Why be subject to government?

Romans 13 is all about what a Christian's relationship to government ought to be.

In Romans 13:5, the Bible says:

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

When the Lord Jesus Christ saves someone, He also gives them a new motive for subjection to civil authorities.

The skin in the game for Christians is called: "for conscience sake."

A Christian is not to become a good citizen just to stay out of jail. Instead, we are to be the best citizen we can be, because that is what the Lord expects of us! The motive is the point in Romans 13:5.

This is why the Bible says: "not only for wrath". It's not about avoiding trouble because of consequences. It's about doing right for conscience’s sake.

Notice the same principle in 1 Peter 2

1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

The submission is FOR the Lord's sake.

1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

The submission is FOR the will of God.

1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

The submission is FOR us as servants of God.