church/state seperation

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Off hand, this passage comes to mind:

2 Chron. 26.18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.
 
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646):

Chap. 20

IV. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another; they who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God.(p) And, for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity, whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation; or, to the power of godliness; or, such erroneous opinions or practices, as either in their own nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the Church, they may lawfully be called to account, and proceeded against by the censures of the Church,(q) and by the power of the civil magistrate.(r)

(p) Matt. 12:25; I Pet. 2:13, 14, 16; Rom. 13:1 to 8; Heb. 13:17.
(q) Rom. 1:32 with I Cor. 5:1, 5, 11, 13; II John ver. 10, 11, and II Thess. 3:14, and I Tim. 6:3, 4, 5, and Tit. 1:10, 11, 13, and Tit. 3:10 with Matt. 18:15, 16, 17; I Tim. 1:19, 20; Rev. 2:2, 14, 15, 20; Rev. 3:9.
(r) Deut. 13:6 to 12; Rom. 13:3, 4 with II John ver. 10, 11; Ezra 7:23, 25, 26, 27, 28; Rev. 17:12, 16, 17; Neh. 13:15, 17, 21, 22, 25, 30; II Kings 23:5, 6, 9, 20, 21; II Chron. 34:33; II Chron. 15:12, 13, 16; Dan. 3:29; I Tim. 2:2; Isa. 49:23; Zech. 13:2, 3.

Chap. 23

III. The civil magistrate may not assume to himself the administration of the Word and sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven: (e) yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be. preserved in the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire; that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed; all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed; and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administrated, and observed.(f) For the better effecting whereof, he hath power to call synods, to be present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of God.(g)

(e) II Chron. 26:18 with Matt. 18:17 and Matt. 16:19; I Cor. 12:28, 29; Eph. 4:11, 12; I Cor. 4:1, 2; Rom. 10:15; Heb. 5:4.
(f) Isa. 49:23; Ps. 122:9; Ezra 7:23, 25, 26, 27, 28; Lev. 24:16; Deut. 13:5, 6, 12; I Kings 18:4; I Chron. 13:1 to 9; II Kings 23:1 to 26; II Chron. 34:33; II Chron. 15:12, 13.
(g) II Chron. 19:8, 9, 10, 11; II Chron. 29 and 30; Matt. 2:4, 5.

Chap. 31

II. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers, and other fit persons, to consult and advise with, about matters of religion;(b) so, if magistrates be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ of themselves, by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons upon delegation from their Churches, may meet together in such assemblies.(c)

(b) Isa. 49:23; I Tim. 2:1, 2; II Chron. 19:8, 9, 10, 11; II Chron. 29, 30 chaps.; Matt. 2:4, 5; Prov. 11:14.
(c) Acts 15:2, 4, 22, 23, 25.

IV. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude, nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth; unless by way of humble petition, in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.(f)

(f) Luke 12:13, 14; John 18:36.
 
Alot of the idea of Church/State releationship has two do, not with one particular verse, but with many overarching principles in scripture.

1) The keys of the kingdom are given to the church, not the state.

Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

2) The sword is given to the governing authority, and not to the church.

Rom 13:4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

3) We must realize that the desire to have people who "lord" things over us is looked upon in scripture as a BAD thing.

1Sa 8:19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, "No! But there shall be a king over us,
1Sa 8:20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles."

4) The principle of a good leader in scripture is one of leadership by serving.

Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Mat 20:26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
Mat 20:27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
Mat 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

There are many others as well, but the subject of biblical politics is very fun. I would recommend Essays on Ethics and Politics by Gordon Clark for a good treatment.
 
3) We must realize that the desire to have people who "lord" things over us is looked upon in scripture as a BAD thing.
1Sa 8:19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, "No! But there shall be a king over us,
Is this not the same wicked principle we use today? Jesus is not our Lord,its George bush.George is our savior,George is our health care provider,George is our retirement plan.Do we not look at the world through totalitarian socialism and consider it normal?:(
 
Originally posted by nonconformist
Is this not the same wicked principle we use today? Jesus is not our Lord,its George bush.George is our savior,George is our health care provider,George is our retirement plan.Do we not look at the world through totalitarian socialism and consider it normal?:(

True, the U.S. has taken upon itself many roles that are intended for the church. It is not the civil magistrate that is to provide for the poor, but it is the church's responsibility. On the other hand, I don't believe the church has taken upon itself it's proper roles. If the church was doing its job, the government wouldn't have to.
 
Originally posted by Jeff_Bartel
Originally posted by nonconformist
Is this not the same wicked principle we use today? Jesus is not our Lord,its George bush.George is our savior,George is our health care provider,George is our retirement plan.Do we not look at the world through totalitarian socialism and consider it normal?:(

True, the U.S. has taken upon itself many roles that are intended for the church. It is not the civil magistrate that is to provide for the poor, but it is the church's responsibility. On the other hand, I don't believe the church has taken upon itself it's proper roles. If the church was doing its job, the government wouldn't have to.
That is what Rushdoony says we either tithe 10 % to christianity or 50 or 60% to the state.
 
when I tell peaple we do not live in a free country they look at me like I am a freak.The public shool worldview.We are free even though we work for the state until july every year:chained:
 
Originally posted by Jeff_Bartel
Originally posted by nonconformist
Is this not the same wicked principle we use today? Jesus is not our Lord,its George bush.George is our savior,George is our health care provider,George is our retirement plan.Do we not look at the world through totalitarian socialism and consider it normal?:(

True, the U.S. has taken upon itself many roles that are intended for the church. It is not the civil magistrate that is to provide for the poor, but it is the church's responsibility. On the other hand, I don't believe the church has taken upon itself it's proper roles. If the church was doing its job, the government wouldn't have to.

I am wondering and fleshing this thought out.
Does the spiritual barometer of the Church reflect the sociological, economic, and moral status of the state. I.e, when the Church is apostate the state becomes tyrannical? Just wondering.
 
Originally posted by Draught Horse
I am wondering and fleshing this thought out.
Does the spiritual barometer of the Church reflect the sociological, economic, and moral status of the state. I.e, when the Church is apostate the state becomes tyrannical? Just wondering.

My initial thoughts are that the obedience of the church to its roles has a tremendous effect on the moral status of the state. However, I wouldn't attribute ALL of the sins of the state to the lack of diligence of the church. Only when both parties adhere to their biblical role, does harmony exist.
 
Only when both parties adhere to their biblical role, does harmony exist.
But I thought unregenerate magistrates natually supress the truth in unrighteousness? Unless you are talking about christian magistrates.
 
That is true, but an unregenerate magistrate might actually stick to his biblically defined roles for ulterior motives. Thus Luther's adage about being ruled by a wise Turk. To be sure, this almost never happens, but it could, I guess.

Thanks Jeff.
 
Originally posted by Draught Horse
That is true, but an unregenerate magistrate might actually stick to his biblically defined roles for ulterior motives. Thus Luther's adage about being ruled by a wise Turk. To be sure, this almost never happens, but it could, I guess.

Thanks Jeff.
What alterior motives? position,money? Psa 110:2 Jehovah shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion to rule in the midst of Your enemies. How is this scripture to be interpreted?
 
Originally posted by nonconformist
Originally posted by Draught Horse
That is true, but an unregenerate magistrate might actually stick to his biblically defined roles for ulterior motives. Thus Luther's adage about being ruled by a wise Turk. To be sure, this almost never happens, but it could, I guess.

Thanks Jeff.
What alterior motives? position,money? Psa 110:2 Jehovah shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion to rule in the midst of Your enemies. How is this scripture to be interpreted?

I don't know at the moment. I am speaking hypothetically. BTW, I agree with you on what you are trying to get at. I was saying that it could be possible, at least for the short run, for a pagan to actually rule justly and respect the limits of civil government that God has ordained. Of course, pagans aren't consistent so we shouldn't hope on this scenario. However, I don't think I fully get what you are saying. I think I am answering the wrong question.
 
