compiled from a lecture by Mrs. Ruth J. Smith
It’s easy to fall into the wrong ideas, to adopt man’s ways and think in ways that seem right to us. However, when we examine these ideas through a Biblical lens, they often reveal themselves as misguided, bringing conviction.
Dr. Jaspers has highlighted the idea of the Bible as God’s mind concerning everything. He uses this illustration: think about instruction books. We all have one—God’s Word—but have we really looked at it? When we consider our entire lives, God’s instruction book provides His directions, and our topic today is about using those instructions to shape a Biblical view of government.
Our perspective on government is built on our understanding of God.
Years ago, I was blessed to spend time learning from Verna Hall. She often encouraged us to “think governmentally.” The first time I heard her say that, I looked at her with complete confusion. I won’t even repeat some of my naïve responses! However, she never dismissed my questions. She just continued to teach; and now, looking back, I realize how essential it is to think governmentally through the lens of Scripture.
Today, we’ll revisit key concepts that may be familiar to you, reinforcing them to form a cohesive understanding. To think governmentally, we must first ask: What is government? Who or what is governed? Who governs? Where is government? What is it? To answer these questions, let’s turn to Webster’s dictionary, where four keywords stand out: direction, regulation, control, and restraint. If we’re to develop a proper view of government, we must also have a proper view of man.
The Christian View of Man
Psalm 8 is a wonderful passage. In it, we see that God made man unique, distinct from the rest of creation, made in His own image. God cares for, protects, and ranks man above all creatures of the Earth. We are not simply animals; we are unique creations of God, called to have dominion over the Earth.
Historically, various views of man have led to different types of states. This includes the Pagan view, which reflects man’s ideas and stands in opposition to Christian principles.
The Pagan View of Man
In Paganism, there is a belief in the inequality of men, where certain people hold higher value and rank than others, whether as slaves, servants, or rulers.
In this view, an individual’s worth is tied solely to their contribution to the state, leaving no value in the individual outside their function. In such a society, people’s talents and abilities are often exploited by the state, used until they no longer hold value. This Pagan approach gives all power to the state rather than the individual. Power is held by a privileged few, who then impose arbitrary authority, which can manifest both in politics and, if applicable, religious institutions.
A Christian View of Man and Government
With the coming of Christ, history changed. The world was transformed through Christianity, offering a new perspective on man and government. Let’s look at a few points to illustrate this:
- Man as God’s Image-Bearer
Genesis 1:26-27 declares, “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Man, made in the image of God, holds unique and inherent value. Colossians 3:10 speaks to man’s renewal in knowledge after the image of the Creator. We were made in the divine image, and that fact cannot be overlooked. - The Destiny of Man for Immortality
Man is destined for immortality, meaning we are eternal beings. Genesis 2:7 shows us that God breathed life into man, making him a “living soul.” Ecclesiastes 12:7 also speaks of the spirit returning to God. Christians are taught to remember that we are living forever. - Equality of All Men
Scripture emphasizes the equality of all men, regardless of race, intellect, or status. Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek…for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), making us equal in both sin and God’s love. - Independent Value of Each Individual
God values each person individually. Ministries and churches often emphasize numbers, yet God looks at the individual. Jesus taught that He would have come even if only one sinner were to be saved. Each of us holds independent worth, and God even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:29-31).
Man’s Relationship to the State
So, with this view of man, what is his relationship to the state? Man is superior to the state, not the other way around. Acts 5:29 says, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Psalm 9:20 humbles us by reminding us that we are mere mortals.
The Purpose for Civil Government
The state should serve man and aim for justice, protection, and the common good. When the righteous are in authority, people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, people mourn (Proverbs 29:2). God desires liberty for all, first through internal freedom, with Jesus offering salvation for every person.
Self-Government and the Need for External Government
The concept of self-government is paramount. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Internal thoughts and motivations drive our actions. Christian self-government means being governed internally by God’s laws. Proverbs 16:32 emphasizes the importance of ruling our spirit, likening it to conquering a city. When we fail to rule ourselves, we become like a “city without walls,” vulnerable to external forces (Proverbs 25:28).
Three Divine Institutions and Their Purpose
Because man is sinful by nature, God provided three institutions to help when self-government fails: the home, the church, and civil government. Each institution has a distinct purpose, defined by Biblical principles, with laws rooted in Scripture.
If an individual is self-governed, they require little external regulation. However, where self-government is absent, greater external control is necessary—whether in the home, church, or state. Our ultimate goal is to understand the balance of these institutions within God’s framework.
How can we effect change? Let’s start by anchoring our understanding in a Biblical view of government, seeking to govern both ourselves and the society around us according to God’s instruction manual—the Bible.
To learn more about a Biblical view of man and government, Pilgrim Institute recommends, Restoring America’s Biblical Foundations.
