Symbolics 3Symbolics 3The 1689 Baptist ConfessionThe 1689 Baptist Confession

[Chapters 21-32][Chapters 21-32]

Chapter 24Chapter 24

Of the Civil MagistrateOf the Civil Magistrate

Introduction: Analysis of the ChapterIntroduction: Analysis of the Chapter I.I. The Divine Ordination of the Office (par 1)The Divine Ordination of the Office (par 1) A.A. His Ordained PositionHis Ordained Position B.B. His Ordained PurposeHis Ordained Purpose C.C. His Ordained PowerHis Ordained Power1.1. God, the supreme Lord and King of all the God, the supreme Lord and King of all the

world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end hath armed them with public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.punishment of evil doers.

Introduction: Analysis of the ChapterIntroduction: Analysis of the Chapter II.II. The Christian's Involvement in the Office (par 2)The Christian's Involvement in the Office (par 2) A.A. Its Ethical ProprietyIts Ethical Propriety B.B. Its Special ConcernIts Special Concern C.C. Its Peculiar PrerogativeIts Peculiar Prerogative 2 It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the 2 It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the

office of a magistrate when called there unto; in the office of a magistrate when called there unto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, according to the whole- maintain justice and peace, according to the whole- some laws of each kingdom and commonwealth so some laws of each kingdom and commonwealth so for that end they may lawfully now under the NT for that end they may lawfully now under the NT wage war upon just and necessary occasionswage war upon just and necessary occasions

Introduction: Analysis of the ChapterIntroduction: Analysis of the Chapter III.III. The Believer's Subjection to the Office (par 3)The Believer's Subjection to the Office (par 3) A.A. The Duty of Obedience The Duty of Obedience B.B. The Duty of Prayer The Duty of Prayer 3 Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends 3 Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends

aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake; the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority that under them we kings and all that are in authority that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. and honesty.

Introduction: Treatment of the ChapterIntroduction: Treatment of the ChapterThis chapter in itself needs little explanation. This chapter in itself needs little explanation. Anabaptists said that civil government is an evil Anabaptists said that civil government is an evil

in which the Christian should have no part.in which the Christian should have no part.This chapter in contrast teaches that it is a This chapter in contrast teaches that it is a

divine institution and a legitimate calling.divine institution and a legitimate calling.I will focus on the classic passage on the subject I will focus on the classic passage on the subject

and the key distinctive of the Baptist tradition.and the key distinctive of the Baptist tradition.I.I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionRomans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionII.II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyThe Doctrine of Religious Liberty

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionIntroduction:Introduction:Romans 13:1-7 = Romans 13:1-7 = classicus locus classicus locus on the state. on the state. For this reason and because it addresses the For this reason and because it addresses the

important problem of violent revolution, important problem of violent revolution, it is crucial that our study of this chapter it is crucial that our study of this chapter

include an examination of this passage. include an examination of this passage.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionA.A. The Historical Background of Rom 13:1-7The Historical Background of Rom 13:1-7Paul takes up subordination to Rome because of Paul takes up subordination to Rome because of

the violent, campaign of the Jewish freedom the violent, campaign of the Jewish freedom fighters. fighters.

These violent revolutionaries lurk behind many of These violent revolutionaries lurk behind many of the scenes of the NT. the scenes of the NT.

Only 10 years after the writing of Romans their Only 10 years after the writing of Romans their rebellion would devastate Jerusalem and rebellion would devastate Jerusalem and Judaism. Judaism.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionA.A. The Historical Background of Rom 13:1-The Historical Background of Rom 13:1-

77The Jewish community at Rome was large, The Jewish community at Rome was large,

being perhaps a tenth of the population and being perhaps a tenth of the population and numbering 50,000. numbering 50,000.

Not a few of these Jews were Christian (Rom Not a few of these Jews were Christian (Rom 14). 14).

