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Formula of Concord: Epitome

The brief summary of the Formula of Concord.

Formula of Concord

Articles That Cannot Be Tolerated in the Government.

Concordia Triglotta, 1921 English text

12 1. That under the New Testament the magistracy is not an estate pleasing to God.

13 2. That a Christian cannot with a good, inviolate conscience hold or discharge the office of magistrate.

14 3. That a Christian cannot without injury to conscience use the office of the magistracy against the wicked in matters as they occur [matters so requiring], nor that subjects may invoke for their protection and defense the power which the magistrates possess and have received from God.

15 4. That a Christian cannot with a good conscience take an oath, nor with an oath do homage [promise fidelity] to the hereditary prince of his country or sovereign.

16 5. That under the New Testament magistrates cannot, without injury to conscience, inflict capital punishment upon malefactors.