Obeying the law is an important aspect of living in a civil society, but what does the Bible say about breaking the law? Scripture speaks clearly about respecting authority and the consequences of lawlessness, but also acknowledges times when God’s law takes precedence. Let’s explore the balance between the two.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Pokémon
What Does The Bible Say About Breaking The Law
Exodus 20:3-17
“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship any other gods. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Honor your father and mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
This passage contains the Ten Commandments, which serve as a moral code for God’s people. Breaking any of these laws is considered a transgression against God and can lead to spiritual and societal consequences.
Keeping God as the sole object of worship, honoring family, upholding the sanctity of life, respecting others’ property and reputation, and safeguarding the purity of relationships all contribute to a just and harmonious society.
Romans 13:1-2
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying the laws and regulations set by governing authorities. It teaches that God has ordained authority structures for the functioning of society, and disobedience to these authorities is ultimately a rebellion against God’s plan.
This does not mean blind obedience to unjust laws but rather recognizing that God’s ultimate sovereignty is at work, and those in authority will be held accountable for their actions. Christians are called to respect and support lawful governments while standing firm in their faith and speaking out against injustice when necessary.
1 Peter 2:13-15
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”
This verse echoes the sentiment of Romans 13, emphasizing the submission to human authority for the sake of the Lord. It highlights the role of authorities in maintaining order, punishing wrongdoing and rewarding righteousness.
This passage encourages Christians to live honorable lives, performing good deeds, so as to counteract any negative perceptions or criticisms leveled against them. Ultimately, through obedience and good conduct, believers can be a positive influence on society and bring glory to God.
Acts 5:29
“But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than human authority!'”
This verse showcases the tension between obeying human laws and following God’s commands. In certain situations where the laws of men conflict with God’s laws, believers are called to prioritize their obedience to God.
This does not promote a disregard for authority but rather a recognition that God’s authority is supreme. Christians are called to discern when it is necessary to respectfully challenge or refuse to comply with laws that contradict their faith, always striving to maintain the balance between obedience to God and respect for human authorities.
Matthew 5:17-19
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
In this passage, Jesus affirms the importance of the Law and the Prophets and establishes that He did not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. The significance of the Old Testament laws remains intact until the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Although the sacrificial and ceremonial aspects of the Law are no longer binding under the new covenant, Jesus emphasizes the importance of upholding the moral principles conveyed by the commandments. He admonishes against ignoring or distorting even the smallest commandment, and instead encourages both practicing and teaching adherence to God’s commandments.
James 2:8-9
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
Here, James highlights the central importance of love and justice in relation to the law. He emphasizes that fulfilling the command to love one’s neighbor is equivalent to doing what is right.
James warns against favoritism and partiality as violations of the law, emphasizing that treating others unequally is incompatible with loving one’s neighbor. This verse encourages believers to strive for a genuine and selfless love that respects the dignity and equality of all people.
1 John 3:4
“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”
This verse equates sin with breaking the law, emphasizing the inherent connection between transgressing God’s commands and engaging in lawless behavior.
It serves as a reminder that sin disrupts God’s intended order and righteousness, and highlights the importance of striving for obedience to God’s laws in order to live a righteous life in accordance with His will.
Leviticus 19:15
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
Here, the command to avoid perverting justice and displaying bias is given as a moral imperative. It emphasizes the importance of fair and impartial judgment in all human interactions.
God’s standard of justice calls for an unbiased approach, treating all individuals fairly, regardless of their economic status or social influence. This verse underscores the need for equitable treatment in legal matters and personal relationships, reflecting principles of justice and equality.
Matthew 22:36-40
“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Jesus summarizes the entire Law into two fundamental commandments: to love God with one’s whole being and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
This passage affirms that adhering to these commandments encompasses the essence of the entire law. It emphasizes the importance of love as the guiding principle for all moral behavior, highlighting the interconnectedness of love for God and love for others as the basis for righteous living.
Proverbs 21:15
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
Proverbs indicates that the implementation of justice brings joy to the righteous, while evildoers experience fear and dread.
