IN connection with the Report on Religion and Morals, the Synod adopts the following deliverance respecting the Kingship of Christ and our national need of keeping in the forefront this doctrine:—That the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland respectfully bring to the notice of our legislators and the people of this land in this time of national calamity the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is not being openly confessed and honoured by us as being the Divine Head of His body, the Church,—and also as being the Supreme King of nations, by the appointment of God the Father. The prevailing manner of referring to the Divine name in public utterances is that of using the term “God” or “Almighty God” without direct reference to the name of the Saviour.
We, as a nation, generally profess to hold that the Saviour is, as to His Person, the Eternal Son of God; that, as to His office, He is King of His Kingdom, the Church,—and also, King over all nations and Lord over all potentates. This cardinal truth of the Christian faith respecting the Person and Kingship of Christ is largely obscured and indeed, in effect, denied. We therefore emphatically, but respectfully, declare it as our view that the Lord Jesus Christ has a controversy with a nation highly-privileged hitherto, but now,—we are apprehensive,—in great part guilty of the sin of spiritual sabotage respecting the above truth of His Person and Office, while professing to be citizens of His Kingdom.
Let rulers and ruled cordially confess the truth of His Headship over His Church and over nations, and use it unashamedly,—yea, rather, glory in the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Then we may confidently expect Him to over-rule these sad calamities for our national benefit and the blessing of our fellowmen. Otherwise we may expect humiliation and sore, but merited, visitations in His righteous displeasure. One said, “I believed, and therefore have I spoken” (II. Cor. iv. 13). We also believe and therefore speak.