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Civil Government 1.
AS the world's supreme Lord and King, God has instituted civil
government and has set up civil authorities, subject to Himself, to rule
over communities for His own glory and the public good. For these
purposes to be achieved He has given them the powers of life and death,
both for the safety and encouragement of all men of good behavior, and for
the punishment of the wicked. 2.
It is lawful for Christians to accept and carry out the duties of
public office when called upon to do so, in which case it becomes
their responsibility to maintain justice and peace in accordance
with the sound laws of the kingdoms and states which they serve. New
Testament teaching authorizes them to wage war when this is found to
be just and necessary. 3.
As civil rulers are set up by God for the aforesaid purposes,
Christians are to be subject to them in respect of all their lawful
requirements, and that, for the Lord's sake and for conscience'
sake, and not merely to avoid punishment. They should offer
supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that
under their rule they may live a 'quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty'.
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