1689 24.3

24.3. Of the Civil Magistrate

Civil Magistrates being set up by God, for the ends aforesaid; subjection in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yeilded by us, in the Lord; not only for wrath but for Conscience sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for Kings, and all that are in Authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.

Proof texts

• Romans 13:5-7 — [5] Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. [6] For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7] Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
• 1 Peter 2:17 — [17] Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
• 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 — [1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Romans 13:5-7 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