Article XXIII

Article 23 – Civil Government

1. God ordained and instituted civil government.
   1. Dan 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
2. For the welfare of society, to promote and to protect the good and restrain and punish the evil.
   1. Romans 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
3. It is the duty of Christians to pray for those in authority, to render due loyalty, respect, and obedience to them.
   1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
   2. 1 Peter 2:13-14 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
   3. Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.
4. And to pay taxes and customs demanded of them. Where demands of civil law militate against the supreme and higher law
   of God, Christians should obey God rather than man.
   1. Acts 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
   2. Acts 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.