THE WATCH TOWER AND HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE
June 1, 1929

THE HIGHER POWERS

"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." – Rom. 13:1

PART 1

    JEHOVAH God gave his Word to his people for their reproof, correction, instruction, aid and comfort, to the end that such may be thoroughly furnished with knowledge that will enable them to do right and to accomplish good. (Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17) That inflexible rule must always be kept in mind and followed in giving consideration to any Scriptural text. That means that the anointed must always be obedient to God's law. A rule or law that commands a child of God to take any other course is wrong. The anointed of the Lord must do right; and God's Word alone, and without a single exception, points out the right way. – Ps. 19:7,8.
    2. The instruction of the thirteenth chapter of Romans has long been misapplied. The improper application has really been the basis for the false doctrine of the "divine right of kings" or rulers to rule and oppress the people. The instruction given therein by the apostle was not intended for mankind in general, but for the benefit of the church. If intended for any one outside of the church, then it must follow that God has been judging the people throughout the period of the Gentile times, whereas other scriptures show that God has appointed a special time for the judgment of mankind in general. – Acts 17:31.
    3. The apostle is, in substance, telling the members of the church that they should always be obedient to God, and that the motive for such obedience must be love for God and a delight in doing his will. Paul's argument is also to the effect that if the laws of the land are in harmony with God's law they should be obeyed, of course; not because such laws were enacted by the law-making body of the nation, but because they are in harmony with God's law and for that reason are right; that if the law of a nation is not contrary to God's law, then the law of the nation should be obeyed in order that the child of God might not needlessly cause offense; and, further, for the sake of his own conscience. The controlling point in his argument really is citizenship, or to what power the creature is to be in subjection.

POWER

    4. The power of Jehovah is supreme. From him proceeds all rightful authority. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. (Isa. 42:5; Jer. 10:12) There is no limitation to his power, and there is no qualification to the statement that God is supreme. (Gen. 17:1-3; 35:11) He is the Most High, and none can be above him. (Ps. 91:1; Eph. 4:10) In his argument the apostle says: "There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of [arranged under] God". Otherwise stated, all power that is rightfully exercised is that which is delegated by Jehovah to the creature exercising that power. It follows, then, that there is no creature or creatures that could rightfully make and execute laws or rules of action that are contrary to God's law. When the apostle says, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers", these words include the church now, and will later include all who come into harmony with God.
    5. Many comments have been written of and concerning the thirteenth chapter of Romans to the effect that the Gentile powers or governments of this world are the "powers that be" and that such governments derive their powers from Jehovah God. At once it is seen that the foundation is laid for the doctrine of the "divine right of kings", for the reason that the argument is that whatever power a nation has and exercises, that power is ordained of God, and that therefore the child of God must be obedient to that power. For many centuries the rulers and the nations called Christian nations have insisted that God has delegated to them the power to rule, and have used this to cause the people to pay them great respect and homage. Let this argument be followed to its logical conclusion, and where do we find ourselves?
    6. In the United States it is unlawful for a citizen to be found in possession of or transporting intoxicating liquor. In Canada, England, Germany and other countries, which also claim to be Christian, it is not unlawful to be found in possession of or (and) transporting intoxicating liquors. Has God delegated a different power or authority to these different nations? In the United States, in time of peace no citizen can, by law, be drafted and required to render military service. In Italy and other countries called Christian, even in time of peace all citizens are subject to military service, and refusing to render such service are subject to severe punishment. Which one of the nations is making and enforcing the military law in harmony with God's law, seeing that their laws are different?
    7. In the United States, in time of war a law is made compelling persons within a certain age limit to engage in military service. Is the law of God different at different times and in different countries? The scripture answers: 'God changes not.' (Mal. 3:6) Of necessity God must be, and is, at all times consistent.
    8. God says to his anointed sons: "Thou shalt not kill." (Matt. 5:21, 22) He that kills is a murderer. Furthermore it is written: "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." (1 John 3:15) All the Gentile governments of the world in time of war compel their respective subjects or citizens to participate in war and to kill. Has God delegated the power to these governments to order men to kill each other, and are the anointed sons of God bound to obey the laws of the land which require killing, when at the same time God's own law commands that he shall not kill? If the child of God engages in war and deliberately kills, he precludes himself from entering the kingdom, according to God's law.
    9. If a worldly government can enact a law forbidding the use of certain drinks, that nation or government can also enact a law, and enforce it, forbidding the use of certain foods, even including bread. Jesus directed his followers to pray to God: "Give us this day our daily bread". Would God delegate to a nation or government a power that would permit that nation to make and enforce a law forbidding the use of the very thing for which the children of God were directed to pray? If it is lawful to drink beer while eating cheese in the United States, which one of these nations is exercising the power delegated by the Lord? If the answer be, Both, then the question is properly asked: Is God declaring that the doing of a certain act is right in one part of the earth and wrong in another part of the earth?
    10. Russia and the United States are both powers of this world, otherwise called nations or governments; and both claim to be Christian nations, even though they are not. The fundamental law of the United States declares that a man may exercise his religion in any manner he may choose. Contrary to this fundamental law, some of the states enact a law that the gospel can not be preached in certain places or under certain conditions, and arrest and punish those who attempt thus to preach it. In Russia the law is that one can not preach the gospel at all without a permit from the government. God's commandment to his sons, which commandment is given through Jesus Christ, is that his gospel shall be preached in all the nations as a witness. (Matt. 24:14) Shall the child of God be obedient to the law of the United States or of Russia, or to the law of God? Is it possible that God has delegated to these various nations the right and authority to make and enforce laws that are inconsistent with and in derogation of his own expressed will?
    11. Is it not therefore clear that there has been a decidedly improper application of the words of the Apostle Paul when applied to the governments of this world? When he says: "The powers that be are ordained of God", does he have any reference whatsoever to the Gentile nations of the earth? Is it not more reasonable that he directs his words exclusively to the powers possessed and exercised in God's organization, and not to those that are exercised in Satan's organization?

