Page 67 - Sarah's Children

overshadows it. It is therefore imperative for us who desire to serve God to know the
authority of God.” He further states, “To offend God’s authority is a rebellion far
more serious than that of offending God’s holiness. Since it is a matter of conduct,
sinning is more easily forgiven than rebellion, the latter being a matter of principle.
Satan’s intent of setting his throne above the throne of God was the thing that
violated God’s authority; it was the principle of self-exaltation... In serving God we
must not violate authorities, because to do so is a principle of Satan. How can we
preach Christ according to Satan’s principle? Yet it is possible in our work to stand
with Christ in doctrine, while at the same time stand with Satan in principle.”

This is exactly what the Father showed me that I had been doing. In my zeal for the
truth I had been standing with Christ in doctrine. I loved the truths Father was
revealing to me. I desired to see them walked in. I desired to see error eschewed. I
longed for the benefits of seeing the children of God walking in the truth. Yet Father
showed me that my approach of contending with the church authorities over these
issues of doctrine was in actuality practicing the principle of Satan, which is
rebellion.

How my eyes were opened when I saw this. I understood that as it says in Romans
13, “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but
of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Therefore he that resists the
power, withstands the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive
judgment to themselves.... Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only
because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.”

As I read through this book, and as I studied the scriptures, I came to comprehend
the principles of God’s authority and our right response to all authorities, including
those in the church. God never honors rebellion in any form. Rebellion is the
principle of Satan. Submission is the perfect principle of Christ. Even when people
are under ungodly authorities, the Father never honors those who lift their hands,
or wag their tongues against those authorities. David is a case in point.

David was subject to the ungodly authority of King Saul. David was completely
faithful in the discharge of his duties, and he never failed in loyalty to Saul. Even
when Saul sought repeatedly to kill David, and even when Saul killed the priests of
God, David refused to lift a finger against him. David was presented opportunities
to strike Saul, even when Saul was in the process of seeking to take David’s life. Yet
David said, “Who can lift his hand against God’s anointed and remain guiltless?”

When David had opportunity to slay Saul in the cave, he instead merely cut off the
corner of Saul’s garment. Yet even for this small act we are told that “David’s heart
smote him” and he repented of it. Watchman Nee states that cutting off the corner