A REVENGER TO EXECUTE WRATH
By John C. Carpenter
HE IS A MINISTER OF GOD, A REVENGER
In establishing and maintaining
a civil society, governments and authority figures have responsibilities. In his letter to the church in Rome, the apostle Paul explained,For rulers [first in power, government officials, or magistrates] are not a terror [Greek, phobos, to be put in fear of, alarm, or
frighten] to good works, but to the evil [Greek, kakos, intrinsically worthless, depraved, injurious, or wicked]. Wilt thou then not
be afraid [Greek, phobeo, to frighten, to alarm, to be in awe of, or exceeding fear] of the power? do that which is good, and thou
shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he
beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger [Greek, ekdikos, carry justice out, to punish, or get revenge
on evil] to execute wrath [Greek, orge, violent passion, to express abhorance, to punish severely, or to take angry vengeance] upon
him that doeth evil (Romans 13:3-4).
As we see in verse 3, governments and those in authority are not to strike fear into those
who do good and obey the laws of society, but to those who do evil, worthless, destructive, and wicked behaviors. Those who do good
should receive the praise of those in authority, The Lord, through Paul, even goes so far as to teach that the government does not
bear the sword [of justice and punishment] in vain [without good reason], for God the Father teaches us that rulers are ministers
of God for good, that is, to promote the fruit of goodness through control, discipline, reward, and punishment. In short, according
to Paul, authority figures and rulers are not only designed, but should, take angry and violent vengeance upon those who violate the
standards and laws of a law abiding and civil society.
THE WORLD IS IN SAD SHAPE
The world is in sad shape, and is getting
worse each year. No one that is half perceptive can deny that. Our world is not going crazy; it has already gone crazy. There are
so many problems, so much craziness all around the world, not just in the United States. If we take a good look around, it is obvious
that the heart of mankind is evil and full of sin. If you don't believe this, all you have to do is open your eyes and take an honest
look around. Crime, violence, anger, hatred, corruption, greed, selfishness, anxiety, deceit, anarchy, destruction of property, mental
illness, drug use and addiction, conflict, manipulation, rebellion, deceit, lawlessness, lying, fear, confusion, rebellion, insecurity,
chaos, loss of confidence, sin, transgressions, perversion, injustice, sensuality, deviancy, greediness, wars, teen suicide epidemic,
anxiety epidemic, mass shootings, family breakdown, out of wedlock births, gender confusion, promiscuity, illegitimacy, abortion,
crime waves, Fentynal and other drug deaths, and a thousand other issues are all on the rise, and in many areas have already reached
epidemic levels. Currently, worldwide immigration issues, alone, have sent much of the world into a tailspin, resulting in moral,
legal, and financial strain, and near collapse in many nations. Many have begun to feel that the world, as we have known it, is being
destroyed right before our eyes, and we feel helpless to do anything about it. Without a doubt, many wonder what the problem is, and
what can be done about it. People are searching for answers and help. Some look to their governments to solve the problems, but governments
seem impotent, or are blatantly unwilling, or too fearful to help – or it could simply be that they just do not know what to do. If
we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that many governments fear using the necessary force to stand up to evil. Many governments
are scared to death of criticism, and therefore are paralyzed to act; they just do not want the hassle. In the scriptures, God the
Father not only explains the source of the problem, but He also teaches us about one solution to the current world crises. However,
most folks are not aware of God's solution, and this article is an effort to reveal the thoughts and will of God the Father on these
matters. Believe me, many will reject what God has to say through Paul. Additionally, whether it is biblical or not, many will become
very angry at the government, or anyone else, controlling them and telling them what to do. It is this very narcissism, rebellion,
self-will, self-centeredness, and selfishness which is the primary cause of the very issues that nations of the world are facing.
THE
HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED
To fully understand the context of our subject verses, we must begin
with the idea that, from God's viewpoint, the heart of mankind is evil and contains absolutely no good. This evil present in the hearts
of men and women is not only taught and evident in the scriptures, but we see the evil in man within our own personal and daily life
experiences. The bible, as well as our own experiences, reveals without a doubt, that man is evil and sinful.
