The State as Instituted by God
We believe that God instituted the state to promote the well-being
of all people. Christians cooperate with others in society to
defend the weak, care for the poor, and promote justice, righteousness
and truth. Believers witness against corruption, discrimination
and injustice, exercise social responsibility, pay taxes, and
obey all laws that do not conflict with the Word of God.
God has given governments authority to maintain law and order
and to punish wrongdoers. Followers of Christ respect and pray
for those in authority so that peaceful order may prevail. We
deplore the loss of life in the exercise of state-sanctioned
violence.
Christian Allegiance in Society
The primary allegiance of all Christians is to Christ's kingdom,
not the state or society. Because their citizenship is in heaven,
Christians are called to resist the idolatrous temptation to
give to the state the devotion that is owed to God. As ambassadors
for Christ, Christians act as agents of reconciliation, and
seek the well-being of all peoples.
Because Christ forbids the swearing of oaths, we simply affirm
the truth in legal transactions. Believers do not participate
in secret societies which demand the swearing of oaths or which
otherwise conflict with a Christian's allegiance to Christ and
the church.
Exodus 20:13, 16; Leviticus 19:11; Psalm 82:3-4; Jeremiah 29:7;
Daniel 2:21; Daniel 3:17-18; Daniel 4:17; Matthew 5:13-16, 33-37;
Matthew 6:33; Matthew 17:24-27; Matthew 22:17-21; John 15:19;
John 17:14-18; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-7; I Corinthians 5:9-13;
II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:6-13; Philippians 1:27; Philippians
3:20; I Timothy 2:1-4; Titus 3:1-2; James 5:12; I Peter 2:13-17.
