Topical Bible: Government: Civil Service School Provided By

◄ Government: Civil Service School Provided By ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of government and civil service is deeply rooted in biblical principles, reflecting God's order and justice in human society. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of governance and the role of civil servants in maintaining societal order.

Biblical Foundations of Government

The Bible establishes the idea of government as an institution ordained by God. In Romans 13:1-2 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage highlights the divine origin of governmental authority and the responsibility of individuals to respect and obey it.

Role of Civil Servants

Civil servants, as part of the governmental structure, are seen as ministers of God for good. Romans 13:4 states, "For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." This verse emphasizes the role of civil servants as agents of justice, tasked with maintaining order and executing laws that align with divine principles.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides several examples of civil service and governance. Joseph, in Genesis 41, serves as a prime example of a civil servant who, under Pharaoh's authority, manages the resources of Egypt to prepare for a coming famine. His administrative skills and wisdom, granted by God, highlight the importance of competent and faithful service in government roles.

Similarly, Nehemiah, as described in the Book of Nehemiah, serves as a cupbearer to the Persian king and later as the governor of Judah. His leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem demonstrates the significance of civil service in restoring and maintaining the welfare of God's people.

Wisdom and Training for Civil Service

The Bible also underscores the need for wisdom and training in governance. Proverbs 8:15-16 declares, "By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth." This passage attributes the ability to govern justly to divine wisdom, suggesting that those in civil service should seek God's guidance and understanding.

The training of civil servants can be seen in the example of Daniel and his companions, who were educated in the literature and language of the Chaldeans (Daniel 1:4). Their education and adherence to God's laws equipped them to serve effectively in the Babylonian government, demonstrating the value of both spiritual and practical preparation for civil service roles.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the role of government in societal order. When questioned about paying taxes, He responds, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" (Mark 12:17). This statement affirms the legitimacy of governmental authority and the duty of individuals to fulfill their civic responsibilities.

The Apostle Peter also instructs believers to "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right" (1 Peter 2:13-14). This directive reinforces the idea that civil service is a means through which God administers justice and order in the world.

In summary, the Bible presents government and civil service as divinely instituted mechanisms for maintaining justice and order. Civil servants are called to serve with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to God's principles, ensuring that their governance reflects His righteousness and justice.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 1:3-20
And the king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Professor of Sanskrit, Bengali, and Marathi
... by patronage at home when still at school, they must ... the ablest men in the Bengal
Civil Service, and not ... written to his friends in the Government, so convinced ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ix professor of sanskrit.htm

The First victory for Dissent
... abiding among them and performing divine service so near ... the collegiate school, and
also sundry civil laws. ... thereafter be rated, not as a government or province ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

Carey's Last Days
... to deprive converts to Christianity of all civil rights, was ... by the rules of the
service to retire ... his duties, till his department was abolished by Government. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod.
... in addition to those means civil government hath already ... a spiritual dominion blended
with civil power?" (1853 ... he is dedicated [gewidmet] to such service by one ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/peculiarities of tennessee synod.htm

Appendix
... The Civil Service and the Patronage. ... Bronson, Henry, Early Government of Connecticut. ...
A Complete History of Connecticut, Civil and Ecclesiastical, 1639 to 1713 ...
/.../greene/the development of religious liberty in connecticut/appendix.htm

The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan.
... a distinct organic law constituting a government and defining ... work of training young
men to the service of God ... no man was to be molested by the civil power for ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter viii the planting of.htm

Carey's Family and Friends
... We can obtain the permission of Government for you to ... five rupees to William for
the Cutwa school, which your ... a third is a member of the Civil Service, who has ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter viii careys family and.htm

The New Crusade --Serampore and the Brotherhood
... with respect to our conduct towards Civil Government were read to him ... in time to
do good though brief service before he ... a set of rules for the government of the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter v the new crusadeserampore.htm

After the War.
... Spring, declared its loyalty to the government and constitution of ... it new and enlarged
facilities of service to the ... When the convulsion of the Civil War came on ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xx after the war.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... solemn obligations of our ordination service, they should ... a central Indian manual
labor school, with the ... to officers and agents of the civil government in, and ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm