1689 24.2

24.2. Of the Civil Magistrate

It is lawful for Christians to Accept, and Execute the Office of a Magistrate when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain Justice, and Peace, according to the wholsome Laws of each Kingdome, and Commonwealth: so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.

Proof texts

• 2 Samuel 23:3 — [3] The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God,
• Psalms 82:3, 4 — [3] Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. [4] Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
• Luke 3:14 — [14] Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Samuel 23:3 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WCF 23.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 23.2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 23.1 · WCF 23.2 · WCF 23.3 · WCF 23.4 · BC 9.1 · BC 9.2 · SD 24.1 · SD 24.2 · SD 24.3 · SD 24.4