Obedience to Magistrates
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There is much contemporary confusion about the proper attitude of subjects to lawful authorities. The Apostle says (Rom. 13:1-2), “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” Some have interpreted this apostolic command to imply unconditional obedience to magistrates. Others note that subjects may lawfully resist the exercise of tyrannical power, and that the Biblical doctrine of resistance to tyranny has a long pedigree.