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The Role of the Superior AuthoritiesThe Watchtower—1990 | November 1
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True Christians Do Not ‘Oppose the Authority’
3, 4. (a) What principles are being violated by so-called Christians who promote revolution? (b) What did one individual discover about Jehovah’s Witnesses?
3 In the first century, Jesus said of his followers: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” (John 17:14) Any so-called Christian who promotes revolution is very much a part of the world. He is not a follower of Jesus; nor is he “in subjection to the superior authorities.” (Romans 13:1) He would do well to heed the warning of the apostle Paul that “he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves.”—Romans 13:2.
4 In contrast with many in Christendom, Jehovah’s Witnesses have no dealings with armed violence. A man in Europe discovered this. He writes: “At seeing what religion and politics have produced, I became dedicated to overthrowing the established social order. I joined a group of terrorists and received training in the handling of all types of weapons; I shared in many armed robberies. My life was in constant danger. As time went by, it became evident that we were fighting a losing battle. I was a frustrated man, overcome by complete hopelessness in life. Then a Witness knocked at our door. She told me about God’s Kingdom. Insisting this was a waste of my time, I suggested that my wife listen. She did, and a home Bible study was started. Finally, I agreed to attend the study. Words fail to convey the relief I felt in understanding the driving force impelling mankind toward evil. The marvelous Kingdom promise has given me a sustaining hope and a purpose in life.”
5. Why do Christians remain peacefully subject to the superior authorities, and until when will this be the case?
5 Christians are ambassadors or envoys of God and of Christ. (Isaiah 61:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:19, 20) As such, they remain neutral in this world’s conflicts. Even though some political systems appear to be economically more successful than others, and some allow more freedom than others, Christians do not promote or rank one system above another. They know that all systems are imperfect. It is “the arrangement of God” that these continue to exist until his Kingdom takes over. (Daniel 2:44) Hence, Christians remain peacefully subject to the superior authorities while promoting the eternal welfare of others by preaching the good news of the Kingdom.—Matthew 24:14; 1 Peter 3:11, 12.
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The Role of the Superior AuthoritiesThe Watchtower—1990 | November 1
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7. If someone breaks the law, who has the right to punish him, and why?
7 Most governments would say that the purpose of their laws is similar: to promote the welfare of citizens and good order in society. Hence, they penalize antisocial acts, such as murder and theft, and lay down regulations, such as speed limits and parking laws. Any who deliberately break their laws take a stand against the authority and “will receive judgment to themselves.” Judgment from whom? Not necessarily from God. The Greek word here translated judgment can refer to civil procedures rather than judgments by Jehovah. (Compare 1 Corinthians 6:7.) If anyone acts unlawfully, the superior authority has the right to punish him.
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