God-Ordained Institutions

We learn from the creation account in Genesis 1 that anything our God creates or establishes is good, ordered, and productive (i.e., fruitful and flourishes; thrives). 

 There are three institutions God established as a part of human society:

 Marriage/Family (Genesis 1:27-28, 2:18, 21-25)

 The Church (Matthew 16:16-18)

 Government (Romans 13:1b)

 God’s institution of human government is not a wholesale endorsement of every form or expression of it throughout history, particularly those moments when human governing was or is bad. 

Forms of Government

• Theocracy – governed by God (Exodus 19:1-6)
• Monarchy – governed by a king (1 Samuel 8:4-9)
•  Oligarchy – governed by a few

 An oligarchy is defined by governance controlled by a limited number of elites, often linked through wealth, family ties, or powerful institutions. Its manifestations range from ancient city-states with aristocratic rule to modern economies where a few groups shape policy and direction.

•  Autocracy – governed by one

 A political system where ultimate authority rests with one person without any checks or balances of power. 

• Democracy – governed by the people

 A democracy is a system of government in which power resides with the people, who exercise it either directly or through elected representatives, ensuring that decisions reflect the will of the citizens while protecting their rights.

The United States is a federal constitutional republic.

• Federal system: Power shared between federal and state governments. 
• Constitutional: Government powers are defined and limited by the Constitution.
• Republic: Citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf (a representative democracy)

 The Purpose of Human Government

 The purpose of human government is to direct its affairs for the benefit of the people within its jurisdiction, promote justice, and restrain wrongdoing (Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Romans 13:3-4).

The Christian’s Dual Citizenship

Earthly citizenship (Acts 17:26)

Heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20)

“The Christian commonwealth has a different constitution and different laws, and Christians are to exemplify the values of the heavenly realm. Christ’s resurrection establishes a new city (polis) and an alternative political jurisdiction that challenges the values and the methods of the empire.” (David E. Garland, “Philippians,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians–Philemon Revised Edition, ed. Tremper Longman III, vol. 12; Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006, 248)

As dual citizens, we can have a holy patriotism: gratitude to God, an appreciation for our country and the freedoms, rights, and privileges we have, and a commitment to its peace and prosperity (i.e., Jeremiah 29:7; Peter calls us exiles of this world; we are spiritual exiles – 1 Peter 1:1, 2:11). And, at the same time, we are to have an undying allegiance to King Jesus and his kingdom over and above our loyalty to our own nation. Christ above country.