GOD'S ORGANIZATION

    12. Aside from Jehovah himself his organization consists of Jesus Christ, his holy angels, cherubim, the resurrected members of the body of Christ, and those who have been brought into the church and anointed of the spirit and who are diligently putting forth their best endeavors to be obedient to God. At the Jordan, at the time of his consecration, Jesus was anointed to the high office of "priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek". He was then and there clothed with certain powers as the man Christ Jesus on earth. Speaking to his disciples Jesus said that "the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins".  (Mark 2:10) After Jesus had been raised from the dead he said to his disciples: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth". (Matt. 28:18) That power he received from Jehovah. Manifestly God permitted Jesus to grant some power to his servants or disciples, because Jesus said: "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch." – Mark 13:34.
    13. The word "power" is translated from the Greek exousia: and Paul's argument set forth in the text and context shows that the power there mentioned has reference to the authority that is possessed and exercised in God's organization. It is the institution which Jehovah himself employs to carry out his purposes. The foregoing scriptures are in point, as well as those that follow: "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." (Col. 1:16) "Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him." (John 17:2) "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man." (John 5:22, 27) These scriptures prove that Christ Jesus in the "higher power" and that Jehovah is the highest or supreme power. "The higher powers" may therefore be applied to both Jehovah and Jesus, because Christ Jesus always carries out the order of his Father.
    14. Concerning the Lord Jesus Christ the apostle wrote: "Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God: angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (1 Pet. 3:22) Manifestly this text does not include the Gentile nations, powers and authorities of the earth, for the reason that at that time it was not God's due time to make the enemy organization the footstool of the Lord. (Ps. 110:1) The words of the apostle must therefore mean that every creature in God's organization must be subject to Christ Jesus, the Prince, or Ruler, or Head over God's organization. In support of this conclusion Jesus stated that the power of judgment had been committed unto him, with the authority to execute the judgment. That judgment has particular reference to the organization of Jehovah, as it is written: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Cor. 5:10) "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Pet. 4:17) These scriptures show that Jesus Christ is the higher power, which power is always exercised in harmony with Jehovah, the Supreme One.

THE CHURCH

    15. The church, made up of the members of the body of Christ, is of God's organization, with Christ Jesus as the Head thereof. "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first born from the dead: that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Col. 1:18) Furthermore, the apostle, relative to Christ Jesus, says, "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and diminion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." – Eph. 1:19-23.
    16. Christ Jesus, acting under the authority granted to him, organized the church. (Matt. 16:18) Since all things are from the Father, and all things are by the Son, we must understand that Jesus Christ is the executive officer of Jehovah in all things. Then says the apostle: "God hath set the members every one in the body as it hath pleased him". The proof is therefore conclusive that the church is of God's organization. (1 Cor. 1:2; 11:22; 2 Cor. 1:1) The church is composed of many members, assigned to different positions in the church. It is through Christ, the Head of the church, that the members thereof have access to the Father. The organization is one building of God, with the apostles of Jesus Christ holding important positions therein under Christ Jesus the Head thereof. – Eph. 2:19-22.

POWER CONFERRED

    17. That Christ Jesus conferred power upon his apostles, there can not be the slightest doubt. Unto Peter he said: "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 16:19) After his resurrection Jesus said to his disciples: "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the holy spirit: whose so ever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." – John 20:21-23.
    18. Furthermore, the Scriptures show that the apostle exercised power conferred upon him by the Lord and in so doing he had the Lord's approval when he pronounced judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:11, 12) Others committed offenses in the church, and Paul, although absent, exercised his power and authority in judging the offenders. (1 Cor. 5:1-5) That the ecclesia shall properly take action in judging certain offenders is proven by the words of Jesus. – Matt. 18:15-18.

CITIZENSHIP

    19. A man is subject to the laws of the nation of which he is a citizen. He is therefore the subject of that nation. A citizen of the United States is subject to the laws of the United States. If that citizen of the United States is in Italy he is still subject to the laws of the United States, the land of his citizenship. Since the scripture under consideration is addressed to the anointed sons of God, the inquiry is pertinent: Where is the citizenship of the son of God? The Apostle Paul answers that question and plainly declares that the members of the body of Christ on earth have their citizenship in heaven. "For our citizenship is in heaven: whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." – Phil. 3:20, R.V.
    20. It appearing that Paul (Rom. 13) is addressing his words to the new creation, and the citizenship of such being in heaven, then, by all known processes of proper reasoning, his words must mean that these members of the new creation are subjects of God and must be obedient to the laws of God. Whether or not the thirteenth chapter of Romans has any reference to the laws of the nations of earth, without any question of doubt the apostle's words there do apply to God's organization, because addressed to members of that organization. In this and a subsequent issue of The Watch Tower consideration is given to the scripture in question as applying to God's organization and the higher powers thereof and what relation (if any) it has to the powers exercised by the Gentile nations or governments of the world.

