This is an open forum post to weekly share comments from those who heard and benefited from the Gospel of Matthew series in GRBC.

PARA 1 – Baptism and Lord’s supper are of positive and Sovereign institution

1._____ Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.
( Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:26 )

Explanation of “of positive and sovereign institution”

Some of God’s laws are binding on all people in all places at all times. This is so simply because people are made by God to bear His image (Genesis 1:26, 27). We would call these laws “moral”, and they are summarized in the Ten Commandments. All men, simply because they are the intelligent creatures of God, should worship Him exclusively, in the way that He prescribes, with reverence, and especially on His holy day. They should always respect authority, life, sexual purity, the truth, and property. It could never be otherwise simply because of who God is and because of who we are.

There are other commandments of God which are not moral. It is not a matter of moral necessity, for example, that God be worshiped only in Jerusalem, and only in one building in that city. Nor is it a matter of moral necessity that a man refrain from eating pork products. God has a perfect right to issue such commands and require obedience from his people, of course, but they are not moral laws. We would call these laws “positive.”  In making such demands upon His creatures, God is exercising His sovereignty; He is acting as king over His creation.

The Confession says that baptism and the Lord’s Supper fall into the latter category of laws. They were not always binding. They were not commanded until the time of Jesus Christ (cf. Chapter 29, paragraph 1; and Chapter 30, paragraph 1). They belong to the era of the new covenant.

Eg:  Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat the fruit of a particular tree. This was a true test of their love for God. There seemed to be no good reason to obey this command, except that it was a command of God. Same way observing baptism and Lord’s Supper is matter of obedience to Lord Jesus “the only lawgiver”. He is the only One who has the authority to issue such orders to the churches. The churches may add no others. No individual or group of individuals may assume the authority of Jesus Christ.   There can be little doubt that this statement is meant as a rejection of the authority of a pope. 

There are many churches that would not think of bowing the knee to a pope, but neither do they acknowledge the sole authority of Jesus Christ. There are many churches that order their worship in accordance with the ideas of men rather than the words of Scripture.

Some churches, for example, are bound by a tradition which does not reflect the teaching of the Scriptures. They do what they do because they have always done it that way! Other churches do what they do because they think it will make worship more interesting to the members and more appealing to prospective visitors.

The Confession reminds us that only Jesus Christ possesses the authority to order the worship in His churches, and He consciously exercises that authority. Pastors are to see to it that the will of Christ is implemented (1 Timothy 3:14, 15). The worship in our congregations should be based upon the Scriptures, even if that means changing things that have been done for years, and even if it does not seem to be appealing to men.

The Duration of the Ordinances

“to be continued in his church to the end of the world”

There are some features present in the churches described in Scripture that are not to be regarded as permanent institutions. We read, for example, of apostles and prophets. We are told of tongue sspeaking and miraculous powers. There are are not meant to be permanent but rather temporary.  These ordinances, by way of contrast, are not temporary, but permanent. They are “to be continued in his church to the end of the world”. Wherever and whenever Christian disciples are made and Christian churches are established, we should expect to see those disciples baptized and brought into those churches according to great commission in Mat 28.

The founder of Quakerism, George Fox, lamented the deadness found in many churches. Accordingly, he emphasized the importance of a genuine relationship with God which would permeate all of life. He and his followers known as the Society of Friends rejected all outward forms of religion, including baptism and the Lord’s Supper. 

While it is certainly true that the ordinances must not become a substitute for a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ, it is also true that Christ has commanded His disciples to be baptized and to observe the Lord’s Supper on a regular basis. The ordinances need not be formal and lifeless! The proper response to an abuse of the ordinances is not rejection, but personal repentance, and a restoration of the ordinances to their proper place in the church.

PARA 2 – Pastors or pastor delegates are to administer ordinances.

2._____ These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.
( Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 4:1 )

Introductory Notes

The framers of the Confession did not regard the ordinances of church as issues of minor importance. They could have inserted a paragraph or two about ordinances in chapter 26, “Of the Church”.  Instead, three entire chapters are devoted to the ordinances!  Each ordinance is treated separately (baptism in chapter 29, the Lord’s Supper in chapter 30).   New Testament ordinances are not just outward religious ceremonies, a correct understanding of the ordinances is dependent upon a correct understanding of the gospel itself.    Now in chapter 28, we have a general statement on the two New Testament ordinances.   

Baptism is a picture of the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection, with all of the attending benefits of that saving union. In the Lord’s Supper, believers express their unreserved commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and to His people. Far from being minor details of church life, these ordinances are precious gifts of Christ. They are visual displays of the amazing grace of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and of the appropriate response of repentance and faith.

