1. The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient,
certain and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience,(1)
although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence do so
far manifest the goodness, wisdom and power of God, as to leave men
inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and
His will which is necessary unto salvation.(2) Therefore it pleased the Lord
at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal Himself, and to declare that
His will unto His church;(3) and afterwards for the better preserving and
propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of
the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and
of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy
Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God's revealing His
will unto His people being now ceased.(4)
1. 2Ti 3:15-17; Isa 8:20; Lk 16:29,31; Eph 2:20. - 2. Ro 1:19-21; 2:14-15;
Ps 19:1-3. - 3. Heb 1:1. - 4. Pr 22:19-21; Ro 15:4; 2Pe 1:19-20.
2. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of
God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments,
which are these:
Of the Old Testament
Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2
Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job
Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations
Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah
Haggai Zechariah Malachi
Of the New Testament
Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians
Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2
Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John
Jude Revelation
All of which are given by the inspiration of God,
to be the rule of faith and life.(5) 5. 2Ti 3:16.
3. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being
of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon or rule of the Scripture,
and, therefore, are of no authority to the church of God, nor to be any
otherwise approved or made use of than other human writings.(6)
6. Lk 24:27,44; Ro 3:2.
4. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which
it ought to be believed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or
church, but wholly upon God(who is truth itself), the author thereof;
therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God.(7)
7. 2Pe 1:19-21; 2Ti 3:16; 2Th 2:13; 1Jn 5:9.
5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of
the church of God to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and
the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the
majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the
whole(which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the
only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and
entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly
evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding, our full
persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority
thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and
with the Word in our hearts.(8)
8. Jn 16:13-14; 1Co 2:10-12, 1Jn 2:20,27.
6. The whole counsel of God concerning all things
necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either
expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture: unto
which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the
Spirit, or traditions of men.(9) Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward
illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving
understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word,(10) and that there
are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the
church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by
the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules
of the Word, which are always to be observed.(11)
9. 2Ti 3:15-17; Gal 1:8-9. - 10. Jn 6:45; 1Co 2:9-12. - 11. 1Co 11:13-14;
14:26,40.
7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in
themselves, nor alike clear unto all;(12) yet those things which are
necessary to be known, believed and observed for salvation, are so clearly
propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the
learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a
sufficient understanding of them.(13)
12. 2Pe 3:16. - 13. Ps 19:7; 119:130.
8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the
native language of the people of God of old),(14) and the New Testament in
Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to
the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by His singular care
and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentic; so as in all
controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal to them.(15) But
because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who
have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the
fear of God to read(16) and search them,(17) therefore they are to be
translated into the vulgar [ie. common] language of every nation unto which
they come,(18) that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may
worship of Him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of
the Scriptures may have hope.(19)
14. Ro 3:2. - 15. Isa 8:20. - 16. Ac 15:15. - 17. Jn 5:39. - 18. 1Co
14:6,9,11-12,24,28. - 19. Col 3:16.
9. The infallible rule of interpretation of
Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question
about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but
one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.(20)
20. 2Pe 1:20-21; Ac 15:15-16.
10. The supreme judge, by which all controversies
of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of
ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined,
and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture
delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is
finally resolved.(21)
21. Mt 22:29,31-32; Eph 2:20; Ac 28:23.
1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true
God;(1) whose subsistence is in and of Himself,(2) infinite in being and
perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;(3) a
most pure spirit,(4) invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only
hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;(5)
who is immutable,(6) immense,(7) eternal,(8) incomprehensible, almighty,(9)
every way infinite, most holy,(10) most wise, most free, most absolute;
working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most
righteous will(11) for His own glory;(12) most loving, gracious, merciful,
long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity,
transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,(13)
and withal most just and terrible in His judgements,(14) hating all sin,(15)
and who will by no means clear the guilty.(16)
1. 1Co 8:4,6; Dt 6:4. - 2. Jer 10:10; Isa 48:12. - 3. Ex 3:14. - 4. Jn 4:24.
- 5. 1Ti 1:17; Dt 4:15-16. - 6. Mal 3:6. - 7. 1Ki 8:27; Jer 23:23. - 8. Ps
90:2. - 9. Ge 17:1. - 10. Isa 6:3. - 11. Ps 115:3; Isa 46:10. - 12. Pr 16:4;
Ro 11:36. - 13. Ex 34:6-7; Heb 11:6. - 14. Ne 9:32-33. - 15. Ps 5:5-6. - 16
Ex 34:7; Na 1:2-3.
2. God, having all life,(17) glory,(18)
goodness,(19) blessedness, in and of Himself, is alone in and unto Himself
all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creature which He hath made, nor
deriving any glory from them,(20) but only manifesting His own glory in, by,
unto, and upon them; He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through
whom, and to whom are all things,(21) and He hath most sovereign dominion
over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever
Himself pleaseth;(22) in His sight all things are open and manifest,(23) His
knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as
nothing is to Him contingent or uncertain:(24) He is most holy in all His
counsels, in all His works,(25) and in all His commands; to Him is due from
angels and men, whatsoever worship,(26) service, or obedience, as creatures
they owe unto the Creator, and whatever He is further pleased to require of
them.
17. Jn 5:26. - 18. Ps 148:13. - 19. Ps 119:68. - 20. Job 22:2-3. - 21. Ro
11:34-36. - 22. Da 4:25,34-35. - 23. Heb 4:13. - 24. Eze 11:5; Ac 15:18. 25.
Ps 145:17. - 26. Rev 5:12-14.
3. In this divine and infinite Being there are
three subsistences, the Father, the Word or Son, and Holy Spirit,(27) of one
substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet
the essence undivided,(28) the Father is of none, neither begotten nor
proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father;(29) the Holy Spirit
proceeding from the Father and the Son;(30) all infinite, without beginning,
therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being, but
distinguished by several peculiar relative properties and personal
relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our
communion with God, and comfortable dependence upon Him.
27. 1Jn 5:7; Mt 28:19; 2Co 13:14. - 28. Ex 3:14; Jn 14:11; 1Co 8:6. - 29. Jn
1:14,18. - 30. Jn 15:26; Gal 4:6.