The evidence of
the evils of mankind are plastered through the entire bible. For example, in the book of Genesis, we read , GOD saw that the wickedness
of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented
the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart (Genesis 6:5-6), while the prophet Jeremiah prophesiedthat The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). Paul taught the Roman church,… all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), while, David, the psalmist, teaches us, God looked down from
heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back:
they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Psalms 53:2-3). Not one good. That is a clear indictment.
Jesus
told His fellow bethren, who did not believe in Him, The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the
works thereof are evil (John 7:7). Jesus even taught His very own disciples about the source of man's evil: And he said, That which
cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications,
murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things
come from within, and defile [Greek, koinoo, to make or consider profane, call common, pollute, or make unclean] the man (Mark 7:20-23).
During
the time when Noah was building the ark, God said, … for the imagination of man's heart is evil [Hebrew, rah, bad, naturally or morally
evil, calamity, displeasure, harmful, trouble, wicked, wretchedness, or wrong] from his youth; neither will I again smite any more
every thing living, as I have done (Genesis 8:21). Jesus taught the Jewish leaders, the crowds around Him, and us, the origin of evil
- that evil comes from within man, and not from without. Scriptures teach us that when he had called all the people unto him, he said
unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile
him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And when
he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without
understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it
entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh
out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications,
murders. Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things
come from within, and defile the man (Mark 7:14-23).
The things that defile man come from within the heart of man. In his
letter to the believers in Rome, Paul also referred to the causes of evil in the heart of man. Paul explained, For the wrath of God
is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [Greek, katecho, to hold down, hold fast, possess
but ignore truth, retain, or withhold the truth] the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest
in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even [specifically] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish
heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image
made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness
through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie,
and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:
for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural
use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves
that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over
to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable,
unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have
pleasure in them that do them (Romans 1:18-32). Because man did not glorify God, was not thankful, had a foolish heart, changed the
glory of God into an image, changed the truth of God into a lie, worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, and did
not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave man up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, gave them over to
a reprobate mind, and gave them up unto vile affections, so that they which commit such things that are worthy of death, not only
do the same things, but also have pleasure in them that do them.
Jews and Gentiles are both under sin. The apostle wrote, As
it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They
are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an
open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and
bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known:There is no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:10-18). Referring to the hearts, and behaviors, of men and women, Paul wrote the
church in Rome, that there were no righteous, not even one, there were none that understood, there were none seeking after God, all
had gone out of the way, all were unprofitable, and there was no fear of God before their eyes. In the book of Isaiah, God chastened
Israel for its wicked heart; Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children,
and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth
not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken
the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye
will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is
no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified
with ointment. Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it
is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers,
as a besieged city (Isaiah 1:2-8). God's judgment of the heart of Israel is apparent. God described the heart of Israel – they are
rebellious, do not consider, are evildoers, are corrupters, have forsaken the Lord, have provoked the Holy One of Israel, revolt more
and more, have a sick head, a fainting heart, have wounds, bruises, and putrifying sores, a country that is desolate, and cities that
are burned with fire. Our hearts can receive the same judgment. Again, the scriptures judge the hearts of mankind as nothing but evil.
Elsewhere,
Isaiah again paints an ugly picture of the hearts of all men, including Israel. Isaiah says; Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened,
that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, andyour sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust
in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web:
he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither
shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Theirfeet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are
in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever
goeth therein shall not know peace. Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold
obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at
noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men. We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment,
but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us. For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify
against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD,
and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood (Isaiah
59:1-13). Wow!! We need not say any more. Isaiah has said enough about the heart of man.
