The Civil Magistrate and the Closing of Church
Does the Government have the authority to forcibly close Churches in a time of crisis, and should Christians comply?
It’s a good question. It seems easy to answer, but there is more to the subject than meets the eye. During this time, taking time apart to stop the spread of a potentially deadly disease is a wise thing to do. Many pastors are adapting quickly to continue providing spiritual leadership online. Good for them!
But back to the question, however. Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? Furthermore, how much control does the Government have over the Church in the USA? The answer may surprise you.
Many do not realize that most churches in America agreed to be controlled by the Government. This agreement started when someone, usually the pastor, voluntarily signed their Church up to become a State corporation. When churches incorporate, they agree to make the State their sovereign head and, in many states, give the State a wide-ranging regulatory authority over them.
What is a corporation? It is a fictitious legal “Person” created by the State. Most churches incorporate for the advantages and protections of the corporate legal structure, believing this is the only way to receive tax-deductible contributions. However, the Church is “non-taxable,” and all donations are automatically tax-deductible. The only reason an incorporated church needs to apply for 501(c)3 exemption is that it gives over its legal status of being part of the Church and becomes a State corporation, it becomes taxable because it is now a State created fictitious “person.” Now that it is taxable, it must apply for 501(c)3 tax-exemption. Some incorporate because they want liability protection. Given the fact that the corporate veil can be pierced reveals this is not a good reason to incorporate.
The incorporation of churches nullifies the line that once existed between Church and State once a church incorporates.
Why is it that American pastors rush to the State to become incorporated while, at the same time, the underground church is growing by leaps and bounds in oppressed countries? Many Christians don’t realize there are plenty of churches in tyrannical nations such as China. But Chinese officials are careful to monitor them to be sure they continue to comply. They have to be State licensed churches to stay open.
We’ve seen the State oppress the Church all throughout history. Brave men and women such as Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand of Romania refused to submit to communist oppression by being imprisoned and even tortured for Christ instead of becoming stooges for the State church. Instead of selling out to the State, Richard and Sabina suffered unimaginable atrocities for the cause of Christ and the Underground Church.
Compare that to the American Church, who, far too often, has adopted a business model of operation. Is it any wonder it seeks legitimacy through incorporation. Too many have become program-personality-entertainment-centered churches doing whatever it takes to survive. How different is that mentality from the New Testament Church that thrived in the hostile Roman Empire competing against countless religions, including the worship of the emperor as a symbol of the State?
So, if and when you hear Christians lamenting and bemoaning the supposed oppression of their church, remind them their church signed up for it when they signed their incorporation papers.
Jesus Christ said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) It’s time for the American Church to get out of bed with the Government through incorporation and become the Glorious Body of Christ once again. There may come a time when we will be required to defy the Government and gather for worship. (Acts 5:29) That time may even come during times of an epidemic where sick people need love, care, and hands-on prayer. (James 5:14+15)
Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? My answer is “Yes” and “No.”
Yes, the Government has the right and authority to close the 501(c)3 State Corporation church. Yes, members of incorporated churches should comply.
And
No, the Government does not have the authority to forcibly close the true Church. No, members of the true Church should not comply. For goodness sake, stay home for safety safe, but don't do it because the Government closed the Church through force or threat of force.