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?
 
Originally posted by nonconformist
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?

One place in the Scriptures where we see the that the church is given spiritual authority which excludes the use of the sword to advance Christ's kingdom is John 18.36:

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Note that this does not mean that Christ's kingdom, ie., the church has no connection with the temporal world around us or that Christians may not take up arms, etc. It simply means that -- consistent with Romans 13 -- the church is a minister of God in spiritual matters and the state is a minister of God in civil matters.

William Cunningham's Discussion of Church Principles is one of the best works on the subject of the right relationship between church and state. It covers Popery (the view that the church has supreme authority over matters civil and ecclesiastical), Erastianism (the view that the church is department of the state, with the chief magistrate as head of the church, ie., Anglicanism) and Presbyterian church-state relations (wherein both church and state are ordinances of God which work in harmony in their separate and distinct spheres to advance the same goals, ie., the glory of God and the good of man).

Psalm 110 teaches us that Christ rules in the midst of his enemies. It refers to Christ's prophetical, priestly and kingly offices. Matthew Henry's comments are instructive.
 
Nice,I agree with that,even though I am a recon I am not looking for the sword.I am just looking to know for sure,exactly what scripture teaches about this,since I will eventually be in the ministry :up:THANKS
 
Originally posted by nonconformist
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?

You really can't use this verse to argue for a seperation of church and state. This is refering to the OT economy in Israel, in which both the King and Preist were offices within the OT church, and types of Christ. And kings (i.e. David, Solomon, Hezekiah, etc.) often performed prophetic ( writing music for the temple) and even preistly functions at times (i.e. Solomon sacrificing at the opening of the temple, David sacrificing at the threshing floor on behalf of Israel, etc.). You will also notice that Ps. 110 doesn't just teach us about Christ's kingship, but also His preisthood, as Hebrews clearly lays out for us. Both of these offices are limited to the covenant of grace in the Church. If you are going to use that verse to say Christ is the King of all nations, then you will have to argue he is the preist of all nations as well since his kingship and preist hood are bound together and defined by the covenant. Rom. 13 certainly can be used to teach the seperation though, along with directives in the Noahic covenant which empower the magistrate with the sword to kill murderers.
 
Originally posted by nonconformist
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?


Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The church's purpose is to battle in the spiritual realm. The church is called the pillar and the ground of truth (1 Tim. 3:15). We are to use the invisible weapons of the Christian life to battle unbelief and the lie. The state's weapons are visible, and battle physical evil (Romans 13). The church's weapons are invisible, and battle evil ideas. The state uses the physical sword (captial punishment, jails etc.) the church uses the sword of the spirit ( the scriptures).

13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
 
Originally posted by puritansailor
Originally posted by nonconformist
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?

You really can't use this verse to argue for a seperation of church and state. This is refering to the OT economy in Israel, in which both the King and Preist were offices within the OT church, and types of Christ. And kings (i.e. David, Solomon, Hezekiah, etc.) often performed prophetic ( writing music for the temple) and even preistly functions at times (i.e. Solomon sacrificing at the opening of the temple, David sacrificing at the threshing floor on behalf of Israel, etc.). You will also notice that Ps. 110 doesn't just teach us about Christ's kingship, but also His preisthood, as Hebrews clearly lays out for us. Both of these offices are limited to the covenant of grace in the Church. If you are going to use that verse to say Christ is the King of all nations, then you will have to argue he is the preist of all nations as well since his kingship and preist hood are bound together and defined by the covenant. Rom. 13 certainly can be used to teach the seperation though, along with directives in the Noahic covenant which empower the magistrate with the sword to kill murderers.

2 Chron. 26.18 is the one and only proof text cited by the Westminster Confession (1646 and 1789) for the proposition that "Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments" (XXIII.3). Clearly the framers of the Confession (and those who have adopted it since) understood it to be an applicable principle today.

