Romans 13: The True Meaning of Submission

by Timothy Baldwin, Chuck Baldwin

Romans 13: The True Meaning of Submission is a classic synopsis regarding a Christian’s duty to civil government. This trenchant treatise answers many of today’s burning questions, including, “What is meant by ‘Higher Powers?’” “Must Christians submit to unjust government?” “Does de facto authority equate to God’s authority?” And, “May government ever be lawfully resisted?” In this scholarly volume, Pastor Chuck Baldwin and Attorney Tim Baldwin draw from years of research to delve deeply into the true Biblical and historical answers to these and other pressing issues. Never has a book been so necessary!

Genres: Politics, Christian, Christianity, Religion

170 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2011

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for Christians. It provides a very detailed explanation of how so many preachers today completely misunderstand Romans 13. Jesus and the Apostles certainly did not spend their time obeying the government, as a matter of fact, most of them were executed for disobeying the government. Christians should stand up against tyranny, not join in because of an ignorant belief that governments speak for God. Evidence shows that governments oppose the laws of God, therefore they certainly do not represent God's will.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well researched and foot noted book. The author was painstaking in supporting his arguments with primarily scripture and secondarily the founding philosophical documents to the US (Locke/Rousseou).

After reading it twice, I am convinced that the author is biblically correct in his assertion that all earthly authority requires submission that is limited in nature. However, I wish he had been more tangible in what overstepping of those limits looks like.

I recommend it to any patriotic person who has tried to reason with the questions: "Was the American Revolution un-biblical in light of Romans 13?" and "At what point am I biblically allowed to disobey the authority of the government"

[Kyle J. Merriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A critical read for every Christian!

[Raina S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exposition is extensively researched and explained in remarkably manageable detail. It is a must read for both Christians and patriots alike in the pursuit of Scriptural knowledge and political discernment.

[John Barbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

We started our reading on Romans 13 with this book. It covers a lot of ground but it is not the best introduction to the topic. Don't discount it, however, it has extensive study behind it.

I would finish out with this one after I read the other two books in what i would call "the trilogy";
1. Resistance to Tyrants: Romans 13 and the Christian Duty to Oppose Wicked Rulers by Gordon Runyan and
2. The Doctrine of Lesser Magistrates by Matthew J. Trewhella.

I would also recommend that you read Romans ( the whole book many times) and 1 and 2 Peter ( the whole books many times) plus a book of the Law like Deuteronomy or Exodus and a prophet (we are presently reading Jeremiah)
Once you mastered these, go on to this book. Then, you are ready to read John Knox and his Appellation to the Nobility of Scotland.

[Lee Button · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An exposition of the true meaning of (Romans 13:1-7) facially and patently demonstrates that submission is limited based upon authority, purpose and jurisdiction, as submission to any earthly authority takes into consideration all of God's creation, especially one's duties to God, himself, his family and his neighbor." That's the premise of the book and the authors defend it well. All human authority is conditional and the 'higher authorities' of Romans 13 are ordained by God upon 2 conditions. That they punish the evil and praise the good. In other words, to apply justice.
The book is brief and thoroughly annotated. The language is a bit hard to understand at times; the text doesn't flow well. But there is much here worth thinking about if you have questions concerning your relationship to government.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a very interesting and provocative read. The thesis of the book is that Christians should only submit to just and righteous authorities. The book is well sourced and gives many scriptural references as well as natural law examples to back up the authors claims.