--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The governing authorities are understood…" description: "\"“The governing authorities are understood to be ordained by God. We are not permitted to obey only those authorities that we consider to be legitimate...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e54/r-c-sproul-2-1477_answer-to-god_the-governing-authorities-are-understood_707536.jpg" --- # The governing authorities are understood to be ordained by… ![“The governing authorities are understood to be ordained by God. We are not permitted to obey only those authorities that we consider to be legitimate. It is a de facto matter, not a do ejur matter. God certainly does not endorse everything civil magistrates do, but He does give them certain rights…” quote by R.C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e54/r-c-sproul-2-1477_answer-to-god_the-governing-authorities-are-understood_707536.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e54/r-c-sproul-2-1477_answer-to-god_the-governing-authorities-are-understood_707536.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e54/r-c-sproul-2-1477_answer-to-god_the-governing-authorities-are-understood_707536.jpg) > ““The governing authorities are understood to be ordained by God. We are not permitted to obey only those authorities that we consider to be legitimate. It is a de facto matter, not a do ejur matter. God certainly does not endorse everything civil magistrates do, but He does give them certain rights and requires our obedience to them. No government rules autonomously. All civil authorities must, and ultimately will, answer to God. We have the responsibility of obeying even corrupt governments except under certain conditions. Civil obedience is required repeatedly by the Word of God. The principle that governs our right and responsibility to disobey civil authority is this: we must obey those in authority over us unless they command us to do what God forbids or forbid us to do what God commands. Biblically,”” [R.C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Civil authority is divinely ordained, but obedience is conditional on alignment with God’s commands; disobedience is justified when civil orders contradict divine law. **In simple terms:** We obey government unless it commands what God forbids. Key Takeaway Obey unless it conflicts with God. Themes authority obedience faith government morality Mood serious thoughtful Type theological ethical When to use this quote - Church teaching - political decision making - personal conscience - public policy Key Concepts Divine sovereignty civil obedience ethical limits Questions to Reflect On - When should a believer refuse civil law? - How do we discern God’s will in political matters? A Different Perspective Disobedience can lead to conflict and persecution. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Answer To God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/answer-to-god/) ## Related quotes > [“Arch your back, Alisa – show me that gorgeous ass. Show me what belongs to me.” Your voice is enthralling; an intoxicating sound of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/felicity-brandon/arch-your-back-alisa-show-me-that-gorgeous-ass-show-me-what-belongs/) [Felicity Brandon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felicity-brandon/) > [One of the first duties of a Scout is obedience to authority. 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