ORDER IN GOD'S ORGANIZATION

    21. The organization of Jehovah is of far greater importance than any other organization. It is to his organization that the words of the apostle are addressed. Everything in God's organization must be orderly; because he is the God of order, and not of confusion. The same rule applies to his church: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." – 1 Cor. 14:33.
    22. By his prophet God gave a word-picture of his organization. Four living creatures appeared in a vision given to his prophet, and it is written that "every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. ... they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward". The vision then discloses a wheel beside each one of the living creatures. The description in the vision proceeds as follows: "The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl; and they for had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. And when they vent, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings." – Ezek. 1:16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24.
    23. The vision thus gives a description of God's organization under the firmament. Then it proceeds with the further description, to wit: "And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of the fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward. I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.' – Ezek. 1:26, 27.
    24. This is a marvelous picture of God's organization: made up of Jesus Christ in glory, the risen members of his body in glory, the legions of holy angels, and on earth the faithful remnant; and above all is the Almighty God. The prophetic picture discloses that everything in God's organization must move exactly in order, and therefore in harmony with the supreme power, which is Jehovah, and in harmony with the higher power, which is Christ. That which governs the entire organization is God's perfect law. – Ezek. 1:5-28.
    25. The Lord having come to his temple, and Zion being assembled and given a specific work to do, there must be exact harmony and unity of his organization. The members of Zion on the other side of the vail are perfect. The small number of those who are on this side are imperfect in their organism, but must be perfect in their devotion to Jehovah and his organization; which means that each one must be perfect in heart. That part of Zion on earth is a unit of the organization of Jehovah. Every soul that is a member of Zion must be in harmony with the Head, and therefore subject to the Head and to Jehovah, "the higher powers." What then constitutes Zion on earth? The right appreciation of the correct answer to this question will enable the anointed to keep in harmony with the Lord's way. The correct answer is this: All of God's anointed on earth.
    26. There is on the earth a company claiming to be the "servant of the Most High" and often spoken of as "the Society". What is the "Society", as generally understood by Watch Tower readers? The answer is, All of God's anointed children on earth who are working harmoniously together to the glory of God and of Christ Jesus. If one is anointed by the spirit of Jehovah he is now a member of Zion, and if he would maintain his standing in Zion he must be in exact harmony with the course of action Zion is taking.
    27. Christ Jesus is the great Head of Zion and is directing the work on earth, and he makes no mistakes. But how about those who hold positions of responsibility in the "Society", and through whom direction concerning the work on earth is given? Do any of these make mistakes? Yes, to be sure they do, because they are all imperfect. How then may others of the Society know whether or not the direction for the work of God's organization on earth is being given according to God's law? They could not know except by faith and by the fruits of those who are actually engaged in the work of the Lord. Jesus said: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." – Matt. 7:20, 21.
    28. If, therefore, we find one who is devoted to the Lord and is bending his efforts to do what the Lord has assigned him to do, and is faithful and true to the Lord and not compromising with the enemy, and who had the Lord's manifest blessings upon his efforts, then his fruits are being manifested and such is proof that he is pleasing to the Lord and going in the right way. (John 15:8) If one is being used of the Lord in harmony with his Word, that is the evidence that his course of action is pleasing to the Lord. Being imperfect, such will make mistakes, but each one who has faith in the Lord will leave it to the Lord to do the chastening and the correction and to rectify the mistakes. (Heb. 12:6; Rom. 8:33) This same rule, because it is the Lord's rule must apply to all who are in the "Society". If the "Society" is pursuing the wrong course or policy, then all of God's people must depend upon the Lord to correct that policy and change it into the right one. It is not the prerogative of any individual to set himself up as the judge to take action and oppose the work of the Lord. "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth of falleth. Yeah, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." – Rom. 14:4.
    29. If Romans the thirteenth chapter applies to the church, does that mean that the elders and deacons have authority to do judging and to determine the course of policy of the church? No, certainly not. The elders are the advisers or counselors in the ecclesia and have no jurisdiction to act except within the scope of the authority conferred upon them by the Scriptures. The deacons are servants in the church and possess no authority other than that conferred by the Scriptures. The Scriptures do not confer authority upon elders or deacons to judge or determine the course of action of the ecclesia. If there is disorder in the church the ecclesia, composed of those who are God's children, may take certain action. The Lord himself laid down the code of procedure. – Matt. 18:15-18.
    30. The church as a body has jurisdiction to hear and determine matters relating to those who are members of the body; but no individual has been clothed with such power or authority, aside from the twelve apostles, who were clothed with special authority from the Lord. If Romans thirteen has any application to the powers in the world, with much stronger reasoning must it apply to the church, because it is addressed to those who are in God's family. Consider now the apostle's instructions verse by verse.

