Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/711

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CHAPTER LXXXIX

INTERPRETATION OF ROMANS 13: 5–7 (CONTINUED)

It is not true that Paul tried to introduce the right of the kings into (the system of) the people of God.Sovereignty
Is Ethically
Color-Blind
He knew that in the beginning the Jews had no royal sovereignty until they asked for it1 and when they got their king he proved to be the punishment for their sins.2 And now our Christian lords think that they have the right to rule and to oppress!

But having obtained authority they seldom look to the Scriptures for the wisdom of how to rule. They are satisfied to know that authority is good, and they find their approbation and proof in their round belly, fattened at the expense and pain of the poor working class. They do not suspect for one moment that they might rule improperly over their Christians, without the sanction of faith.


1 1-Sam. 8: 4–9. Cf. NF, I, chaps. XXVII (pp.131*ff) and XC (pp.253*ff).

2 Hos.13:11, p.138*; chap.XXXV, pp155*ff; 1-Ki. 12.

252*