GOVERNMENT'S BIBLICAL ROLE
In my Libertarian views, often a discussion of the role of government arises in various conversations. I do not believe my view is vastly different from what the framers of the US Constitution desired. The topic itself holds the potential to be divisive; yet, clear obligations are set aside for government both constitutionally and biblically. The scope here is to focus on the biblical role of government; nevertheless, I will briefly discuss the constitutional role of government as well.
Constitutional
Role
The United States Constitution is a
unique document. It is not infallible by any stretch; yet, it is one of the
most precise and intentional documents in history. Personally, I believe the
framers of the Constitution had in mind particular protections which are
transcendent through time and circumstances, i.e. the Bill of Rights and
articles of the US Constitution were not intended for one era but for all time.
While the scope of my material here is not the constitutional role of
government, I would like to briefly mention a few items for consideration.
Constitutionally, the government exists to protect freedoms and liberties. The Constitution gives three types of power to the federal government: delegated (or numerated) powers, implied powers, and inherent powers.[1] Included in the delegated powers are the power to coin money, to regulate commerce, to declare war, and to maintain armed forces; the implied powers are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are rather inferred from what is “necessary and proper” (Article 1, Section 8);[2] and the inherent powers are not specifically listed in the text of the Constitution but are derived from the fundamental necessity for a federal government. While these matters might be discussed in incredible detail, suffice it to say that the constitutional role of government, with state and municipal governments stemming from what is not granted to the federal government, is the protection of citizens’ liberties and freedoms. Seemingly, American government has grown massively and has become an entity that has reached far beyond the bounds of its constitutional role; yet, its foundational purpose for existence is to protect the liberties and freedoms of the people.
Biblical Role
The scope of the material here is primarily the biblical role of government. While much of what is mentioned relates to federal government, these elements apply also to both state and municipal governments. Scripture does not necessarily distinguish between the three; yet, in an overarching sense, the model for government should be applied to all forms. One might suggest that the biblical model for government is one of a theocratic variety. Such a claim certainly holds weight; yet, I believe biblical theocracies only existed by God’s allowance, not necessarily because God himself demands such. An entire nation that honors God is to be commended; yet, morality should not be legislated, for if it is, it is no true morality at all. I suggest four underlying biblical roles of government: protection, justice, equality, and order.
Protection
The clearest biblical role of government is the protection of its citizens. Paul discusses the power of the sword (Rom 13:4); the plainest example of this is the waging of war. Solomon confesses that there is indeed a time for war (Eccl 3:8). Since Paul instructs believers to be at peace with all men if possible (Rom 12:18), the implication is that war should be avoided as much as possible but also that it is not always possible to do so. Biblical models of government reveal a role that centers around the protection of its citizens. A government that does not protect its citizens is an unjust government and one which dishonors God. While modern societies attempt to grant numerous other roles to government, the most foundational role is protection.
Justice
In a strikingly connected manner, justice is the second primary role of government. Scripture makes clear that governors are sent by God to “punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good” (1 Pet 2:14). Furthermore, Paul contends that governmental authorities carry out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer (Rom 13:4). An inference from these biblical texts is that civilian citizens should not execute legal justice themselves, for vengeance belongs to God (Deut 32:35) through the employment of government. Everyone is held accountable; God’s plan for holding people accountable on this earth is through the process of government. Even on a large scale, government is called to execute justice among its people. If a nation is attacked or wronged, it is government’s responsibility to issue justice toward those who have wronged its people. An unjust government will be severely disciplined by God; thus, the role of justice should be taken seriously by every level of government.
Equality
Equality is yet another function of government. God is just and does not show favoritism (Rom 2:11); therefore, no government should do so as well. It would be right, however, to consider what biblical equality looks like. As an order of morality, I personally do not believe equality should be legislated among private entities, e.g. private businesses. Government, nonetheless, should strive for equality and perhaps even legislate such in its inner-workings. Equality is vital, for not only is God equal toward his people but, in response to him, his people are called to submit to one another in reverence (Eph 5:21). Equality is a matter of godliness. While government should not mandate private citizens and businesses to manage their operations in any single fashion, e.g. who to hire, how to hire, reasons for termination, etc. (for morality should not be legislated), government should play a crucial role in the protection of human rights and equal opportunity.[3] Equality then is a primary role of government.
Order
Finally, government’s role is also order. God is a God of order rather than confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Scripture is replete with references to order, self-control, and peace. Part of government’s role is to manage society in such a way that order is a result. While Paul’s instructions, in 1 Corinthians 14, are related to order in corporate worship, because God is a God of order, a good and functioning society should be so also. Without order is chaos and godlessness. I identify as a Libertarian but am often astounded by how many people link Libertarian views to anarchy. I do not know a single Libertarian who supports anarchy; yet, we all support the most limited government possible while still advocating for a government which manages a society of order. Biblically, government’s responsibility is to order a people justly and rightly.
An Overreaching Government, No Matter How Good the Intentions, Is Unconstitutional and Unbiblical
What is meant by the title statement
here is that while theocracies certainly exist in the Bible, God’s plan is
never to legislate morality. Simply because a biblical society, e.g. a society
or people in the Bible does something does not mean that the act itself is
biblical, e.g. right. The material here does not argue for a theocracy. It is
God, nevertheless, who ultimately executes perfect judgment. He has ordained
government as an extension of his justice; yet, it is his justice alone that
reigns supreme. “For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord
is our king; he will save us” (Isa 33:22). The both constitutional and biblical
roles of government extend then from its God-ordained function whether in a
society which honors God or not. Consider the Apostle Paul who instructed
believers to be subject to the governing authorities in a godless society which
killed Christians. Even then, God has positioned leaders who do not exist apart
from him. In such a circumstance, the government is overreaching. I dare
suggest, in fact, that a government which extends its reach beyond the bounds
of its constitutional and biblical roles, no matter how good the intentions may
be, is actually unconstitutional and unbiblical. Perspectives on what overreach
looks like vary; yet, overreach is possible and occurs. The overarching roles
presented here offer the fundamental purposes of government, which should be
considered and employed for the good of a people.
[1]
Such powers are discussed in Article 1, Section 8.
[2]
Since these powers are not explicitly discussed in the Constitution, courts are
often left to determine their reach.
[3] The discussion of this topic includes a variety of perspectives, which lends itself to common controversy. What is shared here is merely opinion.
