Of the Office of the Magistracy

The secular power, or magistracy, is ordained by God in all countries, and bears the sword not in vain, for it is the minister of God and an avenger, for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of the good. Romans 13, verses 2 and 4; Sirach 17, verse 18; First Peter 2, verse 14.

Everyone is commanded to be subject to the higher powers. Therefore whoever resists the power resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will receive damnation to themselves. Romans 13, verses 1 and 2.

All true believers are therefore bound in duty by the Word of God to fear the magistracy, to render honor and obedience to it in all things not contrary to the commandments of the Lord, and to pay tribute, custom, and taxes to them, without objection or complaint, since, according to the words of Peter, we must submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, and pray to Almighty God for them; also to give our greatest thanks to the Lord for good and reasonable authorities. Romans 13, verse 7; Acts 4, verse 19; Acts 5, verse 29; First Peter 2, verse 13; Jeremiah 29, verse 7; Baruch 1, verse 11; First Timothy 2, verse 2.

Yet we do not find that the Lord Jesus Christ has ordained this office of secular authority in His spiritual kingdom, the Church of the New Testament, or added it to the offices of His church; nor has He given them laws suited to such an office and government. But He said to His disciples: The kings and lords of the Gentiles, and those who exercise authority among them, are called gracious lords. But it shall not be so among you. Matthew 20, verses 25 and 26; Luke 22, verses 25 and 26. Here we leave the matter, since we do not consider it necessary to go into further details.