[I]f any party whatever, but especially if the State, or civil power, shall claim the right of controlling the government which Christ has appointed in the hands of Church office-bearers, they must refuse obedience to that claim, must make up their minds to suffer, if need be, the loss of all things, rather than yield to it. And this because they are only servants, ministers, stewards, entrusted by the alone Master and King with a certain authority and duty.
Christ himself is King over what is taught in his church. His Word defines truth and determines the doctrine to be taught in his church. This does not sound controversial or radical, yet, incredibly, that truth became a battleground in the Free Church of Scotland.
The existence of the Free Church of Scotland is a testimony to the kingship of Christ. The Free Church is a part, and only a small part, of the glorious kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ in this world. The Free Church declares that Christ is King, seeks to submit to him as King, and trusts in his kingship for the eternity to come. Insofar as the members of the Free Church are consistent with that profession, they are his kingdom.
