Thank you for the question on government, “Romans 13 has implied that we should obey the government as long as its authority is lawful, but we should never obey the unlawful authority of corrupt government. Although implicit, it doesn’t need to be spelled out. Do you agree or disagree?”
As a general principle, I would disagree that citizens or Christians should never obey unlawful authority of a corrupt government. The exception for Christians is that Christians are not to submit to ruling authority when it violates the core beliefs/values of the Christian faith.
Here’s my reasoning for one’s consideration:
A. Each of us have our own beliefs and values that may be in agreement or disagreement with the government.
B. Each of us may view the existing authority a being a corrupt government. When the Trump administration was in power, those who disagree with its policies would say it is a corrupt government. Equally with the Biden Administration, there are those who disagree with its policy would say it is a corrupt government.
C. If each person or groups of people assert their rights that they should not submit to the government policies or laws, then the individuals or groups of people would take the law into their own hands. This would create social unrest. There will be a never ending cycle of a new government and the oppose groups would want to overthrow it or change the policies and law.
As one applies the rights of citizens in the United States, there is the right of peaceful assemble and protest. The citizens are given the right to vote for Federal, State, and local officials. Their vote will determine the direction and policies of the government. Those who disagree with the ruling authority must make the case for a peaceful transition of government to the majority of the people or voters.
Presently the Supreme Court is considering Abortion Rights or Abortion Limitations. If the Democrats pack the court now, will the Republicans pack the court again when they take office? Human laws are never perfect and policy makers and judges are not perfect. Those who disagree with Roe vs. Wade had to live with that decision for nearly 50 years. Will the Supreme Court modify or overturn Roe vs. Wade is yet to be determined?
Romans 13 says this, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (NIV).
Acts 4 says this, “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (NIV).
The Apostle Paul did not advocate the overthrow of the Roman Government, but to its submission of unfair taxes or treatment of Christians. The fundamental belief that as God allowed a government to rise to power, he can also have that government collapse or another ruler rise to power who may or may not be godly than the previous ruler.
When one reads the Book of Esther or Nehemiah-Ezra, God is still in control of the world. This would apply to lead pastors or church leaders. God can cause a church leader to leave or to become ill so that he can’t maintain that office. Believers have the option to leave that church or country, to relocate if they so choose to do so.
SUMMARY: Christians are to submit to the governing authority except when it violates the core directive of the Scriptures as prohibiting the proclamation of the Gospel or denying Jesus Christ as God. Wisdom is needed in how to appeal to the government for a more favorable ruling.