The Bible teaches us that the law of God has been given as the rule and guide of life for all individuals, and as the various issues on morality and spirituality begin to take center stage, there are some very soul searching, and fundamental questions we will have to ask ourselves, as it pertains to the prioritization of our loyalties, whether God will come first, or man will bear sway. One of the issues that is brought to bear in the first angel’s message, is that of everyone being held accountable for the deeds done in the body, a topic which is scarcely ever mentioned from the prominent pulpits of the day, but one which will ultimately determine the eternal destiny of millions. In defending the actions of the courts over the past two weeks, many have argued that it is now the law of the land, and as such must be obeyed without question.
Another point that has often been raised is that we are a nation of laws, and therefore are duty bound to obey the dictates of the courts, even if we differ on the moral substance and validity of its decisions. Now while it is true that Christians are cautioned in the Bible to render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, God will have us understand that there are times when Caesar’s requirements will conflict with His law, and then we will have to choose to obey either God or man. The term “Caesar”, refers to any earthly government that God has brought upon the stage of action, or that has been permitted to rule over the people under its jurisdiction. Any which way, the Bible makes it clear that kings, presidents, and all earthly rulers come into power either by the permissive, or providential will of God. This is a very fundamental and important fact which needs to be thoroughly understood before we proceed, because there is a general tendency in most secular leaders, to forget that it’s because of God why they are in power, even if in some cases the rulers may choose to do evil. Let’s read:
Exodus 9:13 And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God”… “Let my people go, that they may serve me.
16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
Psalm 75:5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Isaiah 40:1 Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else.
Now, it is important for us to understand that the statement which is often made, that says “We are a nation of laws” is quite commendable, for it clearly suggests that we live by the rule of law. Whenever a new president is sworn into office, the Bible is used, and in the pledge of allegiance to the state, we use the words “One nation under God”, and again, on our dollar bills are printed the words, “In God we trust”, suggesting that the moral law of God should be the template used in issuing court decisions and reaching conclusions. If this ceases to be the case, then we would be no different to other nations, for under closer examination, we will find that everynation under heaven can claim to be a nation of laws, for they each have their specific institutions and codes which govern their peoples, even though in many cases their laws may vary from ours. North Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Pakistan, Jamaica and Trinidad all fall under that very same category. Even the Taliban can claim to be a nation of law, so the real question to be answered is whether or not we are a nation of “Just” laws, and whether or not our laws are in harmony with the greater moral law of God, thus making us uniquely distinct from other nations which do not profess Christianity as their foremost religion.
For instance, under a strict interpretation of Sharia law, some of the behaviors that are permitted and some which are forbidden, will make those of us who live in the west cringe with rage, but whatever might be our reaction, in some parts of the world it is the law of the land, and therefore, if we are to pick up on the same trend of thought that is now obtaining here in the national debate on marriage, then whatever the law of the land is in other parts of the world, we must not become incensed if it does not bode well with our modes of thought and action. Let’s read:
Under a strict interpretation of Sharia law, theft is punishable by amputation of the right hand, and criticizing or denying any part of the Quran is punishable by death.
• A Muslim who becomes a non-Muslim is punishable by death.
• A man can marry an infant girl and consummate the marriage when she is 9 years old.
• A woman can have 1 husband, but a man can have up to 4 wives.
A man can unilaterally divorce his wife but a woman needs her husband's consent to divorce.
• A man can beat his wife for insubordination.
• A woman who has been raped cannot testify in court against her rapist(s).
• A woman cannot drive a car, as it leads to fitnah (upheaval).
• A woman cannot speak alone to a man who is not her husband or relative.
Then if we were to travel to North Korea, we will come across a completely different set of national laws, some of which may seem very cruel in nature, because the freedoms and liberties we now enjoy here, are largely forbidden by the current “Caesar” of that country. Again, if we were to take a flight to Haiti, Jamaica, or Italy, or Russia, we will find other constitutions or laws, some of which we strongly disagree or agree with. So if we were to go with the current view, that whatever it is, it’s the law of the land, and must therefore be implicitly obeyed, then we would have to keep quiet, when women and girls are prevented from getting an education in some countries, for it is the “law of the land”.
It becomes evident that the real issue at stake is not whether or not we are a nation of laws, but rather, whether our laws are just, and in harmony with the great principles of the righteousness laid down in the Bible, but to merely claim that we are a nation of laws is an abstract and subjective statement at best, if left to stand on its own merit. When God tells us to render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, He was not thereby giving “Caesar” the freedom to do whatsoever he pleased, regardless of what the great moral law states, for the Bible shows us time and time again, that Jehovah at times calls Caesar to account for deeds that are committed and legislated, contrary to His statutes, even if “Caesar” has never entered into any formal relationship with God.
When Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon defied
the God of heaven on different occasions, The Lord finally gave him an ultimatum which would result in him eating grass for seven years, if no changes were made, so that he could understand that The Most High rules in the kingdom of men. What is worthy of note in this and other similar instances, is that the king never claimed to be a Christian, and this fact was not taken into account by God either, because as far as The Lord is concerned, there is absolutely no difference between a Christian or a pagan when it comes to the issue of accountability, hence the reason why He intruded into Nebuchadnezzar’s thoughts with a reality check that would resonate with kings and secular leaders for many generations to come. Let’s read:
Daniel 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.
3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar”…. “and before him I told
the dream, saying,
10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
16 Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
20 The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
22 It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.
Thus we have the clearest evidence in the previous verses, that Nebuchadnezzar was held to account by a much higher standard than the law of the land in Babylon, for if he were to be judged by the laws and statutes of his realm, he would have gotten off free, but when he was judged by the higher law of God, which is the gold standard for every created being, he was found guilty, and as such, was made to eat grass for seven long years. Thus, the issues that will be decided in the final conflict, within the domain of every heart, and also within the national arena is whether to hold the great moral law of God as the ultimate standard of conduct, or whether the laws of men, which in some instances are in direct opposition to the Bible will be allowed to bear sway. No one living in the last days of this earth’s history will be able to avoid the coming diabolical conflict, for according to the book of Revelation, everyone living on the planet must of necessity take sides, for there will be no such thing as sitting on the fence as mere spectators. Let’s read:
Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the
midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
The issue of accountability figures prominently in the first angel’s message, and states that the hour of God’s judgment has come, not “Will come”. This then means that currently as we are speaking here today, names of individuals are being called in the heavenly courts, and their eternal destiny is being decided, based on the rule of God’s immutable law. This is what the prophets, and even Christ Himself cautioned us about, for earth’s inhabitants are to be held to a much higher standard than whatsoever might be the current laws of the land. The gravity of this situation is not nearly understood, even by many Christians, and it is for this reason why some people have gone overboard, and taken iniquity to another level. But the word of God will stand, even if we do not believe it, for its fulfillment has never been tethered to the philosophies and opinions of mortal man. Let’s read:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow”….
10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books
were opened.
2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men”….
Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.
For very many years, Jesus Christ has been looked upon as One who waits in subjection as the human agent passes laws and modifies behaviors, based upon the desires of the carnal heart, and One who is too loving and kind to judge, because of His great love for humanity. But the first angel’s message begins with the words “Fear God”, because the very same Jesus who humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, so that He might save us from our sins, is the very same Jesus who is now judging us in the heavenly courts, and the decisions of that court will never, ever be reversed. Thus it behooves us to make those choices and decisions that are in harmony with the greater moral law, so that our practice, and expectations of eternal life can both be aligned and realized, as the hour of judgment draws to a close. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that everyone be advised by what is written in His word, pertaining to the rule of law. Let’s read:
Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word.
God bless!