Originally Posted by Anthony C.
In his time and context, what did he know that we may be oblivious of?

The reason I mention this, is many are hesitant to even consider that the powers and principalities have ill intent…. Like really bad. Yes, the government is not your friend and does not serve your master…. Expect the worst.
1. IF by "we" you are referring to the contemporary masses among whom we live, then that would be what every true biblical Calvinist knows... the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately corrupt, who can comprehend it? In short, it is appropriately named, "Total Depravity", which if not restrained in the natural man externally by the sovereign providence of the Holy Spirit, it would result in Hell personified.

2. True, true... government is run by idiots who are intellectually gifted and appointed by God to punish those less wicked than they. That is why, Edwards and others among whom I can be included, believe that Romans 13 does not teach that all men are bound to give unfeigned, unrestricted and full obedience to the "powers that be". Certainly, the disciples were quite aware of what Paul, by inspiration wrote, which is the will of God in regard to government's power and authority. Often they refused to comply to the 'law' which came to them by rulers. And Paul, by example, refused to barter the truth for freedom but rather he obeyed God rather than men when man's law contradicted God's perfect law. The history of the Reformed Faith has always taught that Christians are to refuse any/all men who require what God has forbidden. And, contrariwise, Christians are to obey God against what any/all men have forbidden. This includes even when rulers in the Church are guilty of failing to rule by God's commandments and distort discipline of members.

[Linked Image]

simul iustus et peccator

[Linked Image]