God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good: and, to this end, has armed them with the power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil doers.
For the Christian there can be no question who holds supreme authority in this universe. In Matthew 28:16-20 we find the resurrected Christ proclaiming that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. That does not admit of much wiggle room. But at this time he does not make his rule over creation visibly manifest, and has designated certain agents to act on his behalf. Elsewhere we may take up the role of due authority in the family and in the church; here we are concerned about the civil magistrate, or the various levels of the state.
God has ordained this "secular" governmental authority for his glory and for the public good. Note the first purpose. How many times have you heard a government official describe his duties as including the glorification of God? Sadly, never. So while the government may hold its authority from God, it sinfully fails in one of its prime responsibilities. Yet the state still holds a lawful authority--a father is not deposed from being the head of his household just because he is a sinner--that must be respected by all, believers and unbelievers.
That the state may accomplish God's purposes for it, he has armed it with the sword (Romans 13). This power is rightly to be exercised to protect and encourage the good and to discourage and punish evildoers. Again, the state does these things very imperfectly, but when it tries to do them it should not be opposed.
Tomorrow: May Christians participate in civil government?
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