Reformed Presbyterians maintain a tradition of strong theological distinctives. Those distinctives include psalm singing and the mediatorial kingship of Jesus Christ. This article will focus on the second distinctive, Christ’s lordship over all of life, with a specific focus on sovereignty in the political sphere. A simple statement from our secondary standards is sufficient to demonstrate its importance.

The Westminster Confession of Faith26:1 says, “God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates, to be, under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good; and, to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evildoers.” Scripture references are Romans 13:1–4 and 1 Peter 2:13–14.

Practical Implications of That Distinctive

Governmental Failure. Too often we do not see our government ...