1. God hath decreed in Himself, from all eternity,
by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably,
all things, whatsoever come to pass;(1) yet so as thereby is God neither the
author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein;(2) nor is violence
offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency
of second causes taken away, but rather established;(3) in which appears His
wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing
His decree.(4)
1. Isa 46:10; Eph 1:11; Heb 6:17; Ro 9:15,18. - 2. Jas 1:13; 1Jn 1:5. - 3.
Ac 4:27-28; Jn 19:11. - 4. Nu. 23:19; Eph. 1:3-5.
2. Although God knoweth whatsoever may or can come
to pass, upon all supposed conditions,(5) yet hath He not decreed anything,
because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon
such conditions.(6)
5. Ac 15:18. - 6. Ro 9:11,13,16,18.
3. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of
His glory, some men and angels are predestined, or foreordained to eternal
life through Jesus Christ,(7) to the praise of His glorious grace;(8) others
being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of
His glorious justice.(9)
7. 1Ti 5:21; Mt 25:34. - 8. Eph 1:5-6. - 9. Ro 9:22-23; Jude 4.
4. These angels and men thus predestined and
foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number
so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or
diminished.(10)
10. 2Ti 2:19; Jn 13:18.
5. Those of mankind that are predestined to life,
God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal
and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will,
hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of His mere free grace and
love,(11) without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause
moving Him thereunto.(12)
11. Eph 1:4,9,11; Ro 8:30; 2Ti 1:9; 1Th 5:9. - 12. Ro 9:13,16; Eph 2:5,12.
6. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so
He hath, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all
the means thereunto;(13) wherefore they who are elect, being fallen in Adam,
are redeemed by Christ,(14) are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by
His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified,(15)
and kept by His power through faith unto salvation;(16) neither are any
other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted,
sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.(17)
13. 1Pe 1:2; 2Th 2:13. - 14. 1Th 5:9-10. - 15. Ro 8:30; 2Th 2:13. - 16. 1Pe
1:5. - 17. Jn 10:26; 17:9; 6:64.
7. The doctrine of this high mystery of
predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men
attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience
thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured
of their eternal election;(18) so shall this doctrine afford matter of
praise,(19) reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility,(20)
diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the
gospel.(21)
18. 1Th 1:4-5; 2Pe 1:10. - 19. Eph 1:6; Ro 11:33. - 20. Ro. 11:5-6,20. - 21.
Lk 10:20.
1. In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit,(1) for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal
power,(2) wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things
therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all
very good.(3)
1. Jn 1:2-3; Heb 1:2; Job 26:13. - 2. Ro 1:20. - 3. Col 1:16; Ge 1:31.
2. After God hath made all other creatures, He
created man, male and female,(4) with reasonable and immortal souls, (5)
rendering them fit unto that life to God for which they were created; being
made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true
holiness;(6) having the law of God written in their hearts,(7) and power to
fulfil it, and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the
liberty of their own will, which was subject to change.(8)
4. Ge 1:27. - 5. Ge 2:7. - 6. Ecc 7:29; Ge 1:26. - 7. Ro 2:14-15. - 8. Ge
3:6.
3. Besides the law written in their hearts, they
received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil,(9)
which whilst they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had
dominion over the creatures.(10)
9. Ge 2:17. - 10. Ge 1:26,28.
1. God the good creator of all things, in His
infinite power and wisdom, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all His
creatures and things,(1) from the greatest even to the least,(2) by His most
wise and holy providence, to the end for which they were created, according
unto His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His
own will; to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, infinite
goodness, and mercy.(3)
1. Heb 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa 46:10-11; Ps 135:6. - 2. Mt 10:29-31. - 3. Eph
1:11.
2. Although in relation to the foreknowledge and
decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and
infallibly;(4) so that there is not anything befalls any by chance, or
without His providence;(5) yet by the same providence He ordereth them to
fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily,
freely, or contingently.(6)
4. Ac 2:23. - 5. Pr 16:33. - 6. Ge 8:22.
3. God, in His ordinary providence maketh use of
means,(7) yet is free to work without,(8) above,(9) and against them(10) at
His pleasure.
7. Ac 27:31,44; Isa 55:10-11. - 8. Hos 1:7. - 9. Ro 4:19-21. - 10. Da 3:27.
4. The Almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and
infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in His providence, that
His determinate counsel extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all
other sinful actions both of angels and men;(11) and that not by a bare
permission, which also He most wisely and powerfully boundeth, and otherwise
ordereth and governeth,(12) in a manifold dispensation to His most holy
ends;(13) yet so, as the sinfulness of their acts proceedeth only from the
creatures, and not from God, who, being most holy and righteous, neither is
nor can be the author or approver of sin.(14)
11. Ro 11:32-34; 2Sa 24:1; 1Ch 21:1. - 12. 2Ki 19:28; Ps 76:10. - 13. Ge
1:20; Isa 10:6-7,12. - 14. Ps 50:21; 1Jn 2:16.
5. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth
oftentimes leave for a season His own children to manifold temptations and
the corruptions of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins,
or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness
of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close
and constant dependence for their support upon Himself; and to make them
more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for other just and
holy ends.(15)
So that whatsoever befalls any of His elect is by His appointment, for His
glory, and their good.(16)
15. 2Ch 32:25-26,31; 2Co 12:7-9. - 16. Ro 8:28.
6. As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as
a righteous judge, for former sin doth blind and harden;(17) from them He
not only withholdeth His grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in
their understanding, and wrought upon their hearts;(18) but sometimes also
withdraweth the gifts which they had,(19) and exposeth them to such objects
as their corruption makes occasion of sin;(20) and withal, gives them over
to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of
Satan,(21) whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, under those
means which God useth forthe softening of others.(22)
17. Ro 1:24-26,28; 11:7-8. - 18. Dt 29:4. - 19. Mt 13:12. - 20. Dt 2:30; 2Kn
8:12-13. - 21. Ps 81:11-12; 2Th 2:10-12. - 22. Ex 8:15,32; Isa 6:9-10; 1Pe
2:7-8.
