Counsel #4 — Limitations Of Political Enforcement

Picture: Counsel #4 — Limitations Of Political EnforcementCSI 47.1

Though many forms of wrongdoing were punished physically in the divinely guided government of Old Testament Israel, some wrongs Israel was not granted authority to discipline (see Leviticus 20:7-9, 22-26). The principle underlying the scope and limitations of civil government is found in Genesis 9:6.CSI 47.2

“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.” This principle of government intervention in the case of physical harm to person or property would preclude punishment for worshiping in a manner different from the ruling majority.CSI 47.3

In modern times, early Seventh-day Adventists quickly developed a broader agenda than fighting merely for themselves against Sunday legislation. Through the American Sentinel (forerunner of Liberty magazine) and the National Religious Liberty Association, Adventists agitated against all forms of governmental restrictions on liberty of conscience.^{[84]https://www.adventistliberty.org/why-religious-liberty-matters,-case-study-romania-2009-2015.pdf}CSI 47.4

“But Jesus said to [Peter], ‘Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish byCSI 47.5

the sword.’”Matthew 26:52 NKJVCSI 47.6

“Like the early Pilgrims [Roger Williams] came [to the New World - America] to enjoy religious freedom; but unlike them, he saw—what so few in his time had seen—that this freedom was the inalienable right of all, whatever might be their creed.” Ellen White in The Great Controversy, p. 293CSI 47.7

Reflect: Would you support efforts to preserve religious liberty for a religious practice that you do not approve? Why or why not? CSI 47.8