Neville Goddard on Romans 13:1-7 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Romans 13 in context

Scripture Focus

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Romans 13:1-7

Biblical Context

Submission to the higher powers is presented as obedience ordained by God. Resisting the rulers harms conscience and invites wrath, while doing good aligns you with the good they serve.

Neville's Inner Vision

Within you there is a law more constant than any civic code. When you affirm that the higher powers are ordained of God, you are announcing that the outer rulers are but symbols of your inner order. Resist not the exterior you call government; resist only the belief that you are separate from the I AM. To resist is to resist the ordinance of God within you, for every ruler is the minister of God to your life, called to preserve good and convict what is not. Therefore you are free the moment you align your feeling with the inner authority, the I AM that animates all, the higher powers you acknowledge. Do good in your inner state and the outward world will reflect it; fear falls away as you settle into the reality that you embody the divine law. The true obligation is conscience-sake: honor the inner governor, and the outward dues will render themselves as natural signs of harmony.

Practice This Now

Imaginative Act: Close your eyes, breathe, and assume the state: 'I am subject to the I AM within; the higher powers govern my life for good.' Feel the alignment now, and let the peace of this inner order saturate your senses for the rest of the day.