The best treatise ever written on the doctrine of the lesser magistrates was by John Knox in his Appellation to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland (1558). Knox made clear that lesser magistrates are not to hide behind the excuse that they must simply obey those in authority above them. John Knox stated disdainfully, "For now the common song of all men is, 'We must obey our kings, be they good or be they bad; for God has so commanded.'" Most Americans today think just like this -- they think they should always obey the government. But as John Knox responded "True it is, God has commanded kings to be obeyed; but likewise true it is, that in things which they commit against His glory, He has commanded no obedience, but rather, He has approved, yea, and greatly rewarded, such as have opposed themselves to their ungodly commandments and blind rage." Americans and America's lesser magistrates need to understand that they should not obey laws by our Federal government or state legislatures or any higher authority which contravene the law of God. As John Calvin declared, "For earthly princes lay aside their power when they rise up against God, and are unworthy to be reckoned among the number of mankind. We, ought rather, to spit upon their heads than to obey them." To learn more of the doctrine of the lesser magistrates, go to http://LesserMagistrate.com

• published: 15 Dec 2013
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