Here’s a Question That’ll Make You Uncomfortable
Should civil government follow biblical law?
Before you immediately pick a side, let me ask it another way: Does God have expectations for how governments operate? Or is that realm just… whatever we decide it should be?
Most Christians have never seriously considered this question. We’ve been taught to keep faith and politics separate. We say things like “religion and politics don’t mix” or “the church shouldn’t get involved in government.”
But what if that’s not actually biblical?
What if God has a lot to say about how nations should govern themselves? What if government accountability to God isn’t some fringe idea, but is actually woven throughout Scripture?
Alex Kremer’s sermon on God’s law and civil government is going to challenge some assumptions you didn’t even know you had. And honestly? That’s a good thing.
Because if the Bible is true, and if God is sovereign over all creation (which He is), then His Word has implications for every sphere of life—including government.
Why This Message on God’s Law and Government Matters
This Alex Kremer sermon from Atlantic Gospel Chapel tackles what’s probably the most controversial use of God’s law: its application to civil society, not just to the church.
Most Christians are comfortable saying:
- “Yes, God’s law applies to believers”
- “Yes, Christians should follow biblical principles”
- “Yes, the church should uphold God’s standards”
But when you start saying God’s law applies to government, to legislation, to how nations are run—suddenly things get uncomfortable.
We’ve been told:
- “That’s theocracy!”
- “You can’t legislate morality!”
- “We live in a democracy, not ancient Israel!”
- “Separation of church and state!”
But here’s what Alex argues from Scripture: God holds all nations accountable to His standards, whether they acknowledge Him or not.
And if that’s true, it changes everything.
The Question We’ve Been Avoiding
Let’s start with the foundational question: Does the Bible speak to modern government?
Or to put it more specifically: Does the Old Testament apply to nations today?
Most Christians would say:
- “Well, the ceremonial laws don’t apply anymore (sacrifices, dietary restrictions, etc.)”
- “The civil laws were specifically for Israel”
- “We’re under grace, not law”
All of that is partially true. But here’s what we miss:
The moral law of God—His standards of right and wrong—never changes.
Murder has always been wrong. It was wrong before the Ten Commandments. It was wrong in ancient Israel. It’s wrong today. It’ll be wrong forever.
Why? Because murder violates God’s eternal character. God doesn’t change, so His moral standards don’t change.
And here’s the key: God doesn’t just expect believers to uphold these standards. He expects nations to uphold them.
What Scripture Actually Says About Government Accountability to God
God Appoints All Rulers
Let’s start with something most Christians agree on: God is sovereign over who rules.
Romans 13:1: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”
This isn’t just talking about good rulers. Or Christian rulers. Or rulers we like.
All governing authorities exist because God has established them.
Think about that. The rulers in your city, state, and nation—God put them there. Not because they’re perfect. Not because they always do right. But because He’s sovereign over human affairs.
God Holds Rulers Accountable
But here’s where it gets interesting. If God appoints rulers, does He have expectations for how they govern?
Absolutely.
Alex walks through numerous examples in this Atlantic Iowa Bible teaching:
Psalm 82:1-4: “God takes His stand in the congregation of God; He judges in the midst of the gods [rulers]. How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Notice: God is judging earthly rulers. He’s holding them accountable for how they govern.
Proverbs 16:12: “It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established on righteousness.”
God calls it an “abomination”—one of the strongest words in Scripture—when rulers commit wickedness.
Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Not just Israel. Any people. Any nation.
God’s Standards Apply to All Nations
Here’s where this gets really important. God didn’t just give His law to Israel and say “everyone else can do whatever.”
Amos 1-2: God pronounces judgment on Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab—and THEN Israel and Judah.
Why did God judge these pagan nations? Because they violated His moral standards. They didn’t have the written law, but they were still accountable to God’s righteousness.
Leviticus 18:24-28: God tells Israel why He’s driving out the Canaanites—because of their wickedness. Then He warns Israel: “Do not do these things, or the land will vomit you out just like it vomited them out.”
