In seventeenth-century England the Protestant Reformation was in turmoil, and a civil war had erupted. The English king sought to impose his “divine right” to rule over the Protestant churches. A Scottish Presbyterian pastor Samuel Rutherford published a book in 1644, titled Lex, Rex (“The Law Is King”), to point out that the king is not above divine law. His theme was the same as that of the apostles who told the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

While the Bible is clear that secular rulers are to be obeyed, it is also clear that we are “to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). For example, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for refusing to obey the king’s law prohibiting prayer to God (Daniel 6). And Daniel’s three friends were subjected to a fiery furnace because they refused to worship the king’s golden image (Daniel 3). 

If you are ever subjected to an ordinance that violates God’s law, seek the Lord for discernment. Remember that God establishes rulers for His purposes.

God is a totalitarian ruler who demands full allegiance from his subjects.
R. B. Kuiper