Society
|
If all civil governments are responsible to God for their actions in restraining civil evil, promoting civil good, and ensuring civil justice, which alone is their rightful purpose (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14), then all societies are responsible to God for their actions in restraining personal and social evil, promoting personal and social good, and ensuring personal and social justice, which is the foundation to a just - that is to say, a righteous - society.
Righteousness exalts a nation, As in government, it again must be noted that in order for anyone - in this case, society - to have an understanding of true personal and social evil, that it might be restrained, true personal and social good, that it might be promoted, and true personal and social justice, that it might be ensured, there is needed an objective, universally binding standard of evil, good, and justice. And again, such a standard can only be found from Jesus Christ and His law - for He, and He alone, defines evil, good, and justice (Gen. 18:25; Deut. 32:4; Job 8:3, 34:10; Isa. 5:20; cf. Ps. 51:4). |
|
What is the difference, then, between Government and Society?
Government
Society
Obviously when you dig into it you'll find some overlap. But at base, Government is assigned the duty of making and enforcing just laws according to God's Word, whereas Society is assigned the duty of acting in accordance with God's moral standards in areas even outside of the government's jurisdiction, and yet still obeying the laws of government even if they are unjust, provided they don't keep one from being unable to take care of his family (in a morally upright way) or to obey and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 5:8; Acts 5:29).
While not exhaustive, but to get an idea, here are some examples of when a Government is and is not given the prerogative to make and enforce laws, and when and how Society is to respond to such laws or lack thereof:
Government
- Is comprised of the laws themselves governing society, those who legislate the laws for society, and those who enforce the laws upon society
- Is the only "body" given the power of "the sword" by God to enforce laws upon society
- Is concerned only with civil matters assigned by God to its sphere of authority and influence
Society
- Is comprised of every individual to whom the laws of government apply (including those who make and enforce the laws)
- Is not given the power of "the sword" to enforce civil laws, but is only given the command to pursue righteousness in personal and social matters
- Is concerned with influencing the government by any ethical means, yet given the priority in governing personal and social matters
Obviously when you dig into it you'll find some overlap. But at base, Government is assigned the duty of making and enforcing just laws according to God's Word, whereas Society is assigned the duty of acting in accordance with God's moral standards in areas even outside of the government's jurisdiction, and yet still obeying the laws of government even if they are unjust, provided they don't keep one from being unable to take care of his family (in a morally upright way) or to obey and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 5:8; Acts 5:29).
While not exhaustive, but to get an idea, here are some examples of when a Government is and is not given the prerogative to make and enforce laws, and when and how Society is to respond to such laws or lack thereof: