^{Romans 13}

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Apr 25, 2012 -- 11:15AM, dio wrote:

After reading what Paul wrote here in Rom.13, how can we say we are a nation under God when our forefathers in the colonies rebelled against the legitimate King who was God's officer.

Good question.  I'd suggest that Paul's statement reflects one place and one time.  That is, there was no suitable replacement for Rome with a superior form of government.  

And yes, I recognize that opens doors for debate, but the Bible does include regime change in a number of places.

Apr 25, 2012 -- 11:15AM, dio wrote:

Rich people not paying their tax is a sin against God.

Agreed.  But making a rich man pay someone else's tax in addition to his own is also a sin against God.  By the man who avoids his own due tax, and by the ruler who cheats the man doing the paying.