Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships

When Obedience Is Sin

David’s power had been given him by God, but to be exercised only in harmony with the divine law. When he commanded that which was contrary to God’s law, it became sin to obey. “The powers that be are ordained of God,” but we are not to obey them contrary to God’s law. The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, sets forth the principle by which we should be governed. He says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 719. SPCCSR 33.1