1689 London Baptist Confession, Chapter 24
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.
Scripture references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Romans 13:11Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
Romans 13:22Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:33For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.
Romans 13:44For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.
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.
Scripture references for paragraph 2
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
2 Samuel 23:33The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,
Psalms 82:33Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.
Psalms 82:44Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.
Luke 3:1414Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”
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.
Scripture references for paragraph 3
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Romans 13:55Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:66This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.
Romans 13:77Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
1 Peter 2:1717Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
1 Timothy 2:11First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—
1 Timothy 2:22for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
Source and edition
1689 London Baptist Confession. NonlinearFruit/Creeds.json, Unlicense. Creeds.json, English transcription
Unlicense. Source transcription.
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