Q.
Most governments of this world recognize the privilege of
"Diplomatic Immunity." As ambassadors of
Christ's kingdom, shouldn't we also claim diplomatic immunity?
A. Diplomatic
immunity is a principle of international law by which certain
foreign government officials are not subject to the jurisdiction of
local courts and other authorities for both their official and, to a
large extent, their personal activities.
There is a tendency to focus on the privileges of "Diplomatic
Immunity" to enable ambassadors from the Kingdom of Heaven to avoid
personal responsibility. Not a good idea. First of all, the world
does not recognize citizens of Heaven, let alone ambassadors.
Besides that, we are not looking for their recognition. Nor are we
looking for a way to commit crimes.
It is better to focus on being obedient to the laws of the
Kingdom of Heaven. During an incident where we are being accused of
violating secular statutes, we need to remember that our government is
not of this world. We expect to be held accountable to the laws from
which we come. Our conduct is not an offense, if it is not an offense in
the Kingdom of Heaven.
If we are brought before a magistrate, our duty is to inform him
of our status as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and that we expect to
be held accountable to the laws of our Government. If the court proceeds
ahead anyway, plead guilty with explanation. The explanation is that
yes, we did the acts that we are being accused of, but we did them in
obedience to the Government from whence we came.
In actuality, this is a form of demur to the charges.
They lack the jurisdiction over the individual who is already obedient
to one Master. The law cannot require someone to obey two masters, which
is impossible. We can only do the acts in obedience to our Government,
and our Government was established prior to their government.
We have seen secular courts dismiss or set aside
the charges for this reason. They have not wanted to admit that our good
deeds are against the law, nor admit that their laws do not agree with
God. And as for us, we must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
No man can serve two masters. For either he
shall hate the one and love the other: or else he shall lean to the
one and despise the other: ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 6:24
Who are thou that judgest another man's servant? to
his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for
God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4
Remember ye not how that to whomsoever ye commit yourselves as
servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey: whether it be of
sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:16