Christ is "king of kings and lord of lords" says the Bible (Rev. 19.16). Christ is king of the church certainly, but his kingship is not limited to the church. He is king over all (Phil. 2.-9-11; Heb. 2.8). He governs all institutions which he ordained, notably the church and the state (the two which the word of Christ designates "ministers" of God). This article treats the subject of Christ's kingship very well.

Moreover, Proverbs 8 teaches us that:

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

That this passage is speaking of Christ (personified as wisdom) is clear. Thus Matthew Henry:

1. Civil government is a divine institution, and those that are entrusted with the administration of it have their commission from Christ; it is a branch of his kingly office that by him kings reign; from him to whom all judgment is committed their power is derived. They reign by him, and therefore ought to reign for him. 2. Whatever qualifications for government any kings or princes have they are indebted to the grace of Christ for them; he gives them the spirit of government, and they have nothing, no skill, no principles of justice, but what he endues them with. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; and kings are to their subjects what he makes them. 3. Religion is very much the strength and support of the civil government; it teaches subjects their duty, and so by it kings reign over them the more easily; it teaches kings their duty, and so by it kings reign as they ought; they decree justice, while they rule in the fear of God. Those rule well whom religion rules.

Westminster Larger Catechism:

Question 45: How does Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.

[Edited on 5-23-2005 by VirginiaHuguenot]
 
Another relevant passage from the Confession on this subject is:

Chapter XXX.
Of Church Censures.

I. The Lord Jesus, as King and Head of His Church, hath therein appointed a government, in the hand of Church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate.(a)

(a) Isa. 9:6, 7; I Tim. 5:17; I Thess. 5:12; Acts 20:17, 28; Heb. 13:7, 17, 24; I Cor. 12:28; Matt. 28:18, 19, 20.
 
O.K. guys slow down,you gave me plenty of info to think about and digest.I have to think all this through before I continue.Very very helpfull,I appreciate the quick answers.THANKS:up:
 
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
Originally posted by puritansailor
Originally posted by nonconformist
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?

You really can't use this verse to argue for a seperation of church and state. This is refering to the OT economy in Israel, in which both the King and Preist were offices within the OT church, and types of Christ. And kings (i.e. David, Solomon, Hezekiah, etc.) often performed prophetic ( writing music for the temple) and even preistly functions at times (i.e. Solomon sacrificing at the opening of the temple, David sacrificing at the threshing floor on behalf of Israel, etc.). You will also notice that Ps. 110 doesn't just teach us about Christ's kingship, but also His preisthood, as Hebrews clearly lays out for us. Both of these offices are limited to the covenant of grace in the Church. If you are going to use that verse to say Christ is the King of all nations, then you will have to argue he is the preist of all nations as well since his kingship and preist hood are bound together and defined by the covenant. Rom. 13 certainly can be used to teach the seperation though, along with directives in the Noahic covenant which empower the magistrate with the sword to kill murderers.

2 Chron. 26.18 is the one and only proof text cited by the Westminster Confession (1646 and 1789) for the proposition that "Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments" (XXIII.3). Clearly the framers of the Confession (and those who have adopted it since) understood it to be an applicable principle today.
Actually Andrew, that's not correct. The Confession also cites Matt. 18:7, 16:19, 1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11, 1 Cor. 4:1, Rom. 10:15, and Heb. 5:4. I'm not sure what version you are refering to. I'm looking at the FPP version. So the principle stands just as firm without that Chron. proof text. I think that is left over from the view of some of the Divines that England and Scotland, like Israel, were covenanted nations, which (I think at least) is clearly not the case, at least not in reference to the covenant of grace or even the Mosaic administeration of it.

