Fear of Government

 - 1  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.   - 2  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.   - 3  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;   - 4  for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.   - 5  Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.   - 6  For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.   - 7  Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.   - 8  Owe nothing to anyone... - Romans 13:1-8

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