7. As the providence of God doth in general reach
to all creatures, so after a more special manner it taketh care of His
church, and disposethof all things to the good thereof.(23)
23. 1Ti 4:10; Am 9:8-9; Isa 43:3-5.
1. Although God created man upright and perfect,
and gave him a righteous law, which had been unto life had he kept it, and
threatened death upon the breach thereof,(1) yet he did not long abide in
this honour; Satan using the subtlety of the serpent to subdue Eve, then by
her seducing Adam, who, without any compulsion, did willlfully transgress
the law of their creation, and the command given unto them, in eating the
forbidden fruit,(2) which God was pleased, according to His wise and holy
counsel to permit, having purposed to order it to His own glory.
1. Ge 2:16-17. - 2. Ge 3:12-13; 2Co 11:3.
2. Our first parents, by this sin, fell from their
original righteousness and communion with God, and we in them whereby death
came upon all;(3) all becoming dead in sin,(4) and wholly defiled in all the
faculties and parts of soul and body.(5)
3. Ro 3:23. - 4. Ro 5:12-21. - 5. Tit 1:15; Ge 6:5; Jer 17:9; Ro 3:10-19.
3. They being the root, and by God's appointment,
standing in the room and stead of all mankind, the guilt of the sin was
imputed, and corrupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity descending
from them by ordinary generation,(6) being now conceived in sin,(7) and by
nature children of wrath,(8) the servants of sin, the subjects of death,(9)
and all other miseries, spiritual, temporal, an eternal, unless the Lord
Jesus set them free.(10)
6. Ro 5:12-19; 1Co 15:21-22,45,49. - 7. Ps 51:5; Job 14:4. - 8. Eph 2:3. -
9. Ro 6:20; 5:12. - 10. Heb 2:14-15; 1Th 1:10.
4. From this original corruption, whereby we are
utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly
inclined to all evil;(11) do proceed all actual transgressions.(12)
11. Ro 8:7; Col 1:21. - 12. Jas 1:14-15; Mt 15:19.
5. The corruption of nature, during this life, doth
remain in those that are regenerated;(13) and although it be through Christ
pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, and the first motions thereof, are
truly and properly sin.(14)
13. Ro 7:18,23; Ecc 7:20; 1Jn 1:8. - 14. Ro 7:23-25; Gal 5:17.
1. The distance between God and the creature is so
great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto Him as their
creator, yet they could never have attained the reward of life but by some
voluntary condescension on God's part, which He hath been pleased to express
by way of covenant.(1)
1. Lk 17:10; Job 35:7-8.
2. Moreover, man having brought himself under the
curse of the law by his fall, it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of
grace,(2) wherein He freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by
Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in Him, that they may be saved;(3) and
promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life, His
Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe.(4)
2. Ge 2:17; Gal.3:10; Ro 3:20-21. - 3. Ro 8:3; Mk 16:15-16; Jn 3:16. - 4.
Eze 36:26-27; Jn 6:44-45; Ps 110:3.
3. This covenant is revealed in the gospel; first
of all to Adam in the promise of salvation by the seed of the woman,(5) and
afterwards by farther steps, until the full discovery thereof was completed
in the New Testament;(6) and it is founded in that eternal covenant
transaction that was between the Father and the Son about the redemption of
the elect;(7) and it is alone by the grace of this covenant that all of the
posterity of fallen Adam that ever were saved did obtain life and blessed
immortality, man being now utterly incapable of acceptance with God upon
those terms on which Adam stood in his state of innocency.(8)
5. Ge 3:15. - 6. Heb 1:1. - 7. 2Ti 1:9; Tit 1:2. - 8. Heb 11:6,13; Ro 4:1-2;
Ac 4:12; Jn 8:56.
1. It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to
choose an ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, according to the
covenant made between them both, to be the mediator between God and man; (1)
the Prophet,(2) Priest(3) and King;(4) head and Saviour of His church,(5)
the heir of all things,(6)and judge of the world;(7) unto whom He did from
all eternity give a people to be His seed and to be by Him in time redeemed,
called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.(8)
1. Isa 42:1; 1Pe 1:19-20. - Ac 3:22. - Heb 5:5-6. - Ps 2:6; Lk 1:33. - Eph
1:22-23. - Heb 1:2. - 7. Ac 17:31. - Isa 53:10; Jn 17:6; Ro 8:30.
2. The Son of God, the second person in the Holy
Trinity, being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory,
of one substance and equal with Him who made the world, who upholdeth and
governeth all things He hath made, did, when the fulness of time was come,
take upon Him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common
infirmities thereof,(9) yet without sin;(10) being conceived by the Holy
Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her:
and the power of the Most High overshadowing her; and so was made of a woman
of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David according to the
Scriptures;(11) so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures were
inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition,
or confusion; which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the
only mediator between God and man.(12)
9. Jn 1:14; Gal 4:4. - Ro 8:3; Heb 2:14,16-17; 4:15. - Mt 1:22-23; Lk
1:27,31,35. - Ro 9:5; 1Ti 2:5.
3. The Lord Jesus, in His human nature thus united
to the divine, in the person of the Son, was sanctified and anointed with
the Holy Spirit above measure,(13) having in Him all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge;(14) in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should
dwell,(15) to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled,(16) and full of
grace and truth,(17) He might be throughly furnished to execute the office
of a mediator and surety;(18) which office He took not upon Himself, but was
thereunto called by His Father;(19) who also put all power and judgement in
His hand, and gave Him commandment to execute the same.(20)
13. Ps 45:7; Ac 10:38; Jn 3:34. - Col 2:3. - 15. Col 1:19. - 16. Heb 7:26. -
17. Jn 1:14. - 18. Heb 7:22. - 19. Heb 5:5. - 20. Jn 5:22,27; Mt 28:18; Ac
2:36.
