion or chaos will never arise. God's plan culminates in a divine Family of self-controlled beings who always choose what is good, right, and loving, submitting fully to His sovereignty.
Ubiquitous Government
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe average American is so accustomed to subservience that he has no desire to leave it. The nanny state has so coddled him that he is afraid to venture forth.
Self-Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we govern ourselves, God will take care of us. Government of any kind will not work unless people govern their own nature. Self-control enables us to show love.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Six, Conclusion)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our responsibility is to yield to God's sovereignty. Nevertheless, God has enabled us to freely sin, but holds us responsible for governing ourselves.
Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod intended government to be a positive force of bringing order out of chaos, keeping on a straight course, educating, and edifying with necessary laws.
Self-Government: Overcoming
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe dare not allow anybody to come between God's direct governance and ourselves. Even God's government will not work unless we voluntarily govern ourselves.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.
Marriage—A God-Plane Relationship (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughA chief purpose of marriage is to teach godly government. It provides an environment to learn both how to submit to authority and how to oversee others in love.
Government (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.
Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is establishing a spiritual kingdom, with Christ as King, installed at the seventh trump when He will unleash the power of His Kingdom against the world.
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
Self-Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.
It IS All About Government
Sermon by Mark SchindlerEvery form of human government established on this earth has been established as an attempt to declare independence from the sovereignty of God.
It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the peace offering, Christ is the priest, offeror, and offering. Since all parties share the peace offering as a meal, it exemplifies a peaceful communion.
Why Such Confusion About the Kingdom of God?
Sermonette by Craig SablichIn Matthew 6:33, Jesus states that seeking His Kingdom is our primary goal. Most Christian organizations have no concept of what the Kingdom of God is.
The Chemistry of Government
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughExpectation of reward, fear of disadvantage, and charisma all constitute the chemistry of government and childrearing, but require the right proportion.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
The Nature of God: Elohim
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding Elohim teaches us about the nature of God and where our lives are headed. Elohim refers to a plural family unit in the process of expanding.
Did God Create a Devil?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletDid God create a Devil? When God created the heaven and the earth, did He create this earth in a state of confusion? Here are the answers from God's Word!
Law Enforcement
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThough most sinners do not make the connection between their sins and their adverse circumstances, there is a cause-and-effect principle working in their lives.
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsBecause it is not directly mentioned in Scripture, people often ask if voting is biblically condoned. The real question is, would Jesus vote?
Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsConscientious objection to military action requires exercising mature faith, involving submission, loyalty, dedication, and conscientious obedience to God's Law.
Socialism's Inherent Contradiction
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughSocialist policies promise to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and provide for the poor, but these good things are not what socialism ultimately delivers.
The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe effect of the Worldwide Church of God seeing itself as Philadelphia has been profound, elevating organizational loyalty over faithfulness to God.

Our Heavenly Citizenship
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del CastilloMembers of the church must focus on their identity in Christ and producing spiritual fruit even during such tumultuous times, not governments of men.
Land of Milk and Honey
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamJesus Christ will accomplish what no politician has ever been able to accomplish, to drain the putrid corrupt swamps of all failed man-made government.