The Day Is Near

"Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God." Paul says whoever resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God. Rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do what is good, and you will have praise, for the ruler is a servant of God to you for good. Paul says the ruler does not bear the sword in vain.

So believers are to be in subjection not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For this reason they also pay taxes, for the authorities are servants of God. "Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." The commandments not to commit adultery, not to murder, not to steal, and not to covet, and any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying: love your neighbor as yourself. "Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law."

Paul says it is already time to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is nearer than when we first believed. "The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let's therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let's put on the armor of light." Let us walk properly, as in the day, and not in deeds of darkness. "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts."