A Christian Perspective of War - Part 4

IV – GOOD GOVERNMENT

Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, of law, of order —in short, of government.”

Solomon, the infamous king of Israel had a lot to say about good government.  He wrote, “By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down” (Proverbs 29:4, NIV); and again in Proverbs 29:14 (NIV), he writes, "If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever." In fact he writes “Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign” (Proverbs 28:15–16, NIV).

It ought to be the goal of warring nations to establish the presence of justice, law, order and good government because good “Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:12, NIV). 

In an article[1] posted in 2012, Tim Challies gives a good analysis of good government.  Here is a summary of his excellent article.

1. Every government is in power by God's Sovereign choice (Romans 13:1b).

2. God even uses sinful governments (Acts 4:27-28)

3. We ought to pray for our government. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

4. We should honor our government. (1 Peter 2:13-17)

5. All human governments will eventually end and Jesus Christ will reign on earth. (Revelation 19:11, 15-16).

The biblical definition of "good government" is this: “. . . that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:2, NIV).  Only Jesus Christ can bring this to perfect realization, but this is the standard.  No matter what country we find ourselves as citizens of, this is the standard:  peace, quietness, godliness and holiness.

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[1] http://www.challies.com/articles/at-least-5-things-scripture-teaches-us-about-governments