The Magdeburg Confession

The calling to resist abusive political authorities lies first and foremost with lower magistrates. The Bible makes clear that God instituted multiple authorities, not just one. The Bible speaks of "the powers that be," not just one power, of the multiple "authorities that rule," not just a single authority. All political authorities are equipped with the power of the sword to do good and to punish evil. That power must be exercised internally within the government as well as externally within the community. When an inferior magistrate does evil, a fellow or superior magistrate must correct or remove him. When a superior magistrate does evil, his fellow or inferior magistrates must, in turn, correct and control him, albeit always within the limits of the honor and respect that the higher magistrate deserves. If the higher magistrate commits only a minor or personal offense, lower magistrates should admonish him privately and gently. But if he unjustly endangers the "life and limb," "wife and child," and "local liberties of the people," the lower magistrates "may make use of their rights to defend themselves" and their subjects. Even worse, if the higher magistrate commits a premeditated attack on "the highest and most essential rights of the people"—indeed, if he attacks "our Lord himself, the author of these rights"—then even the "insignificant and weakest regents" must rise up against him. If necessary, those lower magistrates must call upon "every pious and reasonable Christian" to join them in the resistance, armed not only with the sword but also with the Word's assurance that "God is on our side."19

I apologize that I was not able to find a link containing the full text of the original article on which this post is based.

However, in consideration of the times in which we live, the question of the role of the "lesser magistrate" seems a necessary discussion, especially for us here at FR.

The Magdeburg Confession was an attempt to resolve the very question we are now facing: What should Christians do in the face of tyrannical government actions against godly morality. The answer it provides is worthy of our consideration. Put in short form, Kim Davis is a lesser magistrate. Under God's ordination, she has been granted a scope of authority in our system. Those who are attempting to coerce her to disobey her duties to God and the people of Kentucky, according to Magdeburg, have invalidated their authority, and have become the true criminals in this circumstance.

Furthermore, according to Magdeburg, it is not just a good idea, but a duty among all who would remain faithful to God, that we do as Kim Davis has done, stand our ground, such as God gives us, and cooperate with each other to resist this tyranny.

To those who say she should either quit or comply, Magdeburg would respond that this would be dereliction of her duty. As a magistrate, she stands under the aegis of the principles of Roman 13. The magistrate is not there to be a thoughtless cog in a machine of laws, but to bring reward to those who do good, and terror to those who do evil. The "comply or quit" strategy is for the self-seeking. The "stand at any cost" strategy is the truest act of love. It seeks the well-being of those under her authority, not just her own survival.

In every great story, there comes a moment when the hero must decide whether to save their own skin or put it all on the line for the ones they love. Kim Davis has chosen the latter. May we all be so blessed when that choice comes, as it will, to each and every one of us.

Peace,

I'm reading Algernon Sidney's circa 1680 Discourses Concerning Government, published posthumously after his 1683 execution for treason.

All he did was dispute the divine right of kings, and base his arguments on Scripture.

Historians have called his book the textbook of the American Revolution, for our revolt and constitution were consistent with the word of God.

Central to his arguments is that legitimate human law cannot be inconsistent with God's Laws.

"If the Christian defines the magistrate to be the Minister of God doing justice, and from thence draws the reasons he gives for rendering obedience to him, we are to inquire whose Minister he is who overthrows it, and look for some other reason for rendering obedience to him than the words of the Apostles."

Thank you for posting. This is important. It draws the line of duty and obedience spelled out in scripture. We are not, as individuals, supposed to just take up arms in rebellion when we believe our government has turned evil. But it is within scripture that we may recognize a lower magistrate as following God and therefore worthy of respect and acknowledgment of their authority vs. a higher magistrate as having become “lawless” themselves and no longer legitimate.

For any of you who are interested, the Magdeburg Confession in English is available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Magdeburg-Confession-13th-April-1550-ebook/dp/B00A0ZPTR4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1441662205&sr=8-1

I just ordered a copy for my Kindle.

As a practical matter, someone ought to take on the project of reasserting the truths of Magdeburg for the present situation. I am picturing some sort of national congress of Christian leaders, where we all throw in together and defy the Supreme Court’s tyranny with a single voice. We need to confront this head on.

Peace,

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.