Romans 13:5

Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

'Wherefore' -'there is. twofold necessity for submission--an external one, in the wrath of God which comes on resistance; an internal one, in conscience.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 697)

'must needs be' -'there is necessity' (Robertson p. 408); 'You are bound, therefore, to obey' (TCNT) The moral necessity of obedience.

'not only because of the wrath' -(Romans 13:4). Reason number one: Why do. need to obey the laws of the land? If. don't. will be punished. Pretty good reason! That's incentive number one.

'Fear of punishment is called on as an incentive to obedience. There are those who oppose using fear as an incentive to obedience.. can understand that. He who is obedient only because he is afraid of being punished..doesn't have the heart the Master longs for. But fear well used is. healthy thing which is productive of much good. What puts brakes on automobiles and builds hospitals? Fear does! What puts parachutes on the backs of test-pilots and builds insurance companies? Fear does! Healthy fear is. blessing.. healthy use of fear is. wise thing. But it isn't the only reason for obedience...'

'but also for conscience' sake' -'but as. matter of principle' (Gspd); 'but because it is the right thing to do.' (Phi)

'There is such. thing as honor. There are those, thank God, who strive to be within what they are seen to be without. There are those, thank God, who act in private as they act in public. There are those, thank God, who don't need slavish fear of punishment to produce obedience.' (McGuiggan p. 383)

The Christian realizes that obedience to the laws of the land, is obedience directed towards God. Showing respect for government officials, is demonstrating respect for God. Submitting to the civil authorities, is an act of submission to God's will.. obey the laws of the land, because. love God and want to do His will!

'Some years ago during one of the many Boxer rebellions in China. mission compound was taken. One hundred girls lived and learned there. The rebels took down the cross from the top of the central building and laid it in the gateway leading out of the mission compound. They lined the one hundred girls up and gave them the offer to freedom if they would walk on the cross on their way out of the compound. Seven young ladies choose the way of "freedom". Number eight not only wouldn't walk on the symbol of her faith, she got on her knees before it and prayed. They shot her dead on the spot. Listen--they had to shoot the remaining 92 girls. There's something stronger than fear. There's something more honorable than mere living.' (McGuiggan pp. 383-384)