From Anstey’s Doctrinal Definitions:
This term is not found in Scripture, but the truth that it conveys certainly is. It is used by Bible teachers to denote the providential dealings of God with men, either positively or negatively, as a consequence of the way in which they live their lives. It works in the lives of those who are saved as well as those who are lost. Galatians 6:7-8 gives the general principle on which God’s government works. It says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” This shows us that there are consequences to our actions, both for good and for bad—though we may not feel the results immediately.
As mentioned, there are two sides to the government of God—what is positive and what is negative—as far as what we experience in our lives. These could be called:
• Governmental judgment.
• Governmental blessing.
Since “all power” has been given to the Lord to exercise “in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18), He can cause good things, as well as allow bad things, to occur in the lives of men according to their works. He can “hedge up” the way of the transgressor with governmental judgments in the way of troubles, problems, sorrows, sicknesses, etc., with a view to arresting his wayward course and producing repentance (Hos. 2:6-7). The Apostle Peter warned that if we are careless and walk in unholiness, we will “invoke” (or “call”) God “the Father” into action in our lives in a judgmental sense. He will, “without respect of persons, judge according to every man’s work” (1 Peter 1:16-17). See also 1 Corinthians 11:29-32; 1 Peter 3:12b; James 5:20b; 1 John 5:16b. God can also use His power to order happy and blessed circumstances in the lives of men who do right, and thus, they “inherit blessing” in their lives (practically) and “see good days” (1 Peter 3:10-12a; Eph. 6:1-3). The Proverbs emphasize the ways of God in government with men, either for good or for bad—depending on a person’s actions. It is an underlying theme that runs throughout that book.
It is interesting to note that the extent of God’s governmental dealings with men in judgment pertains only to their time in this world; it does not affect their eternal destiny. However, God’s governmental actions of blessing in connection with believers can be enjoyed now in this life, and in many cases it will also be carried on into eternity (Gal. 6:8). Such is the goodness of God. Moreover, if we bring upon ourselves the governmental judgment of God, there is such a thing as God’s governmental forgiveness (Matt. 18:26-27; Luke 7:48; John 5:14; James 5:15; Psa. 103:10-11). This has to do with God’s lifting the governmental judgment, in whatever way we have been made to feel it, because there has been repentance with us. Then again, the Lord may choose to leave us to continue under the effects of His governmental judgment, even when there has been real repentance, because He knows the tendencies of our hearts, and thus it keeps us in dependence and ultimately from going off track again. Communion will be restored, but the effects of our actions may continue to be felt (2 Sam. 12:10). Whatever may be the case, God makes no mistakes in what He does with us, for His ways are perfect (Psa. 18:30). (See Forgiveness, Governmental.)
Many Christians have an imbalanced view of the subject of the government of God. They see it purely from its judgmental side, but this is imbalanced. In referring to someone who has rebelled against God, they might say, “So and so is under the government of God”—not realizing that God’s government has to do with His good hand of blessing in a person’s life too. The truth is, all Christians are under the government of God—and we should be thankful that we are!
The men of the world would call the government of God “karma” (a term from “eastern” religion), but they are not the same. Karma views God’s ways with men from a perspective that is filled with superstition. It does not take God’s governmental forgiveness into consideration. He may not always work negatively with those who do wrong, when He sees repentance with them.