Jurisdictions
God has established three jurisdictions or spheres of authority on earth.
Understanding jurisdictions is essential for establishing a biblical worldview.
Biblical jurisdictions are created, defined and upheld by the Law-Word of God found in the Scripture.
Three Jurisdictions Chart
Function
Family
Church
State
Purpose / Mission
Be fruitful and multiply / take dominion of the earth (Genesis 1:26-28)
Families produce human life.
Go make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all things (Matt. 28:19-20)
Churches produce spiritual life.
Sent for the punishment of evildoers and praise of those who do good. (1 Peter 2:14)
State protects life.
Appointed Authority
Fathers
(Ephesians 5:23; 6:4)
Elders (Titus 1)
Spiritual Leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
Civil magistrates (Romans 13:1-7)
Required Response
Honor Fathers / Parents
(Ephesians 6:2)
Honor Elders
(1 Timothy 5:17)
Honor Rulers
(Romans 13:7)
Discipline
Given the powers of the rod, rebuke, education, and instruction (Pr. 29:15).
Summarized: ROD
Given the power of the keys (church discipline), rebuke and instruction (Matthew 18).
Summarized: KEYS
Praise those who do good, power of the sword to kill, tax, and apply justice (Romans 13:1-7).
Summarized: SWORD