Romans 13 and Masks
Romans 13 is clear. “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. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (Romans 13:1-2).
Most would understand that we ought to follow this teaching unless the government is requiring us to sin or forbidding what God has commanded. That is, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) when we are forbidden to do what God has commanded (e.g., preach the gospel) or when we are commanded to disobey God (e.g., burn incense in worship to Caesar).
Masks are clearly not in this category. Wearing a mask is not sinful. And it doesn’t prevent us from doing what God commands. So why would Christians be opposed to wearing a mask? On what biblical basis?
Romans 13 does not give the government authority over health decisions that God has given to the individual and the family.
What is important to realize is that the governing authorities do not have authority over every aspect of our lives. Biblically, the responsibility of the health and care of family members rests in the hands of family members (1 Timothy 5:3-8; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20). Most would agree that forced vaccinations or forced surgery would violate God’s order and design as he has given responsibility to individuals and families to make medical decisions. I’m not contending that masks are the same as vaccines or surgery. But the reason why forced vaccinations would not be a Romans 13 issue (one in which we must obey the government) is the same reason why masks are not a Romans 13 issue. God has given the primary responsibility for our health to individuals and the family.
So when the government makes an edict such as mandating masks, they are out of their lane. They are exercising an authority that they don’t have. God never gave them this authority.
Some individuals and families will conclude that it is better for their health and the health of others not to wear a mask. They will conclude that masks impede the development of their children, impede the worship of God, give approval for the government to make medical decisions for everyone, impede the effectiveness and beauty of communication, impede breathing and oxygen levels, increase chances of bacterial infections, and will not stop the virus but actually aid its spread.
You may disagree but there is a long standing tradition that adults and parents make their own health decisions. This is because our society was founded on a biblical worldview. Our society is changing. Parents no longer have the authority to affirm the God-given gender of their children. The state has taken that right away. Christians should value freedom where God has granted freedom. Christians should understand the responsibilities given to individuals and families to make their own medical choices and defend the right of others to make those choices. Yes, let’s persuade one with reason and sound argument, but we cannot force medical decisions on one another, and neither should the governing authorities.