THE TEXT

    31. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but God: the powers that be are ordained of God." (Verse 1) At once the question arises, To what shall God's people be subject? It is written: "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Cor. 15:28) This scripture really answers the question. This proves that the higher powers are Christ Jesus and Jehovah and that the supreme power is Jehovah God. The apostle uses the husband and wife to picture Christ and the church, and by his argument to shows that the church is subject to Christ: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." (Eph. 5:23, 24) The inspired testimony of James supports this conclusion: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded".  (Jas. 4:7, 8) These scriptures show beyond a doubt that the anointed can be pleasing to God only by an undivided and complete devotion to him. The apostle could not mean that the "higher powers" are the Gentile powers. It is not possible that these are higher than and have control over God's arrangement of his own people.
    32. The apostle says: "The powers that be are ordained of [arranged under, Diaglott] God."  Cant this be properly applied to the Gentile powers on earth and not applied to the church? The words of the apostle are in answer to that question: "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as in hath pleased him. And God hath set some in the church; first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that, miracles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues". (1 Cor. 12:18, 28) Those who have insisted that the apostle referred exclusively to the Gentile powers when he said "The powers that be are ordained of God," cite in support thereof the words of Peter, to witt: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man [human creation, Greek] for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well." A careful examination of this text shows that it does not apply to the powers exercised by the Gentile governments.
    33. The phrase "ordinance of man" in the above text means "human creation". How then could it be said that any ordinance of the church is of human creation? When the man Christ Jesus appointed the apostles and sent them forth as leaders and governors in the church, were they not all of human creation, within the meaning of this text? It was the man Jesus that did it, and it was men that were sent forth; and this is none the less true even though it was done in obedience to God's command.
    34. When the church by a vote makes a rule governing the ecclesia, or by vote elects leaders, is not such of human creation? When the apostles announced a rule or rules relating to the church, were not these of human creation? In support of this conclusion, note the words written: "Remember them which have the rule over you [your leaders, Diaglott]... Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." – Heb. 13:7, 17.
    35. Peter's words addressed to the church seem clearly to mean this: Where the church acts under the authority of the Scriptures and creates an arrangement for its government or course of action, each member of the ecclesia should submit to such arrangement and not try to overthrow it. If that which is of human creation, such as regulations, rules or leaders, become useless or the leaders become unfaithful, the church mat take action to judge or rule or put out the unfaithful ones. No individual, however, has authority to take such action. The chief lesson is that it is the Lord's arrangement or organization and he has designated the manner in which it shall be governed and judged.
    36. What, then, did Peter mean when he said, "whether it be to the king, as supreme"? Undoubtedly he referred to Jesus, because Jesus is the King or Lord to the church, and is supreme over the church because he always acts in exact harmony with Jehovah, the Supreme One. But how could it be said that Jesus the King is of human creation, as those words appear in the text? The apostle did not say that Jesus is an ordinance of man. When Jesus was on earth he laid down certain rules which must be followed by the church: and these rules, being promulgated by the man Christ Jesus, were of human creation. But even that is not what is here meant be Peter's argument. Paraphrased, his words are these: 'For the Lord's sake submit yourselves to every ordinance of man [in the church], for that ordinance relates to the King, the Christ, the Head of the church. To be sure you will submit to that, because he is the Head of the church; or whether it relates to the governors of the church, who are sent by the Lord Jesus Christ'. The apostles were appointed as governors in the church. (1 Cor. 12:28) They laid down rules relating to the church. Whether those rules were directly inspired and directed from Jehovah or the Lord Jesus, or were made by the apostles, the members of the church may not have known; but they were admonished to be submissive thereto for the Lord's sake and to let the Lords determine whether or not the rules were right. Not always did the apostles speak by commandment. Paul said on one occasion: "I speak this by permission, and not of commandment'. – 1 Cor. 7:6.
    37. The argument of Peter (1 Pet. 2:13, 14) was for unity and harmony in the church. In support of this, note his further words: "Be respectful to all: love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the King". (1 Pet. 2:17, Diaglott) It is manifest here, when he commands the church to be respectful to all, to love their brethren and to fear God, and then speaks of the King, that he does not mean the kings of earth over which Satan is the god. To determine to whom he speaks, it is but necessary to notice the opening words of the epistle, which he addresses to the new creation.
    38. As further proof that Peter's words have reference to the government in the church, and that when he speaks with reference to the King he has reference to Christ, he says: "Or to governors, as sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and the praise of well-doers". (Diaglott) Can it be said that God has sent the governors of the various nations to punish evil-doers in the church and to praise well-doers therein? Whoever heard of the governor or ruler of any Gentile nation giving praise to those because of their full and absolute obedience and faithfulness unto the Lord God and to the Lord Jesus Christ? The Lord Jesus Christ did send the apostles as governors in the church; and the apostles, as governors in the church, did punish evil-doers. (Acts 5:1-10; 1 Cor. 5:1-5) They also gave praise to those who did well in the church. (Phil 1:3; 2 Cor. 9:1, 2; Col. 4:9, 12, 14) There is therefore no support to the argument that the Apostle Peter (1 Pet. 2:13-17) had any reference whatsoever to the laws or governments of the Gentile powers.
    39. Jehovah conferred all power upon Christ Jesus, and in turn Jesus Christ delegated to his disciples certain powers in the church. (John 17:2) After he had been raised from the dead Jesus said to his faithful disciples: "Receive ye the holy spirit [power]: whose so ever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose so ever sins ye retain, they are retained". (John 20:22, 23) That the apostles had and exercised such power, note the words of Paul: "For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority [power], which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed." (2 Cor. 10:8) "Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction". – 2 Cor. 13:10.
    40. Addressing the Ephesians, Paul wrote: "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." – Eph. 3:7, 9, 10.
    41. These words of the apostle could hardly be construed to mean that "by the church" on earth the wisdom of God is being made known to the princely, angelic powers in the literal heavens. The context shows that this is the meaning of the apostle's words, to wit: That by the divine arrangement God was using Paul as his minister to make known these truths to the principalities and powers throughout the church, the members of which are 'seated with Christ in heavenly places'. (Eph. 2:6) It was Paul who was given  the privilege to disclose to others, the apostles and leaders, the mystery of God. The Scriptures therefore show that the apostles, and particularly Paul, occupied important positions as governors in the church; and this must be taken into consideration in determining the meaning of their words.
    42. There are no successors to the apostles. There has long been in the world an organization called the "Christian church", or "Christianity". Because men in that organization have assumed to be successors to the apostles and individually to direct the affairs of the church and of the world, there has been much confusion of mind of those who have studied the Word of God. The apostle's words have been wofully misconstrued. It should always be kept in mind that Christ is the Head of the church, and that the apostles held special positions therein and that no men since the apostles' day have filled their places. They exercised certain governing powers in the church. The Lord Jesus, and the apostles, under his direction, laid down certain rules for the governing of the church: and the ecclesia, as a body, is clothed with certain power and authority to act, and every individual member of the church should be subject to that arrangement. – Eph. 2:18-21.
    43. Seeing, then, that the Society is made up or composed of God's anointed yet on earth, and that this body or company of Christians is diligently endeavoring to carry out the Lord's commandments, and knowing that the Lord Jesus is the Head thereof, even every member should diligently seek to be in harmony with the policy, course of action and work of such Society. If any are of the opinion that the Society is not pursuing the proper course, then commit the matter to the Lord and wait upon him to do the judging and to determine what is the proper course to be taken. Every member of Zion on earth is in the covenant with the Lord, and every one must be in harmony with the Lord; and, that being true, every one must be subject to the higher powers.

THE WATCH TOWER AND HERALD OF CHRIST`S PRESENCE
June 15, 1929

THE HIGHER POWERS

“Whosoever  therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall reecive to themselves damnation” – Rom. 13:2

