Surviving and Winning Against COVID-19 by Obeying Romans 13
The Coronavirus pandemic is still going on worldwide. Some people are making things worse by not obeying simple rules and regulations. They are told to stay at home and they are told why they need to stay at home. They are given guidelines on dos and don'ts. Others are given permission to work from home as mandated by the government. Yet, they still don't want to obey that mandate. The only time the mandate must not be followed is only when you're told to disobey God or do something evil. However, Christians are told to pray for wicked authorities. Daniel 3 tells us about how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego disobeyed King Nebuchadnezzar but they exercised civil disobedience. You don't see the three of them rebelling against the king. They disobeyed the king in the most civil way possible and accepted whatever punishment may come.
Now, why do I think about surviving COVID-19 by surviving Romans 13? Here is what Romans 13:1-7 presents:
The Bible teaches about submission to authority from Genesis to Revelation. The more I think of people who don't want to follow quarantine guidelines - the more I think about the rebellious Israelites who didn't follow rules. Moses was giving them God's rules yet what did most of the Israelites do? They chose to disobey. Some people were told not to gather manna for tomorrow except on Fridays but didn't follow that rule. Nadab and Abihu were told not to offer strange fire before God yet they did it. You can see God puts a premium value on obedience and shows His wrath towards disobedience.
What we realize is that God ordained authority for good reasons. Without law, there is no order. God's Law was presented for our own good. The Old Testament ceremonial law may be gone but the moral law hasn't. The ten commandments are still on effect in the New Testament. We consider how God promises in Deuteronomy 28. Just remember the Old Testament is still relevant in the moral law. Just because it's in the Old Testament doesn't mean it's obsolete in the New Testament. God's Law teaches us right from wrong. If I didn't know God's Law then how would I accept I'm a sinner. Then there is Romans 3:31 that says that those under grace will fulfill the Law. The Law teaches you're a sinner. Grace teaches you to love the Law even when you're no longer under the latter's tutelage. The same way authorities are placed to watch over society in peace and order. they are also there to bear the sword. What's the sword for? Planting trees? No, the sword is used for law enforcement and kill criminals if necessary.
The problem with sinful people is their sinful desires resulting in the hatred for rules. A good example is the United States of America and the Philippines. How often do people think that they're free without the law? Take note that outside the Law of God then there is no real freedom. True freedom is found in God's fence of protection. Can you imagine going out into the streets and you can't enjoy your walk because crimes are rampant? Can you imagine trying to sleep at night to recharge your batteries yet there are no rules about peace and order? On the contrary, freedom is only found in God's moral law. Some people today would hate the quarantine order by the government calling it "repressive" and "dictatorial". The reason behind the quarantine order is because the Coronavirus is highly contagious. That's why the rule of social distancing is given. People are told to stay home because there are too many people and too little medical workers.
What's the role of having law enforcers such as soldiers and policemen during the Coronavirus crisis? Some people in the Philippines have gone as far as to say that it's repressive. However, any real research will reveal that military has its role in any pandemic. The military has their role to help keep peace and order. There is the reality that wicked people love to take advantage of times of chaos. Nehemiah encountered wicked people while he faced the greatest crisis of protecting his people. False prophets took advantage of people during the Babylonian captivity. That's why law enforcers are necessary in times of pandemic. Recent news events reveal that some people will steal relief goods, others will raise false alarms like the story of the "Boy Who Cried Wolf", and others will take advantage of the situation to oppress people - just to name a few of the many bad things that could happen.
What does it mean to be subject not just for wrath but for conscience's sake in the pandemic? Obedience to the government's laws concerning the pandemic is not just out of fear of possible punishment. It's not just the fear of paying hefty fines or doing unpleasant community service. It would also mean that you obey the quarantine rules because you want to help the government flatten the curve of any pandemic. You would get only your fair ration of relief goods because others need it. You would avoid panic buying so others have their means to help combat the pandemic. You would practice social distancing because you know the virus is highly contagious. This is a good conscience that one's cooperation will help save lives. However, this doesn't mean people shouldn't correct the government when it's wrong. Rather, any form of criticism given to the government should be on the constructive side. John the Baptist rebuked Herod Antipas but never launched a rebellion. The Apostles disobeyed the mandate not to preach the Gospel while still paying taxes and telling people to pay taxes. It's also required to pray for those in power that they will make the right decision.
