Perhaps we never knew that governing authorities are established by God.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Romans 13:1
That establishment is not designed to function as tyrannical, but it should be feared (respected). Does that mean it is perfect, free of any and every mistake, over reaction or bad behavior? NEVER! The world is corrupted and we all know that bad things happen every day.
BUT – the solution is never to throw out God and the principles which He has designed so that the world might have a chance at survival. Those principles were designed for mankind in general – no relationship with God is required. Call it a format for organized living.
Those principles for organized living begin when God gave man freewill and what did he do with that? He used that freewill to rebel. NOT a good start.
The question is often asked, why does God allow bad things to happen? What is ignored is the fact that God’s design for mankind was not based in rebellion but in obedience. Obey some simple principles and all will be well. The more mankind rebels against the principles God designed, the greater the disintegration of life.
The passage in Romans draws an inference – whoever resists that authority, resists God, AND opens himself up to judgment. No resistance, no judgment. Simple right? Unfortunately, man has rebellion built in – even from his youth (Genesis 8:21).
God does offer a solution, a relationship with Him.
Nope!
People don’t really want that!
So, where does that leave us? How about some common-sense regarding authority? Good behavior helps you to avoid the condemnation of those entrusted to have jurisdiction over all of us. “Do what is good” and things will go well for you. In fact, you might even be praised for your good behavior. Guess where that pearl of wisdom came from – yup, God made sure that truth was included in His word – the Bible.
The more God is removed from society, the greater the effects of rebellion will be seen. Further rebellion (violence) will not fix the problem, but God’s format for organized living will. Even better, a relationship with God will turn your life around.
Romans 5:8 “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”