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(OPINION) During the centuries, Christians have held widely different views on their relation to the political order.

Some have taken the attitude that they should have nothing to do with civil government. At the opposite extreme, others have identified the church with the state.

Between these positions, different groups have made various combinations. It is not the purpose of this essay to advocate any particular relationship of the Christian with the government.

Rather, the purpose is to state certain biblical principles relevant to whatever form of civil government under which the Christian lives:

1. Civil government was instituted by God

“For there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).

This is not to state that any particular form of government — monarchy, democracy, republicanism — at any given time was directly established by God. Rather, this verse affirms that the political order, like the state of marriage, was instituted by God.

These words were written at a time when the governing authority was the Roman empire. They do not mean that such a form of government is what God intends at all times.

Any time a group of individuals has come together to regulate their common affairs, they are acting under authority given by God. Their resultant organization may be good or bad, but their establishment of a civil government was itself proper.

2. Christians are to obey the civil authorities under whom they live

The previous quotation was preceded by the command, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). In the ordinary course of events, believers will be obedient to the laws of the land.

There may arise circumstances when believers must say, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29). But if any command does not contradict God’s will, then Christians follow what is required.

3. Christians are to pray for their rulers

“For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme or of governors as sent by him” (1 Peter 2:13).

It might appear that some rulers are more in need of being prayed for, but the command is absolute. The Christians’ prayers show that they are not a subversive movement. Christians prefer to live in a peaceful and orderly society.

4. Christians should live by what they are taught in Scripture

“Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles. … As servants of God, live as free people” (1 Peter 2:12, 16).

Such conduct will win respect and silence critics. Christians’ manner of life goes beyond what the civil law requires. Obedience to civil law is a minimum for Christian conduct, but Christians are called to a higher standard.

5. Christians should set an example of righteous living

“For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish” (1 Peter 2:15).

Christians by their conduct rebuke slanders against them and show what is right. Their conduct may lead other people, including the ruling authorities, to adopt righteous policies. Christians do what is right regardless of the consequences, but this may become the accepted standard.

These points were part of the apostolic teaching. They should continue to receive emphasis today.

This piece is republished from The Christian Chronicle.

Everett Ferguson, distinguished scholar in residence at Abilene Christian University in Texas, is a renowned historian of the early church. Now 91 years old, he resides in a care facility but still attends the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene every Sunday.