Why should a Christian encourage obedience to laws?

316churchonline   -   June 13, 2025
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of obeying both God’s laws and the laws of the land.
There are times when Christians should not obey the laws of the land. We will be writing about that in a later blog.
Key Bible verses on obedience for the believer are below:

Romans 13:1-7 reminds us:

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

 

This is a cornerstone for understanding for the Christian of obedience to earthly authorities. It states that all are subject to governing authorities, as they are appointed by God, and that disobedience will lead to judgment. 

1 Peter 2:13-17 reminds us as well: 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
This instructs Christians to obey all laws of the government, including those of the king and his officers, for the Lord’s sake and to remind our children or out children’s children to do the same.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 also reminds us: If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:
John 14:15 states:15 “If you love me, keep my commands.”  When we do not love someone or something we  actively stand against it look to dismantle it or shame it. This can be a person or an institution.
1 Samuel 15:22 again reminds us:  2 But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
The Bible’s teaching on obedience is multi-faceted. It calls for obedience to God’s laws, which are considered divinely inspired and beneficial for human life. It also encourages obedience to the laws of the land, recognizing the role of government in maintaining order and justice. 
If you’ve gotten this far you’re probably actually interested in obedience. If you aren’t,  you didn’t get past the first scripture before you stopped reading and possibly cursed me out and decided I was a waste of your time because I didn’t agree with you.
Some key points to consider as a Christian for those of you still with us.
  • Submission to Authority: The Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting and submitting to those in authority, whether it be parents, leaders, or government officials. 
  • Blessings of Obedience: Obedience is often presented as a path to blessings, both spiritual and physical. Conversely, disobedience is associated with negative consequences. 
  • Love and Obedience:  The Bible connects love for God with obedience to His commands, suggesting that true love is demonstrated through action and adherence to God’s will. 
  • Jesus as an Example: Jesus’ life demonstrates perfect obedience to God’s will, even in the face of suffering. This serves as an example for believers to follow. 
    My next blog will be about when a Christian should in fact protest.  And hopefully that will be more solid in advice and perspective than what you might read on Reddit.