What does the Bible say about going against the law?
Asked by: Amina Koelpin | Last update: May 29, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (21 votes)
The Bible generally commands obedience to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-2), as they are established by God, but makes a crucial exception: when laws conflict with God's commands, believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), even if it means breaking human laws and accepting consequences, as seen in examples like the Hebrew midwives or Daniel. While condemning general "lawlessness" as sin, Scripture distinguishes between lawful submission and defying God's higher moral law.
What does the Bible say about disobeying the law?
In other words, Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 do not rule out situations of just civil disobedience to unconstitutional or unjust laws where the Christian can maintain a clean conscience. In such circumstances, the Christian may disobey civil government. However, civil disobedience should generally be a last resort.
Is going against the law a sin?
and whatever is a transgression of the law is sin; the law requires a conformity of nature and actions to it, and where there is a want of either, it is a breach of it; it is concerned with the will and affections, the inclinations and desires of the mind, as well as the outward actions of life; concupiscence or lust ...
What does the Bible say about conflict with in-laws?
In this regard the husband needs to take responsibility, according to Ephesians 5:25-33, by loving and protecting his wife. A husband who allows his mother or his mother-in-law, or anybody else, to interfere with his marriage is not living up to the commandment given to husbands in Ephesians 5.
What does the Bible say about going against authority?
Romans 13:1–2 (NKJV) “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.”
We Studied the Law in the Bible (Here’s What We Found)
Is it a sin to rebel against government?
The Bible does not teach that we should disobey every unjust law (and there are many such laws in the world), but it does teach that we must disobey government when it requires us to sin. There are several examples of civil disobedience in Scripture.
What does colossians 3:23 really mean?
Paul's words remind us that, regardless of our station in life, God is the one ultimately judging all we do, so all of our service is really for Him. From the most mistreated slave to the highest-paid leader, every person is called to work for God's honor.
What did Jesus say about laws?
Status of the Law (Matthew 5:17–20)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his disciples: 'Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to destroy but to fulfil.
What is the biggest sin that God will not forgive?
In Christianity, the "unforgivable sin" or "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is considered the ultimate sin God won't forgive, described in the Bible (Mark 3:29, Matthew 12:32) as attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to evil, a persistent rejection of God's grace, or hardening one's heart so much they refuse to repent, rather than a single act, while some traditions also point to pride as the root of all sin.
Is saying omg offensive to God?
Yes, for many religious people, saying "Oh my God" can be considered disrespectful because it violates the commandment not to take the Lord's name in vain, treating a sacred name casually or flippantly as a mere exclamation of surprise or frustration rather than with reverence, though intent matters, and some view it as an unintentional habit or even a moment of offering the experience to God, while others prefer euphemisms like "Oh my gosh" to avoid the issue.
What is the #1 worst sin?
There's no single #1 worst sin; it depends on the religious or moral framework, but pride is often called the root of all evil (Christianity/Islam), while the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (unforgivable sin) is considered the gravest in the Bible. Other severe sins include child abuse (Catholicism) and sins that "cry to Heaven" (like shedding innocent blood or oppressing the poor).
What does Jesus say about law breakers?
Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-48 that we could break the laws of God, not just with our actions, but in our thoughts and heart. That means that the first time we chose to lie, cheat, lust, hate… we became a law breaker. And Romans 6:23 says that the consequence is death.
Do Christians need to obey the law?
Christians are never required to follow the commandments in the Law. This includes the 10 Commandments.
What does Proverbs 23:7 really mean?
Proverbs 23:7 means that a person's inner thoughts and intentions (their heart) determine their true character and actions, even if their outward behavior (like offering a meal) seems generous; the common interpretation is "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," highlighting that inner reality shapes outward being, warning us to be wary of insincere people whose hearts aren't with you despite their inviting words, as their true, often selfish, motives will eventually show.
What does Jeremiah 33:3 say?
Jeremiah 33:3 is a promise from God encouraging people to call out to Him in prayer, promising that He will answer and reveal "great and mighty things, which you do not know". It's a message of hope and revelation, inviting communication with God, especially during difficult times, and assuring believers He will provide wisdom, guidance, and breakthroughs beyond human understanding.
What law is Matthew 5:17 talking about?
Jesus counters the lie that He is calling for the law of Moses to be "abolished." He tells all those who are listening His intent is not to discard the law or the Prophets. The Jewish law of Moses consisted of the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch.
What are the consequences of breaking the law?
If you are caught breaking the law you could face serious punishment. You could be jailed for up to seven years in prison if you are caught shoplifting. There are lots of different crimes, including: Damage to property.
What does Matthew 22:37 really mean?
Matthew 22:37 means that loving God requires total, undivided devotion, engaging every part of your being—your emotions (heart), your spiritual essence (soul), and your intellect (mind)—as the first and greatest commandment, forming the foundation for all other laws and relationships. Jesus emphasized this complete commitment, citing Deuteronomy 6:5, showing that love for God isn't partial but must encompass your entire self, directing all your desires, being, and thoughts toward Him.
What does God do when people mistreat you?
Different religious and spiritual traditions offer various perspectives, but often suggest that God deals with mistreatment through divine justice, restoration, or by empowering the wronged individual to find peace and forgive, leaving vengeance to God, who sees all and may transform the situation for good or bring consequences to the offender. Many teachings emphasize trusting God to handle the situation, focusing on personal healing, forgiveness, and spiritual growth rather than personal revenge, as seen in verses like Romans 12:19, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
What are the 7 steps of resolving conflict according to the Bible?
When you encounter conflict in ministry, here are seven steps to address it.
- Take the first step. ...
- Ask God for wisdom. ...
- Begin with your part. ...
- Listen to the other person's perspective. ...
- Speak the truth tactfully. ...
- Work on the problem. ...
- Focus on reconciliation.
What does Jesus say about obeying the government?
Jesus taught followers to obey governing authorities by saying, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17), indicating a dual allegiance, but emphasizing God's ultimate authority; this means paying taxes and obeying laws unless they directly conflict with God's commands, in which case God's law takes precedence, as seen in early Christian teachings on submission to rulers.
What are the 7 abominations to God in KJV?
Proverbs 6:16-19 "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among ...
What does luke 3/23 mean?
Luke 3:23–38 traces the earthly ancestry of Jesus, apparently focusing on direct family lines. That is, Luke might be following literal birth, rather than by legal means such as adoption. Scholars differ on the precise meaning of these lines, but a common interpretation is that Luke is establishing Mary's ancestry.