CHURCH and STATE

Our Federal and State Governments exist by divine institution (Romans 13:1-4 and 1 Peter 2:13, 14), with elected men and women occupying seats in such government. The institution of the State is part of God's moral government, i.e. it concerns all people, regardless of their specific relationship to God. It is therefore an aspect of God's favour which he shows all his creatures - in Reformed theology termed ‘common grace’. Rulers are to legislate and govern with an eye to the perfect standard of the God who will require of them an account, and citizens are to give due obedience to the lawful enactments of their rulers, remembering that ‘whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God’ (Romans 13:2).

The Church also exists by divine institution, but with Christ as the permanent Head of the Church. While both Government and Church are instituted by God, they operate in two different spheres, namely the civil and the spiritual. Yet there is a relationship between State and Church and this is detailed in the so called ‘Establishment Principle’. This principle starts with the fact that Jesus is Lord over all things (Colossians 1:16-20). Every sphere of human action is therefore accountable to the King of kings, Jesus Christ (John 5:22). Accordingly, rulers have a duty to protect, promote, and to support the interests of true religion (Psalm 72:10, 11; Isaiah 49:23). For her part, the Church has a responsibility to pray for leaders in government (1Timothy 2:1, 2), to teach the duties of Christian citizenship, and to give guidance, or admonition when appropriate, from God's Word (cf. 2 Chronicles 19:8-11).