The Confession of Faith (49)

We ended the first article about the magistrates with emphasizing that the government has a task in punishing sin and that murderers are to die according to God’s special commandment. It is not only the calling of the government to make certain that justice is maintained, but this article also speaks of another calling of the government, one which is generally not so readily accepted. It reads, “And their office is, not only to have regard unto and watch for the welfare of the civil state, but also that they protect the sacred ministry, and thus may remove and prevent all idolatry and false worship; that the kingdom of anti-Christ may be thus destroyed and the kingdom of Christ promoted.”

This is a stumbling block for many, and therefore the Christian Reformed Church removed this portion from the confession, thinking to be wiser than our fathers at Dort. Our fathers knew very well that the theocracy no longer existed, since this had come to an end at the destruction of Jerusalem. However, think of the God-fearing kings of Israel who protected true religion and were greatly blessed by the Lord; we can mention David, Asa, Hezekiah, and Josiah as among those who have shown their zeal for the service of the Lord. Remember also the fifth commandment, which is not only applicable to the relationships in the families but can also be applied to the nations. When there is subjection to the government which rules according to God’s Word, the Lord promises His favor.

It is true that the national form of the covenant has come to an end; however, the covenant did not change but is now the ecclesiastical form for the church. The form of Israel fell away, but the essence of the demand remained. The government has the duty to provide for the honor of God’s name, His day and His service; everything which goes against this must be punished. Unbelief and false teachings are sins just as well as is stealing; they are even the greater sins, and therefore are listed as being the duty of the government to prevent them.

At the 177th session of the Synod of Dort, the deputies asked the government not to give any public office to Roman Catholic priests. This was not persecution since our fathers have always spoken out for the freedom of the conscience, but the honor of God and the welfare of the country made it a necessity for the government to act in such a way. Article 36 expresses what God’s Word requires of the government, but it is also applicable to each of us personally. True religion must be maintained, protected, and restored when necessary.

We live at a time when the rights of man are of greater value than the rights of God’s Law; therefore there is no longer place given for that “intolerant article 36,” as it is sometimes called. Did this so-called freedom bring real happiness? No, the judgments of the Lord are multiplying, and the patience of the Lord with this rebellious world (government and church included) is coming to an end. The countries which depart from God’s institutions (and this is quite general) make themselves ripe for destruction. The Synod of the Christian Reformed Church in South Africa made a decision in 1949 that there was no reason to change this article and omit part of it. Let us not forget that the God-fearing kings of the Old Testament times were praised by the Lord when they destroyed the idols. We do not advocate that those who do not keep the Sabbath should be killed; no, the Lord Himself has given us the parable of the tares in the field. These tares were not to be rooted up immediately but at harvest time, meaning at the end of the world. The confession points to the destruction of idols and false religions, not to the persons themselves. It is the duty of the government to take care that the whole Law of God is kept. This means not only the second table of it but also the first table.

This article speaks not only about the calling of the government but also the calling of the subjects. We should obey them providing they do not go against God’s Word; if something is required contrary to the Word of God, we may refuse or protest in that matter but must not be disobedient in everything as is sometimes advocated. They say, “The government is not acting according to the law, and therefore we will no longer pay taxes”; this has nothing to do with the matter and is only self-love. It is expressly stated, “to pay tribute, to show due honor and respect to them, and to obey them in all things which are not repugnant to the Word of God.”

Should we not pray for our government, asking the Lord to give them wisdom to rule according to His will but also to give us men who fear the Lord? The times are difficult, also for the government, and this makes it even more urgent that we pray for them. In visiting the congregations and families, we so seldom hear that there is prayer for our country and government, and this is a bad sign.

When the Lord no longer gives prayer for country and government, it is to be feared that He is withdrawing Himself from such a country. May the Lord give a prayer to pray unto Him, for He is the only One who can bring a change.

It cannot be denied that there are manifold sins in our days, perhaps as never before. This should bring us on our knees before the Lord to beg that He may cause us to return unto Him. We hope that the coming year, D.V., may become a year in which we need the Lord in all our ways. The Lord has promised, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

When we truly subject ourselves to the Lord, we will do the same to our parents and to the government, as these are placed over us by the Lord Himself. In speaking about the fifth commandment, Paul has pointed out that it is the first commandment with a promise. In the keeping of God’s commandment there is great reward.

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