Obviously, the scriptures teach that
the heart of man is evil and sinful, and overflowing with worldly problems. Honestly, we must admit that our own life experiences
bear this out as well. This evil heart of man really needs to be controlled, although this idea is going to be angrily and violently
rejected by most. Most of us want the freedom to do what we want, without limits, even if our behaviors are sinful and detrimental
to self and society. If there are those who have doubts that the heart of man is evil, take a close look at The Christian Herald page
entitled The Evils Of Man. The important question, is, though, how can these worldly problems be dealt with? More importantly, what
does God the Father teach within the holy scriptures about how to deal with and control the evil hearts and behaviors of man? What
is His solution?
OUR GOVERNMENTS ARE FAILING US
According to bibilical standards and the will of God the Father, it is obvious
that our governments, authority figures, and rulers are failing us: they are not maintaining law and order, safety, and civility.
They are not carrying out their God appointed calling and function of punishing evil and rewarding good. Most governments have become
weak, anxious, and fearful of their own citizens. They have also become overly sensitive to politically motivated criticism of their
efforts, even what sometimes seem like forceful efforts, to maintain peace, safety, tranquility, law and order, and civility. Basically,
those in authority do not want to stand up to evil. Most citizens of most nations want law and order, civility and safety; most want
the lawless punished. As we are experiencing each and every day, many governments are not only allowing anarchy, lawlessness, violence,
crime, and rebellion to run rampant, but are even encouraging and rewarding lawlessness - and most citizens are helpless to do anything
about it.
Yet, from the scriptures, we see that God the Father's priority is exposure and punishment of the wicked [and reward
for the righteous]. The psalmist reminds us, God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not,he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth
his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent
dealing shall come down upon his own pate (Psalms 7:11-16). The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence
his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their
cup (Psalms 11:5-6), and As righteousness tendeth o life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth to his own death. They that are of a froward
heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall
not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered (Proverbs 11:19-21).
As citizens of nations that are becoming
more and more evil every day, we should ask, why our governments are failing to render judgment and punishment of the evil and, at
the same time, punishing the innocent? The truth is fairly simple. They are failing us because they do not know God and His standards
of reward and punishment, they do not know the scriptures, and they are afraid of resisting evil, anger, violence, criminality, lawlessness,
and disorder. Our rulers are more afraid of criminals and those who would defend them than they are of law-abiding citizens who want
and need [and in some cases, are demanding] justice and righteousness.
A huge part of the problem is that many governments throughout
the world have turned justice and righteousness upside down. This is certainly true in the west. Auuthority figures who have been
selected and trained to maintain law and order are being vilified as criminals, while the criminals are pre-determined to be innocent.
In many cases, criminals are even rewarded in one way or another for their criminality, rebellion, violence, and lawlessness. The
innocent are automatically assumed and judged to be guilty, and the truly guilty are treated as innocent. Because many of us are fearful
of the consequences of telling the truth, that which is evil is now considered good, and that which is good is now considered evil.The Prophet Isaish prophesied warnings about this type of dangerous and destructive upside-down law and order. He wrote, Woe [Hebrew,hoy, in the sense of crying out, or lamentation possibly resulting in judgment and punishment] unto them that call evil good, and
good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that
are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle
strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire
devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust:
because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger
of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did
tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched
out still (Isaiah 5:20-25). Clearly, the world at the times of Isaiah had a problem with upside down law and order, as do many modern
nations today. Good is punished, and evil is rewarded – a corruption and perversion that eventually results in destruction, as well
as the anger and judgment of God.
WALKETH IN A WAY THAT WAS NOT GOOD, AFTER THEIR OWN THOUGHTS
Clearly, the heart of much
of mankind has no [or not much] interest in goodness, righteouness, Godliness, obedience, or holiness, nor, in these contemporary
[and possibly last days] times, in obeying the laws of their own governments. Why is this so?
There are many possible answers,
but one clear answer is that man has a narcissistic, self-centered and rebellious nature. For example, referring to Israel [and the
rest of us], God spoke through Isaiah, I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that
was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, andburneth incense upon altars of brick; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth
of abominable thiings is in their vessels; Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are
a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day (Isaiah 65:2-5). Man has no natural inclination or ability to embrace humility,
obedience and holiness.