PART 2

    JEHOVAH is the supreme power, Christ Jesus and Jehovah the higher powers, and the arrangement concerning the church powers, and the arrangement concerning the church proceeds from Jehovah and by Christ. All in the church who are pleasing to Jehovah and to Christ Jesus must be willingly submissive or obedient to that divine arrangement. There is no exception to this rule; and therefore it should at all times be held in mind by the anointed of the Lord, and strictly followed. There is no conflict, of course, between the higher power and the supreme power, because Christ and God are always exactly in harmony. One translator enders the text: "Let every person be submissive to the superior authorities". (Diaglott) The apostles may be embraced in the superior authorities, because they are superior to all others in the church, aside from Christ and Jehovah. This scripture has been long applied by Christians to the Gentile governments and the powers thereof. It is manifest, however, that no such thought was in Paul's mind when he wrote the words.
    2. The word "damnation" (Verse 2) in the above text is from the Greek word krima and means judgment, and is so rendered in the Revised Version. In the Diaglott it is rendered "punishment". Surely all Christians can now see that the arrangement or ordinance of God mentioned in the text does not have reference to the Gentile ordinance or arrangement. It is true that God has not interfered with the nations of earth in their making laws and enforcing them, but the responsibility for their so doing is not upon  Jehovah. He has permitted it in that he has not prohibited it. The text says that it is God's ordinance; therefore we must understand that Jehovah assumes a responsibility for the same.
    3. It could not be said that God was judging the world in Paul's day, because Paul himself wrote that 'God hath appointed a day [future] in which he will judge the world in righteousness' (when unrighteous governments will not exist), and that such judgment would be by Christ Jesus. (Acts 17:31; Rev. 20:4) The judgment referred to by Paul, in Romans 13:2, must apply to the church, and that judgment must be by the power which God has ordained shall judge the church. In support thereof note the following: "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Pet. 4:17) Note Paul's words to the Galatians (5:10), "I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded [concerning circumcision]: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment [krima], whosoever he be".
    4. If the "judgment" mentioned in Romans 13:2 is to be rendered and enforced by the powers of the Gentile governments, then such judgment must be rendered and enforced by some man as the judge; and that is contrary to the Word of God, regardless of who the man is. No man in the church or outside of the church is authorized to judge one who is in the church: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for  wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the  judgment of God?" (Rom. 2:1, 3) Therefore we must conclude that the "judgment" referred to in Romans 13:2 is the judgment for which the Lord has arranged in his own organization and by the Head of that organization or by those whom the Lord has appointed so to do.
    5. The substance of Paul's statement (Rom. 13:2) is this: That whosoever in the church resists the arrangement which God has made for the governing of his church is resisting God, and therefore shall receive punishment from God through Christ Jesus for so doing. Whether or not the Gentile powers inflict punishment upon evil-doers often depends upon how much influence the one charged with the crime has with the one who does the judging. There is no partiality in God's judgment. The text says: "Whosoever therefore resisteth", and therefore applies to every one, without any exception. This alone would confine the judgment to God's organization by the authorities in God's organization constituted to do judging.
    6. "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". (Verse 3) Who are the rulers here mentioned? The word "ruler" is derived from the Greek archoon, and is also translated prince or princes. Satan is the chief ruler of prince of this world. If the word "rulers" used by Paul in Romans 13:3 does not apply to the arrangement in the church, then the word must apply to Satan and his organization. Is Satan, the prince of evil, or any part of his organization a terror to evil workers in the church? Most assuredly not. If a man in the church does that which is evil and therefore against God's organization, that is the very thing that Satan the prince of this world would have him do. Did not the rulers of the Gentile powers induce members of the early church to do evil by joining alliance with the Devil's organization". Instead of the Devil's organization or Gentile powers' punishing men for so doing, they were commended and exalted for so doing.
    7. Furthermore, can it be said that the rulers of the present governments of earth "are not a terror to food works"? Fully consecrated and anointed ones  of God go about the country doing good by preaching the good news concerning God his kingdom, and the rulers of the Gentile powers arrest, fine and imprison them for so doing good. Do faithful colporteurs and class workers, who go from door to door and thus do good by carrying the message of the kingdom to the people of the earth, 'receive praise' from the princes or rulers of this world? No one ever heard of their receiving praise for so doing. When Paul says, "Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?" can it be said that he meant that the anointed of God are to fear the princes of this world and the rulers in his organization? If that be true, then every one would refrain from being a witness to the glory of God. That is exactly what the Devil would want them to do.
    8. As an illustration: Recently the Society's representative, and one of God's children, in the far away country of Liberia, Africa, began to preach the gospel by word of mouth and by placing in the hands of the people of that land the printed books containing the gospel. The government informed him that he must desist, that he must circulate no books or pamphlets or literature, or give any public addresses, until such time as the ruling powers should grant a permit therefor. He went on anyway and placed in the hands of the people a great number of books. Had he obeyed the Gentile powers, he would bot have preached the gospel. He obeyed the Lord and was protected. He did good, but he received no praise from the Gentile governors.
    9. It is therefore apparent that Paul's words mean this: You who are anointed of God should fear the power (Christ the Judge); that the rulers (Christ, and those who act under his direction, are not terrors to good works, but to evil, and if you do that which is good you will receive praise of that power (Christ, and those of his organization clothed with authority to praise. One may ask, Are we to expect praise of the powers in the church for doing good? In answer to such question, and in proof that the apostles had authority to praise the doers of good, and did praise them, and that the doers of good shall have praise, note the following texts: "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God". (1 Cor. 4:5) "And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches." (2 Cor. 8:18) "Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you" – 1 Cor. 11:2.
    10. When the members of the church come together for any purpose other than to do good, they do not receive praise, as the apostle stated: "Now in this that I declare unto you, I praise you not, that ye come together, not for the better, but for the worse". (1 Cor. 11:17) It is therefore manifest from the scriptures above cited that the evil-doers receive judgment by God's arrangement, and that those who do good receive praise by the same arrangement.
    11. "For he [this power] is the minister of God [God's servant: see Diaglott and Rotherham translations] to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he [the power] beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God [God's servant], a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil". (Rom. 13:4) This text could have no reference to the power that the Gentiles execute. Surely God has not committed to Satan or any one in Satan's organization the power to act as God's servant or minister for good in the church. Nor has he appointed any of that same wicked organization to act as avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil in the church. What, then, do the words of Paul in this text mean?
    12. The answer is, that the authority and order in the church is arranged by the Lord for good to those who are of the church and for the judgment of those who do evil. (2 Cor. 10:8, 13:10) What is evil in the church is illustrated by the following scriptures: "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; the Lord reward him according to his works". (2 Tim. 4:14) "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it." (1 Pet. 3:10, 11) "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant ... shall cut him asunder." – Matt. 24: 48-51.
    13. The Gentile powers use the sword to kill. If the text is applied to the Gentile powers, then it means that such are clothed with power and authority over the Lord's people to literally kill those who are in the church, and that such are avengers of God. Jesus was charged with the evil of sedition, was unjustly judged and killed. In so doing surely the Devil was not acting as God's avenger there. The words of the apostle mean that the sword represents the power which God uses to punish those in the church who do evil and who therefore do contrary to his law by which the church is governed. The creature (or creatures) whom God uses to exercise such power is the avenger to execute wrath upon the evil-doers.
    14. This does not mean that every individual in the church may punish at will one or many who he thinks may be doing evil. The Scriptures expressly prohibit a member of the church from so doing. "That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified." (1 Thess. 4:6) The Lord did commit unto others the power to judge and to execute judgment in certain cases. This power he committed to his apostles because they were his special representatives. Paul says that it was reported to him that there was evil in the congregation, and then adds: "For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan [cut him off as with a sword from the ecclesia of God and turn him over to Satan] for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit [of the church, which is holiness and complete devotion to God] may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus [at the second coming of the Lord and the gathering of his people]." (1 Cor. 5:1-5; see also Acts 5:1-11; 8:20-22) Christ and the apostles are the rulers in the church, and were already set at the time Paul wrote these words, and to the ecclesia is committed some authority. None of these are a terror to good works; but that power which the Lord uses is a terror to evil works and bears not God's punishing instrument in vain.
    15. "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake". (Rom. 13:5) God has not called his people to set them aside to be victims of his wrath. He called them to be his faithful witnesses and to receive salvation through Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:9) But God's wrath is visited upon those who are disobedient and who do evil. (Eph. 5:5, 6) Let no one for a moment believe that God has appointed so-called "spiritual policemen" to avenge evil-doers in the church. Any punishment that results from anger or personal resentment is entirely wrong. – Col. 3:8; Matt. 5:22
    16. Paul's statement is that if one in the church does evil he shall suffer, and he should refrain from evil for that reason; but he should also conscience' sake refrain from evil or wrong-doing in the church. If he refrains from evil merely in order that he may escape punishment, his motive is not proper and unselfish. If he refrains from evil because he knows that it is right so to do, an pleasing to God for him to refrain from evil, then he does so because he loves God, and his motive is right and pure and he has a clear conscience. "Now the end of the commandment is love, from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an undissembled faith." – 1 Tim. 1:5, Diaglott

