God places us under the governments of men—national, state, and local—as well as the authorities in our workplaces and homes, to train us in the habit of obedience. He establishes government on a broad scale to bring order and benefit to mankind, teaching us the vital lesson of submitting to the authority set over us, except when it conflicts with His laws. Satan, aware of the importance of endurance, fosters an environment of disobedience by influencing leaders and individuals to act above the law, setting examples of rebellion. Despite this, God remains in charge, working intricately with mankind and the governments He has ordained, ensuring that even the wicked produce outcomes according to His will. Jesus Christ, when questioned about submission to man's government under a corrupt ruler, affirmed the authority of that ruler and instructed that what was due, such as taxes, should be paid. He Himself paid tributes to avoid causing a stumbling block, demonstrating obedience to civil authority. Similarly, the apostles under the non-God-fearing government of Rome did not resist leadership or break laws but gave what was due and lived as law-abiding citizens. God expects us to be subject to civil rulers as a matter of conscience and duty to Him, recognizing that government is instituted by His will. We are to pay taxes, obey laws, and show respect to the office, if not the individual, understanding that authorities are ordained by Him to maintain an orderly society. When governmental laws conflict with God's laws, examples like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us how to conduct ourselves. They gave due respect to the Babylonian government in all matters except when it opposed God's laws, standing firm and accepting the consequences of civil punishment. God has set up government to bring order and provide opportunities to learn submission and the administration of authority, whether in civil roles or smaller offices like those in the home or community. Proper obedience to government produces harmony, unity, safety, order, peace, and the character of obedience that God desires for us.

A massive revolutionary, yet bloodless, overturn of the American government, religion, economics, and education is taking place. This revolution has been ongoing for about one hundred years and is now reaching a critical point. American citizens are giving up their liberties to a government, mirroring historical patterns where people sought a power to force obedience rather than govern themselves under God. The development of government is traced from the beginning in Genesis, where dominion implies sovereignty, control, rulership, and care over what one has authority over. Laws create and maintain order within this dominion, as seen when God gave specific laws to Adam and Eve in the Garden. Family government emerged with the creation of Eve, with God as the Creator of marriage, establishing laws governing relationships within that union. Man, by divine appointment, is head of family government, though not superior by creation, and each individual is personally responsible to God to govern themselves according to His commands. Following the Flood, through Noah and his progeny, the first intimation of civil authority appeared, with an initial focus on protecting innocent life and punishing the guilty. Each form of government—family, civil, and church—has been given specific privileges and duties by God. The family is granted the rod for discipline, the civil government the sword for capital punishment, and the church the power to disfellowship, effectively denying access to the word of life as a form of punishment. Mankind, after the Flood, rejected dispersion and self-governance under God, instead congregating in the Tigris-Euphrates river valley under the centralized government of the despot Nimrod. This rejection of self-governance foreshadowed Israel's actions under Samuel, where they rejected God as their King, refusing to govern themselves and demanding a human king, thus surrendering many liberties. Prior to this, Israel had a loose governmental structure under judges with a heavy emphasis on self-government under God, but they chose not to maintain a personal relationship with Him, leading to a breakdown in the structure. In the history of the United States, a significant shift occurred around 1912 when the power over money creation was turned over to a private institution, the Federal Reserve Bank, effectively transferring governmental power and contributing to a gradual decline. Over the past century, many in high places in government and courts, who disdain God's moral law, have been influenced to question His authority, sweeping aside divine principles through endless legislation and seeking deliverance through human administration rather than obedience to God. All governing authority, whether personal, civil, or church, flows from the Father, and all are answerable to Him. Governments of nations receive their authority from God, just as church government does, and should not be termed the government of God but rather as governments of men acting as His agents. Respect is due to these authorities because they are appointed by God, and the governed are expected to voluntarily comply by paying taxes and showing honor. History demonstrates that controlling administrations never endure, often ending in violent rebellion, whereas God governs through persuasion and truth, allowing space for individuals to make up their minds. The United States Constitution, though imperfect, grants significant liberties based on the premise of a self-governing citizenry. Its framers understood the necessity of a God-fearing and self-governing populace to prevent descent into anarchy. However, the nation is moving away from these principles toward a godless citizenry and a government leaning toward socialism, creating a nanny-state environment where the state is seen as the provider, potentially leading toward dictatorship as people seek safety and security.

Governments often face moments of crisis that test their purpose and functionality, as seen in extraordinary measures like border closures and lockdowns during global challenges. Such actions can blur the line between protecting citizens and infringing on their rights, raising questions about the balance of authority. The authority of human government is not inherent but is delegated by God, meaning it is legitimate yet limited by divine standards. All power originates from God, and thus, human rulers are accountable to Him for their actions, bearing responsibility for any misuse of power. Jesus Christ, during His trial before Pilate, acknowledged this divine origin of authority, affirming that Pilate's power was granted by God and must be respected, even when exercised wrongly. This respect for authority does not imply unconditional obedience; Christians are to honor and be subject to governing authorities, striving to be model citizens by obeying laws and paying taxes honestly. However, obedience has limits when government commands conflict with God's direct instructions or moral standards. In such cases, precedence must be given to God's will, as exemplified by the apostles who continued preaching despite orders to remain silent, willingly facing consequences for their defiance. Furthermore, no government has the right to command immoral or anti-Christian acts, and Christians must resist such directives, prepared to endure repercussions. The state's authority is also limited in prohibiting the proclamation of the gospel, a duty commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself. While government is instituted by God and generally to be obeyed, even under unjust rulers, discernment is required to identify when resistance is necessary, guided by Scripture and a fear of God over man. Without God in the picture, there is no ultimate check on human authority, leading to potential abuse and tyranny. God remains the ultimate authority, and His sovereignty over human affairs must guide the conduct of both rulers and citizens.