blhowes
Puritan Board Professor
We are commanded to obey the laws of the land.
1. Does the Bible ever specifically tell us when its ok not to obey the laws of the land? What guidelines does the Bible give?
2. I've heard it said that its ok if the law in question clearly breaks one of the 10 commandments. I agree. Where is this supported in the scriptures?
3. The 10 commandments hadn't been given yet when Moses' parents hid Moses. What criteria did they use to know that it was ok (common sense?)?
4. Legalistic question:
Laws should be obeyed if they don't break one of the 10 commandments. The speed limit on a given road is 65 mph, which (to the best of my knowledge) doesn't break any of the 10 commandments. The flow of traffic is probably 70-75 mph, and I decide to go 70 mph. I am breaking the law. Is it a sin? Why/Why not?
Rom 13:1-4 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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
The government is established by God, but there are times, however, when its ok not to obey the law. Moses' parents disobeyed the law (Pharaoh's command) that first born males should be cast into the river. Instead, they hid their son. Not only was it ok to disobey the law, their act was commended as an act of faith.Heb 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
1. Does the Bible ever specifically tell us when its ok not to obey the laws of the land? What guidelines does the Bible give?
2. I've heard it said that its ok if the law in question clearly breaks one of the 10 commandments. I agree. Where is this supported in the scriptures?
3. The 10 commandments hadn't been given yet when Moses' parents hid Moses. What criteria did they use to know that it was ok (common sense?)?
4. Legalistic question:
Laws should be obeyed if they don't break one of the 10 commandments. The speed limit on a given road is 65 mph, which (to the best of my knowledge) doesn't break any of the 10 commandments. The flow of traffic is probably 70-75 mph, and I decide to go 70 mph. I am breaking the law. Is it a sin? Why/Why not?