All this brought revolutionary, Jewish attitudes All this brought revolutionary, Jewish attitudes into very near proximity to the church. into very near proximity to the church.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionB.B. The Basic Assertion of Rom. 13:1-7The Basic Assertion of Rom. 13:1-7The basic assertion of the passage is that the The basic assertion of the passage is that the

Roman, civil authorities were established by God, Roman, civil authorities were established by God, because there are no civil authorities except those because there are no civil authorities except those

ordained by God. ordained by God. Rom 13:1 For there is no authority except from

God, and those which exist are established by God.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionB.B. The Basic Assertion of Rom 13:1-7The Basic Assertion of Rom 13:1-7Such an assertion is the astounding to our ears Such an assertion is the astounding to our ears

because …because …The The origin origin of Roman authority was via conquest, of Roman authority was via conquest, The The form form of Roman authority was dictatorial, and of Roman authority was dictatorial, and The The character character of Roman authority was corrupt of Roman authority was corrupt

and shortly would be persecuting.and shortly would be persecuting.The last 3 emperors, counting the one reigning The last 3 emperors, counting the one reigning

at the time, were Caligula, Claudius, and Nero! at the time, were Caligula, Claudius, and Nero!

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionC.C. The Fundamental Command of Rom 13:1-7The Fundamental Command of Rom 13:1-7The fundamental command found in this passage The fundamental command found in this passage

is often misunderstood. is often misunderstood. Paul’s concern is not merely telling Roman Paul’s concern is not merely telling Roman

Christians to obey their leaders. Christians to obey their leaders. He would not want them always to obey them. He would not want them always to obey them. There are three perfectly good words for There are three perfectly good words for

obedience used in the NT, obedience used in the NT, but Paul does not use any of them here. but Paul does not use any of them here.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionC.C. The Fundamental Command of Rom 13:1-7The Fundamental Command of Rom 13:1-7He says that they should "be subordinate," put He says that they should "be subordinate," put

themselves under their authority. themselves under their authority. What he means is clearly defined by the words What he means is clearly defined by the words

describing its opposite in v 2. describing its opposite in v 2. Rom 13:2 … whoever resists authority has

opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation ...

Both Both resist resist and and opposeoppose describe active and even describe active and even armed resistance in the Bible.armed resistance in the Bible.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionC.C. The Fundamental Command of Rom 13:1-7The Fundamental Command of Rom 13:1-7The point? The point? Never use force against the civil authorities. Never use force against the civil authorities. They are not to be swept into the Jewish terrorist They are not to be swept into the Jewish terrorist

movement or join the Jewish rebellion. movement or join the Jewish rebellion. They are to submit, not take up the sword against They are to submit, not take up the sword against

them nor end up “suffering as a murderer” (1 Pet. them nor end up “suffering as a murderer” (1 Pet. 4:15). 4:15).

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionD. The Related Encouragements of Rom D. The Related Encouragements of Rom

13:1-713:1-7Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for

good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionD. The Related Encouragements of Rom D. The Related Encouragements of Rom

13:1-713:1-7Such is to be our attitude toward all existing Such is to be our attitude toward all existing

authorities authorities becausebecause of the statements of vv 3-4. of the statements of vv 3-4. The civil authorities "The civil authorities "areare" a cause of fear for evil " a cause of fear for evil

behavior, and not merely "behavior, and not merely "ought to beought to be." ." This is what civil authorities This is what civil authorities areare in terms of their in terms of their

appointment and tendency, and so they are to appointment and tendency, and so they are to be respected. be respected.

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionD. The Related Encouragements of Rom 13:1-7D. The Related Encouragements of Rom 13:1-7Reducing Paul's Reducing Paul's are(s)are(s) to to ought to be(s)ought to be(s) destroys destroys

Paul's argument. Paul's argument. Vv 3-4 are encouragements to the duty of vv 1-2. Vv 3-4 are encouragements to the duty of vv 1-2. Saying to your children, Saying to your children, If you obey me, I ought to If you obey me, I ought to

buy you an ice cream cone!buy you an ice cream cone! will not encourage will not encourage them at all. them at all.

