What does the Bible say about police, justice, and authority?
Introduction
In the modern world, the relationship between citizens and civil authorities—including law enforcement (the police)—is often complex and strained. For a new Christian seeking to understand how to live a godly life in society, this relationship is a crucial area of discipleship.
The Bible speaks clearly about authority, establishing that civil government is not merely a human invention, but a divine institution. God delegates power to human authorities to maintain order, punish evil, and protect the innocent.
Three Biblical Truths about Authority and Justice
The Christian understanding of police, justice, and government authority is built upon the dual mandates of submission and righteous action.
1. Civil Authority is Ordained by God (The Role of the "Servant")
The most explicit teaching on civil government comes from the Apostle Paul, who wrote during a time when Rome's rule was often oppressive.
God's Institution: Paul makes it clear that all government authority is established by God, not by chance: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).
The Purpose of the Sword: The government, including the police and justice system, acts as God's "servant" to carry out His wrath on those who do evil. The "sword" symbolizes the government's legitimate power to use force to maintain order and even impose the death penalty (Romans 13:4). The Christian is called to submit to this authority because to resist it is to resist God’s own decree.
2. The Christian Command to Submit (The Practical Response)
Because authority is from God, the default posture of the Christian should be one of respectful obedience.
Submit for Conscience’s Sake: Submission is not based on whether we like the government or agree with every law, but on a spiritual principle. We submit “not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience” (Romans 13:5).
Respect and Prayer: We are commanded to show respect and honor to those in authority (1 Peter 2:17). We are also called to pray for them, that they may rule justly and that Christians may live peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
The Limit of Submission: Submission to human authority is not absolute. The apostles established the essential boundary: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). If a civil authority commands a Christian to sin (e.g., deny Christ, cease evangelism), the Christian must submit to the higher authority of God.
3. The Mandate for Biblical Justice (The Christian's Responsibility)
While the state maintains order, the Christian community is uniquely called to actively seek a higher, biblical standard of justice.
Pursue Righteousness: Biblical justice is not just about fair treatment; it is about right relationships and righteousness. The Christian is called to live out God’s heart for fairness and defense of the vulnerable: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Speak Up for the Oppressed: Where police or government authority is unjust, corrupt, or fails to protect the vulnerable, the Christian has a prophetic duty to speak out, advocate for reform, and work to ensure that justice is administered without partiality.
Conclusion
The Christian response to police, justice, and civil authority is a matter of balance. We respect the institution because God established it for order, but we critique its practice according to the unwavering standard of God’s justice.
As a believer, you are called to be a law-abiding citizen, a prayer warrior for your leaders, and an active participant in ensuring that the love and righteousness of Christ are reflected in the laws and actions of your society.
