Jesus Christ and his way of salvation is the only reality that sustains joy when our livelihood is taken away, and our family is taken away, and our life is taken away. The state, by God’s design, has the power (according to Romans 13:1–6 and 1 Peter 2:13–17) to take our livelihood and our family and our lives, if laws are put in place that define us as criminals. As Paul says in Romans 13:4 “Rulers do not bear the sword in vain” (Romans 13:4). Swords are for killing and for confiscating. Therefore, the state cannot take our joy. It can only take our lives.
The full resource can be found at http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/sons-of-liberty-and-joy
John Piper // NOVEMBER 2, 2016 // Bethlehem College & Seminary | Minneapolis