Following the Law out of love for God
Then we realize these are the final verses of Romans 13 that we need to apply to survive the Coronavirus crisis:
We realize that the laws against adultery, murder, stealing, lying, and covetousness are made to protect us. We would also realize that if we truly love our neighbor as ourselves - we would not do those things which harm our neighbors. We want to contribute to social peace and order because we love our neighbors and care about them. Love works no ill and that it fulfills the Law. To be under grace means to go beyond the Law as one's schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:25-25 mentions the following:
Now we understand that the Law teaches us right from wrong. The Law is like a teacher. Then salvation came and by faith - Christians are no longer under a schoolmaster. Consider it that when you finish schooling - you are no longer under your teacher's authority. Instead, that teacher who taught you while you were a student is now a friend of yours. The Law works that way. First, the sinner is under the condemnation of the Law. After salvation, the Christian is now walking with the Law side by side. The Law is no longer a schoolmaster but a companion and accountability partner. True love will work nothing evil but will seek to fulfill the Law. Romans 3:31 says that faith establishes the Law.
Casting aside the works of darkness will help survive the pandemic. Help your authorities by giving honest reports of lawbreakers so they can be apprehended. Help your authorities by obeying the rules. I would agree with the liquor ban during the pandemic not just to discourage social gatherings but to also prevent rioting, drunkenness, laziness, and wanton behavior which all contribute to social disorder. Giving honest reports would help keep society in order. Reporting those who give false alarms will also help the government's work in keeping peace and order during the pandemic much easier.
At this point, soulwinning will be very vital. Charles H. Spurgeon carried soulwinning during the time God spared his community during the London Cholera Outbreak of 1854. Spurgeon took every opportunity to have certain people to reach out the sick. Christian frontliners must be encouraged to pass Gospel tracts to people while they do their work. It's just like how the people in Wuhan are now giving the good news to others in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. Right now, there will be people whose hearts are probably still hardened as the Pharaoh of the Exodus. However, others may find themselves awakened during the Coronavirus crisis with God's effectual calling.
God bless!
See also:
Subjection to authority
Now, why do I think about surviving COVID-19 by surviving Romans 13? Here is what Romans 13:1-7 presents:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
The Bible teaches about submission to authority from Genesis to Revelation. The more I think of people who don't want to follow quarantine guidelines - the more I think about the rebellious Israelites who didn't follow rules. Moses was giving them God's rules yet what did most of the Israelites do? They chose to disobey. Some people were told not to gather manna for tomorrow except on Fridays but didn't follow that rule. Nadab and Abihu were told not to offer strange fire before God yet they did it. You can see God puts a premium value on obedience and shows His wrath towards disobedience.
What we realize is that God ordained authority for good reasons. Without law, there is no order. God's Law was presented for our own good. The Old Testament ceremonial law may be gone but the moral law hasn't. The ten commandments are still on effect in the New Testament. We consider how God promises in Deuteronomy 28. Just remember the Old Testament is still relevant in the moral law. Just because it's in the Old Testament doesn't mean it's obsolete in the New Testament. God's Law teaches us right from wrong. If I didn't know God's Law then how would I accept I'm a sinner. Then there is Romans 3:31 that says that those under grace will fulfill the Law. The Law teaches you're a sinner. Grace teaches you to love the Law even when you're no longer under the latter's tutelage. The same way authorities are placed to watch over society in peace and order. they are also there to bear the sword. What's the sword for? Planting trees? No, the sword is used for law enforcement and kill criminals if necessary.
