Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/491

141* (:But the religion of Jesus does not approve of this system. When the rule of Jesus was foretold by the angel, the House of Jacob meant the Church of the righteous, the sheep of Christ who hear his voices:)

Therefore he cannot rule over stinking goats, that is, straying Christians, because they do not listen to his voice (:but rather obey the authority of the combined Church and state.:)

The world is unable to follow his (Christ's) rule for its excellent perfection; for nowhere can man be governed both in matters which pertain to God and in matters which pertain to men, with such benefit for his soul as well as body, as in the sovereignty of King Jesus. We can confess these things by the (assurance of) faith. The royal government has no similarity with the government of King Jesus. A good Christian lives by faith and follows Christ in works; but, as mentioned before, according to the doctors such a Christian should be king with a pagan exercise of power over his sheep; however, , p. 136*.

John 10:27.

secular authority.