TAXES

    17. "For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing." (Verse 6) The fact that the apostle speaks of paying taxes has been considered a strong argument and has been used to prove that the entire chapter has reference to the Gentile powers. That argument is unsound, and the conclusion is not warranted. The rendering of this text as given by different translators is here set out for the purpose of comparison.
    18. "For because of this are ye paying tribute also." (Rotherham) "For the same reason as you pay taxes." (Moffatt) "Why, this is really the reason you pay taxes also." (Weymouth) "For on this account also you pay taxes". – Diaglott.
    19. The apostle does not command the payment of taxes or customs to anybody in the church. The epistle was addressed to those Christians who had once been Jews (Rom. 7:1) and who were familiar with the lay of the Jews requiring the payment of a poll tax and other taxes imposed for the support of Israel's government. (Ex. 30:11, 13) They would understand and did understand that the payment of taxes was a proper thing to do. When Paul wrote to them those Christians were residing in Rome and were paying taxes to the Roman government because not wishing to incur the wrath of Rome, and also for the sake of their own conscience, knowing that they were doing right. 'For this cause', says the apostle, 'you pay taxes; and moved by the same good reason you should render your dues to Jehovah.' The words of the text, 'for this cause you pay taxes also', appear to be a parenthetical statement and put in merely to strengthen the force of the apostle's argument. For what cause do you do pay taxes? For conscience' sake: for the reason that it is right to pay for what service you receive.
    20. Then reverting to the rulers he says: "For they are God's ministers [servants, not Satan's servants, which they would be if the officials of carthly governments were meant]". The word "ministers", as used in this text, is from the Greek leitourgos, and is the same word used to derive the English word "liturgy". Who, then, are God's leitourgos (ministers)? The word ministers is used to translate the word leitourgos in the following texts also, which texts prove beyond all doubt that they are God's anointed ministers ministering in and for the church. (Heb. 1:7; 8:1, 2, 6; 9:21; 10:11; Acts 13:2; Rom 15:16; Phil. 2:17, 25) Then adds the apostle: 'These ministers of God are attending upon this very thing.' Thereby he clearly means that the office of such ministers is to maintain order and authority in the church. His argument is, then, that there might be order and peace, and for conscience' sake the laws of the land should be obeyed where they do not conflict with God's law.
    21. "Render therefore to al [whether inside the church of outside thereof] ... tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom." The words "tribute" and "custom" both refer to a commercial or financial obligation which the government may lay upon those who reside thereunder to meet the governmental expenses. Jesus and his disciples paid such tax. In reply to the question as to whether or not it was proper to pay taxes to the Roman government Jesus said: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." / Matt. 22:18-21.
    22. But what does the apostle mean when he says in the same verse: "Fear to whom fear [is due]"? Does he mean that it is the will of God that the Christian is to stand in awe of or in fear of the appointed servants of the church? The clergy, elders and others of congregations have used this scripture as an authority for demanding that reverence and fear be given to them by the congregation. Such application of the text is wrong. Whom, then, do the members of the church properly fear? The following scriptures give answer.
    23. "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God". (Eph. 5:21) "Be respectful to all: love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the King. Let household servants be subject with all fear to their masters; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse." (1 Pet. 2:17, 18, Diaglott) "But even if you suffer on account of righteousness, you are blessed. And fear not with their fear, nor be alarmed; but sanctify the anointed Lord in your hearts, and be always prepared with a defence for every one demanding an account of the hope that is in you; but with meekness and fear." (1 Pet. 3:14, 15, Diaglott) "Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." – Isa. 8:13.
    24. The Christian is not to fear man. "The fear of man bringeth a snare; but who so putteth this trust in the Lord shall be safe." (Prov. 29:25) Those who have an abiding confidence in God do not fear what man may do unto them. "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the [Gentile] king's commandment. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the [Gentile] king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." – Heb. 11:23, 27.
    25. It is entirely Scriptural, and therefore right, for Christians to show respect for one another in the church, because the Lord has set the members there. The apostle speaks of those in the church who follow a selfish course and "despise government", and whom the Lord will punish. Of such it is written: "Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." (2 Pet. 2:10) "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." – Jude 8.
    26. Says the apostle: "Honour to whom honour [is due]". What does he mean by those words? The Scriptures make it clear as to whom the Christian should honor. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men shall honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that hounoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him". (John 5:22, 23) "Be respectful to all; love the brotherhood ; fear God' honor the King [Christ]." (1 Pet. 2:17, Diaglott) If an elder in the church labors according to the Word of truth for the interests of the kingdom, then he is entitled to double honor or respect. If he opposes the works of the Lord and the instruction concerning the Lord's work, then he is not entitled to any honor. (1 Tim. 5:17) "Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever; but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me: for them that honour me I will honour; and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." – 1 Sam. 2:30.
    27. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law". (Verse 8) Here is laid down the rule that Christians owe a duty to one another to love one another, that is to say, to unselfishly safeguard the interests of one another in the church. They should diligently seek to do good one unto another. Herein is found the real reason why Christians should be obedient unto all laws that are right.