4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly
undertake,(21) which that He might discharge He was made under the law,(22)
and did perfectly fulfil it, and underwent the punishment due to us, which
we should have borne and suffered,(23) being made sin and a curse for
us;(24) enduring most grievous sorrows in His soul, and most painful
sufferings in His body;(25) was crucified, and died, and remaining in the
state of the dead, yet saw no corruption:(26) and on the third day He arose
from the dead(27) with the same body in which he suffered,(28) with which He
also ascended into heaven,(29) and there sitteth at the right hand of His
Father making intercession,(30) and shall return to judge men and angels at
the end of the world.(31)
21. Ps 40:7-8; Heb 10:5-10; Jn 10:18. - 22. Gal 4:4; Mt 3:15. - 23. Gal
3:13; Isa 53:6; 1Pe 3:18. - 24. 2Co 5:21. - 25. Mt 26:37-38; Lk 22:44; Mt
27:46. - 26. Ac 13:37. - 1Co 15:3-4. - Jn 20:25,27. - 29. Mk 16:19; Ac
1:9-11. - 30. Ro 8:34; Heb 9:24. - 31. Ac 10:42; Ro 14:9-10; Ac 1:11; 2Pe
2:4.
5. The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience and
sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit once offered up
unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of God,(32) procured
reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of
heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto Him.(33)
32. Heb 9:14; 10:14; Ro 3:25-26. - 33. Jn 17:2; Heb 9:15.
6. Although the price of redemption was not
actually paid by Christ till after His incarnation, yet the virtue,
efficacy, and benefit thereof were communicated to the elect in all ages
successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises,
types, and sacrifices wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed
which should bruise the serpent's head;(34) and the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world,(35) being the same yesterday, and to-day, and for
ever.(36)
34. 1Co 4:10; Heb 4:2; 1Pe 1:10-11. - 35. Rev 13:8. - 36. Heb 13:8.
7. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth
according to both natures, by each nature doing that which is proper to
itself; yet by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to
one nature is sometimes in scripture, attributed to the person denominated
by the other nature.(37)
37. Jn 3:13; Ac 20:28.
8. To all those for whom Christ hat obtained
eternal redemption, He doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate
the same, making intercession for them;(38) uniting them to Himself by His
Spirit, revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mystery of salvation,
persuading them to believe and obey,(39) governing their hearts by His Word
and Spirit,(40) and overcoming all their enemies by His mighty power and
wisdom,(41) in such manner and ways as are most consonant to His wonderful
and unsearchable dispensation; and all of free and absolute grace, without
any condition forseen in them to procure it.(42)
38. Jn 6:37; 10:15-16; 17:9; Ro 5:10. - 39. Jn 17:6; Eph 1:9; 1Jn 5:20. -
40. Ro 8:9,14. - 41. Ps 110:1; 1Co 15:25-26. - 42. Jn 3:8; Eph 1:8.
9. This office of mediator between God and man is
proper only to Christ, who is the prophet, priest, and king of the church of
God; and may not be either in whole, or any part thereof, transferred from
Him to any other.(43)
43. 1Ti 2:5.
10. This number and order of offices is necessary;
for in respect of our ignorance, we stand in need of His prophetical
office;(44) and in respect of our alienation from God, and imperfection of
the best of our services, we need His priestly office to reconcile us and
present us acceptable unto God;(45) and in respect of our averseness and
utter inability to return to God, and for our rescue and security from our
spiritual adversaries, we need His kingly office to convince, subdue, draw,
uphold, deliver, and preserve us to His heavenly kingdom.(46)
44. Jn 1:18. - 45. Col 1:21; Gal 5:17. - 46. Jn 16:8; Ps 110:3; Lk 1:74-75.
1. God hath endued the will of man with that
natural liberty and power of acting upon choice, that it is neither forced,
nor by any necessity of nature determined to do good or evil.(1)
1. Mt 17:12; Jas 1:14; Dt 30:19.
2. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and
power to will and to do that which was good and well-pleasing to God,(2) but
yet was unstable, so that he might fall from it.(3)
2. Ecc 7:29. - 3. Ge 3:6.
3. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath
wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying
salvation;(4) so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good,
and dead in sin,(5) is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or
to prepare himself thereunto.(6)
4. Ro 5:6; 8:7. - 5. Eph 2:1,5. - 6. Tit 3:3-5; Jn 6:44.
4. When God converts a sinner, and translates him
into the state of grace, He freeth him from his natural bondage under
sin,(7) and by His grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that
which is spiritually good;(8) yet so as that by reason of his remaining
corruptions, he doth not perfectly, nor only will, that which is good, but
doth also will that which is evil.(9)
7. Col 1:13; Jn 8:36. - 8. Php 2:13. - 9. Ro 7:15,18-19,21,23.
5. This will of man is made perfectly and immutably
free to good alone in the state of glory only.(10)
10. Eph 4:13.
1. Those whom God hath predestined unto life, He is
pleased in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call,(1) by His
Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by
nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ;(2) enlightening their minds
spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God;(3) taking away
their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh:(4) renewing
their wills, and by His almighty power determining them to that which is
good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ;(5) yet so as they come
most freely, being made willing by His grace.(6)
1. Ro 8:30; 11:7; Eph 1:10-11, 2Th 2:13-14. - 2. Eph 2:1-6. - 3. Ac 26:18;
Eph 1:17-18. - 4. Eze 36:26. - 5. Dt 30:6; Eze 36:27; Eph 1:19. - 6. Ps
110:3; SS 1:4.
2. This effectual call is of God's free and special
grace alone, not from anything at all forseen in man, nor from any power or
agency in the creature,(7) being wholly passive therein, being dead in sins
and trespasses, until being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit;(8) he
is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and
conveyed in it, and that by no less power than that which raised up Christ
from the dead.(9)
7. 2Ti 1:9; Eph 2:8. - 8. 1Co 2:14; Eph 2:5; Jn 5:25. - 9. Eph 1:19-20.
3. Infants dying in infancy are regenerated and
saved by Christ through the Spirit;(10) who worketh when, and where, and how
He pleaseth;(11) so also are all elect persons, who are incapable of being
outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.
