Paragraph 25.2

It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the Office of a Magistrate, when called thereunto; 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^a wage War upon just and necessary Occasions.^b

1. a. 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 82:3–4

   2 Samuel 23:3

   ^23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

   ^23:3 The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, 'He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,

   Psalm 82:3–4

   ^82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. ^82:4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

   ^82:3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. ^82:4 Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Luke 3:14

   Luke 3:14

   ^3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

   ^3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" "Do not take money by force or false accusation," he said. "Be content with your wages."

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible