This part of chapter 22 has three main stories. They may appear to talk about different things. But, in fact, all are connected.

First, Christ tells us that God appoints the civil governments separate from church authorities. This was explained in the Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 23. One thing we need to mindful of is that God gives non-Christian civil governments the authority to rule people. For example, God made the unbelieving nations such as Babylon or the Roman empire rule the Israelite. Although we do not violate the laws of a civil government, our Christian conscience formed and developed by the Holy Spirit has superior authority because God is the ultimate ruler. For example, the Roman Catholic church had the authority over politics, but they did not hold on to God’s truths. Therefore, God orchestrated the Reformation. Another example is the Nazi government. I understand that they borrowed ideas from Luther and distorted his teachings. Our Christian conscience rejects the Nazism. Therefore, it was the right thing to resist them and fight against them.

The problem rises when those who do not have the Spirit insist that they must act according to their conscience and commit a crime that does harm to others. Christian conscience does not contradict to what the Bible says.

Apostle Paul talked a few times on this Christian conscience. This conscience is attached to the knowledge of God. As our knowledge grows, our conscience gets strengthened. A lot of Christians live in fear because they think they will be punished if their actions are considered illegal before God. I heard of a person who prays before he does anything, even when he goes for grocery shopping. He prays God to see if He would be pleased with him going to a supermarket. He does not have any freedom while the Bible says Christ sets us free. This man may not have the Holy Spirit in him. Or his conscience is still immature because of the lack of knowledge. Without knowing God, there is always fear.

Some Christians consider that they are saved because of some supernatural experiences. They think they have received the Holy Spirit because of some extraordinary events happened to them. The Roman Catholics and some Protestant denominations promote such experiences. But if the experiences do not lead to the right knowledge of God, they are not from God.

People who do not have the knowledge of God can only read and interpret the Bible literally and chronologically. And speculative theories arise. Those theories are wrapped beautifully by much learned scholars and men with reputation. Therefore, many Christians follow those who are famous and/or wrote many books.

While the Pharisees and the Sadducees read the Scriptures eagerly, they and their followers did not accept the one the Scriptures had foretold.

You examine the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is those very Scriptures that testify about Me; and yet you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. (John 5:39-42)

There are many Christians who claim they have the Holy Spirit in them, know God and the Scriptures, and do good deeds in the sight of God. Yet, some do not have the right knowledge of God, entice others, promote false teachings, break the Law, and rebel unlawfully against their governments. They often wrap themselves nicely to please others. And many follow them. True Christians must discern. The only way to strengthen our conscience is reading the Bible and praying to God for mercy.

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now that you maintain, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. (John 9:41)