WCF 23 Of the Civil Magistrate

Question 1

What is the divine authority and purpose of civil government?

Answer 1

God ordained civil government to defend and encourage those who do good and to punish those who do evil.

Question 2

When did God ordain civil government?

Answer 2

God established all authority from eternity past.

Question 3

What are modern applications to the role of government?

Answer 3

Modern government exceeds the bounds that God ordained. We should work for smaller government.

Question 4

What about tax revolt?

Answer 4

Calvin said that rulers that promote evil and hate good do not deserve honor and should be spit upon.

Question 5

What did Erastians think government could do that in fact only the church should do?

Answer 5

Exercise church discipline

Question 6

What does Pipa think the state should enforce from the Ten Commandments?

Answer 6

All ten