Jesus says, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”. (Matthew 22:21). What is the role of political rulers in the New Testament?
Political rulers essentially play the role of governing society, however Jesus makes it clear that law and politicians are limited in their role without God. He proclaims that God’s law is far more superior to human law stating that he has “...come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). As long as humans live on Earth, politicians and law will continue to regulate and administer justice in society which is appropriate and sufficient in the context of Earth, but because God is the higher power he is the one who actually governs all and therefore humans should “...strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness…”(Matthew 7:33). By asserting God’s prevalent role in the lives of humans, not only spiritually, a politician's true role seems to administer God’s laws because they are the one true law. One cannot “...serve two masters…” (Matthew 7:34) and therefore allegiance should first be pledged to God before human affairs can be considered. Humans are meant to strive towards Heaven and following God’s commandments is the path to getting there according to Jesus. This renders a politician's role nonexistent unless it is to further God’s law.
No comments:
Post a Comment