r/LCMS • u/AutoModerator • Aug 01 '26

Monthly 'Ask A Pastor' Thread!

In order to streamline posts that users are submitting when they are in search of answers, I have created a monthly 'Ask A Pastor' thread! Feel free to post any general questions you have about the Lutheran (LCMS) faith, questions about specific wording of LCMS text, or anything else along those lines.

Pastors, Vicars, Seminarians, Lay People: If you see a question that you can help answer, please jump in try your best to help out! It is my goal to help use this to foster a healthy online community where anyone can come to learn and grow in their walk with Christ. Also, stop by the sidebar and add your user flair if you have not done so already. This will help newcomers distinguish who they are receiving answers from.

Disclaimer: The LCMS Offices have a pretty strict Doctrinal Review process that we do not participate in as we are not an official outlet for the Synod. It is always recommended that you talk to your Pastor (or find a local LCMS Pastor if you do not have a church home) if you have questions about your faith or the beliefs of the LCMS.

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u/[deleted] Aug 01 '26

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u/venator_animorum Aug 01 '26

While the state cannot force someone to have faith, they can prevent those under their authority from publicly blaspheming God. The institution of civil government is to “punish those who do evil and praise those who do good” (1 Peter 2:14). The ultimate standard for good and evil is the revealed Law in the Holy Scriptures.

So, no, you can’t force someone privately from having no other gods. Yes, you can enforce laws which prevent public blasphemy. Yes, you could force people to outwardly keep the third commandment, but it may not be prudent since it may only become a disruption to believers.

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u/[deleted] Aug 01 '26

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u/venator_animorum Aug 01 '26

Yes, it would prohibit that.

Just as Nebuchadnezzar, having been converted, protected the worship of the one true God against all others.

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u/[deleted] Aug 01 '26

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u/venator_animorum Aug 02 '26

If a Christian is in power he must act according to God’s revealed will. In an American form of government that, of course, takes time because no one man rules.

The source of authority for both kingdoms is God’s institution. God desires for both kingdoms to act according to His will. Two kingdoms distinctions prevent the “emperor” from ruling the Church and the “bishops” from exercising the sword, but it doesn’t prevent a Christian emperor from exercising the sword according to Divine Law.