R.L. Whiteside, in his 1945 commentary on Romans 13, discusses corrupt governments. He argues that bad governments do not invalidate Paul's teachings. Just as the devil can influence churches without owning them, he can influence governments. Civil government aims to ensure security and wellbeing. Without it, life and property would be insecure. Obedience to civil authorities is a gospel requirement. Even imperfect governments, like Rome's, are better than none.
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- Scriptures: Romans 13, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13-14
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Kerry Duke: I want to read to you from the words of the gospel preacher that lived years ago. His name was Robertson L. Whiteside, R. L. Whiteside. He's talking about Romans chapter 13 and in his commentary on Romans on page 258. He brings up this question, what happens if the government is corrupt? And here's what is written by Brother Whiteside in 1945.
"The fact that governments sometimes turn out bad and do unjust things does not prove Paul's statement to be untrue. The devil sometimes controls the actions of governments, but that does not prove that all governments belong to the devil. The devil sometimes gets into churches and causes them to do evil and unjust things, but that does not prove that the devil owns and controls all churches. The design of civil government is to promote the security and the wellbeing of its citizens, and there would be no security of life and property if there were no human government. And so, obedience to civil authorities is a fundamental requirement of the gospel.
Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, Titus 3, verse 1. Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme or unto governors as unto them who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well (I Peter 2:13-14). One can scarcely imagine a government that would be worse than none. No human government is perfect and certainly the Roman government was far from perfection. But try to imagine the fate of the early Christians and of all other decent people had there been no government at all."
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