Romans 13 is the blueprint for governing authorities. Governments are established by God [13:1] and rulers (elected officials) are ministers of God [13:6]. It also says we are to obey our governing authorities [13:1, 5]. Of course, this assumes government is good [13:3-4] and that we, as Christians, are not being asked to violate any of God’s laws.

Government has two roles: to protect the people and to administer justice. This is why “it does not bear the sword for nothing” [13:4].

Pastor Robert Jeffress does a great job explaining to Bill O’Reilly the biblical difference between what should be Government’s response toward Islam and the Christian’s response toward Muslims.

Romans 13:1-7 NASB  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.