We live in times where the world appears to be spiraling deeper into chaos. Political corruption, immoral policies, and injustices may tempt us to rebel against our leaders. But what does the Bible teach us about how Christians should respond to government authority, especially in such dark times? Romans 13:1 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (ESV). No matter how corrupt or unjust a government may appear, Christians are called to submit to its authority.
This may seem hard to accept, but we must trust that God is in control. He establishes governments for His purposes, even when those purposes seem hidden from us. Our role is to stay faithful, not to the ideals of a flawed human system, but to the higher calling of representing God’s kingdom in a world that is increasingly drifting away from Him.
(There is a terrific article on The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada‘s website that discusses a Christian’s participation in a Constitutional Republic or other government where citizens are allowed to vote.)
Pleading for Mercy in Wicked Times
While we are to be obedient to the government, this does not mean that we cannot plead with God for the welfare of our city or nation. One powerful example of this is found in Genesis 18:22-33, where Abraham pleads with God to spare Sodom, knowing that his nephew Lot lived there. Abraham appeals to God’s mercy, asking Him not to destroy the righteous along with the wicked. “Suppose ten are found there,” Abraham says. The Lord responds, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it” (Genesis 18:32, ESV).
In this passage, we see the heart of a faithful servant who intercedes on behalf of his community, despite its wickedness. Abraham’s plea reminds us that we can always cry out to God for mercy, even when the government and society around us seem to be decaying. Our prayers are not in vain. God hears the cries of His people, and He can act in ways we cannot foresee.
Yet, as with Sodom, there may come a time when the wickedness of a city or nation becomes so great that God allows it to face the consequences of its actions. In Genesis 19:1-29, God sends angels to rescue Lot and his family before bringing judgment on Sodom. This serves as a stark reminder: while we plead for mercy, God’s justice will not be delayed forever.
The Growing Depravity of Our World
As the return of Christ draws closer, the Bible warns us that the world will continue to spiral into greater depravity. Romans 1:18-32 speaks of how people will turn away from God and embrace all forms of evil. They will become “foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless” (Romans 1:31, ESV). This description is not far from what we observe today. The moral fabric of society continues to unravel, and governments around the world often pass laws that reflect this decay rather than uphold righteousness.
Despite this, Christians are called to remain obedient to the government. Romans 13:2 clearly warns, “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (ESV). This command can feel burdensome when we see policies and laws that conflict with our faith. However, we are not called to rebel or resist but to live in obedience to God by being respectful citizens.
Representing God’s Kingdom Amid Depravity
While we may be obedient to the government, we are not to participate in its wickedness. As Christians, our first allegiance is to God’s kingdom. This means that if the government commands us to break God’s law, we must refuse. Acts 5:29 makes it clear: “We must obey God rather than men” (ESV). Our submission to earthly authorities does not mean compromising God’s commandments. We are not called to blind obedience, but to faithful representation of His truth in every aspect of our lives.
A great Bible reference for this type of attitude is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:16-28! (View a fun animated version of the story on YouTube)
We are representatives of God’s kingdom, not rebels in this world. Our task is to shine as lights in the darkness, reflecting the character of Christ even when the systems around us grow corrupt. As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we must maintain a posture of peace and submission, showing the world that our hope is not in earthly governments, but in the return of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: Holding Fast as We Await Christ’s Return
In these last days, it is essential that Christians remain both obedient to the government and faithful to God’s Word. As the world slips further into depravity, we should not lose hope or become rebellious. Instead, we must focus on being faithful ambassadors of God’s kingdom, representing His peace, justice, and righteousness in all that we do.
The government will become more corrupted, and society will grow increasingly wicked, but our mission remains clear: we are to be obedient to the government, pray for our nation, faithfully spread the Gospel, and stand firm in God’s truth, all while awaiting our Blessed Hope, the glorious return of King Jesus!
To be clear: God’s purpose in these last days is to allow the world to descend into such a depraved state that sending Jesus to reclaim the earth from Satan and restore order is the only option to redeem his creation.
Spread the Gospel; lives depend on it!
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Your brother in Christ,
Duane
See related posts:
Politics and the Last Days
Why we watch for signs in the Last Days
