--- title: "Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate | RP Testimony" description: "Chapter 23 of the RP Testimony: Of the Civil Magistrate. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=77" --- # Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate | RP Testimony 1. We reject the belief that civil government is unnecessary or essentially evil. 2. God has given the exercise of all authority to the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the Divine Lawgiver, Governor and Judge. His will concerning the purpose of civil government and the principles regarding its functions and operation are revealed in the written Word of God. The Holy Spirit enables even unregenerate rulers to fulfill their proper functions. A true recognition of the authority and law of Christ in national life can only be the fruit of the Spirit’s regenerating power in the lives of individuals. Deut. 4:39; Dan. 4:25, 32, 35; Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:10; Eph. 1:22; Isa. 33: 22; Deut. 17:18-19; Isa. 45:1-7; Ezek. 36:27. 3. God has assigned to people, both individually and collectively, the responsibility for establishing and maintaining civil government, and the people are accountable to Jesus Christ for the proper exercise of this responsibility. Deut. 1:13-14; Deut. 17:15; 1 Sam. 8: 22; 2 Sam. 5:3; Hos. 8:1, 4; Eccl. 10: 16-17. 4. Every nation ought to recognize the Divine institution of civil government, the sovereignty of God exercised by Jesus Christ, and its duty to rule the civil affairs of men in accordance with the will of God. It should enter into covenant with Christ and serve to advance His Kingdom on earth. The negligence of civil government in any of these particulars is sinful, makes the nation liable to the wrath of God, and threatens the continued existence of the government and nation. Phil. 2:10; Rom. 13:4; Ps. 132:12; Ps. 103:17-19; Ps. 2:10-12. 5. We reject the view that nations have no corporate responsibility for acknowledging and obeying Christ. 6. It is the duty of every Christian citizen to labor and pray for his nation’s official and explicit recognition of the authority and law of Jesus Christ, Preserver and Ruler of nations, and for the conduct of all governmental affairs in harmony with the written Word of God. 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Phil. 2:9-10; Acts 2:1-39; Ps. 2:8-12; Esther 4:14. 7. We deny that constitutional recognition of Jesus Christ means union of church and state. 8. We reject the teaching that Christians should not seek the establishment of Christian civil government. 9. No particular form of civil government is commanded in the Scriptures. Any form of civil government which observes the duties and limitations set upon it by God in His revealed Word is acceptable to God. Ex. 18:21-24; Prov. 29:14; Deut. 1: 16-17. 10. We deny that simply having a democratic or republican form of government insures God’s approval and blessing. 11. All officers and employees of a civil government are to be servants of God for good. They are responsible to God for the discharge of lawful duties rightfully assigned to them by human authority. Neither their official position, however, nor the orders of their superiors, nor the will of the people, exonerates them from blame for any unscriptural action or inaction. Rom. 13:3-4; 2 Chron. 19:6-7; Prov. 29:26. 12. We reject the view that it is wrong to wage war in defense of life, liberty or religion. 13. Citizens cannot abdicate their responsibility to determine the moral legitimacy of a particular war and to govern their participation accordingly. Such decisions should be made prayerfully in the light of Scripture and with the counsel of the church. Acts 5:29; 1 Sam. 14:44-45. 14. When justly administered, capital punishment is a scriptural application of civil authority. Rom. 13:4; Gen. 9:6; Acts 25:11; Num. 35:29-34. 15. The Christian, when such action involves no disloyalty to Christ, ought to be involved in the selection of and to vote for civil rulers who fear God, love truth and justice, hate evil, and are publicly committed to scriptural principles of civil government. Ex. 18:21; Deut. 16:18; 2 Sam. 23:3; Rom. 13:3. 16. It is sinful for a Christian to take an oath which compromises his supreme allegiance to Jesus Christ. It is also sinful to vote for officials who are required to take an oath which a Christian himself could not take in good conscience. Voting involves the voter in responsibility for any act required of the official as a condition of holding his office. Deut. 10:20; Isa. 45:22-23; 2 John 1: 11; 1 Tim. 5:22. 17. The Christian must profess publicly and the Church must witness, that Christ is the Ruler of every nation. Whatever the official action of the civil government of a nation may be, the Christian in his civil actions must always exhibit his loyalty to Christ. The Christian must relinquish every right or privilege of citizenship which involves him in silence about, or denial of the supreme authority of Jesus Christ. Matt. 5:13-14; Prov. 3:5-6; Ps. 37:7; Matt. 22:21; John 17:14-15; Mark 13:9. 