Luther on Government
There can hardly be a greater contrast in presidents of the United States than between Barack Obama and Donald Trump. This can leave the Christian wondering about how we are to respond to “government.” Ewald Plass, in his book WHAT LUTEHER SAYS, provides page after page of quotes from the great reformer on the topic (557-602). The following two quotes come from those pages.
HOW UNFACTUAL this charge [that Luther was seditious] is will appear when we note what Luther considers the basis of government. He knew nothing of any social-contract theory.
1752 Government As Such Is of God Let government be whatever it pleases, it is not of men; otherwise it would not be safe for one hour. If God did not sustain governmental authorities with His power, Mr. Everybody (Her Omnes) would kill all of them. Since, then, government is God’s power and ordinance, one must look upon it as God’s representative. Wherever it pleases Him to establish government, His honor will follow. He handles His possessio0ns as a man who gives up his money. Wherever the power falls, God is present, whether one uses the power well or ill; though He will, of course, call people to account for their actions. Therefore, so far as you are concerned, continue to humble yourself and honor your government. (W 24, 586 – E 34, 217 – SL, 3 524)
IN HIS EXPOSITION of Ps. 82:2 (1530) Luther points out what a burden a bad government is and how great a blessing a good government is.
1743 A Good Government Is Precious In a word, next to the Gospel (ministry) or the spiritual office no better jewel, no greater treasure, no costlier gift, no finer foundation, no more precious possession, exists on earth than a government that administers and upholds justice. Government authorities are properly called gods (v. 6). So great are the virtues, benefits, fruits, and good works that God has placed into this estate. For not in vain has He called its administrators “gods.” He does not want this to be a lazy, useless, idle estate, in which people seek only honor, power, pleasure, or mere self-interest and wantonness. (W 31 I, 201 – E 39, 241 – SL 5, 710)
Plass, Ewald M WHAT LUTHER SAYS: A Practical In-Home Anthology for the Active Christian 576