II. The Biblical Institutions Considered
From Scripture, we find that God has ordained three specific human institutions. These institutions are government, church, and family. The issue at hand is the timing of when a child attains adulthood and becomes personally responsible to God instead of the parents being held responsible for that child. Scripture does not state in black and white when this time begins. What do the God-ordained institutions say?
The United States government views an individual as an independent adult at the age of 18. Criminals are tried as adults at age 18. The parents do not suffer the punishment if their 18 year old son goes and steals a car, the 18 year old delinquent does. An individual is personally responsible for paying taxes at age 18 and so forth. The God ordained institution of government that we are presently under considers an individual an adult at the age of 18. Christians are to obey the ordinances of government unless they contradict scripture. Take a portion of I Peter 2 for instance:
(1 Peter 2:13-17) Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Also consider a portion of Romans 13. We are to submit to the government for the sake of our own conscience:
(Romans 13:1-5) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For 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: For 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. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
The United States constitution, nor its amendments, nor any Supreme Court decision has ever extended parental authority over an adult offspring. The United States government views a person as an adult at age 18, holding the responsibilities and consequences of such fact. Even though our present government has historically contradicted Scripture many times, there is no proof that the United States government is currently doing so in the manner of adulthood. Therefore, we are subject to this ordinance. The present institution of government considers an individual accountable as an adult at age 18.
The second institution to be considered is the local church. Local churches differ on the issue. The local church should be fueled and driven by the Scriptures. However, different local churches differ on the matter. As a Baptist, the Scriptures hold the final authority and not government or local church. But principles from these can offer insight. Matthew 18 shows that when we join a local church we are making ourselves accountable to that local church. I would be weary to join a local church where the Pastor teaches for parents to make major decisions for their adult children. It denies individual soul liberty and hints of cultism. Romans 14 states that there are some grey issues within our churches that are not perfectly clear. The conclusion is to use individual soul liberty “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10-11).” When Scripture does not speak plainly on an issue, Christians must make decisions keeping in mind that we all will stand individually before Christ and give account for our lives. If we cannot make a decision out of faith, then it is sin (14:23).
Last (but definitely not least) is the institution of the family. A family must take a systematic approach of Scripture and compare everything on the topic and not just select portions of Scripture. Like local churches, many families differ on their conclusions from Scripture. In such a matter, solid objective council is a must. Proverbs 11:14 states if someone seeks a multitude of dependable objective council, the decision will generally be the right one.
