Read RP Testimony chapter 23 →
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
1. God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates, to be, under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good; and, to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evildoers.
Scripture proofs: Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:13-14.
2. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when called thereunto; in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth; so for that end, they may lawfully now, under the New Testament, wage war, upon just and necessary occasion.
Scripture proofs: Prov. 8:15-16; Rom. 13:1-2, 4; Ps. 2: 10-12; 1 Tim. 2:2; Ps. 82:3-4; 2 Sam. 23:3; 1 Pet. 2:13; Luke 3:14; Rom. 13: 4; Matt. 8:9-10; Acts 10:1-2; Rev. 17: 14, 16.
3. 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: 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, administered and observed. 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.
Scripture proofs: 2 Chron. 26:18 with Matt. 18:17 and Matt. 16:19; 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4: 11-12; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; Rom. 10:15; Heb. 5:4; Isa. 49:23; Ps. 122:9; Ezra 7:23, 25-28; Lev. 24:16; Deut. 13:5-6, 12; 1 Kings 18:4; 1 Chron. 13:1-9; 2 Kings 23:1-26; 2 Chron. 34:33; 2 Chron. 15: 12-13; 2 Chron. 19:8-11; 2 Chron. 29––30; Matt. 2:4-5.
4. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates, to honour their persons, to pay them tribute and other dues, to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience’ sake. Infidelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrates’ just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to them: from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted; much less hath the Pope any power and jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and, least of all, to deprive them of their dominions, or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever.
Scripture proofs: 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 13:6-7; Rom. 13:5; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-14, 16; Rom. 13:1; 1 Kings 2:35; Acts 25: 9-11; 2 Pet. 2:1, 10-11; Jude 1:8-11; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:15-17.
Words to know
- Civil magistrate
- A public ruler or official responsible for civil government.
- Jurisdiction
- The area in which an authority has the right to act.
WCF 23.1 · God gives government a duty
God establishes civil rulers under his authority for his glory and the public good. They should defend and encourage what is right and punish wrongdoing. Their authority to enforce justice, including the use of force, is a responsibility from God rather than unlimited power.
Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-14.
What should government use its authority to protect?
WCF 23.2 · Christians may serve in government
Christians may hold public office when called to it. They should promote godliness, justice, and peace through good laws. Government may also wage war when there is a just and necessary reason. A ruler must think about right and wrong, not merely power or success.
Proverbs 8:15-16; Romans 13:1-2; Psalm 2:10-12.
What qualities should a Christian ruler seek to show?
WCF 23.3 · Government and the church
The original Confession says rulers must not preach as church officers, administer sacraments, or exercise church discipline. Its later wording also gives them duties over the church’s doctrine, worship, and discipline, including calling and overseeing synods. The RPCNA expressly rejects that later wording. Its Testimony teaches that church and state have separate responsibilities under Christ. Read the note below to see exactly where they differ.
2 Chronicles 26:18; Matthew 18:17; Matthew 16:19.
Why is it important to distinguish the church’s authority from government’s authority?
WCF 23.4 · Respect lawful rulers
We should pray for rulers, honor them, pay lawful taxes, and obey their lawful commands. A ruler’s unbelief or different religion does not erase legitimate authority. Church officers are not exempt from civil duties. The Confession also denies the pope authority to remove rulers or their lives on religious grounds. Our respect for civil authority remains under God.
1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:17; Romans 13:6-7.
Should we only respect rulers who share our faith?
Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-69, A-72, A-73, A-74, A-75.