18. We reject the portion of paragraph 3 after the colon. 19. Both the government of the nation and the government of the visible church are established by God. Though distinct and independent of each other, they both owe supreme allegiance to Jesus Christ. The governments of church and state differ in sphere of authority in that due submission to the government of the visible church is the obligation of members thereof, while due submission to civil government is the obligation of all men. The governments of church and state also have different functions and prerogatives in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. The means of enforcement of the civil government are physical, while those of church government are not. Neither government has the right to invade or assume the authority of the other. They should cooperate to the honor and glory of God, while maintaining their separate jurisdictions. Rom. 13:1; Matt. 22:21; Col. 1:18; Acts 15:10; Ezra 7:10, 25-26; 2 Chron. 26: 18-19; Matt. 5:25; 1 Cor. 5:12-13. 20. Though responsible for maintaining conditions favorable to the spread of the Gospel, civil government should never attempt to convert men to Christ by the use of force or by persecution. It should guarantee to all its subjects every human right given by God to men. It should, however, restrain and punish its subjects for those sinful actions which fall under its jurisdiction. 1 Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13: 4; Ezra 7:26; Neh. 13:17-21. 21. No civil government which deprives men of civil or religious liberty, fails to protect human life, or proposes to force men to do violence to the spirit and precepts of the Christian religion or interferes unjustly with private ownership of property, can in such matters rightfully expect the submission of its citizens or the blessings of God promised for obedience to Him. Acts 4:17, 19, 33; Deut. 27:19; Isa. 10: 1-2; Ex. 20:15; Isa. 1:23-26; Dan. 6:13; Heb. 11:23. 22. Both the Christian and the Church have a responsibility for witnessing against national sins and for promoting justice. Amos 2:6-8; Amos 5:14-15. 23. The failure of a civil government, through negligence, ignorance, or rebellion, to recognize the authority of Jesus Christ does not cancel its just authority. A civil government, though guilty of many sins, still has authority in so far as it furthers some of the scriptural ends of civil government. Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1; Rom. 2:14; Acts 23:5; Ex. 22:28. 24. Due submission of all persons, cheerfully rendered, to civil officers and to civil government in general, is pleasing to God. No person, however, is required by God to obey civil authority when such authority demands that the citizen or subject do that which is clearly contrary to the law of God as revealed in the Scriptures. In such cases the duty of the Christian is to obey God rather than men. The Christian has a special obligation to render due submission to civil authority in order to express his loyalty to Jesus Christ, to prove his concern for the welfare of all men, and to bring honor to the name of Christ. 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:5; Acts 5:29; Titus 3:1. 25. The only submission which a Christian may promise to any civil government is due submission in the Lord. Any promise of submission or oath of allegiance beyond this is sinful. If and when the civil government of a nation requires, as a condition of civil service or of holding office, an oath which implies that civil allegiance transcends the swearer’s convictions of conscience and obedience to God, it is the Christian’s duty to refuse such an oath. It is within the corporate power of the Church, acting through its courts, to declare that facts or circumstances which may exist in a specific situation render the taking of a civil oath sinful. Gen. 25:33; Matt. 22:21; Eph. 6:12; Matt. 4:10; Deut. 10:20. 26. It is the duty of the Christian to ascertain whether any prescribed oath of allegiance to the civil authority involves acceptance of unchristian principles stated or implied in its constitution of government. If the oath of allegiance to civil authority explicitly or by clear implication requires support of anti- Christian, atheistic, or secular principles, then the Christian must refuse on these grounds to take the oath of allegiance. Acts 5:29; Acts 4:18-20. 27. In the matter of taking oaths required by civil authority, the Christian should seek the guidance and support of the Church. 28. It is the duty of the Christian Church to testify to the authority of Christ over the nations, against all anti-Christian, atheistic, and secular principles of civil government, and against all sinful oaths of allegiance to civil governments. When the Church by orderly processes in her own courts determines that the oath of allegiance to a civil government compromises the Christian’s loyalty to Christ or involves the Christian in the support of sinful principles of civil government, the Church must require her members to refuse such sinful oaths. Acts 4:24-29; Eph. 5:11; Rev. 3:15-16; Acts 15:28-29; Rev. 2:13-14. 