REASON FOR OBEYING

    28. "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." (Verse 9) When the apostle here says "For this", For what cause? may be properly asked. The answer is. Because of love, thou shalt not commit adultery, kill, steal, bear false witness or covet. The things here mentioned which the Christian is not to do are crimes against the law of God. It is true that in most of the Gentile nations these same things are denounced by the law as wrong. If, however, a Christian would refrain from committing the crimes here mentioned merely because the law of the land would punish and does punish those who commit such crimes, then the Christian's motive is wrong.
    29. What would induce any person to commit the crime of adultery, murder, theft or purjury? Selfishness, of course; and selfishness is the very opposite of love. If the person loves God and his fellow man he will not commit these wrongs. If he loves his neighbor he will do no injury to his neighbor. It is to satisfy some selfish or wrongful desire that leads men to do these wrongful acts. If a man loves his neighbor as himself he will be unselfish toward his neighbor and therefore will not wilfully do any wrong against his neighbor. For this reason the Christian obeys, every law of the land that is in harmony with God's law. He does not obey merely because it is the law of the land, but because to obey is right.
    30. "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Verse 10) In this verse the apostle could not have been referring to the laws of the Gentiles or so-called Christian nations, for the reason that not all the laws of all nations could be fulfilled by one who is prompted wholly by love. If a nation commands that a Christian shall go to war and kill, love could not be a fulfillment of that law. If a nation commands that a man shall not hand to his neighbor, who is sick and suffering, a glass of wine which would relieve him, love could not fulfil that law.
    31. But every law of God is fulfilled by love or complete unselfishness because all the laws of God are right. Every law of every nation of earth that is in harmony with God's law should be gladly obeyed by the Christian whether he be a citizen of that nation or not. But where the law of the nation of government is contrary to God's law, then there is no compromise by the Christian: he must obey the law of God. If he does obey the law of God he will do no wrong or injury.

WAR

    32. What, then, is the proper attitude of the anointed sons of God toward and with reference to participating in war where the purpose of so doing is to kill human beings? The thirteenth chapter of Romans and the words of Peter (1 Pet. 2:13, 17) have been repeatedly used to prove that Christians are compelled to engage in the deadly combat of war because the law of the land says so. Such application is entirely wrong. Neither of these scriptures has any reference to the laws of the nations, as the foregoing proof clearly establishes. Both of these scriptures have reference to the government, order and discipline in the organization of the Lord. Applying these words to earthly governments has been misleading and wrongful so far as Christians are concerned. The Word of God is explicit concerning his people when he says to them: "Thou shalt not kill". The Christian who kills in war breaks not only expressed command of God, as above set forth, but breaks also God's everlasting covenant and therefore receives the disapproval of God and is barred from having a part in his kingdom. – Gen. 9:5, 7; Ex. 20:13; Matt. 5:21; Isa. 24:5; 1 John 3:15.
    33. Those who compose "the Society", within the meaning of that term as defined herein, and who are therefore of God's anointed on earth, and which company of Christians is otherwise spoken of as International Bible Students, while still in the flesh must be governed by the law of God. His laws as expressed in his Word are therefore the rules of the Bible Students, and these rules absolutely forbid such anointed ones to engage in warfare with carnal weapons. For this reason the Bible Students are misunderstood by the ruling powers of this world. They have no desire to interfere with worldly governments or the action thereof, nor can they willingly break God's law. It is not the prerogative of the Bible Students as Christians to say that the nations and peoples of earth shall not engage in war. That is none of their affair. It would be wrong for them to attempt to interfere with the nations' engaging in war or drafting men to engage in war. So far as the action of a nation is concerned in selecting and drilling an army, no Christian has a right to interfere. That is a matter that the nation itself must determine.
    34. No truly consecrated Christians, however, can engage in literal warfare and at the same time maintain his integrity toward God. His duty is to hold aloof from the affairs of the nations that are carrying on war amongst themselves and to devote himself to the Lord and be obedient to his commandments. If commanded by the ruling powers of the nation to go to war and kill, in order to be faithful to the commandment of God he must refuse to go to war. That refusal will in all probability bring down upon the Christian the wrath of the government commanding him to go to war. The wrath of an earthly government is to be preferred by the Christian rather than to be subjected to the wrath of God for disobeying his law.
    33. The consecrated and anointed Christian knows that he must die in order to be made a member of the glorious body of Christ. If he dies because of his faithfulness unto God and his covenant it will be well with him. If he disobeys God and willingly obeys rather an earthly ruling power, goes to war and dies therein, his opportunity for a place in the kingdom of God is for ever gone. He must therefore choose to obey man or to obey God, well knowing the results. The Lord has caused a record to be made of a company of men who proved their faithfulness by martyrdom before the beginning of the selection of the church. Because they refused to obey the commands of Satan's organization, and because of their faithfulness to God, they "had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." – Heb. 11:36-38.
    36. The apostle then adds that because of their faithfulness they obtained a good report and approval of God. The Scriptures show that the Lord will reward these faithful men by making the visible rulers under the kingdom of Christ. It was their faithfulness unto God that the Lord will reward. Surely God will not require less of those to whom he will grant the unspeakable privilege of being with Christ in his throne and having a part with him in blessing all the families of the earth. – Rev. 2:10; 3:21.
    37. The attitude of the true Christian toward war is not because of his animosity to men who have to do with earthly governments, but is because of his love for God and his obedience and faithfulness unto the Lord. God has called his anointed for his purposes and has made them his witnesses to honor his name. They must stand out separate and apart from the world. (Acts 15:14; 1 Pet. 2:9, 10; Isa. 43:10, 12) These anointed ones have a warfare in which they must engage, but it is not a warfare with carnal weapons. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)." (2 Cor. 10:3, 4) The duty of the anointed of God is to do evil to no man but to render good unto all as opportunity is offered and to faithfully represents Jehovah. – Luke 3:14; Gal. 6:10.

