By Thomas King and Theodore Shoebat
The standards of God regarding a ruler: a short list
A few years ago Putin made a speech in which he affirmed that the Western world was heading down a road of moral degradation. He stated:
Many Euro-Atlantic countries have moved away from their roots, including Christian values… Policies are being pursued that place on the same level a multi-child family and a same-sex partnership, a faith in God and a belief in Satan.
What we need to realize is that in Russia, Christendom is reviving and continuing, and this is being illustrated in the actions of Putin, his government, the Russian people and the Russian Orthodox Church. Because of Christian influence in Russia, laws against homosexuality are being enforced, while Christian values are being treated with contempt. The only way for this to change is for the people to change; to change their hearts, to conquer themselves and overthrow the mental tyranny that has so fettered the people, with degradation, pornography, and moral indifferentism. Once the people conquer themselves, then they will conquer the nation. For he who rules his spirit, is better than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32)
Due to the amount of confusion that has been caused by many heresies regarding government, I will make a very simple attempt to highlight what the standards of God are regarding a ruler. Christians need to be aware of this since this is the cause of division every time at elections. Many people are infected with an idea that has no base in Holy Scripture in either word or concept, called: “Separation of Church and State”. Christians of all people should know better but have refused to study the mind of God on the matter and have gone along with cultural norms rather than seeking to bring culture in line with the Truth of the Word of God. In short, if there was a principle to summarise what the expectations of a ruler or government leader, it is simply: “Righteous Rule”. Let us consider the following Scriptures:
Wicked people have no right to be in government and are condemned by God
God states clearly in His Word that wicked rulers and wicked laws that go against His standards of morality and righteousness have no place with Him.
“Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood…And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.” (Psalm 94:20, 21, 23)
We can see clearly that a question is given with an obvious answer. Not only this, we also see that wicked rulers and wicked people in authority harm the righteous and shed innocent blood. The result will be that God shall cut them off altogether because of their wickedness.
A ruler must be just, ruling in the fear of God
“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” (II Samuel 23:1-4)
Please note that the whole Trinity is involved in addressing King David in his last words to his son, Solomon. (The Spirit of the LORD, The God of Israel, The Rock of Israel). Since that is the case, then take heed! The decree is that the one who is going to rule over men “must be just ruling in the fear of God”. This is not optional. In addition, there is a blessing that comes out of it. That ruler will be like light in the morning when the sun rises and also as tender grass that comes out of the earth after the rain. A righteous ruler is a blessing to all!
Government leaders must fear God, be men of truth and hate covetousness.
“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:” (Exodus 18:21)
This is something that is most needed today. Jethro’s advice to Moses is as sound now as it was then.
Government leaders must execute wrath/vengeance on the evil-doers and thus use the sword correctly against the wicked. They must also reward the good and collect appropriate taxes.
“But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.” (II Samuel 23:6, 7)
“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. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” (Romans 13:1-7)
In continuation with the last words of King David commissioned to him by the Holy Trinity, it states how the wicked are to be dealt with, namely with force. The wicked are referred to as “sons of Belial”, that is they are children of Satan, and they like thorns that must be thrust away. Since they do not abide by normal means of righteousness, then as thorns cannot merely be picked with the hands, so too must the wicked be dealt with. How? The same passage also notes that the one who is going to deal with the wicked, namely the ruler, must be ARMED! Notice it states: “fenced with iron and the staff of a spear” and also “they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place”. God’s ruler is to show no mercy with wicked people and is to treat them with full force and destroy them from the earth.
St. Paul also continues in that same thought process under inspiration from the Holy Ghost and refers to this person as a minister of God to “thee for good”. Although godless Nero was ruling Rome at the time, it is evident that St. Paul was definitely not referring to Nero or any other godless ruler, else the Christians would have submitted without a fight. Nevertheless, in the wisdom of the Holy Ghost, he talks about the ruler as a “minister of God to thee for good”. This particular ruler must do the following: a) be a terror to evil works b) Bear not the sword in vain c) execute wrath upon him that doeth evil d) accept appropriate custom/tribute (taxation). Notice that 3 out of 4 of the qualities have to do with executing wrath and even use of the sword against the wicked. It must not be done in vain or in the wrong manner! Heads of the wicked are meant to roll!
5) Government leaders are to defend the helpless, the poor, the fatherless, the afflicted and the needy and to rid the land of wicked people.
“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:3, 4)
Clearly, the righteous ruler is meant to defend the helpless and to rid the land from the wicked. King David understood this principle very well and history attests to his righteous rule.
