We believe in the Scripture's teaching that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and order of human society. "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" (1 Peter 2:13). "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the powers that exist are appointed by God" (Romans 13:1).
The only exception to this would be in matters of faith, where obedience to a law of man would mean disobedience to the law of God. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and in such cases where the laws or ordinances would violate our faith or duty to worship God or witness our faith to others, our position is the same as the apostles': "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
- Romans 12:18; 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:17; Matthew 22:21; Proverbs 8:15-16; Revelation 19:16