In the employment of the word “ordinance”, the 1689 departs from the language of the Westminster Confession of Faith which had been published by English Presbyterians in 1646.  That confession employs the word “sacrament” rather than “ordinance” in referring to baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  Baptists consciously rejected the word “sacrament” and substituted the word “ordinance” wanting to avoid even the suggestion that there is any saving grace actually communicated in baptism and the Lord’s Supper (as taught by Roman Catholics also falsely teaching it is the activity and the intention of the priest, rather than the spiritual state of the participant, upon which the sacrament mainly depends for its efficacy).

Whether we call them sacraments or ordinances, it is important that we understand that baptism and the Lord’s Supper do not save anyone. They are vivid pictures of the redemption that comes to the believer through the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the appropriate response of faith and repentance which must be made by the believer, but the ordinances themselves do not and cannot save.

This point cannot be emphasized too much. In every generation, the church must guard against the constant tendency to equate saving religion with the observance of religious ceremonies. There is something of a desire in every sinful heart to be on good terms with God without actually obeying God. Many people wish to be saved from the penalty of sin while they themselves continue to live in their sin, and they frequently look to the ministers of the church to make the necessary arrangements with God. Most often, baptism and the Lord’s Supper are seen as those channels through which grace automatically flows.

That is why the church must make it very clear that participation in baptism and the Lord’s Supper will not benefit anyone who does not truly repent of his sins and exercise saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Protestant Reformers made it a rule that the ordinances were never to be separated from the Word. Whenever a baptism takes place, or whenever the Lord’s Supper is observed, the act is explained from the Scriptures, and the absolute necessity of repentance and faith is emphasized.

It is interesting to note that this principle even influenced church architecture. In Roman Catholic cathedrals, the altar is at the center of the platform, while the pulpit is off to the side. The Reformers changed that, placing the pulpit at the center, emphasizing the centrality of the preaching of the Word. The baptismal tank and the table which holds the elements of the Lord’s Supper are usually present and visible, but are not as prominent as the pulpit.

Acknowledges for notes:  Bob Carr

Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints

PARA 1 – Basis and nature of Communion of Saints

1._____ All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their head, by his Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.
( 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Philippians 3:10; Romans 6:5, 6; Ephesians 4:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14; Romans 1:12; 1 John 3:17, 18; Galatians 6:10 )

OUTLINE

1. Basis of this communion is believer’s union with Christ.
   • All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their head, by his Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with him.
2. Inestimable blessings of believer’s union with Christ
   • have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and,
3. Horizontal obligation flowing from this vertical union with Christ
   • being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces, are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

Comments:  This is basis of all NT commands of ‘one another’- Love one another, pray for one another, forgive, bear, be gentle, speak truth, do good, etc.  A correct understanding of union with Christ undergirds our duties to fellow believers.

PARA 2 – Duties flowing from Communion of Saints.

2._____ Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities; which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families, or churches, yet, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, doth not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.
( Hebrews 10:24, 25; Hebrews 3:12, 13; Acts 11:29, 30; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Corinthians 12:14-27; Acts 5:4; Ephesians 4:28 )

OUTLINE

1.  Duties flowing from the communion of Saints: 

Saints by profession are bound to

1. maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and
2. in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;
3. as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities;

2. Rule of this communion

• which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families, or churches, yet, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus;

3. Qualification of this communion

• nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, doth not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.

(Comments:  This communion doesn’t allow a brother to infringe on the property of another and prevents one taking advantage of another.)

Chapter 26 is divided into two sections. The first section, paragraphs 1-4, deals with the universal church. The second section, paragraphs 5-15, concerns the local church.

UNIVERSAL CHURCH

PARA -1 – The Universal Church as invisible People of God

1._____ The catholic or universal church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace) may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
( Hebrews 12:23; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:10, 22, 23; Ephesians 5:23, 27, 32 )

OUTLINE

Internal Aspects of Universal church

1. Formed by the internal work of Spirit and truth of grace
2. They are invisible
3. Consists the whole number of elect
4. Bride of Christ
5. Body of Christ
6. Fullness of him that fills all in all
7. They shall be gathered into one under Christ, their head.

PARA -2  The Universal Church as visible the People of God

2._____ All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.
( 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 11:26; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:20-22 )

OUTLINE

External/visible Aspects of Universal church

All persons throughout the world,

1. Professing the faith of the gospel, and
2. Obedience unto God by Christ according unto it,
3. not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or
4. unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.
   
