Ping!
re: “John Calvin had much to say about the application of biblical principles to politics. His focus on the sovereignty of God in all aspects of Creation led Calvin to believe in God’s ordinance not only in the spiritual realm, but also in civil government. Citing Scriptural passages such as Proverbs 8:15-16 – “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth” – Calvin demonstrated that all governments are ordained by God.”
Totally agree on the sinfulness of man and that God has given government for the purpose of providing law and order. However, the idea that All governments are “ordained” by God just isn’t the case. Yes, God permits man freewill to pick lousy leaders and, yes, God could remove and has removed bad leaders, yet, consider this passage from Hosea:
Hosea 8:1-4
“Put the trumpet to your lips!
An eagle is over the house of the LORD
because the people have broken my covenant
and rebelled against my law
2 Israel cries out to me,
‘Our God, we acknowledge you!’
3 But Israel has rejected what is good;
an enemy will pursue him.
4 They set up kings without my consent;
they choose princes without my approval
With their silver and gold
they make idols for themselves
to their own destruction.