On February 13, 2001, the U.S. Marshal service seized the Indianapolis Baptist Temple for a $6 million tax debt. The debt is a result of the “Temple” not paying payroll and Social Security taxes on its employees since 1984. The “Temple’s” position is that God’s laws govern the church, not a man-made government’s law, and if the church paid taxes, it would be an arm of the government.
It seems pretty cut-and-dry to us since Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mk. 12:17). Likewise, Paul declared, “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (Rom. 13:7).
By no means are we to submit to the laws of the land if they contradict the will of God. Daniel pressed forward with his daily routine of prayer despite the law of the land. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow to an idol, though it was commanded of the king. However, paying taxes does not violate the will of God–HE COMMANDED IT! What has happened in today’s religious climate is, men have hidden behind “religious convictions” to commit crimes, get greedy gain, and manifest materialism.
One of the “pastors” of the Indianapolis Baptist Temple is quoted as saying the U.S. Marshals have brought the judgment of God on themselves. Notwithstanding his remarks, the Holy Spirit said, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Rom. 13:1-2). Who brings God’s judgment on themselves: the Marshals or the “Temple”? You be the judge.
Steven F. Deaton