10. Jn 3:3,5-6. - 11. Jn 3:8.
4. Others not elected, although they may be called
by the ministry of the Word, and may have some common operations of the
Spirit,(12) yet not being effectually drawn by the Father, they neither will
nor can truly come to Christ, and therefore cannot be saved:(13) much less
can men that receive not the Christian religion be saved, be they never so
diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature and the law
of that religion they do profess.(14)
12. Mt 22:14; 13:20-21; Heb 6:4-5. - 13. Jn 6:44-45,65; 1Jn 2:24-25. - 14.
Ac 4:12; Jn 4:22; 17:3.
1. Those whom God effectually calleth, He also
freely justifieth,(1) not by infusing righteousness into them, but by
pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as
righteous;(2) not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for
Christ's sake alone;(3) not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing,
or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by
imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience
in His death for their whole and sole righteousness,(4) they receiving and
resting on Him and His righteousness by faith, which faith they have not of
themselves; it is the gift of God.(5)
1. Ro 3:24; 8:30. - 2. Ro 4:5-8; Eph 1:7. - 3. 1Co 1:30-31; Ro 5:17-19. - 4.
Php 3:8-9; Eph 2:8-10. - 5. Jn 1:12; Ro 5:17.
2. Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and
His righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification;(6) yet it is
not alone in the person justified, but ever accompanied with all other
saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.(7)
6. Ro 3:28.7. Gal 5:6; Jas 2:17,22,26.
3. Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully
discharge the debt of all those that are justified; and did, by the
sacrifice of Himself in the blood of His cross, undergoing in their stead
the penalty due unto them, make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to
God's justice in their behalf,(8); yet inasmuch as He was given by the
Father for them, and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead,
and both freely, not for anything in them,(9) their justification is only of
free grace, that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be
glorified in the justification of sinners.(10)
8. Heb 10:14; 1Pe 1:18-19; Isa 53:5-6. - 9. Ro 8:32; 2Co 5:21. - 10. Ro
3:26; Eph 1:6-7; 2:7.
4. God did from all eternity decree to justify all
the elect,(11) and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins,
and rise again for their justification;(12) nevertheless, they are not
justified personally, until the Holy Spirit doth in time due actually apply
Christ unto them.(13)
11. Gal 3:8; 1Pe 1:2; 1Ti 2:6. - 12. Ro 4:25. - 13. Col 1:21-22; Tit 3:4-7.
5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those
that are justified,(14) and although they can never fall from the state of
justification,(15) yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly
displeasure; (16) and in that condition they have not usually the light of
His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess
their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.(17)
14. Mt 6:12; 1Jn 1:7,9. - 15. Jn 10:28. - 16. Ps 89:31-33. - 17. Ps 32:5; Ps
51:1-19; Mt 26:75.
6. The justification of believers under the Old
Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the
justification of believers under the New Testament.(18)
18. Gal 3:9; Ro 4:22-24.
1. All those that are justified, God vouchsafed, in
and for the sake of His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the
grace of adoption,(1) by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the
liberties and privileges of children of God,(2) have His name put on
them,(3) receive the spirit of adoption, (4) have access to the throne of
grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father,(5) are pitied,(6)
protected,(7) provided for,(8) and chastened by Him as by a Father,(9) yet
never cast off,(10) but sealed to the day of redemption,(11) and inherit the
promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.(12)
Eph 1:5; Gal 4:4-5. - 2. Jn 1:12; Ro 8:17. - 3. 2Co 6:18; Rev 3:12. - 4. Ro
8:15. - 5. Gal 4:6; Eph 2:18. - 6. Ps 103:13. - 7. Pr 14:26. - 8. 1Pe 5:7. -
9. Heb 12:6. - 10. Isa 54:8-9; La 3:31. - 11. Eph 4:30. - 12. Heb 1:14;
6:12.
1. They who are united to Christ, effectually
called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them
through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther
sanctified, really and personally(1) through the same virtue, by His Word
and Spirit dwelling in them;(2) the dominion of the whole body of sin is
destroyed,(3) and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and
mortified,(4) and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all
saving graces, (5) to the practice of all true holiness, without which no
man shall see the Lord.(6)
1. Ac 20:32; Ro 6:5-6. - 2. Jn 17:17; Eph 3:16-19; 1Th 5:21-23. - 3. Ro
6:14. - 4. Gal 5:24. - 5. Col 1:11. - 6. 2Co 7:1; Heb 12:14.
2. This sanctification is throughout the whole
man,(7) yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of
corruption in every part,(8) when ariseth a continual and irreconcilable
war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the
flesh.(9)
7. 1Th 5:23. - 8. Ro 7:18,23. - 9. Gal 5:17; 1Pe 2:11.
3. In which war, although the remaining corruption
for a time may much prevail,(10) yet, through the continual supply of
strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth
overcome; (11) and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God, pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to
all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed
to them.(12)
10. Ro 7:23. - 11. Ro 6:14. - 12. Eph 4:15-16; 2Co 3:18; 7:1.
1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are
enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit
of Christ in their hearts,(1) and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of
the Word;(2) by which also, and by the administration of baptism and the
Lord's Supper, prayer, and other means appointed of God, it is increased and
strengthened.(3)
1. 2Co 4:13; Eph 2:8. - 2. Ro 10:14,17. - 3. Lk 17:5; 1Pe 2:2; Ac 20:32.
2. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true
whatsoever is revealed in the Word for the authority of God Himself,(4) and
also apprehendeth an excellency therein above all other writings and all
things in the world,(5) as it bears forth the glory of God in His
attributes, the excellency of Christ in His nature and offices, and the
power and fullness of the Holy Spirit in His workings and operations: and so
is enabled to cast his soul upon the truth thus believed;(6) and also acteth
differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth;
yielding obedience to the commands,(7) trembling at the threatenings,(8) and
embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come;(9)
but the principle acts of saving faith have immediate relation to Christ,
accepting, receiving, and resting upon Him alone for justification,
sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.(10)
4. Ac 24:14. - 5. Ps 19:7-10; 119:72. - 6. 2Ti 1:12. - 7. Jn 15:14. - 8. Isa
66:2. - 9. Heb 11:13. -10. Jn 1:12; Ac 16:31; Gal 2:20; Ac 15:11.
