Are Christians seditionists as the precedence set by Jesus and the Apostles is absolutely clear. Here is the principle set out in scripture Acts 5: 29 “In answer Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”
Jesus words add to this John 17: 14 “I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”
The mainstream Christian Churches have taken the principle at Romans 13: 1 “Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.2 Therefore, whoever opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will bring judgment against themselves.” to mean that Governments are placed in power to do God’s will and that they rule ‘by the grace of God’.
Let’s go back to a reference that Jesus made the full account is found in the context of Matthew 22: 15 “Then the Pharisees went and conspired together in order to trap him in his speech.16 So they sent their disciples to him, together with party followers of Herod, saying: “Teacher, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and you do not seek anyone’s favor, for you do not look at the outward appearance of people.17 Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or not?”18 But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: “Why do you put me to the test, hypocrites?19 Show me the tax coin.” They brought him a de·narʹi·us.20 He said to them: “Whose image and inscription is this?”21 They said: “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.”22 When they heard that, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.”
So Jesus and the Apostle Paul were clearly distinguishing between the authority of God and the right of the human Government. Both were accused of speaking against the Roman Emperor of their time and many branded them as blasphemers, some translations and commentators ranked this as sedition.
Was it the fact that the Roman Empire wasn’t Christian at that time? No, both recognised just what subjecting themselves to God means. Remember the Lords Prayer – priorities were listed as the sanctification of God’s name (Jehovah), the vindication of God’s rulership and that his kingdom come.
In the first century the Apostles had learned through their upbringing the Messiah would appear during that period but he would be cut off and that there were two sides. Acts 4: 23 After being released, they went to their own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.24 On hearing this, they raised their voices with one accord to God and said: “Sovereign Lord, you are the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them,25 and who said through holy spirit by the mouth of our forefather David, your servant: ‘Why did nations become agitated and peoples meditate on empty things?26 The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers gathered together as one against Jehovah and against his anointed one.’27 For truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate with men of the nations and with peoples of Israel were gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,28 to do what your hand and counsel had determined beforehand to occur.29 And now, Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant to your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness,30 while you stretch out your hand for healing and while signs and wonders occur through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
The Governments took their stand against God’s Kingdom, so Christians have to make a choice. Human Kings and Governments are appointed by people, they use their authority to provide security and order in many countries, to do this they require taxes and Christians follow Jesus example – we pay the tax, keep the laws up to the point they are directly opposed to Gods kingdom.
Why? The principle “We obey God as Ruler” Jehovah God appointed Jesus Christ to reign in his Kingdom so as Christians we hold that Kingdom as the ultimate standard.
1 John 5: 19 “We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” Jesus stated his disciples were no part of the world that includes the political structures, do they intend to undermine Satanic back rulership note the words of Micah 5: 15 “In anger and wrath I will execute vengeance On the nations that have not obeyed.”
Isaiah 61: 2 To proclaim the year of Jehovah’s goodwill And the day of vengeance of our God, To comfort all who mourn,
To round this off with balance Romans 12: 17 “Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men.18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.”20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.”21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.”
Jesus has been appointed to rule, he is appointed as judge and his law trumps any that restricts a Christians responsibility to advocate the “King and His Kingdom”.
The battle isn’t ours, Governments take their stand against God’s Kingdom, as Christians we do nothing to undermine human rulers, we stay out of the political circus and have no opinion on the decisions made. Compliance is assured up to the point where God’s standards are higher and require specific public action. This is why hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been imprisoned in countries around the globe, reasonable people putting God’s Kingdom ahead of human Government.
Our everlasting life doesn’t depend on the Presidents, Kings, Prime Ministers and Religious leaders rather on John 17: 3 This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
So are Christians seditionists? Here is Webster Definition
Definition of sedition
: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t suggest any member take up arms, rather for as long as human governments are permitted we observe the guidance at Romans 13: 1 and emphasise the Acts 5: 29 is the ultimate standard.
Governments have labelled Jehovah’s Witnesses as extremists, seditionists and decided that the peaceful message preached around the world that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for humankind as anti-government. Ultimately, as the future unravels we will see great events unfold and part of that is the allegation that those who are waiting on God’s Kingdom are to be hated.
All religion faces the ultimate test in the coming months and years but Psalm 37: 9 “For evil men will be done away with, But those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth.”
“10 Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, And they will not be there. 11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.“
On the United Nations Building a scripture appears but notice the full text Isaiah 2: 3 “And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
God’s Kingdom achieves this look at how it is happening know on the Official Website of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Good News 