The prophet Samual also understood the rebellious heart of man. He prophesied, Hath the LORD as great
delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as [evil and destructive as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Men are also
evil, rebellious, and difficult to control because they love sin. Sinners and the rebellious, are eager to enjoy the pleasures of
sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25). An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him (Proverbs
17:11). Evil exists also because men do not value and keep God's will and commandments. As Christ explained, If ye love me, keep my
commandments (John 14:15). According to the scriptures, love, goodness, and obedience go hand in hand.
Man are also uncontrollable
because most men despise government, or being controlled. They resist anyone telling them what to do or how to behave, even their
own governments. Although Peter, in context, is referring to the lawlessness and narcissism prevalent in false ministers, the same
principles that promote evil also apply to the presumptuous, self-serving, and rebellious criminality of many. The apostle Peter refers
to two prevalent reasons why many despise government of themselves by others. First Peter explained, there were false prophets also
among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the
Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious [Greek, apoleia, ruin,
physical, spiritual, or eternal loss, damnation, or wasteful way] ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of (2
Peter 2:1-2). Many who refuse to be controlled by their own authority figures blatantly deny the Lord, a denial and rejection which
leads not only to temporal earthly destruction [punishment by government], but to eternal destruction [eternal damnation and punishment]
by the Lord as well. Even more dangerous is the fact that many others will follow their destructive and damning ways and speak evil
of the truth as well. As we experience, one evil, disobedient, and lawless individual often attracts and finds others to follow their
damning behaviors resulting in destruction for them all.
Later, Peter adds these words of wisdom: The Lord knoweth how to deliver
the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after
the flesh in the lust [Greek, epithumia, a longing especially for what is forbidden, concupiscence, desire, set your heart on, or
to covet] of uncleanness, and despise [Greek, kataphroneo, to think against, set affection against, or to disesteem] government [Greek,kuriotes, to have mastery over, rule over, supreme in authority over, to control, or have dominion over]. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled,
they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities [Greek, doxa, apparent glory, dignity, honour, or that worthy of praise and worship].Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural
brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their
own corruption (2 Peter 2:9-12). Governments have trouble controlling their citizenry because many citizens have the same characteristics
that false preachers have; that is, many citizens walk or live according to their fleshly desires, they long for what is forbidden
or unproductive, they are against and disesteem being ruled over, or controlled. Lastly, they not only despise the government's efforts
to control them, but they angrily speak evil of governmental efforts to regulate their own behavior.
Another reason citizens
resist being governed and controlled is due to parental inability or failure to instill law- abiding and submissive behaviors within
their own children. In Deuteronomy we read a fascinatinig story: If a man have a stubborn and rebellious [and lawless] son, which
will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;
And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton,
and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil [Hebrew, raah, bad, natural
or moral evil, calamity, hurt, trouble, or wickedness] away from [Hebrew, baar, to kindle or consume by fire or by eating, be brutish,
take away, set on fire, or cause to be wasted] among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). In this case,
the parents turned their own son over to public and government authorites for punishment, which, in this case, was stoning and death,
so that the family and nation could be cleansed of the son's evil [an idea which appears to strongly support capital punishment].
These verses appear to teach that, from God's viewpoiint, the elimination and destruction of evil is preferable to the tolerance and
incarceration of evil.
Jude, identified as a servant of Jesus and the brother of James, referring to the judgment of false teachers,
wrote, Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise [Greek, atheteo, to set aside, to disesteem, to violate, disannul,
or reject] dominion [Greek, duriotes, mastery, rulers, those supreme in authority, rulers, or those who attempt to control], and speak
evil of dignities [Greek, doxa, good, that which is glorious or honorable, or that worthy of worship or praise]. Yet Michael the archangel,
when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The
Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those
things they corrupt themselves (Jude 1:8-10). As we see in these verses, many refuse to conduct themselves as law-abiding citizens
because they despse being dominated, they despise rulers and authority figures, and they despise having their behaviors controlled.