   

PARA 3 – The Perpetuity of the Universal Church

3._____ The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan; nevertheless Christ always hath had, and ever shall have a kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.
( 1 Corinthians 5; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 18:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12; Matthew 16:18; Psalms 72:17; Psalm 102:28; Revelation 12:17 )

OUTLINE

1. No church is pure on earth.
   • The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error
2. Some degenerate and become churches of Satan.
   • some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan;
3. Yet Christ will always have his church in this world till the end of age.
   • nevertheless Christ always hath had, and ever shall have a kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.
     
     

PARA 4 – The Government of the Universal Church

4._____ The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner; neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
( Colossians 1:18; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11, 12; 2 Thessalonians 2:2-9 )

OUTLINE

1. Universal church is structured under the Headship of the exalted Jesus (under the rule of Christ exercised through His Spirit and scriptures given through apostles).
   • The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father,
2. Lord Jesus appoints elders and deacons and exercises His supreme rule through them
   • all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner
3. Pope can never be head of the church as he is
   1. antichrist,
   2. that man of sin, and
   3. son of perdition,
   4. that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and
   5. all that is called God;
   6. whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
      
      

LOCAL CHURCH

Features of Local Church – Para 5-7

PARA 5 – Building and the purpose of local church

5._____ In the execution of this power wherewith he is so intrusted, the Lord Jesus calleth out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father, that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his word. Those thus called, he commandeth to walk together in particular societies, or churches, for their mutual edification, and the due performance of that public worship, which he requireth of them in the world.
( John 10:16; John 12:32; Matthew 28:20; Matthew 18:15-20 )

1. Jesus builds His church with the power intrusted to Him by

1. Calling out of the world unto himself,
2. Through the ministry of his word,
3. By his Spirit,
4. Those that are given unto him by his Father, that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his word

2. Dual purpose of local church – horizontal and vertical

1. Horizontal – Edification
   • Those thus called, he commandeth to walk together in particular societies, or churches, for their mutual edification
2. Vertical – Worship of God with Regulative Principle
   • the due performance of that public worship, which he requireth of them in the world.

PARA 6 – Membership in the Local Church

6._____ The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.
( Romans. 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 2:41, 42; Acts 5:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 9:13 )

OUTLINE

1. Evangelical definition of members of local church
   • The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; and
2. Believers become members voluntarily
   • Do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ;
3. Believers commit themselves and submit to local church
   • Giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.
     (Commitment to local church include things like attendance at the stated meetings, tithing, family life, evangelism, exercise of liberties, church discipline and submission to the recognized leadership of the church are some of the things described in the section of the Constitution having to do with church membership.)

PARA 7- The Power and Authority of the Local Church

7._____ To each of these churches thus gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he hath given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline, which he hath instituted for them to observe; with commands and rules for the due and right exerting, and executing of that power.
( Matthew 18:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 5:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 )

OUTLINE

1. Christ has granted authority to each local church through his word
   • To each of these churches thus gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he hath given all that power and authority.
2.  Scope of church authority
   • Any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline, which he hath instituted for them to observe; with commands and rules for the due and right exerting, and executing of that power.

(Comments:  This asserts local church autonomy and independence and argues against any ecclesiastical structure erected over the local church that intervenes between the local church and the Lord Jesus the head of the church)

Government of the local church – Para 8-13

PARA 8 – The Officers in the Government of the Local Church

8._____ A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons.
( Acts 20:17, 28; Philippians 1:1 )

OUTLINE

1. Local church to be organized so as to represent the rule of Christ should have officers
   • A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and
2. Christ appointed officers are be chosen and ordained by the local church
   • the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered),
3. Responsibility of officers
   1. for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and
   2. execution of power or duty, which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons.
4. Scripture recognizes only two officers of church to the end of the world
   • Bishops or elders, and deacons to be continued to the end of the world.

(The ordinances refer to worship which comprises the public means of grace such as preaching, public prayer, and the administration of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.   The execution of power or duty would entail pastoral prayer, laboring in the Word and doctrine, and pastoral visitation and counselling).

PARA 9 – Selection and Ordination of Officers

9._____ The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself; and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein; and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.
( Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:14; Acts 6:3, 5, 6 )

OUTLINE

Identification and selection of Officers

1. Christ appoints a man for church office by fitting and gifting him by the Holy Spirit
   • The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church,  (The fitness and giftedness of a potential officer is described in 1 Tim 3:1-13; Tit 1:5-9 and 1 Pt 5:1-4).
2. Process of recognizing officers is by common voting process by local church
   • The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself;

Ordination of Officers

• The ordination is a sober event hence to be done  
  • solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein;
• Same procedure to be followed for selection of deacon
  •  of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.

