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True Religion and Inner Renewal
fear of the one in authority? Then do
what is right and he will commend you.
For he is Gdd's seniant to do you good.
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he
does not bear the sword for nothing.
He is God's servant, an agent of wrath
to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit
to the authorities, not only because of
possible punishment, but also because
of conscience. This is also why you pay
taxes, for the authorities are God's
servants, who give their full time to
governing. Give everyone what you
owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if
revenue, then revenue; if respect, then
respect; if honor, then honor.
Christians are strangers and sojourners on
this earth. All of us are but passing through;
none of us are staying. We look to the city
whose builder is God. Our citizenship is in
heaven. We also have earthly responsibilities.
There is a duty to Caesar as well as to God. In
fact, in the duty which we owe to God, He has
bound on us obedience to civil government.
This chapter is not about the plan of
salvation. However, it is a good requisite
starting point to securing the goal cited in our
chapter's title:
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