IN the present stress of War, the Synod is concerned with the moral and spiritual issues as these affect the National Welfare, and would present the following statement to our people for their consideration.
God’s Relationship to Nations. God reigneth as the Moral Governor of men and nations, and requires of such, according to His most perfect law, that which is morally right, and forbids what is morally wrong. He recognises obedience and punishes disobedience. Christ as Mediatorial King has the government upon His shoulder, and has in view the universal establishment of His Kingdom on earth, the subjection of His enemies and the promotion of His divine glory.
Civil Government an Ordinance of God. Christ as Divine Wisdom claims, “By me Kings reign and Princes decree justice” (Prov. viii. 15). Further, Scripture states “For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom. xiii. 6). Civil Government is according to the divine will. Civil rulers in exercising their authority are to do so as the ministers or servants of God, for good to the people over whom they are set. The people are enjoined by Scripture to submit themselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, to
the King as supreme and unto Governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do dwell.—I. Peter ii. 13-14. “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid for he beareth not the sword in vain” etc. (Rom. xiii. 14). These principles Christians are required to maintain and defend in a day when Christ’s supreme and delegated authority is not recognised by many.
The Present Conflict. In Nazi Germany, Hitler, race and state are virtually deified. It denies liberty of conscience, opposes Christ’s gospel and persecutes Jews and Christians. International treaties and covenants are disregarded and the principle that “might is right” is put in operation by resort to force of arms against weaker nations. As an outcome of ruthless aggression Germany has unsheathed the sword. Further, it is obvious that the independence and civil and religious liberties we enjoy yet in Britain are threatened by this wicked aggressive policy of Nazism.
Britain Involved. We thankfully acknowledge that there still exists in our land fruits from Christian and Gospel principles and influence, viz., Democratic Government, liberty of conscience, the even administration of justice, efforts to ameliorate the lot of the poor, asylum readily given to persecuted outcasts of other lands, and the work of Bible Societies in their world-wide circulating of the Scriptures. The gift of a New Testament to members of His Majesty’s forces has been accompanied by a recommendation from His Majesty to turn to this source of divine comfort. These things contribute to our national repugnance toward Nazi paganism, persecution and aggression—and our desire to defend the independence of weaker nations, to uphold justice in international activities—and our determination to meet the undoubted challenge to our own civil and religious liberties. For these reasons, among others, our nation has entered upon war with Germany, and that consistent with the New Testament principle whereby the civil magistrate uses not the sword in vain.
The Judgment of War. It is consistent with the divine government of nations, that although the solemn step of declaring
war was taken by Britain with a clear conscience, yet Christ has a controversy with Britain as with Germany and other nations on account of sin. War is a scourge permitted for the punishment of Nations. Therefore, the inevitable sufferings and sorrows arising from the war, in the light of our sins and backslidings, should be viewed as a revelation of Divine anger against us as a nation. Our sins which call for this are many. Among them are: (1) Sabbath desecration; (2) Neglect of Divine worship in public and private; (3) Countenance of the Papacy.
Our Duty in These Circumstances. Our greatest need is repentance. The removal of divine judgments cannot be looked for apart from national repentance. “If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Let us bear one another’s burdens by bringing to the Throne of Grace those whose lives are in jeopardy in defence of our nation, that they may put their trust in the God of salvation. We would sympathise with the bereaved and the suffering and direct them to Him whose sympathy is unfailing. We are to pray for kings and all in authority. They need grace for their souls and for their office. With respect to our enemies, let us pray that they may obtain repentance and deliverance from evil. There is a godly remnant in Germany, and some of them suffering for the faith of the Gospel. They mourn as we do that our respective nations are being dashed against each other. We feel for them. To the same Lord our prayers ascend that falsehood and tyranny, wherever found, may be overthrown, and that mercy, truth and righteousness may prevail, that bloodshed may cease, and a just peace be established.
Conclusion. Let us remember the Lord will not cast off for ever, but though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. According to His promise, the time will come when all the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord. “The Lord reigneth.” To His name by the Glory.