Submit because rulers ought to be a terror to Submit because rulers ought to be a terror to evildoers and a praise to good conduct evildoers and a praise to good conduct is no is no encouragement!encouragement!

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionD. The Related Encouragements of Rom D. The Related Encouragements of Rom

13:1-713:1-7 If this is to be our relation to civil authority, there If this is to be our relation to civil authority, there

must be no must be no "tax revolt""tax revolt" "attitude revolt" "attitude revolt" ““violent revolt”violent revolt” ““religious terrorism” religious terrorism”

I. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionI. Romans 13 and the Problem of RevolutionConclusions:Conclusions:There is no example of authorized revolution There is no example of authorized revolution

against established civil authority in the Bible. against established civil authority in the Bible. The clear duty of Christians to civil authority by The clear duty of Christians to civil authority by

implication is completely opposed to it. implication is completely opposed to it. The classic passage is a systematic rejection of The classic passage is a systematic rejection of

revolutionary attitudes and practices. revolutionary attitudes and practices. The civil disobedience (which is warranted by the The civil disobedience (which is warranted by the

Bible) has limits beyond which it may not go. Bible) has limits beyond which it may not go.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyIntro: The Case of the Missing ParagraphIntro: The Case of the Missing Paragraph1.1. The Fact of the Missing ParagraphThe Fact of the Missing ParagraphThe WCF contains 4 par, the 1689 only 3. The WCF contains 4 par, the 1689 only 3. Par 3 of the WCF is missing in the 1689. Par 3 of the WCF is missing in the 1689.

WCF 1689 WCF 1689 11 == 11

2 2 == 22 3 3 == ?? 4 4 == 33

Intro: The Case of the Missing ParagraphIntro: The Case of the Missing Paragraph2.2. The Explanation of the Missing The Explanation of the Missing

ParagraphParagraphThe missing paragraph itself makes clear why The missing paragraph itself makes clear why

the Baptists' deleted it.the Baptists' deleted it.The civil magistrate may not assume to himself The civil magistrate may not assume to himself

the administration of the Word and sacraments, the administration of the Word and sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kingdom of or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven:heaven:

Intro: The Case of the Missing ParagraphIntro: The Case of the Missing Paragraph2.2. The Explanation of the Missing The Explanation of the Missing

ParagraphParagraph… … yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to

take order that unity and peace be preserved in take order that unity and peace be preserved in the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed. administered, and observed.

Intro: The Case of the Missing ParagraphIntro: The Case of the Missing Paragraph2.2. The Explanation of the Missing The Explanation of the Missing

ParagraphParagraphFor the better effecting whereof, he hath power For the better effecting whereof, he hath power

to call synods, to be present at them, and to to call synods, to be present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of God.be according to the mind of God.

Intro: The Case of the Missing ParagraphIntro: The Case of the Missing Paragraph2.2. The Explanation of the Missing ParagraphThe Explanation of the Missing ParagraphWhy did the Baptists leave this paragraph out? Why did the Baptists leave this paragraph out? The issue is religious freedom or "soul liberty." The issue is religious freedom or "soul liberty." Baptists were the earliest Reformed Christians Baptists were the earliest Reformed Christians

consistently to uphold religious liberty. consistently to uphold religious liberty. Almost all other Reformed denominations now Almost all other Reformed denominations now

uphold religious liberty, but most had to change uphold religious liberty, but most had to change their confessions in order to do so. their confessions in order to do so.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 1.1. Dictating religious belief and worship Dictating religious belief and worship

is not the task or function of the state. is not the task or function of the state. It is outside the sphere of the civil authority. It is outside the sphere of the civil authority. Biblical evidence shows that the task of the state Biblical evidence shows that the task of the state

is limited to preserving civil justice and peace—is limited to preserving civil justice and peace—protecting the bodies and property of men. protecting the bodies and property of men.

Only in the theocracy was this not true!Only in the theocracy was this not true!

