Luke 20:21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that You say and teach rightly, neither do You accept the person of any, but You teach the way of God truly. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, why tempt you me?
The separation of church and state in America is one of the pillars of our democracy and it should be kept this way, if we are to avoid following in the footsteps of Rome. The above passages teach us that we have obligations to duly ordained secular governments, which ought to be recognized by the Christian. But there are also obligations to God, which must not be interfered with, even by Caesar, who is the serving appointee of God.
Thus, Christ would show us that there are always to be distinct lines between church and state, in cases where there isn’t a God-ordained theocracy. The Christian is instructed by God to render his civil or civic dues to duly appointed governments and for this reason, taxes are paid, the laws of the land are observed, and wherever Christians may be called to serve in government, they are to do so, holding the clear lines of distinction stipulated by Christ.
In other words, the Christian is to be a law-abiding citizen, while at the same time making certain that Caesar’s requirements to not intrude, or overstep in any way shape or form, the principles, and laws of God’s kingdom. And if for some reason there seems to be conflict between the two, the Christian must defer to God as being The Superior.
Luke 20:24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. 25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. 26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!