Divine Mandate: Upholding Earthly Authority
The doctrine claims that all strength and authority to which a person is subject comes from God, and therefore believers are obliged to obey those who hold power. Thus, even if authoritative structures manifest in various forms, their authority is not arbitrary but established by God. This basis for obedience is enshrined in the sacred scriptures, which state that every authority is established by God and that resisting it means opposing God’s ordinance.As stated in one of the sources:"Let every soul be submissive to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God; the existing authorities are ordained by God. Accordingly, whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God; and those who oppose will incur judgment." (source: link txt)Furthermore, another citation emphasizes that even if authorities differ in nature, obedience to them follows from the fact that they are instituted by God:"Serving for the sake of people... Against such thinking, listen to what the Apostle further says: 'There is no governing authority except from God; and those that exist have been instituted by God.' (Romans 13:1) Every authority is from God. Therefore, the one to whom each of us is directly subject is also one to whom we must render obedience." (source: link txt)These statements clearly indicate that the reason believers obey authority is based on its divine institution. Therefore, compliance with earthly authorities is not only a civic duty but also a religious obligation, as these authorities represent the mechanism established by God Himself for maintaining order and guiding the salvation of human souls.Supporting citation(s):"Let every soul be submissive to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God; the existing authorities are ordained by God. Accordingly, whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God; and those who oppose will incur judgment." (source: link txt)"Serving for the sake of people... Against such thinking, listen to what the Apostle further says: 'There is no governing authority except from God; and those that exist have been instituted by God.' (Romans 13:1) Every authority is from God. Therefore, the one to whom each of us is directly subject is also one to whom we must render obedience." (source: link txt)