And, again, the lawless often speak evil of that which is good, and good of that which is bad.
Additionally, mankind rebels against
civilized behaviors and government control because either there is no king or government to rule, or government rule is present, but
its governing is weak, ineffective, or non-existent. In any case, the results are the same – the development of lawlessness.Therefore, man must then decide for himself what is right and what is wrong. As Samuel teaches us, In those days there was no king [Hebrew,malek, a king, a royal person, a person ro reign or a person to rule and direct] in Israel: every man did that which was right in
his own eyes (Judges 21:25). When Israel had no one to reign, rule, and control the people, the people were given the opportunity
to decide what was right and wrong in their own eyes. In other words, without guidance and control, citizens do whatever they desire
and only that which pleases them.
IN THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME
Another very significant reason that man
resists being governed and, therefore, anarchy seems to be running rampant may be that it is God the Father's will at this point in
time for such things to occur. It is, as we might say, meant to be. It is what is supposed to happen at this point in time. The misbehavior,
anger, rebellion, violence, destruction, lawlessness, and emphasis on self may be occurring now because it is God's will for these
things to happen at this time in history. In the scriptures, the Lord warns us that evil and Godlessness will dominate in the last
days or times. Paul explained to Timothy … that in the last days perilous [Greek, chalepos, that which reduces strength, difficult,
to lower, be dangerous, make furious, or fierce] times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4).But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13).
Elsewhere, Paul adds, Now
the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines
of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:1-2). In these latter times, mankind
will have no conscience. Maybe we really are in the end times.
Christ taught His own disciples about end times and the beginning
of sorrows: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things
be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no
man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours
of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are
the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for
my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets
shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold (Matthew 24:3-12). Christ warns
that iniqauity shall abound, and the love of many shall be nonexistent.
Peter wrote that in the last days, there would be scoffers
who question the expected second coming of the Lord: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers [Greek, empaiktes, a
derider, by implication a false teacher, or a mocker], walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?
for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are
ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water (2 Peter 3:3-5).
As
a last example, Paul also instructed the believers in Rome about what would happen in the last times. Paul wrote, they did not like
to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled
with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers,
without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy
of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them (Romans 1:28-32). Do these words of Paul sound like what is
happening today around the world? I would say so.
LET EVERY SOUL BE SUBJECT UNTO THE HIGHER POWERS
If the individual wants
a civilized society and wants to contribute to it, what must he or she do? How should he or she behave? What does God say that he
or she should do? The scriptures teach us that individual's primary responsibility in a civil society is submission or subjection
to all authority: Paul wrote the churh in Rome, Let every soul be subject [Greek, hupotasso, to place one under, to subordinate oneself,
to obey, put self under or subject to, or submit self to] unto the higher [Greek, huperecho, to hold oneself above, to excel, superiority
or to have superiority over, or supreme] powers [Greek, exousia, force, capacity, mastery, magistrate, jurisdiction, right, or strength].For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained [Greek, tasso, to arrange in an orderly manner, to assign, dispose
to a certain position, or to set] of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist
shall receive to themselves damnation [Greek, krima, a decision for or against, determine to be a crime, condemned, go to law, call
into question, or judgment committed] (Romans 13:1-2). Those who do not place themselves in subjection to all authoritarian powers
are resisting God and what He has ordained, and will eventually become subject to judgment and damnataion by government, as well as
eternal judgment and damnation by God the Father.
Furthermore, Paul refers to the submissive and obedience responsibility of
the individual within a society or nation; Wherefore ye must needs be subject [Greek, hupotasso, to subordinate oneself to, to obey,
be under obedience, make subject to, or submit self unto], not only for wrath [because of the fear of punishment by rulers], but also
for conscience [because it is the morally conscientious and right thing to do] sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they
are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour (Romans 13:5-7). As Paul further explains, individuals should subject
themselves to authority not only because they fear punishment by government, rulers, and authority figures, but because humbly subjecting
ourselves to authority figures is God's design for us, and because, from Gods' viewpoint, it is a matter of conscience, that is, it
is the morally right thing to do, and submission is pleasing to the Lord.
