So how is this relevant to this thread?
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Social Justice and the Gospel
- Thread starter Reformed
- Start date
So how is this relevant to this thread?
Love (and Christian social justice) is that which comes voluntarily from the individual, not the government representing the collective. Money taken from people at the point of the government spear and given to others is not charity or Christian social justice - it's downright theft!
General Mung Beans
Member
Ideally people shouldn't get abortions (or commit crime in general) out of obedience to moral commands. However, in a sinful world the government has to play a role in stopping them when that doesn't happen.
Enforcing the laws on the books is part of the governments job, rebuilding the world according to someone's vison in a Christian social justice way is not.
17th-century Particular Baptists had this to say about the role of the Civil Magistrate:
Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate
1._____ God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.
( Romans 13:1-4 )
2._____ It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called there unto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.
( 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalms 82:3, 4; Luke 3:14 )
3._____ Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
( Romans 13:5-7; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 )
When the Civil Magistrate does injustice instead of justice, that is when Christians may face persecution. We are not guaranteed justice this side of eternity. Thankfully, we have received mercy and forgiveness and will not face justice for our own sins since our sins have been laid upon Christ. For those who are outside of Christ, they will face not only God's justice but also God's wrath. That is a fearsome divine combination.
Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate
1._____ God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.
( Romans 13:1-4 )
2._____ It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called there unto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.
( 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalms 82:3, 4; Luke 3:14 )
3._____ Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
( Romans 13:5-7; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 )
When the Civil Magistrate does injustice instead of justice, that is when Christians may face persecution. We are not guaranteed justice this side of eternity. Thankfully, we have received mercy and forgiveness and will not face justice for our own sins since our sins have been laid upon Christ. For those who are outside of Christ, they will face not only God's justice but also God's wrath. That is a fearsome divine combination.