PARA 10 – Duties and Support for Pastors

10.____ The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches, in the ministry of the word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him; it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability, so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs; and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others; and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who hath ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.
( Acts 6:4; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Galatians 6:6, 7; 2 Timothy 2:4; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Corinthians 9:6-14 )

OUTLINE

1. Duties of Pastor:  The work of pastors
   1. being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches,
   2. in the ministry of the word and prayer,
   3. with watching for their souls,
2. Attitude with which to perform these duties
   • as they that must give an account to Him
3. Church is responsible to provide material support to pastors
   • it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect,
   • but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability,
4. Extent of material support
   1. so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs; and
   2. may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others;
5. Basis for this support – Nature and Gospel commands
   1. this is required by the law of nature, and
   2. by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who hath ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.
      
      

PARA 11 – Prepare other men to preach

11.____ Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.
( Acts 11:19-21; 1 Peter 4:10, 11 )

OUTLINE

1. Preaching is primary but not exclusive responsibility of pastors
   • Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them
2. Hence other men can be prepared and used for preaching who are
   1. Gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and
   2. Approved and
   3. Called by the church, may and ought to perform it.
      
      

PARA 12 – Discipline of the Local Church

12.____ As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.
( 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14, 15 )

OUTLINE

1. All true Christians bounded duty and desire is to join a local church
   • As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do
2. Christians are not only admitted to the privileges, but also to be under formative discipline of the church
   • so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.

PARA 13 – Interpersonal conflicts of the Local Church

13.____ No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.
( Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:2, 3 )

OUTLINE

Situation:  Offense has emerged between two or more members in the church. The offended brother has performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at. In other words, the procedure of Mt 18:15-17 has been followed but the offense has not been removed.   When this process fails between two members of the local church, and there is interpersonal conflict, the Confession urges those involved to continue to maintain their involvement in the church, not allow personal concern as cause for disturbance in the church, nor should he justify a disorderly walk by absenting himself from the gatherings of the church. He should not launch into a campaign to vindicate himself and build a case against the offending brother by gossiping, or any public display of disturbance. Instead he should pursue the directives of Mt 18:15-17. and to look to Christ to act through the ministry of the church to bring about a peaceful resolution.

1. Interpersonal conflict between church members should not disturb the order of the church. 
   • No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at,
2. Don’ts
   1. ought not to disturb any church-order, or
   2. absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or
   3. administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members
3. Dos
   • but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.

The encouragement to wait upon Christ, in further proceeding of the church reminds us that Christ lives with His people and is present when we gather before Him. The various disciplinary issues cited in Rv 2 and 3 are all seen as being addressed by Christ Himself. There is none more zealous for the purity and well-being of the church than Jesus.

INTER-CHURCH RELATIONS

PARA 14 – Nature of inter-church communion

14.____ As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.
( Ephesians 6:18; Psalms 122:6; Romans 16:1, 2; 3 John 8-10 )

OUTLINE

1. Inter-church fellowship through prayer for one another
   • As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places
2. Inter-church teams to build one another with gifts
   • upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces,
3. Regional Inter-churches to hold communion
   • so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves,
4. Purpose of Inter-churches communion
   1. for their peace,
   2. increase of love, and
   3. mutual edification.
      
      

PARA 15 – Directives to resolve inter-church differences in doctrine or practice.

15.____ In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned; howbeit these messengers assembled, are not intrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.
( Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23, 25; 2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 John 4:1 )

OUTLINE

1. Situation of inter-church differences in doctrine or practice.
   • In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order:
2. Resolving the inter-church differences according to mind of Christ
   1. Many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and
   2. give their advice in or about that matter in difference,
   3. to be reported to all the churches concerned;
3. A word of caution
   1. Messengers does not constitute an authoritative body over any regional churches (or suprachurch structure).
      • howbeit these messengers assembled, are not intrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves,
   2. Messengers do not have any authority to discipline church or members
      • to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.
        
        

Messengers are assembled simply to give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned. As a gathering of counselors they are not to seek to do those things that Christ has assigned the local church do to.  By the pooling of many counselors, it is hoped that the way of wisdom and gospel resolution will be obtained and that the counsel of the messengers would then be reported to all the churches concerned

Misunderstanding of this has led to the all suprachurch structure institutions, committees, regional bishops, associations, boards, and unbiblical forms of church government we see in all non-baptistic churches with wrong understanding of so-called “Jerusalem Council.”   This has destroyed the biblical mandate of autonomy and independence of local churches.  The last two paragraphs of the Confession, although advocating local church independence and autonomy, does not advocate local church isolation.