A REVENGER TO EXECUTE WRATH
So, what is God's
solution to the increasing psychological, emotional, social, military, political, moral [or immoral], criminal, behavioral, lawless,
and evil issues the entire world is now facing? In his letter to the church in Rome, the apostle Paul provides us with the answer:
the government is to reward good and punish evil. We must remember that what Paul teaches in our subject verses did not originate
in the apostle himself - it is not Paul's solution, but God the Father's solution to rebellion, lawlessness, crime, division, anger,
violence and anarchy. Although very few will be pleased with the government's rewarding of good and punishing evil, all citizens,
especially believers in Christ, must recognize that this is the Lord's will and way, and is absolutely necessary. As many of us have
experienced in our personal lives, in the absence of governmental control, rebellion, anger, lawlessness, violence, and anarchy are
the inevitable result and outcome.
We can learn a lot by examining Paul's letter to the church in Rome. Paul wrote the believers
in Rome, Let every soul be subject [Greek, hupotasso, subordinate, to obey, put under, be subdued unto, subject to, submit oneself
unto, or be put in subjection to] unto the higher powers [Greek, exousia, ability, privilege, force, capacitiy, mastery, magistrate,
right, lawful right, or strength]. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth
the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror
to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the
same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in
vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not
only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually
upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear;
honour to whom honour (Romans 13:1-7).
In verse 4, the word minister is translated from the Greek word, diakonos, which means
to run an errand, be attendant, be a waiter in menial duties, a Christian teacher or pastor, technically a deaconn or deaconess, a
minister, or a servant. Also in verse 4, the word revenger is translated from the Greek word ekdikos, which means carrying justice
out, or be a punisher, to commit judgment, to punish, or to take vengeance upon. The words execute wrath are translated from the Greek
word orge, which means a desire, an excitement of the mind, violent and justifiable passion, to long for or covet, have anger, or
to express abhorrence toward.
Paul explains not only that the behaviors of people within nations need to be controlled through
reward and punishment, and this control is ordained by God. Man is wild, sinful, rebellious and evil by nature, and, as Paul teaches
here, government is needed to maintain law and order and have civilized societies. To have a civilized society, two things must happen:
first, the government must fulfill its responsibility to enforce man's and God's laws through reward and punishment. Second, the individual
must be determined to fulfill his or her responsibility to behave in ways that create and promote a safe, lawful, and civilized society.
As
Paul teaches, any and all powers that exist are ordained of God, for there is no power but of God - the powers that be are ordained
of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and he or she shall receive to themselves temporal
and eternal damnation. Paul adds that rulers are called not to punish good works and law-abiding citizens, but only evil works, and
we all should be afraid of government's power and authority to punish wrongdoing. On the reverse, governments also have the ability
and authority to reward good behavior, so citizens should also strive to do that which is good. God the Father considers governments
and rulers to be His ministers with the idea and goal of promoting good; but if citizens do that which is evil, we should certainly
be afraid. Paul further teaches that rulers, authorities, and governments beareth not the sword in vain, for governments are ministers
of God, designed to execute vengeful anger and wrath upon those who do evil. Because of the government's ability, and responsibility,
to execute wrath, we must strive to be subjective to all authority, not only because we can be punished for the evil we commit, but
because submission to authority is the right thing to do.
Paul summarizes his teaching with these words: for this cause pay ye
tribute also, for those in authority are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their
dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour (Romans 13:1-7). Governmentis the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath [Greek, orge, violent passion, to express abhorance, to punish severely, or to
take angry vengeance] upon him that doeth evil. If authorities and governments followed God's will and executed more wrathful vengeance
and control over the evil hearts and behaviors of men and women, might the world be a more peaceful and better place? AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth
not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he
increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not
faint”
(Isaiah 40:28-31).
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I
will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded:
they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that
contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy
right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee”
(Isaiah 41:10-13).
