GOD’S WORD MUST BE RECOGNIZED

“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20.

The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His word. We are to receive this word as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God’s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates. –The Acts of Apostles, p. 68.

Questions to think about:

Does God require that His followers respect worldly government authorities and obey their requirements?

Must we obey God rather than men in case of conflict between human legislation and God’s law?

Is God’s authority above all authorities?