It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when called thereunto: in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth; so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the new testament, wage war, upon just and necessary occasion.
May Christians legitimately participate in civil government? Yes, according to the Confession. It is a good thing to enter into the service of God and the people by attempting to influence society for good, "to maintain piety, justice and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth." In 21st century America, few would doubt the benefits of striving for justice and peace, but I'm sure the Confession's exhortation to "maintain piety" would raise a number of eyebrows. This is, of course, entirely constitutional when interpreted strictly. However, the current environment would not as a whole be sympathetic to anyone attempting to adhere to these guidelines. So much the worse for the current environment. The United States of America is subject to the governing purposes of God. He has raised her up and he will bring her down in subjection to Jesus Christ in his time.
Furthermore, there are many who consider themselves Christians who would object vociferously at the Confession's permission for Christian magistrates to participate in war. This permission is hedged in by the requirements that such activity be both just and necessary. Whenever possible we should seek to be at peace with all men, but there come times when obedience to God's commandments necessitates forceful resistance to evil and ungodly men. Such actions should never be undertaken lightly or for anything but the purest motives.
Tomorrow: The relationship between church and state.
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