2.03.22. The scritpures sanction civil authority
XXII. THE SCRIPTURES SANCTION CIVIL AUTHORITY.
“Submit yottrselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do welL For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” — 1 Peter 2:13-16. THE passage 1 Peter 2:11-16 is a group of practical precepts. In a preceding portion Peter had taught the doctrines, — “ What man should believe concerning God.” Here he applies himself to conduct, — “What duty God requires of men.” Observe in what manner the Scriptures teach and enforce morals. The rules are specific and minute; but these, if left alone, would lack power — they would remain dead letters. In order to give life and force to his precepts, the apostle binds them at every joint not only to religion, but to God.
Four times in this little bundle of precepts the personal living God comes in as the present power to enforce obedience: —
1 Peter 2:12. “That they may glorify God.”
1 Peter 2:13. “For the Lord’s sake.”
1 Peter 2:15. “.For so is the will of God.”
1 Peter 2:16. “As the servants of God.” A great sheet is let down, full of miscellaneous duties, knit at the four comers, not to heaven merely, but to the living God. This Bible stands alone; no book at all approaches it. It brings God as close to the whole of human life as the air is to the surface of the earth and the bodies of men; and this not in terror but in paternal love. Christ is the mediator, and he is the gift of God to the lost. It is not that a sacrifice was offered in order to deliver the guilty from punishment, and leave him in a place of safety. The Deliverer abides with his redeemed for hope and holiness, “ Lo, I am with you alway” — always to sustain, direct, and comfort.
God desires to be not only the author of a salvation sent from heaven, and the receiver of the ransomed into rest, but also to be in the life of his people here, compassing them about with his favour, as the air, and supplying them with the breath of life. like the veins interspersed through a leaf to strengthen its weak points, the peace of God runs through a Christian’s life, to keep his heart and mind. The motive supplied refines and elevates the duty, however lowly may be the sphere of its exercise. Do it for the Lord’s sake; and then the life is sublime, though it be worn out in menial occupation, or crushed by unjust laws. The various classes of magistrates are noticed, to show that obedience is due, not only to the supreme, but also to the delegated authorities. Civil government is recognized as a divine institution, and obedience is simply enjoined as a duty, although in point of fact laws have often been unjust and rulers have acted unlawfully. These, and similar precepts elsewhere in the New Testament, constitute a standing evidence that the writers spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Peter and Paul were hunted by the magistrates of the empire, like wild beasts, until at length they were hunted down; and yet no bitter word escapes from their lips. Other ships reel and stagger, like drunken men, on a stormy sea; but this vessel alone moves straight and steady. That very fact proves that she is not leaning on the waters like the rest, but is sustained in the air above them.
“This is the will of God concerning you.” Blessed news!
I delight to learn that God in heaven has a will about me, and the manner of my life. Cheer up, fellow-pilgrims, he careth for us — he whom the hosts of heaven adore. It elevates my life to know that its smallest joys or sorrows concern the King Eternal This is a kindlier doctrine than any theory of atomic development. And as there are many ignorant and foolish men going about, making a very great noise because of their folly and ignorance, it seems that one part of God*s will concerning Christians in the body is that they should silence these noisy fellows. How? Shall we smite with the sword? That was the method which this same Peter once proposed — and not only proposed, but practised. He valiantly cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest, in order to silence him. Ah, Peter, you will not silence your adversaries in that fashion. Two can play at that game; and in a very short time they will silence you. But now, when the fioly Ghost has come upon him, the impetuous Peter has received power to be a true witness unto Christ He would still have these adversaries silenced, but he knows a better method of doing it now: silence them “ by well-doing.” Such is the principal weapon used in this holy war.
“As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness.” While he certifies their right to freedom. he gives faithful warning against the tares that often spring among the precious wheat. Many abominations are wrought in this world in the name of liberty. The apostle has a particular species of hypocrite in his eye.
Foreseeing that this kind will infest the Church, he blows a blast to drive the chaff away. This man has assumed the name of Christian, and joined himself to the visible Church. He is accountable only to God; he is not bound by the laws of human magistrates. In virtue of being a king and priest unto God, he is not obliged to be submissive to the laws of men. This kind of pretender has often strutted about on the stage of history, and brought shame upon the Christian name. He gets no countenance here; he is articulately condemned by the spirit of prophecy in Peter’s word. In the Scriptures great pains are taken to show that faith is not against authority and order; and yet it is made perfectly clear that whenever human ordinances traverse the law of God for the conscience of the individual man, they must give way. Can the line be always correctly drawn between these two jurisdictions? The line is not in itself uncertain or obscure. It is like the horizon line between the air above and sea and earth below: it is a well-defined boundary; but men do not always clearly see or faithfully keep it. In our own country, in past times, dreadful conflicts have raged on this border land. Power lay on one side, and martyr courage emerged on the other. The strife has made our history sublime.
None of the sufferings are altogether lost. All past experience will contribute to clear the clouds from the horizon, and introduce the brightness of the latter day.