# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S339
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 839

ing the truths revealed by God in His Word. “Seek ye
Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
hall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33.

tthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Isaiah 40:9; John 14:6-23;

ter 3:17-18; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Psalm 78:1-8; John 10:35;
jah 40:8; 1 Peter 1: 23-25; 2 Peter 1:19.

sialm 19:7-14; 111:10; Acts 17:24-28; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31;
vé 8.

vii. THE CHURCH AND GOVERNMENT

. The Church recognizes governmental authority as
ent ordained of God, as subject to the will of God, and as
: designed to seek the good of its citizens. It is the
of such government as God’s representative to punish
io do wrong, to approve those who do right, and to protect
injustice. The Church supports such government by
ing its members to obey the laws, to pay taxes, and to
“personal service in time of peace and war as the government
wire, provided only that “we ought to obey God rather
agnen,” Acts 5:29.

and The Church calls upon its members to pray and
ment’ work for good government. They are enjoined not
: only to keep themselves unspotted from the evils of
rid, but are also called upon to work as citizens for the
ation of evil practices in government. To assist in the
{tion and election of honest men to public office, to promote
(tment and enforcement of proper and salutary legislation,
jurage Christian men and women to hold public office, and
rt all officers in the faithful exercise of their duties, remain
bilities of all Christian citizens. The liberty of Christian
should not be abused to heap disrespect upon the incum-
government offices, however frail these officers may be.
rch constantly prays “for all that are in authority, that
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and hon-
timothy 2:2. God’s Word requires that government officers
er ‘their high trust with integrity, sobriety, and humility,
shall be judged by God.

The Church recognizes war as an evil and emphasizes
that sins, both personal and national, are the cause of
war, and earnestly stresses the need of repentance. If
ce does not take place, the judgment of God may become
in war. In times of war as well as in times of peace the
roclaims the will of God for all men, combats the passions
and revenge, and always seeks to alleviate the suffering

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