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 1.1. Dictating religious belief and worship Dictating religious belief and worship

is not the task or function of the state. is not the task or function of the state. This limited task is described by the Confession This limited task is described by the Confession Paragraph 1: "for his own glory and the public Paragraph 1: "for his own glory and the public

good" "for defence and encouragement of them good" "for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers" doers"

Paragraph 2: "to maintain justice and peace"Paragraph 2: "to maintain justice and peace"

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 1.1. Dictating religious belief and worship Dictating religious belief and worship

is not the task or function of the state. is not the task or function of the state. Cf. Gen 6:11f; 9:5f, Psa 58:2; 72:14; 82:1f; Prov Cf. Gen 6:11f; 9:5f, Psa 58:2; 72:14; 82:1f; Prov

21:15; 24:11f; 29:14, 26; 31:5; Ezek 7:23; 45:9; Dan 21:15; 24:11f; 29:14, 26; 31:5; Ezek 7:23; 45:9; Dan 4:27; Matt 22:21; Rom 13:3f; 1 Tim 2:2; 1 Pet 2:14. 4:27; Matt 22:21; Rom 13:3f; 1 Tim 2:2; 1 Pet 2:14.

These passages teach that the task of civil These passages teach that the task of civil government is to maintain social and civil justice government is to maintain social and civil justice and peace by suppressing violence and social and peace by suppressing violence and social injustice and promoting the civil good. injustice and promoting the civil good.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 1.1. Dictating religious belief and worship Dictating religious belief and worship

is not the task or function of the state. is not the task or function of the state. Men do differ widely as to religion without disturbing Men do differ widely as to religion without disturbing

the peace or doing violence to their neighbors. the peace or doing violence to their neighbors. The weapon given to the civil authority with which it The weapon given to the civil authority with which it

is to accomplish its unique task is, as we noticed is to accomplish its unique task is, as we noticed previously, the sword. previously, the sword.

Swords are not good weapons (in fact, very bad Swords are not good weapons (in fact, very bad weapons) for molding or ruling mens' consciences. weapons) for molding or ruling mens' consciences.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 1.1. Dictating religious belief and worship Dictating religious belief and worship

is not the task or function of the state. is not the task or function of the state. Nehemiah 9:37 Nehemiah 9:37 Its abundant produce is for the Its abundant produce is for the

kings Whom You have set over us because of kings Whom You have set over us because of our sins; our sins; They also rule over our bodies They also rule over our bodies And And over our cattle as they please, So we are in over our cattle as they please, So we are in great distress.great distress.

Civil authority is not for ruling souls or Civil authority is not for ruling souls or consciences. consciences.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 2.2. If a state is to dictate religious belief or If a state is to dictate religious belief or

worship, this inevitably requires that the state worship, this inevitably requires that the state either rule the church or the church rule the either rule the church or the church rule the state. Both of these alternatives violate state. Both of these alternatives violate Scripture. Scripture.

Although inconsistently, the Reformed tradition Although inconsistently, the Reformed tradition beginning with Calvin always rejected these beginning with Calvin always rejected these systems and taught that the church and state systems and taught that the church and state possess separate spheres of authority delegated possess separate spheres of authority delegated directly to them from God. directly to them from God.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 2.2. If a state is to dictate religious belief or If a state is to dictate religious belief or

worship, this requires that the state either rule worship, this requires that the state either rule the church or the church rule the state. the church or the church rule the state.

God ordained different governments and different God ordained different governments and different tasks for church and state. tasks for church and state.

Matt 22:21 Matt 22:21 Then render to Caesar the things that Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's.are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's.

For the state to dictate religious belief and worship For the state to dictate religious belief and worship this biblical separation must be violated. this biblical separation must be violated.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyA.A. The Arguments for Religious LibertyThe Arguments for Religious Liberty 2.2. If a state is to dictate religious If a state is to dictate religious

belief or worship, this inevitably requires belief or worship, this inevitably requires that the state either rule the church or the that the state either rule the church or the church rule the state. church rule the state.

The best illustration of how religious freedom The best illustration of how religious freedom must be violated by such a system is found in must be violated by such a system is found in the original reading of the WCF cited above. the original reading of the WCF cited above.

