God and His Revelation - Creation, Man and Sin - Christ and Redemption - Justification by Faith - Good Works and Prayer - The Means of Grace - The Church and its Ministry - The Church and the State - Jesus' Return and the Judgment


The Church and the State

  1. We believe that not only the church, but also the state, that is, all governmental authority, has been instituted by God. "The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1). Christians will, therefore, for conscience' sake be obedient to the government that rules over them (Romans 13:5) unless the government commands them to disobey God (Acts 5:29).

  2. We believe that God has given to each, the church and the state, responsibilities that do not conflict with one another. To the church the Lord has assigned the responsibility of calling sinners to repentance, of proclaiming forgiveness through the cross of Christ, of encouraging believers in their Christian living. The purpose is to lead the elect of God through faith in Christ to eternal salvation. To the state the Lord has assigned the keeping of good order and peace, the arranging of all civil matters among men (Romans 13:3,4). The purpose is "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all Godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2).

  3. We believe that the only means God has given to the church to carry out its assigned purpose is His revealed Word, the Holy Scripture (Matthew 28:19,20). Only by preaching the Law and the Gospel, sin and grace, the wrath of God against sin and the mercy of God in Christ, will people be converted and made wise to salvation. We believe that the means given to the state to fulfill its assignment are civil law and force, set up and used according to the light of reason (Romans 13:4). The light of reason also includes the natural knowledge of God, the inscribed law, and conscience.

  4. We believe the proper relation is preserved between the church and the state and the welfare of all is properly served only when each, the church and the state, remains within its divinely assigned sphere and uses its divinely entrusted means. The church is not to exercise civil authority nor to interfere with the state as the state carries out its responsibilities. The state is not to become a messenger of the Gospel nor to interfere with the church in its preaching mission. The church is not to attempt to use the civil law and force in leading people to Christ. The state is not to seek to govern by means of the Gospel. On the other hand, the church and the state may participate in one and the same endeavor as long as each remains within its assigned place and uses its entrusted means.

  5. We reject any attempt on the part of the state to restrict the free exercise of religion.

  6. We reject any views that look to the church to guide and influence the state directly in the conduct of its affairs.

  7. We reject any attempt on the part of the church to seek the financial assistance of the state in carrying out its saving purpose.

  8. We reject any views that hold that a citizen is free to disobey such laws of the state with which he disagrees on the basis of personal judgment.
This is what Scripture teaches about the church and the state.
This we believe, teach and confess.


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