Of the Civil Magistrate
1689 London Baptist Confession · 24.1–24.3
24.1. Of the Civil Magistrate
God the supream Lord, and King of all the World, hath ordained Civil Magistrates to be under him, over the people for his own glory, and the publick good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the Sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.
Proof texts
- Romans 13:1-4 — [1] Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4] for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Romans 13:1-4 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- WCF 23.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- 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
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
- 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?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WCF 23.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- 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
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
- 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?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WCF 23.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- 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