According to the Bible, Jesus taught that people should obey the laws of the land, but that there are times when civil disobedience is justified.
When to Obey the Government
Bottom line: pretty much all the time (with some exceptions, listed below, after this section).
The Book of Romans has very specific instructions for believers regarding submission to those in authority, even going so far as to explain that when you are in rebellion to authority you may also be in rebellion to God (Romans 13:1-7 NIV):
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Additionally, we are to pay our taxes and show respect to those in authority over us:
- Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
- “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority”. (1 Peter 2:13-1)
Exceptions: When to Defy the Law
You may disobey the government when:
- It compels you to sin or prevents you from doing something that is required by God.
- If it tries to force you to commit any form of idolatry or mandatory worship of any kind.
- It commits human atrocities or gross injustices.
While the Bible outlines when we may resist authority, it does not tell us to do so violently or outside of the Will of God. Perhaps the best example of all to look to is Jesus.
Jesus sent ripples through the ancient world when he stood up for human rights and demonstrated civil disobedience when he turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple. But it is important to remember that when Jesus defied man, he was always doing so in submission to God the Father.
More on this topic…. Was Jesus Political in His Day?