Christians may have heard about Sharia Law and wondered how it relates to their faith. Sharia Law is the religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition. It deals with many topics addressed by secular law, including crime, politics, and economics, as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet, prayer, everyday etiquette and fasting. So should Christians be concerned about the idea of Sharia Law?
The Bible does not specifically mention Sharia Law, as it developed centuries after the last books of the Bible were written. However, the Bible gives Christians guidance on how to relate to civil authorities and how to live as followers of Christ in a non-Christian society. Examining these biblical principles can help Christians understand how to view Sharia Law.
Respect and Submit to Civil Authorities
The Bible encourages Christians to respect and submit to civil authorities, even if they are non-Christian. Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 instruct believers to submit to governing authorities as they are established by God. Christians are exhorted to respect and obey laws that do not directly conflict with God’s commands. Though the early Christians lived under pagan Roman rule, they were told to submit to these authorities and honor them.
However, the Bible also shows there are exceptions when the laws of God supersede the laws of man. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.” Christians should strive to obey civil laws as much as possible without compromising what God has commanded.
Christ’s Kingdom is Not of This World
Jesus explained that His kingdom is not of this world when He stood before Pilate, the Roman governor (John 18:36). Earlier He had refused to become involved in a dispute over inheritance, saying, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” (Luke 12:14). Jesus did not come as a political ruler or civil judge. He came to provide the way for eternal salvation.
Christians look forward to Christ’s return when He will reign over the earth in righteousness and justice (Isaiah 11:1-5). But until then, believers live in kingdoms and under laws that are temporary. While Christians can seek to influence laws to reflect biblical values, their true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Be Subject to Rulers and Authorities
The apostle Paul wrote that every person should be subject to governing authorities (Romans 13:1). He said believers should model good citizenship, being obedient and ready to do good works (Titus 3:1). Christians are instructed, “as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).
The Bible does not advocate rebellion against authority. Peter taught, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1 Peter 2:13). Christians should strive to live quietly and peacefully, following Paul’s example: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).
Our Battle is Spiritual, Not Physical
The Bible is clear that Christians face spiritual battles rather than physical ones. Paul says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Peter also reminds believers to “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). By modeling Jesus Christ, Christians can live as “salt and light” drawing people to faith in Him.
Biblical Relationships Transcend Earthly Laws
While Christians are called to civic obedience, their higher allegiance is to God’s laws. In the early church, the apostles continued to preach Christ even when it was forbidden (Acts 4:18-20). They practiced civil disobedience only when faced with commands in direct opposition to God’s Word.
Even under unjust laws, believers look to God’s eternal perspective. Paul could endure mistreatment and hardship because “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Christians can forgive persecutors because their ultimate hope is in heaven.
God Judges Human Laws and Systems
The Bible teaches that God will ultimately judge all human laws and systems. Jesus warned, “by your standard of measure it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2). God holds nations accountable for how they treat citizens. Scripture says authorities are “ministers of God to you for good” and they do “not bear the sword for nothing” when punishing evildoers (Romans 13:4).
But mortal rulers will face the judgment seat of Christ. Revelation 20:11-15 describes the final judgment when all unrighteousness will be condemned. Until then, Christians pray for and honor those in authority. But they remember that only God’s perfect justice and rule will triumph in the end.
Live at Peace with Everyone, as Much as Possible
The Bible advises believers to live at peace with everyone, as much as possible (Hebrews 12:14). Christians should be law-abiding and compliant unless a law violates a clear command of Scripture. Then respectful civil disobedience may be required.
Even if Christians must disobey certain laws, they should not retaliate against authorities. Like Christ, believers are called to entrust themselves “to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). As much as possible, Christians seek “the welfare of the city” where God has placed them (Jeremiah 29:7). They overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Pray for Civil Leaders
Rather than protesting worldly authorities, Christians are told to pray for them. Paul urged prayers “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:2). Believers are also to pray “for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Through prayer, Christians can influence civil authorities and systems. Prayer activates God’s power. The Bible says that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Without prayer, Christians lack power to affect spiritual change in society. But prayer can soften leaders’ hearts to govern justly.
Our Real Citizenship is in Heaven
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that Christians are citizens of heaven, only temporarily living on earth (Philippians 3:20). Followers of Christ are “sojourners and exiles” during their earthly lives (1 Peter 2:11). So they do not place ultimate hope in temporal laws or authorities.
Christians live now by faith in what is unseen but eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Their primary allegiance is to the kingdom of God. Jesus taught believers to pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). But Christians await Christ’s return to establish His reign of perfect righteousness.
Conclusion
Based on these biblical principles, Christians seek to balance respect for earthly laws and systems with obedience to God’s Word. Believers try to model good citizenship and live peacefully in society. But their highest allegiance is to Jesus Christ and the coming kingdom of God.
Christians need not overly fear or protest laws that do not directly contradict Scripture. But respectful civil disobedience may be required if laws violate clear biblical commands. Even then, Christians respond with prayer rather than retaliation.
Above all, followers of Christ remember that their citizenship is in heaven. While seeking earthly justice, their hope remains in Christ’s perfect future rule and reign. Christians live as temporary exiles and ambassadors of God’s eternal kingdom which will one day triumph over all earthly authorities.