Civil Obedience.

15. Civil Obedience.

"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. (1)

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." - Romans 13:1-2 The Lord goes on to instruct us in Romans 13:4 that the judge is:

"...a minister of God to thee for good."

Notice that the Lord extends the choice to us in Romans 13:2 :

"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power..."

Those who do resist the power are actually resisting God, because these powers are ordained of God.  The "whosoever" tells us that God does not impose His will over the free will of the Christian.  Do you know any Christian who has not broken some law of the land?  Of course, you do not.  If election were true, then no Christian would ever break any law or do anything wrong because they would be unable to resist the will of God.  It is God's will that we obey the civil laws of our land as a testimony for Him, but God never makes us do that.  You see, God rewards the Christian for his obedience.

If a Christian did not have a free will, then God would be rewarding Himself.