3. This faith, although it be different in degrees,
and may be weak or strong,(11) yet it is in the least degree of it different
in the kind or nature of it, as is all other saving grace, from the faith
and common grace of temporary believers;(12) and therefore, though it may be
many times assailed and weakened, yet it gets the victory,(13) growing up in
many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,(14) who is both
the author and finisher of our faith.(15)
11. Heb 5:13-14; Mt 6:30; Ro 4:19-20. - 12. 2Pe 1:1. - 13. Eph 6:16; 1Jn
5:4-5. - 14. Heb 6:11-12; Col 2:2. - 15. Heb 12:2.
1. Such of the elect as are converted in riper
years, having sometime lived in the state of nature, and therein served
divers lusts and pleasures, God in their effectual calling giveth them
repentance unto life.(1)
1. Tit 3:2-5.
2. Whereas there is none that doth good and sinneth
not,(2) and the best of men may, through the power and deceitfulness of
their corruption dwelling in them, with the prevalency of temptation, fall
in to great sins and provocations; God hath, in the covenant of grace,
mercifully provided that believers so sinning and falling be renewed through
repentance unto salvation.(3)
2. Ecc 7:20. - 3. Lk 22:31-32.
3. This saving repentance is an evangelical
grace,(4) whereby a person, being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of the
manifold evils of his sin, doth, by faith in Christ, humble himself for it
with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrency,(5) praying for
pardon and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavour, by supplies of
the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well-pleasing in all things.(6)
4. Zec 12:10; Ac 11:18. - 5. Eze 36:31; 2Co 7:11. - 6. Ps 119:6,128.
4. As repentance is to be continued through the
whole course of our lives, upon the account of the body of death, and the
motions thereof, so it is every man's duty to repent of his particular known
sins particularly.(7)
7. Lk 19:8; 1Ti 1:13,15.
5. Such is the provision which God hath made
through Christ in the covenant of grace for the preservation of believers
unto salvation, that although there is no sin so small but it deserves
damnation,(8) yet there is no sin so great that it shall bring damnation on
them that repent,(9) which makes the constant preaching of repentance
necessary.
8. Ro 6:23. - 9. Isa 1:16-18; 55:7.
1. Good works are only such as God hath commanded
in His Holy Word,(1) and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised
by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intentions.(2)
1. Mic 6:8; Heb 13:21. - 2. Mt 15:9; Isa 29:13.
2. These good works, done in obedience to God's
commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith;(3)
and by them believers manifest their thankfulness,(4) strengthen their
assurance,(5) edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel,(6)
stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God,(7) whose workmanship
they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto,(8) that having their fruit unto
holiness they may have the end eternal life.(9)
3. Jas 2:18,22. - 4. Ps 116:12-13. - 5. 1Jn 2:3,5; 2Pe 1:5-11. - 6. Mt 5:16.
- 7. 1Ti 6:1; 1Pe 2:15; Php 1:11. - 8. Eph 2:10. - 9. Ro 6:22.
3. Their ability to do good works is not all of
themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ;(10) and that they may be
enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is
necessary an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to
will and to do of His good pleasure;(11) yet they are not hereupon to grow
negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty, unless upon a
special motion of the Spirit, but they ought to be diligent in stirring up
the grace of God that is in them.(12)
10. Jn 15:4-5. - 11. 2Co 3:5; Php 2:13. - 12. Php 2:12; Heb 6:11-12; Isa
64:7.
4. They who in their obedience attain to the
greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able
to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, as that they fall short
of much which in duty they are bound to do.(13)
13. Job 9:2-3; Gal 5:17; Lk 17:10.
5. We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin
or eternal life at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion
that is between them and the glory to come, and the infinite distance that
is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit nor satisfy for
the debt of our former sins;(14) but when we have done all we can, we have
done but our duty, and are unprofitable servants; and because as they are
good they proceed from His Spirit,(15) and as they are wrought by us they
are defiled and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection, that they
cannot endure the severity of God's punishment.(16)
1.Ro 3:20; Eph 2:8-9; Ro 4:6. - 15. Gal 5:22-23. - 16. Isa 64:6; Ps 143:2.
6.Yet notwithstanding the persons of believers
being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in
Him;(17) not as though they were in this life wholly unblameable and
unreprovable in God's sight, but that He, looking upon them in His Son, is
pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied
with many weaknesses and imperfections.(18)
17. Eph 1:6; 1Pe 2:5. - 18. Mt 25:21,23; Heb 6:10.
7.Works done by unregenerate men, although for the
matter of them they may be things which God commands, and of good use both
to themselves and others;(19) yet because they proceed not from a heart
purified by faith,(20) nor are done in a right manner according to the
Word,(21) nor to a right end, the glory of God,(22) they are therefore
sinful, and cannot please God, nor make a man meet to receive grace from
God,(23) and yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing to
God.(24)
19. 2Ki 10:30; 1Ki 21:27,29. - 20. Ge 4:5; Heb 11:4,6. - 21. 1Co 13:1. - 22.
Mt 6:2,5. - 23. Am 5:21-22; Ro 9:16; Tit 3:5. - 24. Job 21:14-15; Mt
25:41-43.
1. Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved,
effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, and given the precious
faith of His elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state
of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally
saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, whence
He still begets and nourisheth in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope,
and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality;(1) and tough many storms
and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take
them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon;
notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible
sight of the light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured
from them,(2) yet He is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by
the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased
possession, they being engraven upon the palm of His hands, and their names
having been written in the book of life from all eternity.(3)
1. Jn 10:28-29; Php 1:6; 2Ti 2:19; 1Jn 2:19. - 2.
Ps 89:31-32; 1Co 11:32. - 3. Mal 3:6.
2. This perseverance of the saints depends not upon
their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election,(4)
flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the
efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with
Him,(5) the oath of God,(6) the abiding of His Spirit, and the seed of God
wthin them,(7) and the nature of the covenant of grace;(8) from all which
ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.
4. Ro 8:30; 9:11,16. - 5. Ro 5:9-10; Jn 14:19. - 6.
Heb 6:17-18. - 7. 1Jn 3:9. - 8. Jer 32:40.
