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How Does God View Human Government?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In 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. Ritenbaugh

Government run by carnal men will never work, but those under the New Covenant, having God's law written on their hearts, can make any form of government work.

God and Self-Government

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.

Ubiquitous Government

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We 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.

Government (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God 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 One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God intended government to be a positive force of bringing order out of chaos, keeping on a straight course, educating, and edifying with necessary laws.

Why Such Confusion About the Kingdom of God?

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

In 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.

Marriage—A God-Plane Relationship (Part Five)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A 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. Ritenbaugh

For 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.

Self-Government: Overcoming

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We 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.

Government (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.

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 Schindler

Every form of human government established on this earth has been established as an attempt to declare independence from the sovereignty of God.

Government (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Only those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.

It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

In 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.

The Chemistry of Government

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Expectation of reward, fear of disadvantage, and charisma all constitute the chemistry of government and childrearing, but require the right proportion.

The Nature of God: Elohim

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Understanding 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.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our 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.

Did God Create a Devil?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Did 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. Ritenbaugh

Though 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. Collins

Because 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. Collins

Conscientious 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. Ritenbaugh

Socialist policies promise to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and provide for the poor, but these good things are not what socialism ultimately delivers.

Our Ultimate Purpose

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

As David pointed out in Psalm 139, God had His eyes on us before our birth, foreknowing the individuals He would call, predestining them into His plan.

The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The 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 Castillo

Members 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. Graham

Jesus Christ will accomplish what no politician has ever been able to accomplish, to drain the putrid corrupt swamps of all failed man-made government.