The Duty of Monarchs and the Royal Law of Liberty

The primary duty of a monarch or citizen under God's government is to hold the divine law in the highest reverence, ensuring it is studied, recorded, and practiced as the foundation of all true libertySC1 22.3+1. While historical monarchs often used their power to enforce national religions or seize property, the true standard for a ruler is to hold power in subjection to the will of the Most HighARSH January 31, 1899, page 74.7+1.

The Responsibility to Study and Transcribe

• A Lifelong Study: Citizenship in heaven requires a diligent study of the Great Register's laws so that we may conduct ourselves properly both now and in the futureSITI June 9, 1887, page 342.14.

• Precise Transcription: It is considered a significant sin to carelessly mangle the Word of God when writing or copying scriptureARSH January 24, 1854, page 8.34.

• The Example of Solomon: Even Solomon, the most exalted monarch, recognized that his royalty was secondary to the moral obligations of the law, such as honoring his mother2BC 1025.2.

• Preservation of Principles: Samuel recorded the principles of the kingdom in a book to guard the liberties of the people and define the prerogatives of the princePP 611.2.

The Purpose of the Royal Law

The "royal law" is the law of the Great King, the Supreme Ruler of the universeRFOS 77.2+1. It is a perfect law of liberty that serves several functions:

• The Rule of Judgment: This law will be used to judge the words and actions of all men in the day of God James 2:12ARSH May 6, 1852, page 3.8+1.

• A Standard of Love: It is summarized by the command to love one's neighbor as oneself, a principle that underlies the ten commandments James 2:8RFOS 77.2+1.

• Immutable Authority: Because it emanates from the King eternal, it is an unbroken covenant that remains in full force, including the seventh-day SabbathARSH October 7, 1851, page 37.2+1.

Christ as the Ultimate Royal Example

Jesus Christ, the Majesty of heaven, provided the perfect model of how divine authority relates to the law:

• Laying Aside the Crown: To reach humanity, Christ laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown to teach the laws of life and salvationPCP 24.4+1.

• Magnifying the Law: He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill and magnify it, making it honorable Matthew 5:17SITL 29.3+1.

• True Leadership: In His kingdom, the greatest are those who serve, as Christ Himself took the form of a servant despite His full consciousness of His divinityDA 644.5+1.

The Danger of Kingly Rule

Human history shows a frequent departure from these principles through the assertion of "kingly power" or monarchical tyrannyARSH January 31, 1899, page 74.7+1.

• Self-Exaltation: Monarchical power has often been used to compel recognize of human authority by force rather than by the consent of the governedAMS July 31, 1890, page 233.8+1.

• Warning to the Church: Organizations must be alert to prevent a "kingly" type of leadership from reasserting itself, as God forbids plans that fasten institutions to a single, central ruling powerPM 143.4+1.

• The Shift to Republics: The absence of crowns in certain prophetic symbols suggests a government where power is lodged in the hands of the people rather than a kingly ruling memberDAR1909 579.2+1.

True restoration to manhood comes through subjection to the will of Christ and his royal lawTe 110.2. Every individual has a work to do and a responsibility to use their talents for the glory of God's name 1 Peter 2:9PH005 15.3+1.