Government leaders are to ensure that God’s people may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
“For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (I Timothy 2:2)
Clearly, the purpose for rulers is to ensure godliness and peaceable life is the order of the day. Hence the need to pray for such. In order for this to happen, a ruler must be righteous themselves! Thus it would be appropriate to pray for righteous rule but more importantly, for God’s people make themselves worthy of having such a ruler, since God gives people the rulers they deserve.
In short, government leaders must be righteous men and not have any wicked men serving under them nor have deceitful, lying men under his charge. He also must be a faithful ruler that does justice for the poor. If he fails to do this, the nation suffers and the people suffer. An unrighteous ruler will also not last forever either.
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.” (Proverbs 29:2, 4, 12, 14)
“Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” (II Chronicles 19:7)
Notice that Solomon makes it clear that righteous rulers bring joy and wicked rulers bring grief. In addition, a wicked ruler that accepts bribes or is avaricious will only bring destruction to the land and if such a ruler listens to lies or untruths, then you can only expect wicked servants. Hence, the Righteous King Jehoshaphat advises the judges to both fear the Lord and notes that with God, there is no iniquity nor respect of persons nor taking of gifts. Thus the judges who fear God are advised to do likewise.
A nation that has righteousness as its ruler and foundation is exalted but if it is known for sin, it will be a reproach to anyone.
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
A government ruler is to be just and equal in dealings with his subjects/servants, always bearing in mind that God will deal with him impartially too. If he is a tyrant, then he best beware of how God will deal with him, for God is no respecter of persons
“And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.” (Ephesians 6:9)
“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 4:1)
Whilst St. Paul is addressing masters who owned slaves in his day, the principle is still the same even for a government ruler at a greater level.
A government ruler is meant to be a punisher of evil and rewarder of good and thus bring honour upon himself by fear of God and love of the brotherhood (the Church). Christians can submit to such a ruler and thus silence the foolish by well-doing rather than evil behaviour.
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (I Peter 2:13-17)
A government ruler ought to bear in mind that Christ is returning as Judge and also will be reigning in Jerusalem on the throne of David forever, not only for the Millennial Period, but also forever when Christ our God makes a new heavens and new earth. Since the Church will be reigning with Christ our God, this ought to be a sobering matter for a ruler to get some good practice if he wishes to partake in ruling with Christ.
“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (I Corinthians 6:2)
“And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever.” (I Kings 2:45)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6, 7)
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Jude 1:14, 15)
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Apocalypse/Revelation 5:10)
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Apocalypse/Revelation 20:4)
If there are godless people ruling God’s people, then it is a rebuke from God, not his perfect will. God’s people should be praying that God will not let wicked rulers be in charge or else the wicked will mock God when this happens, since the heritage that God has given will suffer reproach.
“Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” (Joel 2:17)
Seeking God’s Kingdom and righteousness in all our doings should be a motivational factor for a godly government ruler.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Serving God and being righteous in rulership should be the motivational factor for anyone who is in a position of authority to administer justice. Should encourage people to fear God and not to bring His wrath upon themselves because of wickedness.
“And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.” (II Chronicles 19:9, 10)
In Righteous King Jehoshaphat’s advice, he urges the judges or rulers of the people to have “fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.” That is they must fear God utmost and have no diversion of purpose in the heart of their work. In addition, they are encouraged to urge people to fear the LORD and not bring the wrath of God upon themselves. If only our rulers could take this sort of advice today! Imagine how different things could be!
The motivation of any man, and even that of the ruler should be to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)
A just ruler will execute true judgment and have compassion on the fatherless and the widow, and thus will not oppress them.
“Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” (Zechariah 7:9, 10)
This commandment given by Zechariah the Prophet to the priests, who were also rulers over the people, is of importance. The expectation of God is justice and impartiality. In addition, there is meant to be true compassion and not imagining evil against everyone. Only a just ruler can make this possible under the guidance of God.
CONCLUSION: Before you vote anyone into office for government, do any of your candidates fit any of these Scriptural principles? If your candidate is a godless person that has no reverence for the Holy Scriptures or Christ our God nor for His Law and standards, then you are duty bound to not vote for such an individual. If your candidate abides by all the above Scriptural mentioned principles, then you can vote for such a person. May you also consider the commonly quoted II Chronicles 7:14 carefully, which calls for God’s people to humble themselves before praying as well as seeking God’s face and turning from any wicked ways, only then will God hear from heaven and allow healing to come upon the land.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
“Separation of church and state” is a lie from the Masons and has no place in Holy Scripture, as clearly shown. God wants righteous rulers but God’s people have not listened to their own peril. May this be a wake-up call before God’s people totally lose all freedoms. God bless.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas King
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