The Reformed Church is a Critic of the State

R.C. Sproul, a prominent Reformed theologian, asserted that:

"The church is called to be a critic of the state when the state fails to obey its mandate under God"

This underscores the church’s vital role in maintaining moral and ethical standards in society. Sproul's statement reflects a deep conviction that the church has a prophetic responsibility to hold the state accountable to divine principles. He emphasized that while the church and state operate in distinct spheres—spiritual and governmental respectively—they are both under God's sovereign authority. Sproul argued that when the state oversteps its bounds or acts contrary to God's justice, it is incumbent upon the church to speak out and correct such deviations. This position highlights the church’s duty to act as a moral and ethical guide, ensuring that civil authorities adhere to God’s standards and serve the public good in accordance with divine law.

The Church and State Are Not Radically Divided

In Reformed theology, the distinction between church and state does not imply a radical separation. The Reformed tradition asserts that both institutions are ordained by God and serve distinct yet complementary roles in society. The church is tasked with the spiritual welfare of believers, while the state is responsible for maintaining justice and order. This interconnectedness demands that the church has a voice in state matters, especially when the state deviates from its divine mandate.

Romans 13:1-2 underscores that the state's authority is derived from God, and thus, the state is accountable to Him. This passage implies that the people of God should realize that the state is under God’s sovereignty and should be held accountable to God's moral standards:

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." 

The Westminster Confession of Faith 23.1 further supports this view by emphasizing that civil authority is not autonomous but must operate under divine principles. All civil magistrates are obligated to uphold God's Law in their realm:

"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 the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evildoers." 

The Church Is Not Limited to the Ecclesiastical Realm

The ministry of the church extends beyond purely ecclesiastical matters to include addressing moral and ethical issues within broader society, including the actions of the state. This broader scope is essential because the church's proclamation of God's word impacts all areas of life. Thus, the church cannot remain silent on matters of public justice, morality, and the common good.

Micah 6:8 calls believers to an active role in societal ethics. This verse emphasizes the ethical responsibilities that God requires of His people, including advocating for God's justice in all spheres. The church, as the collective body of believers, must influence societal norms and government policies to reflect God's justice and righteousness:

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" 

The Belgic Confession, Article 36, reinforces this responsibility. This confession highlights the Christian's role in promoting righteousness and justice through its influence on civil authorities. The Christian's involvement in state matters is thus a necessary extension of the divine mandate to uphold God's justice:

"We believe that because of the depravity of mankind, our good God has ordained kings, princes, and magistrates to rule the world by the sword, in order to restrain the evil and protect the good. And being set in authority, they are divinely appointed to this end, and are therefore to be held in the greatest honor." 

The Church Is Obligated to Correct the Civil Magistrate

The Reformed church has a duty to counsel and, when necessary, correct the civil magistrate. This responsibility arises from the church's commitment to uphold God's justice and righteousness in all spheres of life. When the state deviates from its God-given mandate, the church must speak out, offering biblical counsel and correction.

Isaiah 1:17 urges God's people to actively pursue justice. The church, dedicated to God's justice, must engage with the state to ensure its alignment with divine standards. This verse highlights the responsibility of God's people to correct wrongdoing, including within the realm of civil governance:

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." 

The Second Helvetic Confession, Chapter 30, affirms the magistrate's duty to protect and promote Christianity and the Church. This implies the duty of the church to critique and, when necessary, correct the actions of the state to ensure alignment with God's justice:

"The chief duty of the magistrate is to secured and preserve peace and public tranquility. Doubtless he will never do this more successfully than when he is truly God-fearing and religious; that is to say, when, according to the example of the most holy kings and princes of the people of the Lord, he promotes the preaching of the truth and sincere faith, roots out lies and all superstition, together with all impiety and idolatry, and defends the Church of God. We certainly teach that the care of religion belongs especially to the holy magistrate."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Reformed church is called to be a critic of the state when it fails to obey its mandate under God. While the church and state are distinct, they are not radically divided, as both serve under God's sovereign authority. The church's ministry extends beyond ecclesiastical matters to address moral and ethical issues within society. Consequently, the church is obligated to counsel and correct the civil magistrate, ensuring that the state's actions align with God's standards of justice and righteousness. If the church neglects this critical role, it fails to fulfill its God-given mission in society. The interconnectedness of church and state under God's sovereignty necessitates that the church act as a moral compass, guiding and correcting the state to uphold divine justice.