--- title: "Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate 1. God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates, to be, under Him, over the people, for H" canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=77" --- # Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate | Westminster Confession of Faith 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. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowCivil magistrateA public ruler or official responsible for civil government.JurisdictionThe 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. Explore the ScripturesRomans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-14. Talk about itWhat should government use its authority to protect? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#paragraph-1) ### 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. Explore the ScripturesProverbs 8:15-16; Romans 13:1-2; Psalm 2:10-12. Talk about itWhat qualities should a Christian ruler seek to show? [Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#paragraph-2) ### 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. Read with the RP TestimonyThe RPCNA rejects the part of WCF 23.3 after the colon. The Testimony explains the different responsibilities of church and government. [Read the Testimony’s explanation](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-18)Explore the Scriptures2 Chronicles 26:18; Matthew 18:17; Matthew 16:19. Talk about itWhy is it important to distinguish the church’s authority from government’s authority? [Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#paragraph-3) ### 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. Explore the Scriptures1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:17; Romans 13:6-7. Talk about itShould we only respect rulers who share our faith? [Read original paragraph 4 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#paragraph-4) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - What responsibilities has God given civil rulers? - How are the work of the government and the work of the church different? #### Scripture to remember 1 Timothy 2:1–2 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=1%20Timothy%202%3A1%E2%80%932) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Pray for public officials to act justly and wisely. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=77) ## Related reading - [Read RP Testimony chapter 23](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/) - [Chapter 22](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/) - [Chapter 24](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-24-marriage-and-divorce/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/