29. When participating in political elections, the Christian should support and vote only for such men as are publicly committed to scriptural principles of civil government. Should the Christian seek civil office by political election, he must openly inform those whose support he seeks of his adherence to Christian principles of civil government. 1 Chron. 16:31; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 2 Chron. 19:6-7; Dan. 2:48; Eph. 4:25. 30. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and the decisions of civil courts cannot determine for the Christian what is morally right and what is sinful. However, since civil government is an institution of God, it is within the legitimate province of the civil courts of a nation to determine what the nation’s laws and required oaths of allegiance mean or do not mean. A decision of a civil court cannot legitimize sinful conduct, but it can place before a Christian a factual situation upon which a moral judgment can be made. It cannot be proper for the Christian to assume that an oath of allegiance implies sinful requirements, when the civil courts have explicitly contradicted such implication. Every oath must be understood in the sense intended by the authority requiring the oath. It is for the Christian and the Church to decide whether this sense involves sinful requirements. Matt. 22:21b; Rom. 13:5; Eccl. 8:4; 1 Thess. 5:21. 31. We reject any inference that civil government has jurisdiction over conscience. ## 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.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.CivilConcerning government and public life, rather than church government.ConscienceOur sense of right and wrong, which needs to be taught by God’s Word.SynodA wider gathering of church elders who make decisions together under Christ.Church courtsGroups of elders who govern the church together, such as the session, presbytery, and Synod.OathA serious promise or statement made with God as witness.DisciplineThe church’s teaching and correction to help its members follow Christ.GospelThe good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. ### Testimony 23.1 The Testimony rejects the idea that civil government is unnecessary or inherently evil. [Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-1) ### Testimony 23.2 Christ has authority over civil government as well as the church. Scripture gives the principles for government, and rulers can perform useful duties even without saving faith. [Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-2) ### Testimony 23.3 People are responsible for establishing and maintaining government, and must answer to Christ for how they do so. [Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-3) ### Testimony 23.4 Nations should officially acknowledge Christ’s rule, govern according to God’s Word, and pledge to serve him. Failure to do so is a national sin. [Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-4) ### Testimony 23.5 The Testimony rejects the idea that nations, as nations, have no duty to acknowledge and obey Christ. [Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-5) ### Testimony 23.6 Christians should pray and work for their nation to recognize Christ’s authority officially and govern in line with Scripture. [Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-6) ### Testimony 23.7 A nation can recognize Jesus as King without making the church and government the same organization. Each has different responsibilities under him. [Read original point 7 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-7) ### Testimony 23.8 The Testimony rejects the claim that Christians should avoid working toward civil government shaped by Christian principles. [Read original point 8 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-8) ### Testimony 23.9 Scripture does not require one political structure. A government’s acceptability depends on observing God’s purposes and limits for it. [Read original point 9 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-9) ### Testimony 23.10 The Testimony rejects assuming that democracy or a republic automatically receives God’s approval. [Read original point 10 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-10) ### Testimony 23.11 Public officials serve God and remain morally accountable for their actions. Orders, office, and popular opinion do not excuse disobedience to him. [Read original point 11 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-11) ### Testimony 23.12 The Testimony rejects the claim that fighting a war to defend life, liberty, or religion is always wrong. [Read original point 12 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-12) ### Testimony 23.13 Citizens must consider whether a particular war is morally justified before participating, seeking guidance from Scripture, prayer, and the church. [Read original point 13 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-13) ### Testimony 23.14 The Testimony teaches that government may use