Rendering to God the Things that are God’s Alone
# **Rendering Unto God the Things That Are God's**
*A Biblical Response to Church Compliance with 501(c)(3) Governance*
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## Author’s Note
This message is written with deep conviction and a heart of sincere love for the body of Christ. Please do not mistake the tone for a lack of gravity. These concerns are weighty. They deal with the authority, identity, and obedience of the church—subjects that should never be taken lightly.
However, when introducing strong meat to those who may not yet be ready to chew it whole, there is wisdom in softening the delivery without diluting the substance. This is not an attack. It is an appeal.
The goal here is not to tear down, but to call the church to remember who she is, and—more importantly—**Whose** she is.
If we belong to Christ, then He must be our Head, our final Authority, and our sole allegiance. Anything less, however well-intentioned, is compromise. And compromise, once signed into policy, becomes captivity.
> *Let the reader weigh these things in light of Scripture, and may the Spirit of God grant clarity, conviction, and courage.*
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## Section A – Organizational Purpose
> *“This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law)...”*
**Observation:**
By framing the church’s existence and purpose “within the meaning” of a federal tax code—and even more, within “any corresponding provision of *future* law”—the church voluntarily places itself under the jurisdiction of civil authority in perpetuity.
This clause openly yields to a power beyond Christ, beyond Scripture, and potentially beyond biblical obedience.
> *“Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”* — Luke 6:46
> *“He is the head of the body, the church…”* — Colossians 1:18
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## Section 1 – Private Inurement
> *“No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of… members, trustees, officers…”*
**Observation:**
This clause assumes a business structure that does not apply to the biblical church. Christ’s body is not a nonprofit organization with trustees and officers. It is a spiritual body with members, joined and knit together by the Spirit of God.
> *“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”* — 1 Corinthians 12:27
> *“Distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”* — Acts 4:35
God's church does not operate on net earnings—it operates on mutual edification, grace, and spiritual gifts.
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## Section 2 – Political Involvement
> *“No substantial part of the activities… shall involve propaganda or attempts to influence legislation… nor shall the church participate in political campaigns…”*
**Observation:**
Who defines “substantial”? What counts as “propaganda”? Who determines what is or is not “intervention”? The state does.
This clause muzzles the church from speaking truthfully on moral issues that are also legislative issues—abortion, marriage, justice, righteousness.
> *“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet…”* — Isaiah 58:1
> *“We ought to obey God rather than men.”* — Acts 5:29
When the gospel confronts sin, it is *always* political in the world’s eyes. But that should never silence the church.
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## Section 3 – Dissolution
> *“Upon dissolution… assets shall be distributed to other organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3)…”*
**Observation:**
Even in death, the compliant church remains yoked to the IRS. Rather than entrusting its resources to the Spirit-led direction of faithful men, this clause ensures that all remains within the boundaries of state-approved religious structures.
There is no biblical precedent for this kind of final submission.
> *“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”* — 1 Corinthians 7:23
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## Section 4 – Racial Nondiscrimination
> *“This church shall not discriminate based on race, color, or national or ethnic origin…”*
**Clarification:**
While the true church of Jesus Christ should never harbor racial prejudice, this clause is not about loving all people—it is about the precedent of state-defined morality.
What happens when that same power expands to include gender identity, sexual orientation, or doctrinal distinctives? The same policy that forces churches to comply with one issue can just as easily be used to enforce another.
> *“All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”* — 1 Corinthians 6:12
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## Final Thought: Who Is the Church’s Final Authority?
Some say, *“As long as people are getting saved, that’s what matters.”*
But the Great Commission says:
> *“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”* — Matthew 28:20
Faithfulness means preaching the whole counsel of God—not just the parts permitted by public policy.
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## Conclusion: Rendering Unto God
There is no biblical command—nor necessity—for a church to become a recognized nonprofit entity under civil law. The church is not a business, a brand, or a corporation. She is the body of Christ, the bride of the Lamb, and the pillar and ground of the truth.
> *“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”* — Matthew 22:21
Let the church give to God what is rightfully His—her voice, her authority, her identity, and her obedience.
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**#JesusIsLord #ChurchNotForSale #501c3 #BiblicalChurch #ObeyGodRatherThanMen #RenderUntoGod**