Church and State

CHURCH AND STATE 

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One Lord, Two Realms: Guarding the Distinction Between Church and State

In every age, the Church is tested—not only by persecution or false teaching, but by the subtle temptation to merge with political power. This often comes as opportunity: when the State favors the Church or offers to fund its work. At times, Christian leaders, though well-intentioned, seek spiritual influence through political alliances. Recent remarks by Kenya’s president about building a multi-billion-shilling church in State House are one example of this ongoing challenge. The goal here is not to judge his intentions, but to use this moment to stir the Church toward truth, clarity, and doctrinal faithfulness.

What does Scripture teach about the relationship between Church and State? How have God’s people misunderstood or abused this relationship? And why must we guard this distinction—not only for the Church’s purity but also for society’s peace?

In Matthew 22:21, Jesus gives one of the clearest teachings on authority:

“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

With this, Jesus affirms that Caesar (the State) and God (the spiritual realm) each have legitimate authority, but in distinct spheres. The State is ordained by God to maintain order, enforce justice, and protect life. The Church is ordained to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and uphold truth in a dark world. This distinction is reinforced by Paul in Romans 13:1–4 and 1 Timothy 3:15. The State is “the minister of God… for good,” bearing the sword to restrain evil. The Church is “the pillar and ground of the truth,” entrusted with the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), not the sword. One governs outward conduct by law; the other transforms the heart by the Word and Spirit.

The Church has often struggled to uphold this distinction. In the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church merged spiritual and political power, resulting in coercion, state-funded religion, and suppression of conscience. Reformers like Luther and Calvin opposed this abuse—though not without grappling with its complexities. Even Protestant states at times used civil authority to enforce religious conformity, punishing dissenters and repeating Rome’s errors. In modern times, regimes like Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia sought to replace God by politicizing truth and silencing the Church. The result was not unity but tyranny. When the State replaces the pulpit, morality becomes ideology. When the Church seeks power through politics, the gospel becomes a national slogan.

Let us be clear: separation does not mean silence. Believers are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), influencing the world through truth, prayer, and humble boldness. The Church must speak to the State—as Nathan spoke to David—but must never become the State or be used by it. God has not tasked civil leaders with building churches or shaping worship. That belongs to the people of God, through their gifts, offerings, and Spirit-led labor. When the State funds churches, it risks corrupting the message, favoring certain denominations, and turning worship into a political tool. Likewise, the Church must not seek legitimacy through proximity to power. Its authority comes from Christ alone, and its mission is to proclaim Him—in times of favor or persecution.

The Church today must recover the wisdom of Scripture and the warnings of history. In an age where spiritual language is often used for political ends, we must remind ourselves—and our people—that Christ is Lord over both Church and State, but has given each a distinct calling. Let the Church remain the voice of truth, the refuge of the soul, the herald of grace. Let the State fulfill its God-ordained duty: to protect life, uphold justice, and maintain peace. Both are under God. Both are accountable. But they are not the same. Let us teach our churches to discern this clearly—for the sake of the gospel, the purity of the Church, and the peace of the nation.

— Kenneth