TIME TO AWAKE

    38. For a long time Christians have been in a condition of sleep concerning their duty of service in the Lord's organization. They have tried to please the rulers of this world, and to do so they have taken a course of action that is a compromise between faithfulness to the Lord and faithfulness to the world. They have said in effect: 'We must let the world see that we are so sweet and inoffensive that the rulers will observe that we have been with Jesus and learned of him.' The Scriptures have been wrested to justify that position. There is no scripture in support there of. The apostles were bold and fearless, and when told that they must be obedient to the laws of the land rather than to obey the laws of God, they replied: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:13-20) Even so now God is pleased only with those who are bold and fearless in representing his cause and declaring his name. – 1 John 4:17, 18.
    39. "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." (Verse 11) The anointed now know the time. They well know that the Lord is in his holy temple and that every one who is of the temple must now show forth the glory of God. (Ps. 29:9) The completion of the church, and therefore the salvation of the church, is nearer than ever before. It is now no time to be sleeping and dreaming and indifferent concerning the Lord's cause. It is now the time to be wide awake, that we may see and appreciate the prophecies of God which he is unfolding, and his lightnings that illuminate them. Those of Zion now awake must serve joyfully, singing the praises of Jehovah's name. They must now obey the commandment of God and continue to remind their indifferent brethren of the importance of anointing their eyes that they may see and appreciate present truth and be obedient to its demands. (Rev. 3:14-21) Those who are of the remnant are now commanded, "Cry aloud, spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression." (Isa 58:1) Those who are asleep and indifferent are committing the transgressions here mentioned.
    40. The anointed now discern God's organization as they never saw it before. They now discern Satan's  organization as they never saw that before. They see that the "seed" of the serpent and the "sees" of promise are brought forth and are directly opposed to each other, and that the deadly conflict is on. There is no concord of Christ with Satan's organization. There is no part that the believer has with the infidel. "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." – 2 Cor. 6:15, 16.
    41. Surely God expects his anointed to obey his commandments rather than to yield to the rules of Satan's organization that are opposed to God's commands. There is no excuse or justification to longer misapply the Scriptures in an effort to cause the anointed of God to bow to the dictates of Satan's agencies and, particularly, to the ordinances thereof that would prevent the proclamation of the truth concerning God's name and his kingdom. Now is the time when God says to his own people: 'Ye are my witnesses to declare that I am Jehovah.' (Isa. 43:10, 12) "And I have put my words in the mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people." – Isa. 51:16.
    42. We know that Christ Jesus is the Head of God's organization and that he is present directing the work of the anointed on earth. He has not two organizations on earth. There is but one. That organization of the Lord, or the body of Christians who are devoted to him, is known under the generic term of "the Society". God, through Christ, is now giving orders to his people which they must obey. These orders he makes clear by the flashes of lightning upon his Word, and discloses to his people the facts in fulfilment of prophecy which show that the time of fulfilment is at hand and the time for the setting up of the kingdom. Let every one who claims to be of the anointed of God keep abreast with the present truth and keep in step with Christ, the Head of God's organization. Therefore says the apostle to the anointed of God: "Let every soul [every one of God's organization] be subject to the higher powers", because this is God's organization and Christ Jesus now present is in command thereof. Then the apostle adds:
    43. "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." (Verse 12) The day is at hand because Satan has been cast out of heaven and the forces are rapidly forming into battle array for the final conflict which will destroy darkness, completely sweep away the refuge of lies, and reveal the perfect light of day. (Isa. 28:17) The works of darkness are the works of the prince of evil, Satan the Devil. There can be no compromise with any of his works or his agencies. The anointed must be for the Lord, wholly and completely. Holiness means an absolute devotion to the Lord. Any claiming to be the anointed of the Lord who now stand by and see the clergy, who are enemies of God because they are a part of the world, steal or rob God of the devotion of the people, and refuse to cry out in warning thereby become a party to the crime and prove their unfaithfulness unto God. Those who claim to be anointed of the Lord and who now refuse or fail to tell the truth because of fear of offending some of Satan's organization show thereby that they hate the instruction of the Lord and have his disapproval. – Ps. 50:17, 18.
    44. As further proof that the Lord is displeased with any compromise being made by his anointed with Satan's organization, his inspired witness says: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Cor. 6:17, 18) God's anointed must put on and henceforth keep on the armor of light and let that light so shine that no one can doubt a to where he stands.
    45. "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof". (Verses 13, 14) These words of the apostle make clear the proper course of the anointed ones. None such can walk in honesty who tries to compromise with the enemy. There must be peace and complete harmony in the ranks of the Lord's army, and all who look well to the goods or kingdom interests which the Lord has committed unto his servant class will work together in harmony. Those who oppose the action of the Lord's people in carrying on his witness work are not walking honestly, but are walking in rioting and drunkenness and wantonness, strife and envying, within the meaning of the apostle's words.
    46. God's anointed are within the walls of his organization. Therefore let every one who is of that organization say: "Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee, Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek  thy good". (Ps. 122:7-9) Let all controversies cease amongst the Lord's people, and let those who do not desire to have any part in the work of the Lord with draw and remain quiet and not attempt to hinder the Lord's work.
    47. The Lord Jesus is at the head of Jehovah's army. He is leading on to complete victory. Of the remnant on earth the singers are in the van, and in obedience to God's commands are proclaiming Jehovah's name and singing forth his praises. (Isa. 12:5, 6) God is safegnarding those in the van of the army. He warns the sleeping ones to arouse themselves out of their sleep and join the rear-guard. For the encouragement of those who so do he says: "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and try righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward [rear-ward]." – Isa. 58:8.
    48. Those who thus awake and join the army of the Lord and march on shall be safeguarded in the rear, as the Lord has promised, even as those in the front part of the army are safeguarded. Let the anointed now appreciate their privilege of being faithful and true witnesses in singing forth the praises of Jehovah.

Romans 13:1-7, A.S.V.

  13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.
    13:2Thereforehe that resisteth the power, with standeth the ordinance of God: and they that with stand shall receive to themselves judgment.
    13:3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:
    13:4for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which isevil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.
    13:5Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
    13:6For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing.
    13:7Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whomcustom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

"Let every soul..."


"... be in subjection ..."


"... to the higher powers ..."


"... for there is no power but of God ..."


"... and the powers that be are ordained of God."

"Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God:
and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment."
"And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which isgood, and thou shalt have praise from the same..."
"...for He is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil."
"Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For this cause ye pay tribute also..."
"...for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing."
  •     "What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him." (1 Corinthians 3:5)
  •     "...giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed; but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God..." (2 Corinthians 6:3,4)
  • "...and sent Timothy, our brother and God's minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith."(1 Thessalonians 3:2)
  •     "And I saw another angel ascend from the sunrising, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a great voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we shall have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." (Revelation7:2,3)
    • "Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due ;custom to whom custom;
  •     "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay thehalf-shekel? He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers? And when he said, From strangers, Jesus said unto him, Therefore the sons are free. But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for meand thee. (Matthew 17:24-27)
  •     "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. And when they heard it, they marvelled, and left him, and went away. (Matthew 22:15-22)
    • "fear to whom fear;"
    "honor to whom honor."