PARA 1 –  General basics of Marriage

1._____ Marriage is to be between one man and one woman; neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time.
( Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:15; Matthew 19:5,6 )

OUTLINE

1. God’s lawful design of marriage is monogamy
   • Marriage is to be between one man and one woman;
2. God’s lawful design does not include polygamy
   • neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time.

PARA 2- – Purpose of Marriage

2._____ Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife, for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and the preventing of uncleanness.
( Genesis 2:18; Genesis 1:28; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9 )

OUTLINE

Three Purposes of Marriage

1. mutual help of husband and wife,
2. for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and
3. the preventing of uncleanness.
   
   

PARA 3 – Marriage is honorable among all

3._____ It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able with judgment to give their consent; yet it is the duty of Christians to marry in the Lord; and therefore such as profess the true religion, should not marry with infidels, or idolaters; neither should such as are godly, be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are wicked in their life, or maintain damnable heresy.
( Hebrews 13:4; 1 Timothy 4:3; 1 Corinthians 7:39; Nehemiah 13:25-27 )

OUTLINE

1. Marriage is a marriage, even among non-Christians
   • It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able with judgment to give their consent
2. Believer’s duty is to marry in the Lord  
   • yet it is the duty of Christians to marry in the Lord;
3. Believers are not to marry
   1. Infidels,
   2. idolaters;
   3. godly, be unequally yoked,
   4. wicked in their life, or
   5. maintain damnable heresy

PARA 4- Marriage within consanguinity is forbidden (descended from the same ancestor/between brothers and sisters).

4._____ Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity, forbidden in the Word; nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful, by any law of man or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife.
( Leviticus 18; Mark 6:18; 1 Corinthians 5:1 )

PARA 1 – Ordination and Purpose of Civil Government

1._____ God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers. ( Romans 13:1-4 )

OUTLINE

1. Civil Government ordained by God
   • God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people,
2. Purpose of Civil Government
   • for his own glory and the public good; and
3. Civil Rulers entrusted the Power of the Sword
   • to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.
     
     

PARA 2 – Christians permitted to work for Civil Government

2._____ It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called there unto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.
( 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalms 82:3, 4; Luke 3:14 )

OUTLINE

1. Christians permitted to serve in Civil Government
   • It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called there unto;
2. Conduct of Christians serving in Civil Government
   • as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth,
3. War lawful for Christians
   • so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.

PARA 3- Christian’s attitude towards Civil Government

3._____ Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
( Romans 13:5-7; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 )

OUTLINE

1. Christians obligated to submit to their Rulers
   • Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake;
2. Christians obligated to pray for their Rulers
   • we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.

Background for chapter 23 and 24: During spread of reformation, some governments were evil.  Few reformers opposed it.  Anabaptists went to an extreme and opposed everything government said or did.  Within them, there were groups who didn’t submit to government and forbid taking up govt jobs.  They refused to join police, military judiciary, or politics because these jobs required them to take oaths, and they believed Bible completely forbids taking oaths.  There was real confusion of a believer’s relationship with government.  Framers of our confession wrote chapter 23 and 24 in this background and set forth a properly balanced biblical view in these two chapters about appropriateness of taking oaths on important occasions and believer’s attitude towards civil government.

PARA 1 – Taking Oath is an act of religious worship

1._____ A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in truth, righteousness, and judgement, solemnly calleth God to witness what he sweareth, and to judge him according to the truth or falseness thereof.
( Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 10:20; Jeremiah 4:2; 2 Chronicles 6:22, 23 )

OUTLINE

When you take an oath, remember

1. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship swearing in
   1. truth,
   2. righteousness, and
   3. judgement,
2. You are solemnly calling God into your situation
   1. solemnly calleth God to witness what you are swearing , and
   2. to judge you according to the truth or falseness thereof

PARA 2 – Oaths are to be taken only in God’s name.

2._____ The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used, with all holy fear and reverence; therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred; yet as in matter of weight and moment, for confirmation of truth, and ending all strife, an oath is warranted by the word of God; so a lawful oath being imposed by lawful authority in such matters, ought to be taken.
( Matthew 5:34, 37; James 5:12; Hebrews 6:16; 2 Corinthians 1:23; Nehemiah 13:25 )

OUTLINE

1. Oaths are to be taken only in God’s name.
   • The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear
2. Hence the manner of swearing should be
   • with all holy fear and reverence
3. Swearing vainly rashly is sinful
   • therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful and to be abhorred
4. Word of God permits such oaths at certain solemn occasions
   • yet as in matter of weight and moment, for confirmation of truth, and ending all strife, an oath is warranted by the word of God; so a lawful oath being imposed by lawful authority in such matters, ought to be taken.

(Eg:  Marriage vows, Church membership, elder or deacon ordination, before civil judge, taking up a police, military or judicial roles, etc.).

