Church and The State (5)
A Sermon on Romans 13:1-7
Originally preached Feb. 10, 1967
Scripture
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are …
Sermon Description
How do the church and ruling government interact? Are they co-equals working together for the greater good? Do they share the same end goal? In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Church and the State (5),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones first examines the historical context of church and government traditions that attempt to work together. Many church leaders have fallen under the tyranny of traditionalism in various ways. One such way is the acceptance of the Roman Catholic position of the church and state relationship as one of mutual exchange, power, and respect. Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges evaluating this relationship in light of Scripture, not in light of tradition. Scripture, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, shows a negative position regarding the power and authority of the state, not a partnership. Biblical evidence clearly points to an understanding of two distinct kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of humanity. These two kingdoms are eternally different and the Christian must be wary of trying to join the two, especially when it involves the power of leaders. Heed Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s warning to take seriously Jesus’s words that His return will establish a reign and rule that is entirely different from worldly rule.
Sermon Breakdown
- The church and state are distinct according to the New Testament. There is no warrant for either controlling the other.
- It is dangerous to put new wine into old wineskins by failing to recognize the uniqueness of Israel's position where state and church consisted of the same people.
- What happened under Constantine was a departure from New Testament teaching and early church practice.
- The Roman Catholic Church perpetuated Constantine's error and the Protestant reformers also perpetuated this error by not examining it.
- Traditionalism is the danger of exalting a teaching into an absolute and unchanging legalism. It paralyzes thinking.
- The Pharisees are an example of traditionalism obscuring the word of God with human traditions.
- Traditionalism leads to a rigid, unchanging system and a refusal to consider other perspectives out of fear. It turns men into popes and documents into infallible authorities.
- We must examine all traditions in light of Scripture and be willing to change based on what we find.
- The function of the state is a crucial question. Is its role entirely negative or does it have a positive role based on common grace and Christ's lordship?
- It is wrong to speak of "Christianizing" society. Only Christians can live Christian lives. Unregenerate men cannot do so.
- It is wrong to speak of Christ's kingdom coming gradually. Scripture teaches it will come suddenly. The world will be in a terrible state, not a gradually improving one.
- History shows a periodic rise and fall in morality, not gradual improvement. Revivals bring temporary benefits but not permanent change. Society always degenerates again.
Sermon Q&A
What is Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' View on Church and State Relations?
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the biblical relationship between church and state?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the biblical teaching shows that church and state are entirely distinct entities, and there is "no warrant from the New Testament teaching whatsoever for either controlling the other." He specifically condemns both the Roman Catholic position (church controlling state) and the Erastian position (state controlling church). He argues that attempts to merge church and state incorrectly apply Old Testament principles where "the state and church consisted of the same people" - a unique arrangement that no longer applies.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the danger of traditionalism in the church?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes a crucial distinction between tradition (which can be good) and traditionalism (which is dangerous). He defines traditionalism as "the tendency to exalt a teaching into something absolute which becomes a legalism and eventually paralyzes our thinking." He compares this to Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees who "made the word of God of none effect through their traditions." The danger of traditionalism is that it creates closed minds, where people refuse to consider anything beyond their established beliefs, and elevates human teachings to the level of Scripture.
What historical error does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify regarding church-state relations?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies that a major historical error began with Emperor Constantine when Christianity became the state religion. He says this was "not only a departure from the New Testament teaching, but also a departure from the practice of the early church." This error was perpetuated by the Roman Catholic Church and, surprisingly, by the Protestant Reformers who "likewise perpetuated this precise error" by assuming the state-church connection "without examining it, as they should have done."
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe about the idea of "Christianizing" society?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones firmly rejects the concept of "Christianizing" society, calling it a "heresy." He states: "There is no such thing as christianizing anything. In other words, you are either a Christian or you are not a Christian. It is only the Christian who can live the christian life." He argues that while Christian influence may produce moral improvements in society, these are always temporary, not permanent transformations. He condemns the optimistic view that Christianity will gradually permeate and improve the world.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones interpret Christ's teaching about the Kingdom of God in relation to society?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones rejects the interpretation of the parable of leaven as teaching the gradual Christianization of society. Instead, he points to Jesus' teachings in Luke 17 and elsewhere indicating that the Kingdom comes suddenly and unexpectedly. He notes Jesus asked, "When the son of man is come, shall he find faith on the earth?" suggesting conditions will be poor rather than improved before Christ's return. Lloyd-Jones believes scripture teaches that the two kingdoms (God's and the devil's) remain in conflict until Christ's second coming, not that one gradually overtakes the other.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones see as the function of the state?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones views the state's function as primarily negative rather than positive. Drawing from Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2, and 1 Peter 2, he concludes that the state's role is to maintain order so "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" and for "the punishment of evildoers and the praise of them that do well." He questions whether the state has any more positive function beyond this basic maintenance of order.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe Christians should approach denominational traditions?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges Christians not to blindly adhere to denominational traditions with a "my denomination, right or wrong" mentality. Instead, he encourages believers to evaluate all traditions in light of Scripture, being willing to acknowledge when their traditions or denominational practices may be wrong. He reminds listeners that even the Reformers were critical of church councils and church fathers, examining everything according to Scripture, and Christians today should do the same.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.