Same land. Same God. Same standards.
Genesis 18-19: Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? Not because they rejected the Jewish law (it didn’t exist yet). Because their sin was grievous and their wickedness was complete.
The pattern is clear: God judges all nations by His standards.
What This Means: God’s Law and Government Today
Okay, so if all of this is true, what does it actually mean for modern government?
Alex breaks this down into several key principles:
1. Governments Are God’s Servants to Restrain Evil
Romans 13:3-4: “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”
Notice the language: “minister of God” (literally “servant of God” or “deacon of God”).
Civil government isn’t just a human invention. It’s a God-ordained institution with a God-given purpose: to punish evil and promote good.
But here’s the question: How do we define good and evil?
By human opinion? By majority vote? By whatever feels right at the time?
No. By God’s standards.
2. God Gave His Law as the Standard for Justice
In the Old Testament, God gave Israel His law. Not arbitrary rules, but a reflection of His righteous character.
And here’s what’s fascinating: When other nations looked at Israel’s laws, they were supposed to say:
Deuteronomy 4:6-8: “Keep them and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?”
God’s law was given to Israel, yes. But it was meant to be a model for all nations.
Why? Because God’s standards of justice aren’t arbitrary. They’re rooted in His character. And what reflects God’s justice well will naturally produce good societies.
3. Upholding God’s Standards Brings Blessing; Rejecting Them Brings Curse
This is the practical reality that even non-Christians can observe.
Nations that uphold biblical principles tend to flourish:
- Protection of life (don’t murder)
- Protection of property (don’t steal)
- Protection of truth (don’t bear false witness)
- Protection of marriage and family
- Justice for the weak and vulnerable
- Honest weights and measures (economic justice)
Nations that reject biblical principles tend to deteriorate:
- When life isn’t valued, violence increases
- When property isn’t protected, poverty increases
- When truth isn’t valued, corruption increases
- When marriage isn’t protected, families collapse
- When justice is perverted, society crumbles
You don’t have to be a Christian to observe this pattern. History proves it over and over.
Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan.”
4. Christians Have a Responsibility to Call Government to God’s Standards
Here’s where it gets personal and practical.
If all of this is true—if governments are accountable to God, if God’s law is the standard for justice, if upholding His principles brings blessing—then what’s our role?
We can’t just sit silent.
Throughout Scripture, God’s people spoke truth to power:
- Moses confronted Pharaoh
- Nathan confronted David
- Elijah confronted Ahab
- John the Baptist confronted Herod
- The Apostles confronted the Sanhedrin
- Paul made his defense before governors and kings
They didn’t say “well, faith and politics don’t mix.”
They proclaimed God’s truth to the governing authorities and called them to account.
That’s our responsibility too.
Not to establish a theocracy. Not to force conversions. But to faithfully proclaim what God says is right and wrong, just and unjust, good and evil.
Answering the Objections
Okay, I know what some of you are thinking. Let me address the common objections:
“But That’s Theocracy!”
No, it’s not.
Theocracy = God directly rules through religious leaders (like Israel under Moses and the Judges)
What we’re talking about = Civil government recognizing God’s moral standards and governing accordingly
Every law reflects someone’s morality. The question isn’t “should we legislate morality?” (we already do). The question is “whose morality should we legislate?”
Human opinion that changes with the culture? Or God’s unchanging standards?
“But We’re Not Israel!”
Correct. We’re not.
But that doesn’t mean God’s moral standards have changed.
The ceremonial laws (sacrifices, festivals, dietary restrictions) were specifically for Israel and are fulfilled in Christ.
The civil laws had principles that applied specifically to Israel’s unique situation as a nation, but the underlying moral principles remain.
The moral law (murder is wrong, theft is wrong, adultery is wrong, lying is wrong, etc.) reflects God’s character and applies to all people at all times.
“But Separation of Church and State!”
That phrase isn’t in the Constitution, by the way. It’s from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote.