The problem with sinful people is their sinful desires resulting in the hatred for rules. A good example is the United States of America and the Philippines. How often do people think that they're free without the law? Take note that outside the Law of God then there is no real freedom. True freedom is found in God's fence of protection. Can you imagine going out into the streets and you can't enjoy your walk because crimes are rampant? Can you imagine trying to sleep at night to recharge your batteries yet there are no rules about peace and order? On the contrary, freedom is only found in God's moral law. Some people today would hate the quarantine order by the government calling it "repressive" and "dictatorial". The reason behind the quarantine order is because the Coronavirus is highly contagious. That's why the rule of social distancing is given. People are told to stay home because there are too many people and too little medical workers.
What's the role of having law enforcers such as soldiers and policemen during the Coronavirus crisis? Some people in the Philippines have gone as far as to say that it's repressive. However, any real research will reveal that military has its role in any pandemic. The military has their role to help keep peace and order. There is the reality that wicked people love to take advantage of times of chaos. Nehemiah encountered wicked people while he faced the greatest crisis of protecting his people. False prophets took advantage of people during the Babylonian captivity. That's why law enforcers are necessary in times of pandemic. Recent news events reveal that some people will steal relief goods, others will raise false alarms like the story of the "Boy Who Cried Wolf", and others will take advantage of the situation to oppress people - just to name a few of the many bad things that could happen.
What does it mean to be subject not just for wrath but for conscience's sake in the pandemic? Obedience to the government's laws concerning the pandemic is not just out of fear of possible punishment. It's not just the fear of paying hefty fines or doing unpleasant community service. It would also mean that you obey the quarantine rules because you want to help the government flatten the curve of any pandemic. You would get only your fair ration of relief goods because others need it. You would avoid panic buying so others have their means to help combat the pandemic. You would practice social distancing because you know the virus is highly contagious. This is a good conscience that one's cooperation will help save lives. However, this doesn't mean people shouldn't correct the government when it's wrong. Rather, any form of criticism given to the government should be on the constructive side. John the Baptist rebuked Herod Antipas but never launched a rebellion. The Apostles disobeyed the mandate not to preach the Gospel while still paying taxes and telling people to pay taxes. It's also required to pray for those in power that they will make the right decision.
Following the Law out of love for God
Then we realize these are the final verses of Romans 13 that we need to apply to survive the Coronavirus crisis:
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
We realize that the laws against adultery, murder, stealing, lying, and covetousness are made to protect us. We would also realize that if we truly love our neighbor as ourselves - we would not do those things which harm our neighbors. We want to contribute to social peace and order because we love our neighbors and care about them. Love works no ill and that it fulfills the Law. To be under grace means to go beyond the Law as one's schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:25-25 mentions the following:
Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Now we understand that the Law teaches us right from wrong. The Law is like a teacher. Then salvation came and by faith - Christians are no longer under a schoolmaster. Consider it that when you finish schooling - you are no longer under your teacher's authority. Instead, that teacher who taught you while you were a student is now a friend of yours. The Law works that way. First, the sinner is under the condemnation of the Law. After salvation, the Christian is now walking with the Law side by side. The Law is no longer a schoolmaster but a companion and accountability partner. True love will work nothing evil but will seek to fulfill the Law. Romans 3:31 says that faith establishes the Law.
Casting aside the works of darkness will help survive the pandemic. Help your authorities by giving honest reports of lawbreakers so they can be apprehended. Help your authorities by obeying the rules. I would agree with the liquor ban during the pandemic not just to discourage social gatherings but to also prevent rioting, drunkenness, laziness, and wanton behavior which all contribute to social disorder. Giving honest reports would help keep society in order. Reporting those who give false alarms will also help the government's work in keeping peace and order during the pandemic much easier.
At this point, soulwinning will be very vital. Charles H. Spurgeon carried soulwinning during the time God spared his community during the London Cholera Outbreak of 1854. Spurgeon took every opportunity to have certain people to reach out the sick. Christian frontliners must be encouraged to pass Gospel tracts to people while they do their work. It's just like how the people in Wuhan are now giving the good news to others in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. Right now, there will be people whose hearts are probably still hardened as the Pharaoh of the Exodus. However, others may find themselves awakened during the Coronavirus crisis with God's effectual calling.
God bless!
See also: