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Is It Possible for Humans to Establish a Government That Will Really Bring Lasting Happiness?

Throughout history, humanity has sought to establish governments that would bring about lasting peace, prosperity, and happiness. From ancient empires to modern democracies, the pursuit of an ideal government has been a central concern for societies worldwide. However, the Bible offers a realistic perspective on the limitations of human government and its ability to deliver true and lasting happiness.

Ecclesiastes 8:9 provides a sobering reflection on the nature of human authority: “All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt.” This verse encapsulates the inherent problem of human governance—when individuals or groups hold power, there is a tendency for that power to be misused, leading to the oppression and suffering of others. The Bible acknowledges that while governments are necessary for maintaining order and justice, they are ultimately flawed because they are operated by sinful human beings.

The pursuit of an ideal government that can bring about lasting happiness is, therefore, hindered by the very nature of humanity. Genesis 6:5 underscores the pervasive nature of human sinfulness: “Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Even after the Flood, this assessment of human nature did not change, as seen in Genesis 8:21, where God acknowledges that “the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” This inherent sinfulness means that no human government can fully eradicate the issues that plague society, such as injustice, inequality, and violence.

Furthermore, the Bible reveals that human efforts to establish a perfect government are ultimately futile because of humanity’s inability to govern itself effectively. Jeremiah 10:23 states, “I know, O Jehovah, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” This verse highlights the fundamental limitation of human autonomy—humans are not capable of guiding themselves or others in a way that leads to true and lasting happiness. Instead, they require divine guidance and intervention.

What Does the Record of Human History Show?

Human history provides ample evidence of the limitations and failures of human government. Despite the best intentions of rulers and lawmakers, every form of government has encountered significant challenges and shortcomings. Wars, corruption, economic disparities, and social injustices have persisted throughout history, often exacerbated by the very systems designed to prevent them.

The apostle Paul offers a sobering assessment of the state of humanity in the last days, which can be seen as reflective of the broader trajectory of human history. In 2 Timothy 3:1-4, he writes, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” This passage highlights the moral decay and selfishness that have characterized many societies throughout history, leading to the breakdown of social and governmental structures.

Moreover, the Bible teaches that the world is under the influence of spiritual forces that oppose God and His righteous rule. 1 John 5:19 states, “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” This spiritual reality means that human governments, no matter how well-intentioned, operate within a world that is fundamentally opposed to God’s kingdom. This opposition further complicates the ability of human governments to bring about the lasting happiness and justice that people desire.

What Hinders Human Efforts in the Field of Government?

Several factors hinder human efforts to establish just and effective governments. One of the primary obstacles is the fallen nature of humanity, as already discussed. The sinfulness of the human heart leads to selfishness, greed, and a lust for power, all of which can corrupt even the best-intentioned rulers and systems.

Jeremiah 17:9 underscores the deceitfulness of the human heart: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” This verse reveals that human nature is not only prone to sin but is also self-deceptive, often leading individuals to justify their wrong actions or to believe that their motives are pure when they are not. This deception can permeate government systems, resulting in policies and practices that harm rather than help society.

Additionally, Genesis 6:5 and 8:21, as previously mentioned, highlight the persistent evil intentions of the human heart. This pervasive sinfulness affects all aspects of human life, including governance. The desire for power, wealth, and control often leads to corruption and the abuse of authority, undermining efforts to create just and equitable societies.

Another significant hindrance to human government is the influence of the “evil one” mentioned in 1 John 5:19. Satan, as the adversary of God, seeks to disrupt and destroy God’s creation, including human societies. His influence can be seen in the ways that governments often promote policies and practices that are contrary to God’s will, such as injustice, oppression, and immorality. The Bible portrays Satan as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), who blinds the minds of unbelievers and works to oppose God’s kingdom. This spiritual opposition further hinders human efforts to establish righteous and effective governments.

How Can People Get Lasting Relief from Governmental Corruption and Oppression?

Given the limitations and failures of human government, the Bible points to a different source of hope for those seeking lasting relief from corruption and oppression. Rather than placing their trust in human rulers or systems, Christians are called to look to God as the ultimate source of justice and deliverance.

Psalm 72:12-14 offers a vision of the righteous reign of the Messiah, who will bring true justice and deliverance to the oppressed: “For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.” This passage points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to establish a kingdom of righteousness and peace, where the oppressed will find true relief and justice.

The Bible also teaches that lasting relief from corruption and oppression will come through the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. Daniel 2:44 prophesies, “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever.” This kingdom, ruled by Christ, will replace all human governments and will be characterized by perfect justice, righteousness, and peace.

Furthermore, Revelation 21:1-4 describes the new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and all forms of suffering, including corruption and oppression, will be eradicated: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'”

This eschatological hope provides Christians with the assurance that, while human governments may fail, God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail, bringing lasting relief from all forms of corruption and oppression.

Will Putting Other Men in Office Solve the Problem?

The Bible makes it clear that the solution to the problems of corruption and oppression does not lie in simply replacing one set of rulers with another. While it is possible for certain leaders to bring about positive change and to promote justice, the underlying issues of sin and spiritual opposition mean that no human government can fully resolve these problems.

Psalm 146:3-4 warns against placing trust in human leaders: “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.” This passage reminds believers that human leaders are mortal and fallible, and their ability to bring about lasting change is limited. Instead, Christians are called to place their trust in God, who alone has the power to bring about true and lasting justice.

1 John 5:19, as previously discussed, also highlights the spiritual reality that the world is under the power of the evil one. This means that, even with the best leaders in place, the world will still be subject to the influence of sin and spiritual opposition. Therefore, while it is important for Christians to engage in the political process and to advocate for justice, they must do so with the understanding that true and lasting solutions will only come through God’s intervention.

How Did Paul Counsel Christians to Deal with Worldly Rulers?

The New Testament provides clear guidance on how Christians are to relate to worldly rulers. The apostle Paul, writing during a time of significant political and social upheaval, offers instructions that are both practical and theologically grounded.

In Romans 13:1, Paul writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This verse emphasizes the principle of submission to governmental authorities, recognizing that all authority ultimately comes from God. While human rulers are imperfect and may at times act unjustly, Christians are called to respect and obey the law as long as it does not contradict God’s commands.

Paul reiterates this instruction in Titus 3:1-2, where he exhorts believers to “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” This passage underscores the importance of maintaining a respectful and peaceable attitude toward those in authority, even in the face of challenges or disagreements.

The apostle Peter also addresses the issue of how Christians should relate to worldly rulers in 1 Peter 2:13-17: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” Peter’s instructions reinforce the idea that Christians are to be good citizens, showing respect for authority while living out their faith in a way that honors God.

However, the Bible also provides guidance for situations in which obeying worldly rulers would require disobedience to God. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles declare, “We must obey God rather than men.” This principle establishes the priority of God’s commands over human laws, indicating that when the two are in conflict, Christians must choose to obey God, even if it results in persecution or suffering.

What Are Caesar’s Things to Caesar and God’s Things to God? What If Caesar Asks for God’s Things?

Jesus addressed the issue of the relationship between religious duties and civic responsibilities in His famous statement, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17). This statement was made in response to a question about whether it was lawful for Jews to pay taxes to the Roman government, a question designed to trap Jesus into either supporting the unpopular Roman authority or appearing to defy it.

In this statement, Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of governmental authority and the responsibility of citizens to fulfill their obligations to the state, such as paying taxes. However, He also draws a clear distinction between what belongs to the state and what belongs to God. While Christians are to fulfill their civic duties, they must not compromise their allegiance to God or give the state what is due only to God, such as worship, ultimate loyalty, or obedience in matters that conflict with God’s commands.

Acts 5:29-32 provides a clear example of what it means to prioritize God’s commands over those of human rulers. When the apostles were ordered by the religious authorities to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, Peter responded, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” This passage demonstrates the principle that when government authorities require actions that are contrary to God’s will, Christians must choose to obey God, even if it leads to persecution.

What, Then, Is the Answer to the Problems of Corruption and Oppression?

The Bible teaches that the ultimate solution to the problems of corruption and oppression is the establishment of God’s kingdom. Human governments, no matter how well-intentioned or effective, are limited in their ability to address the root causes of these issues. True and lasting justice will only be realized when Christ returns to establish His kingdom on earth.

Daniel 2:44 prophesies the coming of this kingdom: “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever.” This kingdom, unlike human governments, will be characterized by perfect justice, righteousness, and peace. It will be ruled by Christ, who will bring an end to all forms of corruption and oppression.

Psalm 72:12-14 describes the reign of the Messiah, who will deliver the oppressed and establish a just and compassionate rule: “For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.” This passage offers a glimpse of the justice and mercy that will characterize Christ’s reign, providing hope to those who suffer under corrupt and oppressive systems.

Why Should We Seriously Consider What the Bible Says About the Future of Government?

In a world filled with political uncertainty, social unrest, and economic instability, it is crucial for Christians to consider what the Bible says about the future of government. The Bible offers a realistic assessment of human government, acknowledging its limitations and failures, while also pointing to the hope of God’s coming kingdom.

Human rulers, no matter how capable or well-intentioned, cannot fully address the deep-seated issues that plague society. Problems such as war, poverty, injustice, and disease are ultimately the result of sin, and no human government can fully eradicate them. However, the Bible offers the promise of a future where these issues will be no more, under the reign of Christ.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 instructs Christians to pray for their leaders, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” While prayer for leaders is important, Christians must also recognize that their ultimate hope is not in human rulers but in God’s kingdom. This hope allows Christians to engage in the political process with a sense of purpose and responsibility while also maintaining a clear perspective on where true and lasting change will come from.

In conclusion, the Bible provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the role of government, the limitations of human rulers, and the ultimate hope of God’s kingdom. While Christians are called to engage with government and to advocate for justice, they must do so with the understanding that true and lasting solutions will only come through God’s intervention and the establishment of His kingdom.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).