PARA 3 – Biblical Oath is a serious matter.

3._____ Whosoever taketh an oath warranted by the Word of God, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he knoweth to be truth; for that by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked, and for them this land mourns.
( Leviticus 19:12; Jeremiah 23:10 )

OUTLINE

1. Oath is a serious matter
   • Whosoever taketh an oath warranted by the Word of God, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act,
2. Oaths should be based on truth
   • and therein to avouch nothing but what he knoweth to be truth;
3. False oaths anger the Lord.
   • for that by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked, and for them this land mourns.

PARA 4 – Language of oaths to be crystal clear (don’t play with words!).

4._____ An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation or mental reservation.
( Psalms 24:4 ) (Ps. 24:4)

PARA 5 – Biblical oaths must be kept meticulously

5._____ A vow, which is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all religious care and faithfulness; but popish monastical vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.
( Psalms 76:11; Genesis 28:20-22; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9; Ephesians 4:28; Matthew 19:11 )

OUTLINE

1. Biblical oath is to be made only to God and kept meticulously
   • A vow, which is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all religious care and faithfulness
2. Unbiblical oaths don’t bind us and can be broken to follow revealed will of God.  
   • but popish monastical vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection
3. Christians should avoid all unbiblical vows
   • that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself

PARA 1 – Need of worship and acceptable way of worship

1._____ The light of nature shews that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imagination and devices of men, nor the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.
( Jeremiah 10:7; Mark 12:33; Deuteronomy 12:32; Exodus 20:4-6 )

OUTLINE

1. The duty of worship is established by the light of nature.
   • The light of nature shews that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might
2. Acceptable way of worship is established only by the light of revelation.
   • But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will,
3. God should not be worshiped by any man’s ideas (however well intentioned), but only as commanded in Holy Scriptures
   • that he may not be worshipped according to the imagination and devices of men, nor the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.

Comments: This forbids the normative principle –we are free to do anything in worship not forbidden by the Bible.   Scripture and history teaches God accepts only the regulative principle in his worship (we are free to worship God only in the way that he has actually commanded and required in scripture – Deuteronomy 12.32, Leviticus 10.1-3).

PARA 2 – The only object of worship

2._____ Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures; and since the fall, not without a mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone.
( Matthew 4:9, 10; John 6:23; Matthew 28:19; Romans 1:25; Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5 )

OUTLINE

1. The triune God, the whole Godhead is only object of worship
   • Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone
2. Worship is forbidden to any other creatures apart from them.
   • and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures;
3. After fall, worship is accepted only through Christ as the only mediator
   • since the fall, not without a mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone

PARA 3 – Acceptable prayer

3._____ Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one part of natural worship, is by God required of all men. But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to his will; with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue.
( Psalms 95:1-7; Psalms 65:2; John 14:13, 14; Romans 8:26; 1 John 5:14; 1 Corinthians 14:16, 17 )

OUTLINE

1. Duty of prayer
   • Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one part of natural worship, is by God required of all men
2. Three aspects of acceptable prayer
   1. it is to be made in the name of the Son
   2. by the help of the Spirit
   3. according to his will;
3. Eight heart attitudes of acceptable prayer
   1. with understanding,
   2. reverence,
   3. humility,
   4. fervency,
   5. faith,
   6. love, and
   7. perseverance; and when with others,
   8. in a known tongue.
      
      

PARA 4 – Substance of acceptable prayer

4._____ Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.
( 1 Timothy 2:1, 2; 2 Samuel 7:29; 2 Samuel 12:21-23; 1 John 5:16 )

OUTLINE

1. Range of prayer
   • Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter;
2. Prohibition of prayer
   • but not for the dead, nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.

PARA 5- Elements of acceptable worship

5._____ The reading of the Scriptures, preaching, and hearing the Word of God, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord; as also the administration of baptism, and the Lord’s supper, are all parts of religious worship of God, to be performed in obedience to him, with understanding, faith, reverence, and godly fear; moreover, solemn humiliation, with fastings, and thanksgivings, upon special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.
( 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2; Luke 8:18; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Esther 4:16; Joel 2:12; Exodus 15:1-19, Psalms 107 )

OUTLINE

A. Five elements of acceptable worship

1.  The reading of the Scriptures,
2. preaching, and hearing the Word of God, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and
3. spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord;
4. as also the administration of baptism, and
5. the Lord’s supper, are all parts of religious worship of God,

B. Heart attitudes while engaged in elements of worship.

1. to be performed in obedience to him,
2. with understanding,
3. faith,
4. reverence, and
5. godly fear;
6. moreover, solemn humiliation, with fastings, and thanksgivings, upon special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.

