This has been a rather controversial article treating of the relationships between government and the church. This is evident from the note appended to this article as found in the Psalter. It was adopted by the Christian Reformed Church in its Synod of 1910 and presumably was taken over also by our churches when we became a separate denomination. I am not aware, however, of any official decision of our Synod to declare this note as a part of our confessions.
The article speaks first of the origin of government. God established government from the beginning of time. Government was first evident within the family where the father would be the head of the unit. As families multiplied, governments came into being. Various kinds of governments have been identified. There is the theocratic form of government (Israel) where God is acknowledged to be King. There is an aristocratic government, a republic, in which the higher classes of people rule. There is also a democratic government in which the people rule, usually through the process of voting. The alternative to government is anarchy in which there is no rule at all.
Scripture teaches that whatever the government, God establishes it. Prov. 8:15-16, Rom. 13:4, Ps. 86:4 and other passages clearly show this.
The Confession declares that governments are formed to restrain the “dissoluteness of man” and to maintain “good order and decency.” It must “punish the evildoers and protect them that do well.” It is the duty of all men to obey and give due honor to those in authority (Rom. 13).
The article teaches also that it is the duty of government to “protect the sacred ministry,” etc. In past years, governments maintained a state (established) religion. The footnote of the article rejects that idea. Fact is, though the duty of government is truly to maintain the proper worship of God’s name, governments are composed of sinful, and usually unChristian, men. These would insist on the wrong religion and persecute the true church. Therefore in the past, the church has somewhat approved the concept of the separation of church and state.
The Christian is bound to obey those in authority. This means that we are to pay our taxes faithfully, honor the laws of the land when these do not require disobedience to God’s law, defend and fight for our country when that is required.
The article rejects the errors of Anabaptists who, in the time of the reformation, rejected all government and law-even the laws of God-and lived an immoral life.
QUESTIONS:
1. May the Christian reject any law which he judges to be unjust or unfair?
2. What does Romans 13 teach about obedience to the law?
3. Is government the fruit of God’s “common grace”? Explain the view and its error in this regard.
4. Can the Christian become engaged in revolution when government is unjust or unfair?
5. How can we become more involved in government, or should we?
6. Must government maintain the first table of the law?