English Baptist & Two-Kingdom Theology
6February 11, 2011 by Michael Dewalt
Were English-Baptist Two-Kingdom? I think not…
Chapter 24 of the Civil Magistrate Section 2 reads,
“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.”
Not only did they see being called into civil office lawful, but they saw fit for those called out of this kingdom, to yet serve in this kingdom in the civil government.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m confused why you read the LBC’s statement here as anti-2K.
…and isn’t the Civil Magistrate chapter 24?
If you cannot tell by the bold letters, then don’t worry about it. Or… I can explain in person or phone.
Yes, it is chapter 24. That is my bad… I’ll change that right now.
Here’s why I’m confused. First, no 2Ker says you shouldn’t serve in a public office. Secondly, when the LBC says ‘each kingdom’ it’s not referring to Kingdom of Man and Kingdom of God, but is rather saying that the magistrate is to manage the just laws of any kingdom or commonwealth (c.f. WCF 24.2). So again, I’m not sure how this proves the LBC is anti-2Ks.
By public, I am assuming you mean civil? if so, I would not agree with your “first.”
I think a major issue right now with 2K theology is that there are so many differences when it comes to defining terms within their camps and differences in each other on small issues that what you may read on one blog is not the same that you may read in another book.