How can the state obey it without making the How can the state obey it without making the church its slave & violating its independence? church its slave & violating its independence?

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyB.B. The Objections to Religious LibertyThe Objections to Religious Liberty 1.1. The Objection based on the Unlimited The Objection based on the Unlimited

Sovereignty of the Word of GodSovereignty of the Word of GodA serious objection to separation of church & state A serious objection to separation of church & state

is that civil authority must follow God’s Word.is that civil authority must follow God’s Word. If so, how can it permit religious freedom? If so, how can it permit religious freedom? If the Word forbids idols, should not civil authority?If the Word forbids idols, should not civil authority?While the civil authority is subject to God’s Word, While the civil authority is subject to God’s Word,

this does not mean that it should enforce every part this does not mean that it should enforce every part of it by its own authority. of it by its own authority.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyB.B. The Objections to Religious LibertyThe Objections to Religious Liberty 1.1. The Objection based on the Unlimited The Objection based on the Unlimited

Sovereignty of the Word of GodSovereignty of the Word of GodEph. 6:4: Eph. 6:4: And fathers, do not provoke your children And fathers, do not provoke your children

to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.instruction of the Lord.

The civil magistrate ought not to bring up children. The civil magistrate ought not to bring up children. Though the Word is his authority, he is not a father. Though the Word is his authority, he is not a father. The exhortations to pastors in 1 Pet 5:2 are not to The exhortations to pastors in 1 Pet 5:2 are not to

be implemented by the civil magistrate. be implemented by the civil magistrate.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyJohn Murray: John Murray: Since the civil magistrate is Since the civil magistrate is

invested with this authority by God and is invested with this authority by God and is obliged by divine ordinance to discharge these obliged by divine ordinance to discharge these functions, he is responsible to God, the one functions, he is responsible to God, the one living and true God who alone has ordained living and true God who alone has ordained him. The magistrate is, therefore, under him. The magistrate is, therefore, under obligation to discharge the office devolving obligation to discharge the office devolving upon him in accordance with the revealed will of upon him in accordance with the revealed will of God. God.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyJohn Murray: John Murray: The Bible is the supreme and The Bible is the supreme and

infallible revelation of God's will and it is, infallible revelation of God's will and it is, therefore, the supreme and infallible rule in all therefore, the supreme and infallible rule in all departments of life. The civil magistrate is departments of life. The civil magistrate is under obligation to recognize it as the infallible under obligation to recognize it as the infallible rule for the exercise of civil magistracy.rule for the exercise of civil magistracy.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyMurray: Murray: It must be recognized, however, that it is It must be recognized, however, that it is

only within his own restricted sphere of authority only within his own restricted sphere of authority that the civil magistrate, in his capacity as civil that the civil magistrate, in his capacity as civil magistrate, is to apply the revelation of God's will magistrate, is to apply the revelation of God's will as provided in Scripture. It is only to the extent to as provided in Scripture. It is only to the extent to which the revelation of Scripture bears upon the which the revelation of Scripture bears upon the functions discharged by the state and upon the functions discharged by the state and upon the performance of the office of the civil magistrate, performance of the office of the civil magistrate, that he, in the discharge of these functions, is that he, in the discharge of these functions, is bound to fulfil the demands of Scripture. bound to fulfil the demands of Scripture.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyJohn Murray: John Murray: If the civil magistrate should If the civil magistrate should

attempt, in his capacity as magistrate, to carry attempt, in his capacity as magistrate, to carry into effect the demands of Scripture which bear into effect the demands of Scripture which bear upon him in other capacities, or the demands of upon him in other capacities, or the demands of Scripture upon other institutions, he would Scripture upon other institutions, he would immediately be guilty of violating his immediately be guilty of violating his prerogatives and of contravening the prerogatives and of contravening the requirements of Scripture.requirements of Scripture.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyJohn Murray: John Murray: The sphere of the church is The sphere of the church is

