Does God hold governments accountable?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: While I know that there are good things about the government, there is so much corruption, and it makes me want to rebel, though I know it’s wrong. Does God hold governments accountable? – N.A.
A: Jesus taught that citizens should render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and to God the things that are God’s (see Mark 12:17). God’s desire is to bless nations that revere and obey Him. Nations rise, flourish for a time, and then decline. Why? Because of sin. There’s no doubt that nations come to an end when they’ve ceased to fulfill the function that God intended.
As long as mankind lives on Earth, people possess dual citizenship – owing national allegiance as good citizens, but supreme loyalty is to God alone, who says, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3, NKJV). When nations defy God, there’s a price to pay, and God will judge it.
Much can be learned from the Roman Empire, made up of differing races, religions and cultures that once dominated the world. Nationalist movements, political conspiracies, terrorism and open attacks grew until the empire was threatened from within and without. Because of the emperor’s growing paranoia to maintain power, a simple test of loyalty evolved: Roman subjects were to toss a pinch of incense into a fire and declare, “Caesar is Lord.” Christians refused to make such a declaration for the simple fact that Jesus was their Lord! Because of their refusal to put Caesar before Christ, persecution began. The end result: Rome lost its grip on the world. No nation that relegates God’s Word to the background, that disregards the love of God and flouts the claims of Jesus Christ, can long survive.
God does speak to the nations: “Come here and listen, O nations of the earth. Let the world and everything in it hear my words” (Isaiah 34:1, NLT).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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