God’s Avenger: The Divine Role of Government in Punishing Evil

With President Trump’s recent military action against terrorists in Yemen and his deportation of violent illegal immigrants sparking outrage, critics are once again condemning his administration’s austere stance on lawlessness. But before Christians align themselves with these objections, we must step back and examine what God’s Word actually says about government authority.

Scripture does not leave us in the dark on this issue. Many churches today have softened or ignored biblical teachings on civil governance, leaving believers unsure of where they should stand when their leaders enact firm policies against crime and disorder. Romans 13 provides clear, unambiguous instruction, affirming that governments are not merely human institutions but divinely ordained by God to uphold justice.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1 ESV)

Whether one personally approves of a leader is irrelevant—authority itself is a product of God’s design. Governments do not arise by chance; they exist under His sovereign hand to serve a specific purpose, either as a blessing for righteousness or as a judgment for evil.

“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:2 ESV)

To oppose a just government when it punishes lawbreakers is to oppose God’s own order. When leaders take action against criminals, terrorists, and those who violate national laws, they are fulfilling their ordained duty. Christians must be careful not to fall into the trap of emotional resistance against governance that is actually enacting biblical justice.

“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval.” (Romans 13:3 ESV)

God has established civil authority to reward righteousness and punish evil. Those who respect the law have no reason to fear the government, while those who break it should fully expect consequences.

“For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4 ESV)

This passage removes any doubt—governing authorities have the God-given right to wield force against evildoers. Deporting violent criminals, executing justice against terrorists, and enforcing national laws are not only lawful actions but moral imperatives.

“Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.” (Romans 13:5 ESV)

Christians must recognize that submission to just authority is not only about avoiding penalties—it is about being aligned with God’s will. Resisting a government that punishes lawlessness is not an act of virtue but a rebellion against God’s appointed order.

Of course, there is one limiting factor: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29 ESV). If a government commands us to sin, we must resist. But punishing criminals, deporting lawbreakers, and striking terrorists are not sins. They are acts of justice carried out by God’s appointed servants. To oppose these actions without biblical cause is to resist God Himself.

As believers, we must reject weak, cultural Christianity that prioritizes emotion over Scripture. The Bible does not support lawlessness, nor does it call for passive submission to injustice. Rather, it commands respect for governing authorities as God’s agents of justice, while trusting Him to hold leaders accountable for their missteps. The Bible leaves no room for debate—supporting law and order, including the government’s use of military force, is a biblical responsibility. Even more so in these last of the last days.

Instead of resisting government when it does its job, believers should be its biggest supporters—praying for leaders, upholding justice, and standing for righteousness. That’s not just good citizenship. That’s biblical obedience.