Vindiciae, Contra Tyrannos for the Hoosier Legislator
A few thoughts from my study in Vindiciae, Contra Tyrannos via question-and-answer format for those Indiana legislators insisting that Roe cannot be defied:
1. Is the lesser magistrate bound to obey higher magistrates who command something against the Law of God?
No. God should be obeyed simply and absolutely. This is an axiom of the Christian faith. God’s will alone is forever and fully just, and therefore the will of man should always be judged against the will of the creator of man.
Objection: In the current political reality and situation, if we do not obey the higher magistrates we will straight away be deemed as extremist rebels and we will therefore become ineffective.
Answer: That may be true. But if you do not disobey, you will be deemed unfaithful by Almighty God. These potential charges were also laid against Christ and his apostles and all of the early church. Truly, it has always been the command of God to be obedient to Him, whatever the political costs. See: Ezra 4:7-24
2. Is it lawful to resist a magistrate wishing to defy God’s Law?
Yes. Francis Schaeffer said, “If there is no final place for civil disobedience, then the government has been made autonomous, and as such, it has been put in the place of the living God.” In fact, not only is it lawful, but it is dutiful. We must obey, just as the Hebrew midwives did, God rather than man.
3. But isn’t the Supreme Court the highest authority in this context?
No. For there is "...no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Rom. 13:1) God rules by His own authority, but the Supreme Court by the authority of another. God rules by Himself, but the Supreme Court rules through God. God’s jurisdiction is immeasurable, but that of the Supreme Court is measured. God is the only Lord of all men, and authority over men cannot arise from men. Therefore, the Supreme Court answers to Almighty God’s statutes, and whenever its opinions are contrary to God’s Law, it is the latter that must be obeyed.
Strive to be dead to this world.
Up with Christ and down with every contrary power.