This verse underscores the importance of justice in the society, highlighting its positive impact and consequences. It encourages the pursuit of righteousness and fairness in order to foster peace and fulfill God’s plan for justice.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Isaiah calls for a commitment to doing what is right, seeking justice, and actively defending the oppressed and vulnerable members of society.
This verse highlights God’s mandates for His people to actively advocate for justice and show compassion to those in need. It serves as a reminder that protecting the defenseless and seeking justice are integral to a faithful response to God’s law.
Deuteronomy 16:20
“Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice as a foundational principle for the people of God.
It underscores that by adhering to justice, God’s people will not only experience blessings and prosperity but also demonstrate their faithfulness to God’s plan. Justice is positioned as a key element of God’s commandments, essential for individuals and communities to flourish.
Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
The psalmist calls for the protection and advocacy on behalf of the weak, fatherless, poor, and oppressed.
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to show compassion and actively work for the wellbeing of those who are vulnerable. It echoes God’s heart for justice and demonstrates His desire for His people to be agents of mercy and deliverance.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
This proverb highlights the principle of generosity and its connection to God’s favor.
The verse suggests that those who willingly and generously help the poor will be blessed with abundance, whereas those who ignore the needs of the impoverished will face adverse consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for those in society who are less fortunate.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah provides a concise summary of the Lord’s requirements of His people: to act justly, show mercy, and walk humbly with God.
This verse emphasizes the balance between the pursuit of justice and the demonstration of compassion. It calls for living in a manner that aligns with God’s character and reflects His desire for a righteous and merciful people.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s letter to the Galatians proclaims the equality and unity that believers have in Christ, transcending social, ethnic, and gender distinctions.
This verse challenges societal norms and highlights the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. It emphasizes that all people are equally valued and have equal access to salvation and spiritual blessings through faith in Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Proverbs outlines seven abominable behaviors that are detestable to the Lord.
This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of certain sinful actions, such as arrogance, lying, violence, wickedness, dishonesty, and causing conflict. It highlights God’s desire for believers to pursue righteousness and avoid engaging in behaviors that disrupt peace and harmony.
Colossians 3:25
“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”
This verse teaches that unjust actions will face consequences, emphasizing God’s impartiality in judgment.
It reminds believers that the consequences of wrongdoing will apply to all, regardless of status or privilege. This verse encourages individuals to live with integrity and acknowledges God’s commitment to justice.
Proverbs 24:24-25
“Whoever says to the guilty, ‘You are innocent,’ will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.”
In this proverb, the importance of upholding justice is evident.
It warns against perverting justice by declaring the guilty innocent, highlighting the negative consequences such actions invite. Conversely, those who stand up for righteousness and bring justice to the guilty are promised a rich blessing. This verse emphasizes the significance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
1 Timothy 1:9
“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers.”
Paul acknowledges the purpose of the law, specifying its application to those who engage in lawless and immoral behavior.
This verse reinforces that the law exists to bring order and restrain those who act outside of God’s standards. It reminds believers that the law is not intended to burden the righteous but to convict and correct those who transgress God’s commands.
Psalm 105:45
“That they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord.”
This verse expresses the purpose of God’s statutes and laws.
It highlights that God’s commandments serve as a means for His people to worship and honor Him. Obedience to His laws is considered an act of praise and devotion to the Lord.
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
This proverb contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous.
It implies that guilt and a lack of integrity lead to fear and paranoia, causing the wicked to flee even when no harm is imminent. Conversely, the righteous, who act in accordance with God’s commands, have the confidence and courage of a lion. This verse underscores the peace and assurance that come from living a life aligned with God’s will.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Jesus chastises the Pharisees for their outward religious practices while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
This verse emphasizes the importance of not only observing the rituals and rituals of the law but also living out the principles of righteousness and compassion. It warns against a superficial approach to obedience and highlights the need for a holistic commitment to God’s commandments. The balance between religious duty and moral responsibility is vital to a sincere and authentic faith.