One of the great things about Presbyterian government is that it was the polity used to condemn Jesus to death and get him crucified. It wasn’t the last time. Proper government can be used by Satan as well as by God.

But the good news is that God vindicated Jesus and so he vindicates all his servants. “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” (Rev 2.9). “Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet and they will learn that I have loved you” (Rev 3.9). During the Reformation many a martyr was not only killed, but declared an outcast from the Kingdom of God by those who were sure they were in God’s inner circle.

Weren’t they surprised.