PARA 6- Place of Acceptable Worship

6._____ Neither prayer nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel, tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself; so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor wilfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God by his word or providence calleth thereunto.
( John 4:21; Malachi 1:11; 1 Timothy 2:8; Acts 10:2; Matthew 6:11; Psalms 55:17; Matthew 6:6; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42 )

OUTLINE

1. No place is made holy by worship, nor is our worship made holy by any place
   • Neither prayer nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel, tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed
2. Worship anywhere.
   • but God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth;
3. Forms of worship
   1. as in private families daily, and
   2. in secret each one by himself;
   3. so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor wilfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God by his word or providence calleth thereunto.

PARA 7- Institution of a Day of Worship

7._____ As it is the law of nature, that in general a proportion of time, by God’s appointment, be set apart for the worship of God, so by his Word, in a positive moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a sabbath to be kept holy unto him, which from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ was the last day of the week, and from the resurrection of Christ was changed into the first day of the week, which is called the Lord’s day: and is to be continued to the end of the world as the Christian Sabbath, the observation of the last day of the week being abolished.
( Exodus 20:8; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10 )

OUTLINE

1. Sabbath principle binding on all men for all ages
   • As it is the law of nature, that in general a proportion of time, by God’s appointment, be set apart for the worship of God, so by his Word, in a positive moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a sabbath to be kept holy unto him
2. Christian Sabbath didn’t change the purpose of the sabbath, but did alter the day of its celebration.
   • which from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ was the last day of the week, and from the resurrection of Christ was changed into the first day of the week, which is called the Lord’s day: and is to be continued to the end of the world as the Christian Sabbath, the observation of the last day of the week being abolished.
     
     

PARA 8 –  Proper employment of our time and energies on Sabbath

8._____ The sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.
( Isaiah 58:13; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Matthew 12:1-13 )

OUTLINE

1. Duty and Preparation for Sabbath
   • The sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand,
2. Three basic principles for Lord’s day activity.
   1. observe an holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations,
   2. but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and
   3. in the duties of necessity and mercy.

PARA 1 – Description of Christian Liberty

1._____ The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel, consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the rigour and curse of the law, and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin, from the evil of afflictions, the fear and sting of death, the victory of the grave, and ever- lasting damnation: as also in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience unto Him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love and willing mind.

All which were common also to believers under the law for the substance of them; but under the New Testament the liberty of Christians is further enlarged, in their freedom from the yoke of a ceremonial law, to which the Jewish church was subjected, and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace, and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.
( Galatians 3:13; Galatians 1:4; Acts 26:18; Romans 8:3; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:15; Luke 1:73-75; 1 John 4:18; Galatians 3:9, 14; John 7:38, 39; Hebrews 10:19-21 )

OUTLINE

A. Ten things Christ has liberated the believer FROM

The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel, consists in

1. their freedom from the guilt of sin,
2. the condemning wrath of God,
3. the rigour and curse of the law, and
4. in their being delivered from this present evil world,
5. bondage to Satan, and
6. dominion of sin,
7. from the evil of afflictions,
8. the fear and sting of death,
9. the victory of the grave, and
10. ever- lasting damnation:

• B. Two things Christ has liberated the believer TO
  1. Free access to God, and
  2. their yielding obedience unto Him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love and willing mind.

• C. New Covenant believers have greater measure of Christian liberty than the Old Covenant believers.
  • All which were common also to believers under the law for the substance of them; but under the New Testament the liberty of Christians is further enlarged,

• D. Three aspects of greater measure of Christian liberty of New Covenant believers in contrast to the Old Covenant believers

1. in their freedom from the yoke of a ceremonial law, to which the Jewish church was subjected, and
2. in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace, and
3. in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.
   
   

PARA 2 – Liberty of Conscience

2._____ God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his word, or not contained in it. So that to believe such doctrines, or obey such commands out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith, an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience and reason also.
( James 4:12; Romans 14:4; Acts 4:19, 29; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Matthew 15:9; Colossians 2:20, 22, 23; 1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 1:24 )

OUTLINE

1. God alone is Lord of the conscience.
   • God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his word, or not contained in it.
2. It is betrayal of Christian liberty to require absolute obedience to commands of man
   • So that to believe such doctrines, or obey such commands out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith, an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience and reason also.
     