3. And though they may, through the temptation of
Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and
the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for
a time continue therein,(9) whereby they incur God's displeasure and grieve
His Holy Spirit,
(10) come to have their graces and comforts
impaired,(11) have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded,(12)
hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgements upon
themselves,(13) yet shall they renew their repentance and be preserved
through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.(14)
9. Mt 26:70,72,74. - 10. Isa 64:5,9; Eph 4:30. -
11. Ps 51:10,12. - 12. Ps 32:3-4. - 13. 2Sa 12:14. - 14. Lk 22:32,61-62.
1. Although temporary believers, and other
unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal
presumptions of being in the favour of God and state of salvation, which
hope of theirs shall perish;(1) yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus,
and love Him in sincerity, endeavouring to walk in all good conscience
before Him, may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state
of grace, and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,(2) which hope
shall never make them ashamed.(3)
1. Job 8:13-14; Mt 7:22-23. - 2. 1Jn 2:3;
3:14,18-19,21,24; 5:13. - 3. Ro 5:2,5.
2. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and
probable persuasion grounded upon a fallible hope, but an infallible
assurance of faith(4) founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ
revealed in the Gospel;(5) and also upon the inward evidence of those graces
of the Spirit unto which promises are made,(6) and on the testimony of the
Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of
God;(7) and, as a fruit thereof, keeping the heart both humble and holy.(8)
4. Heb 6:11,19. - 5. Heb 6:17-18. - 6. 2Pe
1:4-5,10-11. - 7. Ro 8:15-16. - 8. 1Jn 3:1-3.
3. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to
the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict
with many difficulties before he be a partaker of it;(9) yet being enabled
by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may,
without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of means, attain
thereunto:(10) and therefore it is the duty of every one to give all
diligence to make his calling and election sure, that thereby his heart may
be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to
God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper
fruits of this assurance;(11)- so far is it from inclining men to
looseness.(12)
9. Isa 50:10; Ps 88:1-18; Ps 77:1-12. - 10. 1Jn
4:13; Heb 6:11-12. - 11. Ro 5:1-2,5; 14:17; Ps 119:32. - 12. Ro 6:1-2; Tit
2:11-12,14.
4. True believers may have the assurance of their
salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as by negligence
in preserving of it,(13) by falling into some special sin which woundeth the
conscience and grieveth the Spirit;(14) by some sudden or vehement
temptation,(15) by God's withdrawing the light of His countenance, and
suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no
light,(16) yet are they never destitute of the seed of God(17) and life of
faith,(18) that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart and
conscience of duty out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this
assurance may in due time be revived,(19) and by the which, in the meantime,
they are preserved from utter despair.(20)
13. SS 5:2-3,6. - 14. Ps 51:8,12,14. - 15. Ps
116:11; 77:7-8; 31:22. - 16. Ps 30:7. - 17. 1Jn 3:9. - 18. Lk 22:32. - 19.
Ps 42:5,11. - 20. La 3:26-31.
1. God gave to Adam a law of universal obedience
written in his heart, and a particular precept of not eating the fruit of
the tree of knowledge of good and evil;(1) by which He bound him and all his
posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience;(2) promised
life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it, and
endued him with power and ability to keep it.(3)
1. Ge 1:27; Ecc 7:29. - 2. Ro 10:5. - 3. Gal
3:10,12.
2. The same law that was first written in the heart
of man continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness after the fall,(4)
and was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai, in ten commandments, and written
in two tables, the four first containing our duty towards God, and the other
six, our duty to man.(5)
4. Ro 2:14-15. - 5. Dt 10:4.
3. Besides this law, commonly called moral, God was
pleased to give to the people of Israel ceremonial laws, containing several
typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, His graces,
actions, sufferings, and benefits;(6) and partly holding forth divers
instructions of moral duties,(7) all which ceremonial laws being appointed
only to the time of reformation, are, by Jesus Christ the true Messiah and
only law-giver, who was furnished with power from the Father for that end
abrogated and taken away.(8)
6. Heb 10:1; Col 2:17. - 7. 1Co 5:7. - 8. Col
2:14,16-17; Eph 2:14,16.
4. To them also He gave sundry judicial laws, which
expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any now by
virtue of that institution; their general equity only being for modern
use.(9)
9. 1Co 9:8-10.
5. The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well
justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof,(10) and that not only
in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the
authority of God the Creator, who gave it;(11) neither doth Christ in the
Gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation.(12)
10. Ro 13:8-10; Jas 2:8,10-12. - 11. Jas 2:10-11. -
12. Mt 5:17-19; Ro 3:31.
6. Although true believers be not under the law as
a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned,(13) yet it is of
great use to them as well as to others, in that as a rule of life, informing
them of the will of God and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk
accordingly; discovering also the sinful pollutions of their natures,
hearts, and lives, so as examining themselves thereby, they may come to
further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against, sin;(14)
together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ and the
perfection of His obedience: it is likewise of use to the regenerate to
restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin; and the threatening of
it serve to shew what even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this
life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse and unallayed
rigour thereof. These promises of it likewise shew them God's approbation of
obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof,
though not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works; so as man's
doing good and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one
and deterreth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law and
not under grace.(15)
13. Ro 6:14; Gal 2:16; Ro 8:1; 10:4. - 14. Ro 3:20;
7:7-25. - 15. Ro 6:12-14; 1Pe 3:8-13.
7. Neither are the aforementioned uses of the law
contrary to the grace of the Gospel, but do sweetly comply with it,(16) the
Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and
cheerfully which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be
done.(17)
16. Gal 3:21. - 17. Eze 36:27.
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;(1) in this promise the gospel, as to
the substance of it, was revealed, and [is] therein effectual for the
conversion and salvation of sinners.(2)
1. Ge 3:15. - 2. Rev 13:8.
2. This promise of Christ, and salvation by Him, is
revealed only by the Word of God;(3) 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;(4) 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.(5)
3. Ro 1:17. - 4. Ro 10:14-15,17. - 5. Pr 29:18; Isa
25:7; 60:2-3.
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;(6) 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;(7) 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.
