Question
Should we respect political leaders such as President Bill Clinton, even though they are against Biblical scripture? What does the Bible say about respecting a leader(like Clinton) who does not follow God?
Answer
Although I disagree with many of the political/moral stands of our President and although I did not vote for him, the Scriptures to teach Christians (including myself) to have a respect for governmental leaders. Please look at these passages:
1PE 2:13 ¶ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,
1PE 2:14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and
the praise of those who do right.
1PE 2:15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
1PE 2:16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
1PE 2:17 Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1TI 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
1TI 2:2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead
a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
1TI 2:3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
1TI 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of
the truth.
1TI 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1TI 2:6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time.
This does not mean that we should obey evil commands from government leaders, but we should honor as much as possible their positions of authority that God is allowing them to possess for the time.
ACT 5:27 And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them,
ACT 5:28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
ACT 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.
ACT 5:30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to
death by hanging Him on a cross.
ACT 5:31 “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince
and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
ACT 5:32 “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
ROM 13:1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
ROM 13:2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
ROM 13:3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;
ROM 13:4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil.
ROM 13:5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
ROM 13:6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
ROM 13:7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
By Gary Hunt
