Heaven’s Citizens Under Human Government

Gordon Dickson

On most major highways, you will find distance markers, milestones to help you measure the progress of your journey. From history we learn that it was the Romans who first placed these markers at every thousand paces—the precursor to the English mile. Jesus used these markers to teach His followers to “go the extra mile” (Matt. 5:41). So, when governmental or military leaders coerce or compel believers, the Lord tells His disciples to go beyond their expectations. Doing so helps us testify about Christ as we demonstrate that we love the Lord and love our neighbors. Over time, men such as Benjamin Franklin (postmaster of Philadelphia) put these roadway markers to effective use to organize regional maps. Today we give directions with interstate exit numbers and even rural bridges are marked with a sign indicating their exact distance from a given point in a county. In the pages of Scripture, we find mile markers to show us where we have been and where we are going. We could think of these as ancient landmarks erected by saints of God whom the Lord has used throughout the ages. According to Philippians 3:20, believers are citizens of heaven. So how should citizens of heaven respond to elected and appointed officials? As heavenly citizens who live under human government, it is important for us to remember our scriptural landmarks, mile markers for the journey ahead.

WHY DO NATIONS EXIST?

When discussing human government, believers should first answer this question: For what reason do nations exist? Paul’s landmark statement in Acts 17:26–27 assures us that God the Creator appointed the timing and boundaries of nations; He did so in order that men “should seek the Lord.” (According to Genesis 11:6–8, this began with the division of languages at Babel.) And to enable men to seek Him, God promised Abraham that his descendant (the Messiah) would bless all the nations of the earth (Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16). Acting on these landmark principles, Christians have the privilege of helping others seek the Lord. Yes, there are those who try to depict this emphasis as “Christian nationalism” in the United States. But these principles apply to every nation, wherever the gospel may be preached.