Resisting the Ordinance of God Romans 13:2

Paul the apostle told the believing people in Rome, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”, and in chapter thirteen and verse two of Romans, Paul tells the believers whoever “resists the power, resists the ordinance of God” where we read:

Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God:

and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

The verse begins, “Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God:” Paul began with the word, “whosoever” which means “whatever person whether male or female” “therefore” or “insomuch that, then and wherefore” “resists” or “ranges in battle agains and opposes one's self to” “the power” which means “the authorities, rulers and governments”, “resists” or “ranges in battle against and opposes one's self to” “the ordinance” which means “the disposition, arrangement and institution” “of God” or “pertaining to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul shared how people who “oppose and rage in battle” against “authorities, rulers and governments” actually do so against God's “disposition and arrangement”.

The verse continues, “and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”. Paul added the words, “and they” which means “and the people whether male or female” “that resist” or “who range in battle against, withstand and oppose themselves to” “shall receive” which means “will take upon, carry away, procure and select” “to themselves” or “toward their own selves” “damnation” which refers to “decree, judgments and condemnation”. Paul shared how people who “oppose and withstand” God's “ordained” choices for rule will “procure and select” for themselves “condemnation and decree” from God Himself.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how important it is not only to recognize from where “rule and authority” comes, but also to “submit” and not “resist” it. Paul wrote these words when “Rome” was in charge of the world, and we might imagine how his believing readers responded to these instructions. When a person receives Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord”, they are to follow after the ways of Him. Jesus lived on earth during the time of the Roman rule as well, and His manner of living within the “ruling government”, (which by the way according to these verses, God ordained) should be a model toward “government authorities”. May the Lord Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit give all who read these words not only the knowledge of these things, but also the ability to comply with them.

Next time Paul tells the believers in Rome, “Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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