And the concept meant: The government shouldn’t control the church. Not that biblical principles have no place in government.
Every one of America’s founders believed that government needed to be grounded in moral principles. They disagreed on how explicitly Christian it should be, but they all agreed morality matters.
The question has never been “should government be moral?” The question is “what defines morality?”
“But Romans 13 Says Submit to Government!”
Yes, it does. And we should.
But submission doesn’t mean blind obedience when government commands us to sin.
Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.”
When there’s a conflict between God’s commands and human commands, God wins.
Daniel’s friends refused to bow to the idol—even though the government commanded it.
Daniel prayed to God—even though it was illegal.
The apostles preached Christ—even when they were commanded to stop.
We submit to government as far as conscience allows. But when government demands we violate God’s clear commands, our allegiance to God is higher.
Practical Application: What Do We Do With This?
This is all well and good theologically, but what does it mean for your life? How do you apply this understanding of God’s law and government?
1. Recognize That Politics Isn’t Neutral
Stop thinking of political issues as just “matters of opinion” where the Bible has nothing to say.
The Bible speaks to:
- The value of human life (abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment)
- The definition of marriage and family
- The role of government (limited vs. totalitarian)
- Justice for the poor and vulnerable
- Immigration and borders
- Economic principles
- Crime and punishment
- Freedom of speech and religion
You don’t have to have a “Christian position” on tax rates or trade policy. But there are biblical principles that inform those discussions.
2. Vote and Engage According to Biblical Principles
You don’t have to be a political junkie. But you should:
Vote – This is stewardship. God has given you influence. Use it.
Research candidates – Not just their party, but their positions on issues the Bible addresses
Consider biblical principles – Which candidate/policy is more aligned with God’s standards?
Pray for leaders – Even ones you didn’t vote for. Even ones you strongly disagree with (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
3. Speak Truth Without Compromise—But With Grace
We live in a culture that’s hostile to biblical truth. But that doesn’t mean we stay silent.
Ephesians 4:15: “Speaking the truth in love…”
1 Peter 3:15: “Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
When you have opportunities to speak about issues like:
- The value of life
- The importance of marriage
- Justice and injustice
- Right and wrong
Speak biblical truth. Clearly. Boldly. But graciously.
Don’t be a jerk. Don’t be hateful. But don’t be silent either.
4. Remember the Ultimate Goal: Point People to Christ
Here’s what we can’t forget: Changing laws without changing hearts doesn’t save anyone.
The gospel is still primary.
We want government to uphold God’s standards because it restrains evil and promotes good in society. That’s a blessing. But it’s not salvation.
Only the gospel saves. Only Christ transforms hearts.
So yes, advocate for biblical principles in the public square. But never forget that the ultimate answer to our nation’s problems isn’t better legislation—it’s hearts transformed by Jesus.
5. Pray for Spiritual Revival
The best thing that could happen to our nation isn’t a certain candidate winning or a certain law passing (though those things matter).
The best thing would be a spiritual awakening where people turn to Christ in massive numbers.
When hearts change, culture changes. When culture changes, laws change.
Pray for:
- Revival in the church
- Boldness for believers to proclaim truth
- Awakening in our nation
- Leaders who fear God
- Justice to roll down like waters
6. Live Out Biblical Values in Your Own Life
Before you worry about the government upholding God’s standards, are you upholding them?
Are you:
- Protecting life (not just opposing abortion, but supporting vulnerable people)
- Honoring marriage (not just defining it, but living it faithfully)
- Pursuing justice (not just talking about it, but doing something)
- Telling the truth (in your business, your relationships, your taxes)
- Showing mercy (not just demanding it from others)
The most powerful witness isn’t our political arguments. It’s our transformed lives.
Does the Old Testament Apply to Nations Today? Yes—With Nuance
So to directly answer the question: Does the Old Testament apply to nations today?
Yes—in terms of God’s moral standards.