distinct from that of the civil magistrate…What distinct from that of the civil magistrate…What needs to be appreciated now is that its sphere needs to be appreciated now is that its sphere is co-ordinate with that of the state. The church is co-ordinate with that of the state. The church is not subordinate to the state, nor is the state is not subordinate to the state, nor is the state subordinate to the church. They are both subordinate to the church. They are both subordinate to God, and to Christ in his subordinate to God, and to Christ in his mediatorial dominion as head over all things to mediatorial dominion as head over all things to his body the church. his body the church.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyJohn Murray: John Murray: Both church and state are under Both church and state are under

obligation to recognize this subordination, and obligation to recognize this subordination, and the corresponding co-ordination of their the corresponding co-ordination of their respective spheres of operation in the divine respective spheres of operation in the divine institution. Each must maintain and assert its institution. Each must maintain and assert its autonomy in reference to the other and autonomy in reference to the other and preserve its freedom from intrusion on the part preserve its freedom from intrusion on the part of the other.of the other.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyB.B. The Objections to Religious LibertyThe Objections to Religious Liberty 1.1. The Objection based on the The Objection based on the

Unlimited Sovereignty of the Word of GodUnlimited Sovereignty of the Word of GodWhy is the civil magistrate not to enforce the Why is the civil magistrate not to enforce the

"first Table of the Law"? "first Table of the Law"? Because he is somehow not subject to the Because he is somehow not subject to the

Word of God? Word of God? No! Because it is not his job!No! Because it is not his job!

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyB.B. The Objections to Religious LibertyThe Objections to Religious Liberty2.2. The Objection based on Rom. 13:3, 4: The Objection based on Rom. 13:3, 4: Civil rulers are required to punish evil and, since Civil rulers are required to punish evil and, since

evil is to be defined by God's law, violations of evil is to be defined by God's law, violations of the "first table" of the law must be punished. the "first table" of the law must be punished.

(1) Some limit on “evil” must be assumed, since (1) Some limit on “evil” must be assumed, since the civil ruler is obviously not to punish private or the civil ruler is obviously not to punish private or heart evil. heart evil.

(2) When Paul goes on to speak of the law in (2) When Paul goes on to speak of the law in Rom 13, he speaks only of the “second table" of Rom 13, he speaks only of the “second table" of the law. the law.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyB.B. The Objections to Religious LibertyThe Objections to Religious Liberty2.2. The Objection based on Rom. 13:3, 4: The Objection based on Rom. 13:3, 4: Civil rulers are required to punish evil and, Civil rulers are required to punish evil and,

since evil is to be defined by God's law, since evil is to be defined by God's law, violations of the "first table" of the law must be violations of the "first table" of the law must be punished. punished.

(3) The historical context of Rom 13 makes (3) The historical context of Rom 13 makes incredible the idea that civil rulers are to punish incredible the idea that civil rulers are to punish religious evil. Without doubt, the Roman religious evil. Without doubt, the Roman emperors were not a cause of fear for religious emperors were not a cause of fear for religious evil behavior (Rom. 13: 1, 3, 4).evil behavior (Rom. 13: 1, 3, 4).

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyC.C. The Limits of Religious FreedomThe Limits of Religious FreedomThere are limits to religious freedom. There are limits to religious freedom. When anyone's religion disrupts civil justice or When anyone's religion disrupts civil justice or

peace and threatens violence to others, then it peace and threatens violence to others, then it must and may be restrained by the state. must and may be restrained by the state.

It is the state's ordained function and task to It is the state's ordained function and task to restrain such violations of the life and property restrain such violations of the life and property of its citizens. of its citizens.

II. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyII. The Doctrine of Religious LibertyC.C. The Limits of Religious FreedomThe Limits of Religious FreedomMoloch Worship, Moloch Worship, Jehovah's Witnesses' refusing blood Jehovah's Witnesses' refusing blood

transfusions and medical attention for their transfusions and medical attention for their children, children,

and the supposed to right to abortion and the supposed to right to abortion are several examples of “religious rights" which are several examples of “religious rights" which

should not be permitted. should not be permitted.