What should Christians do when war or pandemic strikes, with government mandates following closely behind? Revolt? Submit? Peaceably assemble and conscientiously speak out?
The ÒEstablishment ClauseÓ and ÒFree Exercise ClauseÓ of the U.S. ConstitutionÕs First Amendment are due largely to the faithful witness and compelling influence of Baptist forefathers like John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes, and John Leland. Ultimately these protections are due to Divine Providence. Yet many Americans, even among the religious, fail to adequately appreciate this.
Jimmy BarberÕs studies bring to a fine point the relevant scriptural principles. Christ and his kingdom are Ònot of this world.Ó Consequently, his followers are Ònot of the world,Ó and we must Òobey God rather than men.Ó Yet God Himself enjoins, Òsubmit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the LordÕs sakeÓ and Òlet every soul be subject unto the higher powers,Ó because Òthe powers that be are ordained of God.Ó
How do we square these sometimes seemingly conflicting heavenly directives? As Barber convincingly articulates, we fervently pray Òfor kings, and for all that are in authorityÓ while striving to Òlead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,Ó with the King of Kings as our only true head.
Society may condemn and friends may recoil, yet we Òcan do no otherÓ than to honor civil authority as fully as we can while yielding ultimately to Christ alone., Baptists, Protestants, Civil Government, Anabaptists, Donatists, The Reformation, Jimmy K. Barber| | 194PAGES