No nation today is covenant Israel. We’re not trying to recreate Old Testament Israel in 21st century America.
But God’s character hasn’t changed. His standards of right and wrong haven’t changed. And He still holds nations accountable to those standards.
Every nation that has:
- Protected the weak
- Pursued justice
- Valued life
- Honored marriage
- Promoted truth
- Restrained evil
…has been blessed.
Every nation that has:
- Oppressed the vulnerable
- Perverted justice
- Devalued life
- Destroyed marriage
- Promoted lies
- Celebrated evil
…has been cursed.
This isn’t rocket science. It’s just biblical truth playing out in history.
A Word for Atlantic, Iowa and Beyond
If you’re part of the Christian community in Atlantic, Iowa, or anywhere else, this message is for you.
We live in a time when the church has largely retreated from speaking biblical truth into the public square. We’ve been intimidated. We’ve been told we’re being “too political” or “forcing our beliefs on others.”
But here’s the reality: Someone’s beliefs will shape our laws. Someone’s morality will be legislated. Someone’s worldview will influence policy.
The question is: Will it be grounded in God’s truth? Or will it be grounded in human opinion that shifts with the cultural winds?
Atlantic Gospel Chapel, where Alex Kremer teaches this Atlantic Iowa Bible teaching, is committed to proclaiming the whole counsel of God’s Word—including the parts that are politically incorrect or culturally uncomfortable.
That’s the kind of church we need. That’s the kind of preaching we need. That’s the kind of courage we need.
Not to be mean. Not to be hateful. Not to force conversions.
But to faithfully say: “This is what God says. This is what’s right. This is what’s best for human flourishing.”
The Bottom Line
Does the Bible speak to modern government? Absolutely.
Is government accountable to God? Yes—whether it acknowledges Him or not.
Does God’s law apply beyond believers? Yes—God holds all nations to His moral standards.
Should Christians engage with politics? Yes—as faithful stewards of the influence God has given us.
Is this controversial? Yes. But truth often is.
Here’s what we know:
- God is sovereign over all creation
- Every authority exists because He established it
- He has revealed His standards of right and wrong
- He holds all nations accountable to those standards
- Nations that honor His principles are blessed
- Nations that reject His principles are cursed
- Christians are called to be salt and light—including in the public square
This doesn’t mean we establish a theocracy. It doesn’t mean we force conversions. It doesn’t mean we’re hateful to those who disagree.
It means we faithfully proclaim God’s truth, apply His Word to every sphere of life, and trust that His ways are best.
Because they are.
God’s standards aren’t arbitrary rules to make life harder. They’re the loving instructions of our Creator who knows what’s best for human flourishing.
When we follow them—individually and collectively—we thrive.
When we reject them—individually and collectively—we suffer.
It’s that simple. And that profound.
So let’s stop pretending God doesn’t care about government. He does.
Let’s stop acting like the Bible has nothing to say about justice, laws, and how nations should operate. It does.
And let’s start faithfully applying God’s Word to every area of life—including this one.
Not out of desire for power. But out of love for God, love for truth, and love for our neighbors who will be blessed when righteousness prevails.
That’s what the Bible teaches. That’s what history proves. That’s what we’re called to proclaim.
Experience the Complete Message
This blog post only captures a portion of the depth and challenge in Alex Kremer’s teaching. To hear the full sermon with all the biblical arguments, historical examples, and careful nuance, listen to the complete message here.
Whether you’re wrestling with how Christians should engage with government, wondering if the Bible has anything to say about politics, or seeking to understand God’s design for society, this Alex Kremer sermon provides biblical clarity on topics the church desperately needs to reclaim.
About Atlantic Gospel Chapel: We’re a Bible-teaching church in Atlantic, Iowa, committed to proclaiming the whole counsel of God’s Word—even the parts that are culturally uncomfortable. We believe the Bible speaks to every area of life, including government and civil society. Come visit us and experience teaching that takes Scripture seriously in every sphere of life.
