Aimiel
Well-known member
Had no one ever fought against tyrannical governments we'd not be able to discuss such things, at least with the freedom or indeed the knowledge that we have, since freedom of the press and even Bibles would not exist. We have the freedoms and rights that we do have because of the powers that God has ordained. Why do you think the USA is the most powerful country on earth? There are countries with larger populations, armies and land; but we are on top because God ordained it so. His design for this country isn't just to take over the world (obviously) but rather to bring peace on this earth and to give The Gospel to everyone.Romans 13:1-2 KJV
(1) 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.
(2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Are not tyrannical governments considered "powers that be?" For example, the Roman government was certainly tyrannical and not Godly at all. They burnt Christians as candles and fed them to lions. Yet Paul speaks of the powers that be are ordained of God to the Romans of the Roman empire of which he himself is a Roman citizen.
Why does he not say that the Christians are ordained of Christ to overthrow the government tyranny that threatens people's lives and liberties?
Sure:So that bit that Jesus said on the sermon on the mount, "the meek shall inherit the earth..." he really meant "the warriors shall inherit the earth?" I somehow missed the part where he told us to take up literal swords to kill people on the earth. I thought I saw him say the opposite. Can you point that out to me?
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
God doesn't 'need' anything or anyone; but He ordained His Will should be done on earth as it is in Heaven. His Will is not to destroy but rather to bless. The USA is in the blessing business, IMHO.Do you think that God needs his little flock to pick up arms to direct the powers and governments of the world (such as Caesar, Hitler, Stalin, Mao) as he wills?
So, you're asking why doesn't God just intervene and do His Will right now (or always)? I believe that He's allowed what He has allowed and prevented what He has prevented for His Purpose (which is Eternal) and I also believe that one of the guidelines of His Purpose is to lead the largest number possible into life eternal.Is God is powerless to direct legions of angels at his command or to even command them to be consumed of worms if that was what he wanted?
I'm sure it would, since his cronies were burning books by the truckload and gassing innocent civilians by the millions. Are you a Nazi?If Hitler became world king for a generation, does that stop the gospel of God and prevent his return as King of Kings in his time?