the death penalty when it is applied justly, according to Scripture. [Read original point 14 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-14) ### Testimony 23.15 Christians should participate in choosing rulers committed to justice and biblical principles, provided their participation does not betray loyalty to Christ. [Read original point 15 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-15) ### Testimony 23.16 A Christian must not make an official promise that requires disloyalty to Jesus. The Testimony also says not to vote for someone whose office requires that kind of promise, because the voter shares responsibility for what the office requires. [Read original point 16 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-16) ### Testimony 23.17 Christians and the church must openly acknowledge Christ’s rule over nations. A Christian should give up a civic privilege if keeping it requires silence about or denial of his supreme authority. [Read original point 17 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-17) ### Testimony 23.18 The Testimony rejects the part of the original WCF 23.3 after the colon. That wording gives civil rulers authority over the church’s doctrine, worship, and discipline, including calling and overseeing synods; the Testimony rejects those powers. [Read original point 18 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-18) ### Testimony 23.19 Church and state both answer to Christ, but govern different areas and use different means. Neither may take over the other’s authority; they should cooperate while remaining distinct. [Read original point 19 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-19) ### Testimony 23.20 Government should protect God-given rights and conditions favorable to the gospel. It must not force conversions, although it should punish wrongdoing within its proper authority. [Read original point 20 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-20) ### Testimony 23.21 Government cannot rightly demand obedience when it violates God-given liberties, life, property, or Christian obligations. [Read original point 21 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-21) ### Testimony 23.22 Christians and churches should speak against national sins and work for justice. [Read original point 22 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-22) ### Testimony 23.23 A government’s failure to acknowledge Christ does not erase all its authority. It still has legitimate authority where it serves the biblical purposes of government. [Read original point 23 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-23) ### Testimony 23.24 We should willingly obey lawful civil authority. When it commands something clearly contrary to Scripture, we must obey God instead. [Read original point 24 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-24) ### Testimony 23.25 Civil allegiance must remain subject to obedience to God. Christians should refuse oaths that demand higher loyalty to the state, and church courts may judge particular oaths sinful. [Read original point 25 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-25) ### Testimony 23.26 Before swearing allegiance, Christians must determine whether the oath requires support for principles opposed to Christ. If it does, they must refuse it. [Read original point 26 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-26) ### Testimony 23.27 Christians should seek the church’s counsel and support when considering civil oaths. [Read original point 27 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-27) ### Testimony 23.28 The church must testify to Christ’s authority over nations. If its courts determine that an oath compromises loyalty to him, it must require members to refuse that oath. [Read original point 28 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-28) ### Testimony 23.29 Christians should vote for candidates publicly committed to biblical principles of government. Christians seeking office should openly state their own commitment to those principles. [Read original point 29 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-29) ### Testimony 23.30 Civil courts can explain what a public promise legally means. They cannot decide what is right before God. Christians and the church must judge the promise by Scripture, using its real meaning. [Read original point 30 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-30) ### Testimony 23.31 The Testimony rejects giving civil government authority over a person’s conscience. [Read original point 31 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/#point-31) ### Talk about it How are the responsibilities of the church and government different? ### 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 - [Westminster Confession · Chapter 23](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/) - [Chapter 22](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/) - [Chapter 24](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-24-marriage-and-divorce/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/