#11 Anti-authority | Rejecting the Author

Dr. Stephen Phinney: Why is there a global movement to resist governing authority? The answer might surprise you.

Listen to the audio version of this essay.

RESISTING ESTABLISHED AUTHORITY

In times of widespread resistance against authority, it is essential to remember the words of Romans 13:1-2. This passage reminds us that while it is natural to question and challenge authority, we must do so with a heart aligned with God’s will and purpose. Without this Biblical perspective, our culture will erode into mass chaos. Oh, wait, it already has.

You must be a firm and immovable Bible believer to answer this question, minimally indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The world cannot contribute to the answer since the blind cannot lead the blind (Luke 6:39). Traditionally, as noted throughout history, Christians were/are the moral compass to a deceived world. I’m pretty sure this was the original mission of authentic indwelt Christians since the resurrection of Jesus, from the day of Pentecost forward. You know the story - a lost and depraved world needing a Savior to save them from themselves.

Realistically speaking, authorities have lost their punch.

The basic thesis is that the whole of humanity, past, present, and future, are born dead to Christ – born into Satan/sin where each becomes a child of the Father of Lies.

Satan is the idyllic model of resistance against governing authority – God. The Father of Lies parentally raises humanity under his dark cloud of rebellion. Humans, therefore, become children/adults of lies. Unless individuals convert through the invitation of indwelt Christianity, they remain slaves to this LIAR. If they stay enslaved people, they remain liars, themselves. Liars always join the Father of Lies in resisting governing authority—a clear and present fact. More will be said on this later. Until then, remember that humanity ultimately destines itself to its father's place, Satan; Hell, or God the Father; Heaven. No man or demon can resist this universal law in this single fact.

Ugly fact. The Intelligence Project identified 576 extreme anti-government groups in 2019. In 2020, before the panic of COVID-19, that number was expected to double – not counting the self-proclaimed anti-government citizens. These numbers also do not include the groups representing themselves as advocates, engaging in violence or other criminal activities, or being racist. Many sociologists expect those numbers to go exponential in reviewing new statistics since the global pandemic.

What happens if anti-government goes global - exponentially?

I do not mean to offend simple-minded thinkers, but the answer is elementary. If anti-government becomes the norm for global thought, a socialistic platform remains the only wobbling structure. Some readers know about the Father of Lies and his Seven Year Tribulation. Yes, the Heavenly Father allows Satan seven years to rule the earth. The first three and a half years of his elusive rule will be “peace, peace” (Socialism), while the second three and a half years will be mandated obedience to Satan’s Monarchy. I believe the “peace, peace” portion will be based on Satan’s illusion of granting the people self-rule – we, the people ruling from the bottom up. It is not to be rude, but it does not matter who does or does not believe this Biblical projection; it is the Truth (Mark 24:21).

Socialism is the extreme opposite of monarchy. God’s governance is the original form of what the world references as a monarchy. The predictability of Satan is predictable; Satan always hangs out at the opposites of God’s governance. The irony is in the second half of his temporary reign when he flips to an anti-grace monarchy (dictatorship), demanding absolute obedience. Why does he bother with three and a half years of socialism? If you haven’t noticed, socialism is the most deceptive form of illusive self-rule. As with all countries bound by socialism, there is ALWAYS a dictator at the top. As history reveals, these dictators turn on their people in due time – sucking every ounce of life out of them. Once led to the slaughter of the food lines, dependence is secured. Finally, Satan uses the first half of his rule to rein in his duped followers, which will take about three and a half years to accomplish. The bewildered people become trapped after the second half opens, likened to the bait-and-switch illusion.

Let’s review the Biblical elements of governance.

While we know the Father of Lies uses these principles to promote himself, God maintains His normal, natural, and neutral rules of engaging the people.

The just balance between God’s people and the fulfillment of His governance is essential in maintaining His objectives for mankind. The fundamental principle in the Bible, His governing system, must be viewed as healthy, which is relevant today for His Kingdom rule.

The Bible, which details Christ’s relational model of obedience, activates simple yet compelling results for examining His model. Scholars consistently discover that relationships in the Old Testament, New Testament, and the book of Revelation hinge upon one’s obedience to His governance. Most of the stories in the Bible verify this universal principle.

Forgiveness versus Resistance.

Resistance is usually looked upon as troublemaking, punishing others, or judgment. God considers it a sin and to be avoided.

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2)

Key: Every person must honor this elementary principle of governance – Christian or not. Our challenge is in the principle of standing forgiving. Since non-Christians have no ability or resources to forgive, the Adamic nature of resistance rears its ugly head. When a believer stands forgiving, the yoke is light when submitting to unreasonable governors/authorities.

“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle but also to those who are unreasonable.” (1 Peter 2:18)

First and foremost, Christians and non-Christians alike hate being a servant. Both twist this mandate into a cultural timeline issue. Whether you use the term people, slaves, servants, or humans, the rule of governance remains. Most readers are blinded to the benefits of adhering to such a perceived ridiculous order. Keep in mind all fulfilled obedience has a reward.

“For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.” (1 Peter 2:19)

Today, we live in a culture where it is trendy to avoid sorrow and suffering. Since unbelievers could care less about having the favor of God, resistance rules the day.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Standing forgiving is the only practical solution for an individual to bear up under unjust authority figures. Here is our checkpoint: only indwelt/born-again believers can forgive.

Jesus is the only one who can unconditionally forgive because He paid the price for all who offend. Authentic believers have the Life of Christ living from within. Real-time grace is released to the unreasonable when Christ is released to forgive others. Then, and only then, the servant of Christ considers misinterpretation and other factors that might play into the life of the unreasonable authority. Key: If the indwelling factor is not calculated into the formula, forgiveness and resistance are confused.

Coming up Next: Anti-authority Part Two.