     

PARA 3 – The Danger of Turning Liberty into License

3._____ They who upon pretence of Christian liberty do practice any sin, or cherish any sinful lust, as they do thereby pervert the main design of the grace of the gospel to their own destruction, so they wholly destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righeousness before Him, all the days of our lives.
( Romans 6:1, 2; Galatians 5:13; 2 Peter 2:18, 21 )

OUTLINE

1. Turning Christian liberty into license for sin will destroy our souls.
   • They who upon pretence of Christian liberty do practice any sin, or cherish any sinful lust, as they do thereby pervert the main design of the grace of the gospel to their own destruction,
2. Doing so, destroys the goal of Christian liberty which is to live godly and serve the Lord without any fear or compulsion.
   • so they wholly destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righeousness before Him, all the days of our lives.
     
     

PARA 1 – Initial revelation of the Gospel

1._____ The covenant of works being broken by sin, and made unprofitable unto life, God was pleased to give forth the promise of Christ, the seed of the woman, as the means of calling the elect, and begetting in them faith and repentance; in this promise the gospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and [is] therein effectual for the conversion and salvation of sinners.
( Genesis 3:15; Revelation 13:8 )

OUTLINE

1. Initial Gospel promise given after the fall.
   • The covenant of works being broken by sin, and made unprofitable unto life, God was pleased to give forth the promise of Christ, the seed of the woman,
2. Initial Gospel declared as means of calling the elect
   • as the means of calling the elect, and begetting in them faith and repentance;
3. Initial Gospel promise was sufficient to save sinners
   • in this promise the gospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and [is] therein effectual for the conversion and salvation of sinners.  (there was enough herein revealed for those who sinned from Adam’s time onward to lay hold of, to believe, and to be saved from their sins).

PARA 2 – The necessity of the gospel for salvation

2._____ This promise of Christ, and salvation by him, is revealed only by the Word of God; neither do the works of creation or providence, with the light of nature, make discovery of Christ, or of grace by him, so much as in a general or obscure way; much less that men destitute of the revelation of Him by the promise or gospel, should be enabled thereby to attain saving faith or repentance.
( Romans 1:17; Romans 10:14,15,17; Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 25:7; Isaiah 60:2, 3 )

OUTLINE

1. Way of salvation is only found in Scripture. 
   • This promise of Christ, and salvation by him, is revealed only by the Word of God;
2. Way of salvation is found nowhere in creation or providence
   • neither do the works of creation or providence, with the light of nature, make discovery of Christ, or of grace by him, so much as in a general or obscure way;
3. No one, not even one can be saved without coming in contact with the gospel revealed in Scripture.
   • much less that men destitute of the revelation of Him by the promise or gospel, should be enabled thereby to attain saving faith or repentance

PARA 3 – The sovereign dissemination of the gospel  

3._____ The revelation of the gospel unto sinners, made in divers times and by sundry parts, with the addition of promises and precepts for the obedience required therein, as to the nations and persons to whom it is granted, is merely of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God; not being annexed by virtue of any promise to the due improvement of men’s natural abilities, by virtue of common light received without it, which none ever did make, or can do so; and therefore in all ages, the preaching of the gospel has been granted unto persons and nations, as to the extent or straitening of it, in great variety, according to the counsel of the will of God.
( Psalms 147:20; Acts 16:7; Romans 1:18-32 )

OUTLINE

1. Spread of the gospel in history is by God’s sovereign direction
   • The revelation of the gospel unto sinners, made in divers times and by sundry parts, with the addition of promises and precepts for the obedience required therein, as to the nations and persons to whom it is granted, is merely of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God;
2. Spread of gospel is not due men’s improvement of natural abilities
   • not being annexed by virtue of any promise to the due improvement of men’s natural abilities, by virtue of common light received without it, which none ever did make, or can do so; and therefore in all ages, the preaching of the gospel has been granted unto persons and nations, as to the extent or straitening of it, in great variety, according to the counsel of the will of God.
     
     

PARA 4-  The sufficiency of the gospel unto salvation.

4._____ Although the gospel be the only outward means of revealing Christ and saving grace, and is, as such, abundantly sufficient thereunto; yet that men who are dead in trespasses may be born again, quickened or regenerated, there is moreover necessary an effectual insuperable work of the Holy Spirit upon the whole soul, for the producing in them a new spiritual life; without which no other means will effect their conversion unto God.
( Psalms 110:3; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 1:19, 20; John 6:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6 )

OUTLINE

1. Gospel is sufficient for salvation
   • Although the gospel be the only outward means of revealing Christ and saving grace, and is, as such, abundantly sufficient thereunto
2. But it is made effectual only by work of Holy Spirit
   • yet that men who are dead in trespasses may be born again, quickened or regenerated, there is moreover necessary an effectual insuperable work of the Holy Spirit upon the whole soul, for the producing in them a new spiritual life; without which no other means will effect their conversion unto God.