Citizenship on Earth and in Heaven | The Institute for Creation Research
Citizenship on Earth and in Heaven
As the number of those infected with COVID-19 grows dramatically with each passing hour, governments tighten their grip, trying desperately to slow the spread of the virus and mitigate the damage being caused. How are Christians to respond to these ever-increasing restrictions? Some claim that the closing of churches over the novel coronavirus is a form of persecution, or that any church that shuts its physical doors does not truly trust in the Lord. Is that true?

Christians must recognize that this global pandemic is affecting believers and non-believers alike. Thousands of people are suffering, if not from the coronavirus itself, at least from economic strain. Even aside from the thousands of deaths, many have lost their jobs, and a number of companies, especially smaller businesses, are in danger of failing altogether. The rules and regulations placed by governments on their citizens are not to persecute anyone, but instead to save lives. In Matthew 5:45b, Jesus states, “For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.” All humans in this fallen world are experiencing this pandemic together. In Romans 13:1-2, Paul says,

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

This was in a time when persecution of the church was much more prominent, and even then Paul urged those who followed Christ to obey the law. The coronavirus restrictions may seem draconic, and they may be, but they do not prevent believers from practicing their faith. It is a blessing to the church that technological advancements are so widespread that Christians can still encourage, exhort, learn, and serve together, even if leaving the home is not an option!

In following these restrictions passed by our government, a Christian is also being a good neighbor, which we are commanded to do. 1 Corinthians 10:24 says, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” Staying home right now, even if it is restrictive to personal liberty, is being a good neighbor to the vulnerable populations to whom this virus is most dangerous.

Finally, during these difficult times, there are many who do not know the Lord—neighbors, government officials, first responders, and so many more. They are consumed with anxiety, fear, and unrest because the future is uncertain. While they are citizens of earthly kingdoms, they do not have the assurance and peace of being a citizen of the heavenly kingdom. This is an excellent time to share the good news of the gospel!

It can be difficult to navigate the turmoil that this world has been thrown into during the last few months, but that does not mean that Christians are exempt from these passages from Paul! Obey the law. Be a good neighbor. Above all, have faith.

*Trey Bowling is Customer Service Manager for the Institute for Creation Research.
The Latest
NEWS
Another Sea Scorpion
There are few animals more nightmarish than an 8-foot sea scorpion! Although, they were not true scorpions, their fossils display a menacing and formidable...

NEWS
June 2023 ICR Wallpaper
"From the rising of the sun to its going down the LORD's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3 NKJV ICR June 2023 wallpaper is now available...

NEWS
Sauron Inhabits the Amazon
“The Eye was rimmed with fire, but was itself glazed, yellow as a cat’s, watchful and intent, and the black slit of its pupil opened on...

DAYS OF PRAISE DEVOTIONALS
Summer 2023
...

CREATION PODCAST
I Have NO Credentials! | The Creation Podcast: Episode 50
Do you need a science degree to be a champion of creation? How do we communicate the truths of Scripture to our friends and family? The good news...

NEWS
Shark Jaws
Sharks are back in the news, and it’s in regard to their most formidable and fearsome structure—their jaws. Zoologists recently studied...

CREATION.LIVE PODCAST
Established Day 4 | Creation.Live Podcast: Episode 13
Humans have long been fascinated by the night sky. As Psalm 19:1 reminds us, "The heavens declare the glory of God"—His creative signature...

NEWS
Physical Evidence Trumps Evolution Theory
One of the hallmarks of good science is to formulate a cogent theory based on the physical evidence. For example, if the physical evidence (e.g. a fossilized...

NEWS
Solar System Symmetries
Most all school children can recite the planets in our solar system using memory devices such as: “My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Names”...

NEWS
Does Iron Toast Union Rescue Long Ages?
The puzzle persists after all these years. On the one hand, biochemists perform decay rate studies that show biochemicals cannot last a million years...