DM#13: Submission to Authorities

Doctrine of the Mysteries #13

Submission to authorities

It can be amusing (and sad) to read the reactions of people when you tell them that, as grace believers, we are not under the law, but under grace.

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 

The reactions can vary from being called blasphemous, to a show of ignorance by people who ask the very question Paul deals with in Rom 6:15, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” Others would respond with some confusion, asking to what extent this statement applies; is it the Mosaic law? Is it church, or state, or country law? Is it secular rules and regulations, or is it laws that are more personal?

Well, before we get into our actual topic of submission to authorities, it will help to clarify what laws Paul is saying we are not under. The law that Paul refers to here is not the moral laws (aka: The 10-commandments, minus observing the Sabbath), but rather, they are the laws connected to Israel’s priesthood.

Most of ISRAEL’S LAW originated out of the Levitical Priesthood

The Levitical priesthood was responsible for the care and maintenance of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, in Jerusalem. They were also responsible for teaching the Law to the people and for administering justice. Much of the Mosaic law was connected to the priesthood and included laws regarding sacrifices, offerings, purification regarding washings and diets, circumcision, tithing, harvests and first fruits, observance of feasts and holy days, observances of special ordinances, rituals and rites.** It’s these laws that have never been dispensed to Gentiles. We were never placed under this law covenant which God made with Israel. In addition, we have never had a priesthood either.

So, when Paul says we are not under the law, his reference is to Israel’s Levitical laws. Paul is not saying that we are not under the moral law of God. Likewise, understanding this difference will help to eliminate any confusion or contradiction with Romans 13, a chapter where Paul explicitly tells us that we are subject to the authorities appointed over us.

Paul’s statements are not contradictory. It is easy for us to understand that we are subject to authorities. We have been taught this from childhood and we understand and abide by this concept for sake of wrath or conscience, Rom 13:5. Thus, it is the will of God that we do so, —but, barring righteousness.

There are instances in the Bible where people have disobeyed authority when it conflicted with God’s moral laws. For example, in Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” when they were ordered to stop preaching about Jesus. Similarly, in Daniel 3:16-18, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, even though it was a direct order from the king.

It is clear from Paul’s writings that we are not under the priesthood laws of Israel, but when it comes to authority over us, we abide in peace, render our dues, and obey according to conscience. However, under circumstances when moral law and man’s law conflict with each other, the Bible tells us to prioritize God’s righteousness.

_____________________

** ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF INTEREST REGARDING LEVITICAL LAWS

A change in Priesthood means a change in law

Since most of the Mosaic law was connected to the Levitical priesthood, it makes sense that when the priesthood changes, the laws would also change. The Bible confirms this clearly and emphatically in Hebrews chapter 7. When Jesus comes at His second coming and sets up His Millennial Kingdom, he takes up the position of King of Kings, but He also stands in the position of Israel’s High Priest. It is at this time, when Jesus replaces the Levitical priesthood, that He also changes the laws connected to His priesthood.

Heb 7:11  If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?  (12)  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Thus, where the Mosaic (and Levitical) law was under the Old Covenant, the priesthood of Jesus will be under the New Covenant. See for example a change in the sacrificial system,

Heb 10:10  …[in which] we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. … (14)  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. … (18)  Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,  (20)  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  (21)  And having an high priest over the house of God;  (22)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Similarly, in this new covenant, many other laws will change. Simply read Matthew chapters 5-7 to identify the vast changes in the constitutional law of the Millennial Kingdom.