In Matthew 22.21, Christ responds to those who would entangle him by using a Roman coin with Caesar's image. He tells them to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.
This passage has generated a great deal of discussion over the centuries and not a few are confused by it - and as a result end up explaining it away.
Many Christians in the United States embrace the notion of American Exceptionalism - the notion that the nation due to its unique historical position and role is above common judgments. As it is the representative of liberal democracy and freedom and the focus of good in the world, it cannot be judged by the same standards as other nations. At times it must tackle tough and nigh on impossible tasks resulting in situations that would cause other nations to fall under severe judgment. The US must be exempt from such charges and condemnations. It cannot be held to the same standard.
Returning to the question of double-truth, it might be argued that such dualities, paradoxes, or dynamics (which are so problematic to many) are the result of a severance which occurred with the Edenic Fall. On the one hand these inconsistencies and living contradictions (if that's what they are in fact) present a dilemma, but one that is solved with the eschaton, when all such tensions and dynamics are removed and with the reconciliation that occurs – the ultimate unity or holistic reality we seek, will become manifest in Christ. As such any kind of duality is not something inherent in the world but a sundering, a tragic result of sin.
Peter's sermon in Acts 2 provides yet another example of Old Testament writings that must be read in light of New Testament revelation. Psalm 16 is written by David. It is a prayer and a reflection on the goodness of God, to rejoice in the knowledge of Him, and the hope believers have even in the face of death. Read on its own, it is profound and moving.
Psalm 2 is a favourite among Postmillennialists. It speaks of the kings of the Earth setting themselves up in opposition to God and His Anointed – a clear anticipation of the coming Christ.
Their nations are given to Christ as His inheritance and He
will break them with a rod of iron. The nations are consequently warned and
instructed to kiss the Son, in other words to submit to and reverence Him.
