Illegal: Understanding Civil Obedience and Divine Authority

The concept of illegality encompasses actions that violate established laws and regulations, yet from a Christian perspective, the relationship between civil authority and divine commandment requires careful discernment and principled obedience.

Civil Obedience and Divine Authority

As Christians, we are called to be law-abiding citizens, recognizing that governing authorities are appointed by God for the purpose of maintaining order and promoting the common good. The apostle Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Rom 13:1-7). This principle of submission extends to church leadership as well, as believers are urged to obey their leaders and submit to their authority (Heb 13:17).

The laws enacted by civil governments are generally designed for the well-being of society as a whole. When citizens observe these laws, the entire community benefits from the resulting order, safety, and justice. Legal frameworks provide the structure necessary for peaceful coexistence and the flourishing of human relationships within society.

However, the Christian's ultimate allegiance belongs to God, and there may arise circumstances where civil authorities direct actions that are explicitly forbidden in Scripture. In such situations, believers must "obey God rather than man" (Acts 5:29), while being prepared to accept the consequences of their non-compliance. This principle is demonstrated throughout biblical history, from Daniel's refusal to bow to the king's image (Dan 3:13-28) to the apostles' persistence in preaching despite official prohibition (Acts 4:19; 5:28-29,40-42).

The decision to disobey civil authority should never be made lightly or for trivial reasons. It requires prayerful consideration, clear biblical warrant, and a willingness to suffer the earthly consequences of one's conviction. Civil disobedience, when necessary, should be conducted peacefully, with respect for those in authority, and with a primary focus on bearing witness to God's truth rather than merely asserting personal rights.

When must I obey God rather than human authorities?

Permissibility Versus Beneficiality

Not all actions that are legal according to civil government are appropriate for Christians to engage in. The apostle Paul addresses this tension in his first letter to the Corinthians, stating that "all things are lawful," but not all things are beneficial or helpful (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23). This principle recognizes that Christian freedom is not license to do whatever is permitted by society, but rather the responsibility to choose what edifies, honors God, and advances His kingdom purposes.

Many activities that are legally permissible may still be harmful to one's spiritual life, damaging to relationships, or inconsistent with Christian witness. The believer must exercise discernment, considering not only whether an action is legal but whether it is wise, loving, and consistent with following Christ. This includes entertainment choices, business practices, use of resources, and personal relationships.

A clear conscience serves as an important guide in navigating these decisions. When believers live with integrity and maintain God-honoring standards, they experience the peace that comes from a conscience free from condemnation (Acts 23:1; 2 Cor 1:12). The conscience, informed by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, helps believers distinguish between what is merely permissible and what is truly beneficial.

Christian liberty should always be exercised in love, with consideration for how one's choices affect other believers and the broader witness of the church. The apostle Paul emphasizes that even permissible actions may become inappropriate if they cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble (1 Cor 8:9-13). This principle of deference and love should guide all decisions regarding activities that lie in the gray areas between clear biblical commands.

Are my choices beneficial for my spiritual growth and God's kingdom?

The Nature of Illegal Actions

Actions that are illegal by definition violate established laws and are therefore prohibited by civil authorities. Such actions are typically characterized by secrecy, deception, and attempts to conceal wrongdoing from public view. This pattern of hiding and deception often stems from a guilty conscience that recognizes the wrongfulness of the action, even if the person attempts to suppress or ignore this inner witness.

The contrast between legal and illegal actions often reflects the difference between living in the light and walking in darkness. Christians are called to live transparently, with nothing to hide, as those who have been brought into the light of God's truth. Illegal activities, by their very nature, require darkness and deception, which are incompatible with the Christian calling to walk in the light and live openly before God and others.

It is important to distinguish between actions that are illegal because they violate God's moral law and those that are illegal because they violate human laws that may be unjust or improperly enacted. While Christians are generally to submit to civil authorities, they must also recognize that human laws are not infallible and may sometimes conflict with higher principles of justice and righteousness. In such cases, the believer's primary allegiance remains to God's eternal law.

The Christian approach to legality should be characterized by integrity, transparency, and a commitment to both civil and divine law. When believers live as law-abiding citizens who also maintain their higher allegiance to God, they bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel and demonstrate that it is possible to live faithfully in the world while not being conformed to its sinful patterns.

Am I living with integrity and transparency in all my actions?

Reflection and Application:

Examine areas where civil laws and biblical principles may be in tension.
Consider whether activities that are legally permissible are spiritually beneficial.
Evaluate the level of transparency and integrity in your personal and professional life.
Pray for wisdom in navigating situations where obedience to God may conflict with human authority.