In any society, “Law and Order” is essential in establishing and maintaining peace, safety, security and providing for peaceful means of resolution of disputes.
Given the presence of 2 or more people – each possessing a free will – “Law and Order” is required. This is so whether the setting is Heaven, the Garden of Eden, a single nation or to a lesser degree the world at large.
A “Law and Order” giver is typically the established authority which will vary and/or is dependent upon place, time or subject. Even the wild animal kingdom requires a degree of “Law and Order” – usually established by strength and/or shrewdness of the animal.
In Heaven the authority will be God alone – although despite the non-existence in Heaven of Satan or any evil spirit or force, and given the fact the hearts of all heavenly citizens will be wholly aligned with God and His Commandments, there will likely be “orders and rules” issuing from God and/or lesser authorities appointed by God to enhance order in His Kingdom.
The present world is more complicated, and requires careful attention, since some six authorities exist – each one very different from the other.
First: there is God. However, note carefully that God’s authority is direct and personal between Him and each person only – it is not an authority of the world or any nation government.. His authority is directly with each individual – working in his or her heart through Christ, the Son of God and the Holy Spirit. Further, only those who accept the Christ are governed by His authority – it is not forced upon any individual. Further, only a relatively small minority of the hearts in the world are governed by God.
A key distinction of God’s laws – distinguishing them from all other authorities and laws is that– they are ALWAYS true and NEVER change. Truth, by its nature, is true yesterday
today and forever. Think of this as you observe what is happening in the world today where authorities established by man seek to constantly change laws and orders from generation to generation in the interest of what each new generation feels is “progress.”
We should further note God’s creation of the “conscience” – embodied in every human – an entity that helps guide all people, whether or not Christians, in helping them decide between moral right and wrong. The fact that the world, filled mostly with non-Christians, is as stable as it is, can be attributed in large part to the common conscience. Of course, as we know, the conscience can be rendered ineffective by non-use or defeated by Satan and evil spirits, and accounts for the fact that evil can have as much effect in the world as it does.
Second: as referenced above there is Satan – whom God has allowed to reign in the world – for a time – as “Prince of the Air.” As such, Satan has limited authority – but not to establish “Law and Order” – rather evil and disorder – among both his subjects and targets. Satanic subjects are all those individuals who actually look to him for guidance – some even worshipping him. Satan’s targets are all others – including in particular all those who are not filled with the Holy Spirit and are thus unprotected with the “Armor of God.” Of course, favorite targets are also those who are seen by Satan as being effective in their work for the Kingdom of God. This evil prince’s reign will end upon Christ’s return – and except for a brief return near the World’s end, Satan will be permanently destroyed, along with all of us who have decided to reject the Messiah-Christ as personal Savior.
Third: there are the multiple forms of political governments in each of the nations of the world whose subjects are all people living within the jurisdiction of each. Uniquely, in the USA Republic, the sole right and power to establish Government is vested in the American people. In1789, the people created a dual governmental system consisting of both a single Federal and multiple State governments with the understanding that these governments would always remain subject to the ultimate authority – the people. Observe carefully the increasing controversy in America over the Second Amendment right of all citizens to bear arms. It is the people’s reservation of this right, second only to freedom of religion and speech set forth in the people’s Bill of Rights, that empowers the underlying right of the people should the need arise to resist or overcome an out-of-control, subordinate government which seeks to violate the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people. One need only recall 1776 when the American people rebelled against the established rule and abuses of power exercised by the British Government, resulting in the establishment of our Republic. Such a rebellion could only occur with a people in possession of arms.
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth: In America there are three (3) subordinate entities that possess limited authority to govern limited segments and subjects. These 3 entities are owners of work places, educational institutions and finally parents. Each of these three (3) entities have recognized legal authority to issue limited rules and regulations governing those individuals – employees, students, or minor children – who by virtue of their status and relationships either agree – or are compelled to agree – to said rules for limited times.
Joe Otto