An audio lesson.
Because of their sins, the Jews lost the Vineyard of God’s people to the gentiles. However, Moses Law says that one day all of this will change, and GOD will circumcise the hearts of the Jews and their descendants.
Civil Government is, like these other institutions, the church and the family, established by God Himself, for our good.
“1
Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there
is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained
by God. 2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the
ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to
themselves judgment. … 4 for he is a servant of God to you for
good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t
bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for
wrath to him who does evil.”
Rom 13:1-2, 4, WEB
Before the flood, there was no organized punishment of evil doers. This resulted in world-wide anarchy and violence and abuse of others. It was so bad that in a mere 1600 or so years, God decided to destroy mankind and the animals and start all over again.
The punishment of evil doers in th law given to Noah and his descendants (us) is centered around preserving human life.
“Whoever
sheds man’s blood, by man will his blood be shed, for in the image
of God made he man.”
Gen 9:6 WEB
And so is its emphasis even to this day. This is a corporate responsibility of all of mankind. Organization and financing is not dictated, and many systems within this framework have been tried by men.
“For rulers are not a terror to the good
work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the
authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the
same,”
Rom 13:3 WEB
In this way, never was this power of the sword concentrated into the hands of any single institution. If one nation became evil, and wanted to maliciously use others, other nations would exist to bring that abuse of power to an end, and protect their own people.
Even at their worst, governments still tend to maintain order and prevent much looting and violence. Even at its worst it tends to retard violence and abuse.
Even a crooked sheriffs department tends punish much crime, and the system is such that, if the civil authorities are wicked, it tends to invite their punishment. These are strong institutions.
“The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
Rev 17:18 WEB
Subversion, not elimination, is the constant strategy of the wicked, against these powers which were for sure, established for our good, and they do, generally, retard the spread of wickedness.
This also is from God.
WEB
is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the
original ASV American Standard Version 1901
The purpose being pursued here is to supplement (but not replace) the material in the books, and to answer relevant questions as they may come up. This author thinks the New American Standard 1995 ed. (NASB) is over all the most accurate of the modern translations, with the English Standard Version (ESV), being a close second. However, for the purpose of these posts, the translations which will be used will be the:
KJV, King James Version, 1611
WEB, the World English Bible, a public domain, copyright free,
revision of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901,
Version 1.3
or lastly at times, to bring out more clearly various factors in the text, I will use:
nf, my own translation of a passage, based on the WEB.
Starting April 17, 2021 posts will be made from time to time, but NOT on a three times a week basis as has been. Personal commitments to local church work are what has driven this decision.
The posts and audio that exist will be maintained as reference material and support for the books. I hope the reader will find this material useful, and searchable, using the search box at the top right of the site. May you the reader, of the books, or of this collection of posts, be blessed.
This site will still be monitored, and questions answered, as may be appropriate.
Yours in Christ, Neal Fain, April 17, 2021