Christ is "king of kings and lord of lords" says the Bible (Rev. 19.16). Christ is king of the church certainly, but his kingship is not limited to the church. He is king over all (Phil. 2.-9-11; Heb. 2.8). He governs all institutions which he ordained, notably the church and the state (the two which the word of Christ designates "ministers" of God). This article treats the subject of Christ's kingship very well.
I think it's significant that Christ doesn't take that official title "king of kings..." until His second coming, when all His enemies are finally conquered. But I'm still meditating on that one.

I also think it is interesting that the Phil. passage is never quoted in the WCF or Catechisms in reference to his kingship. And Hebrews 2, though certainly having Christ's kingship in mind clearly has Christ's preisthood in mind as well. They are bound together in the mind of the author of Hebrews. The offices are defined by the covenant of grace and therefore limited by it as well, unless again you wish to extend Christs priesthood to all nations along with all He perfectly accomplished in that office.

Moreover, Proverbs 8 teaches us that:

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

That this passage is speaking of Christ (personified as wisdom) is clear. Thus Matthew Henry:

1. Civil government is a divine institution, and those that are entrusted with the administration of it have their commission from Christ; it is a branch of his kingly office that by him kings reign; from him to whom all judgment is committed their power is derived. They reign by him, and therefore ought to reign for him. 2. Whatever qualifications for government any kings or princes have they are indebted to the grace of Christ for them; he gives them the spirit of government, and they have nothing, no skill, no principles of justice, but what he endues them with. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; and kings are to their subjects what he makes them. 3. Religion is very much the strength and support of the civil government; it teaches subjects their duty, and so by it kings reign over them the more easily; it teaches kings their duty, and so by it kings reign as they ought; they decree justice, while they rule in the fear of God. Those rule well whom religion rules.
Obviously at this point, I disagree with Henry's first point that His rule is an extension of His kingly office, though I agree with the rest. Certainly they rule by Christ's providential rule, but this is not grounded in their relationship to Him as King in the covenant of grace, but rather in the covenants of works and preservation as Creator and Judge.

Westminster Larger Catechism:

Question 45: How does Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.

I think this particular Catechism question as well as the Shorter version don't have the civil magistrate at all in mind. Clearly those who rule in Christ's stead here are the "office bearers" and the judgment executed upon His enemies is not the civil sword but "everlasting destruction" as noted in the Scripture reference to 2 Thess 1:8-9. His kingly rule here described applies only to His elect, those called out from the world. Here, Christ is conquering the nations certainly, but not through the civil magistrate, not to establish a physical domain or kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom. He gathers, rules, and defends His people, in spite of any opposition from the earthly domains, who suffer eternal wrath for getting in the way of His saving purposes.
Still thinking these things through and enjoying the interaction... :2cents:

[Edited on 5-23-2005 by puritansailor]
 
Originally posted by puritansailor
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
Originally posted by puritansailor
Originally posted by nonconformist
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?

You really can't use this verse to argue for a seperation of church and state. This is refering to the OT economy in Israel, in which both the King and Preist were offices within the OT church, and types of Christ. And kings (i.e. David, Solomon, Hezekiah, etc.) often performed prophetic ( writing music for the temple) and even preistly functions at times (i.e. Solomon sacrificing at the opening of the temple, David sacrificing at the threshing floor on behalf of Israel, etc.). You will also notice that Ps. 110 doesn't just teach us about Christ's kingship, but also His preisthood, as Hebrews clearly lays out for us. Both of these offices are limited to the covenant of grace in the Church. If you are going to use that verse to say Christ is the King of all nations, then you will have to argue he is the preist of all nations as well since his kingship and preist hood are bound together and defined by the covenant. Rom. 13 certainly can be used to teach the seperation though, along with directives in the Noahic covenant which empower the magistrate with the sword to kill murderers.

2 Chron. 26.18 is the one and only proof text cited by the Westminster Confession (1646 and 1789) for the proposition that "Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments" (XXIII.3). Clearly the framers of the Confession (and those who have adopted it since) understood it to be an applicable principle today.
Actually Andrew, that's not correct. The Confession also cites Matt. 18:7, 16:19, 1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11, 1 Cor. 4:1, Rom. 10:15, and Heb. 5:4. I'm not sure what version you are refering to. I'm looking at the FPP version. So the principle stands just as firm without that Chron. proof text. I think that is left over from the view of some of the Divines that England and Scotland, like Israel, were covenanted nations, which (I think at least) is clearly not the case, at least not in reference to the covenant of grace or even the Mosaic administeration of it.

I stand corrected on this point. I was looking at the OPC Confession online, not the 1646 Confession. Thus, I was citing the one and only proof text for your church's version of the Confession, and you cited the multiple proof texts for my church's edition of the Confession. :D

BTW, I am referring specifically to the clause "Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments."

I do believe the Westminster Assembly was correct on this point to cite that verse because it is a classic example of the distinction between the civil magistrate and the ministry. The other verses cited by the Assembly elucidate the point well too.
 
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
Originally posted by puritansailor
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
Originally posted by puritansailor
Originally posted by nonconformist
another question I have for Andrew or anybody. 2 Chron. 26.18 this scripture proves that state has no authority in the churches business but what about vice versa? Can somone give me a main scripture for the opposite? A scripture that would help me give psalms 110:2 a little more balance?

You really can't use this verse to argue for a seperation of church and state. This is refering to the OT economy in Israel, in which both the King and Preist were offices within the OT church, and types of Christ. And kings (i.e. David, Solomon, Hezekiah, etc.) often performed prophetic ( writing music for the temple) and even preistly functions at times (i.e. Solomon sacrificing at the opening of the temple, David sacrificing at the threshing floor on behalf of Israel, etc.). You will also notice that Ps. 110 doesn't just teach us about Christ's kingship, but also His preisthood, as Hebrews clearly lays out for us. Both of these offices are limited to the covenant of grace in the Church. If you are going to use that verse to say Christ is the King of all nations, then you will have to argue he is the preist of all nations as well since his kingship and preist hood are bound together and defined by the covenant. Rom. 13 certainly can be used to teach the seperation though, along with directives in the Noahic covenant which empower the magistrate with the sword to kill murderers.

2 Chron. 26.18 is the one and only proof text cited by the Westminster Confession (1646 and 1789) for the proposition that "Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments" (XXIII.3). Clearly the framers of the Confession (and those who have adopted it since) understood it to be an applicable principle today.
Actually Andrew, that's not correct. The Confession also cites Matt. 18:7, 16:19, 1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11, 1 Cor. 4:1, Rom. 10:15, and Heb. 5:4. I'm not sure what version you are refering to. I'm looking at the FPP version. So the principle stands just as firm without that Chron. proof text. I think that is left over from the view of some of the Divines that England and Scotland, like Israel, were covenanted nations, which (I think at least) is clearly not the case, at least not in reference to the covenant of grace or even the Mosaic administeration of it.

I stand corrected on this point. I was looking at the OPC Confession online, not the 1646 Confession. Thus, I was citing the one and only proof text for your church's version of the Confession, and you cited the multiple proof texts for my church's edition of the Confession. :D

BTW, I am referring specifically to the clause "Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments."

I do believe the Westminster Assembly was correct on this point to cite that verse because it is a classic example of the distinction between the civil magistrate and the ministry. The other verses cited by the Assembly elucidate the point well too.

:lol: I guess we crossed paths there :)
I see that the OPC just broke up the same references between the two phrases, instead of keeping them together as the original does, otherwise they are identical.

Either way I know I must proceed with caution, because I'm disagreeing on this minor Scripture reference, and maybe more as I work through this.

I'm thinking thus far that the Westminster Divines made great progress considering their background and struggles. But I still think there's more to develope, particular considering the work of the magistrate in light of covenant theology which they were still working out in their day, and in application to our present circumstances. The English and Scottish Churches never really could break out of the default Erastian mode. The magistrate kept intruding and "reforming" until at least 1688-90. The Presbyterians historically are partially to blame for that too in compromising and bringing back Charles 2. Just mulling these things over.
 
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