6. Ps 147:20; Ac 16:7. - 7. Ro 1:18-32.
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;(8) without which no other means will effect
their conversion unto God.(9)
8. Ps 110:3; 1Co 2:14; Eph 1:19-20. - 9. Jn 6:44;
2Co. 4:4,6.
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;(1) in this promise the gospel, as to
the substance of it, was revealed, and [is] therein effectual for the
conversion and salvation of sinners.(2)
1. Ge 3:15. - 2. Rev 13:8.
2. This promise of Christ, and salvation by Him, is
revealed only by the Word of God;(3) 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;(4) 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.(5)
3. Ro 1:17. - 4. Ro 10:14-15,17. - 5. Pr 29:18; Isa
25:7; 60:2-3.
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;(6) 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;(7) 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.
6. Ps 147:20; Ac 16:7. - 7. Ro 1:18-32.
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;(8) without which no other means will effect
their conversion unto God.(9)
8. Ps 110:3; 1Co 2:14; Eph 1:19-20. - 9. Jn 6:44;
2Co. 4:4,6.
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.(1)
But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by
Himself,(2) 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.(3)
1. Jer 10:7; Mk 12:33. - 2. Dt 12:32. - 3. Ex
20:4-6.
2. Religious worship is to be given to God the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to Him alone;(4) not to angels, saints, or
any other creatures;(5) and since the fall, not without a mediator,(6) nor
in the mediation of any other but Christ alone.(7)
4. Mt 4:9-10; Jn 6:23; Mt 28:19. - 5. Ro 1:25; Col
2:18; Rev 19:10. - 6. Jn 14:6. - 7. 1Ti 2:5.
3. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one part of
natural worship, is by God required of all men.(8) But that it may be
accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son,(9) by the help of the
Spirit,(10) according to His will;(11) with understanding, reverence,
humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others , in
a known tongue.(12)
8. Ps 95:1-7; 65:2. - 9. Jn 14:13-14. - 10. Ro
8:26. - 11. 1Jn 5:14. - 12. 1Co 14:16-17.
4. Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for
all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter;(13) but not for the
dead,(14) not for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the
sin unto death.(15)
13. 1Ti 2:1-2; 2Sa 7:29. - 14. 2Sa 12:21-23. - 15.
1Jn 5:16.
5. The reading of the Scriptures,(16) preaching,
and hearing the Word of God,(17) teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the
Lord;(18) as also the administration of baptism,(19) and the Lord's
supper,(20) 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,(21) and thanksgivings, upon
special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.(22)
16. 1Ti 4:13. - 17. 2Ti 4:2; Lk 8:18. - 18. Col
3:16; Eph 5:19. - 19. Mt 28:19-20. - 20. 1Co. 11:26. - 21. Est 4:16; Joel
2:12. - 22. Ex 15:1-19; Ps 107:1-43.
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;(23) as in private
families(24) daily,(25) and in secret each one by himself;(26) 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
thereto.(27)
23. Jn 4:21; Mal 1:11; 1Ti 2:8. - 24. Ac 10:2. -
25. Mt 6:11; Ps 55:17. - 26. Mt 6:6. - 27. Heb 10:25; Ac 2:42.
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,(28) 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:(29) and is to be continued to the end of the world as
a Christian Sabbath, the observation of the last day of the week being
abolished.
28. Ex 20:8. - 29. 1Co 16:1-2; Ac 20:7; Rev 1:10.
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,(30) 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.(31)
30. Isa 58:13; Ne 13:15-22. - 31. Mt 12:1-13.
1. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship,
wherein the person swearing in truth, righteousness, and judgment, solemnly
calleth God to witness what he sweareth,(1) and to judge him according to
the truth or falseness thereof(2)
1. Ex 20:7; Dt 10:20; Jer 4:2. - 2. 2Ch 6:22-23.
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;(3) 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;(4) so a lawful oath being
imposed by lawful authority in such matters, ought to be taken.(5)
3. Mt 5:34,37; Jas 5:12. - 4. Heb 6:16; 2Co 1:23. -
5. Ne 13:25.
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.(6)
6. Lev 19:12; Jer 23:10.
4. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common
sense of the words, without equivocation or mental reservation.(7)
7. Ps 24:4.
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;(8) but popish monastical vows of perpetual single life,(9)
professed poverty,(10) 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.(11)
8. Ps 76:11; Ge 28:20-22. - 9. 1Co 7:2,9. - 10. Eph
4:28. - 11. Mt 19:11.
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.(1)
1. Ro 13:1-4.
2. It is lawful for Christians to accept and
execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto; in the management
whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace,(2)
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.(3)
2. 2Sa 23:3; Ps 82:3-4. - 3. Lk 3:14.
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;(4) 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.(5)
4. Ro 13:5-7; 1Pe 2:17. - 5. 1Ti 2:1-2.
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.(1)
1. Ge 2:24; Mal 2:15; Mt 19:5-6.
2. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of
husband and wife,(2) for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue,(3)
and for preventing uncleanness.(4)
2. Ge 2:18. - 3. Ge 1:28. - 4. 1Co 7:2,9.
3. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry,
who are able with judgment to give their consent;(5) yet it is the duty of
Christians to marry in the Lord;(6) and therefore such as profess the true
religion, should not marry with infidels, or idolators; neither should such
as are godly, be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are wicked in
their life, or maintain damnable heresy.(7)
5. Heb 13:4; 1Ti 4:3. - 6. 1Co 7:39. - 7. Ne
13:25-27.
4. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of
consanguinity or affinity, forbidden in the Word;(8) 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.(9)
8. Lev 18:1-30. - 9. Mk 6:18; 1Co 5:1.
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.(1)
1. Heb 12:23; Col 1:18; Eph 1:10,22-23; 5:23,27,32.
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 error everting the foundation, or
unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints;(2) and of
such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.(3)
2. 1Co 1:2; Ac 11:26. - Ro 1:7; Eph 1:20-22.
3. The purest churches under heaven are subject to
mixture and error;(4) and some have so degenerated as to become no churches
of Christ, but synagogues of Satan;(5) 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.(6)
4. 1Co 5:1-13; Rev 2:1-29; 3:1-22. - ev 18:2; 2Th
2:11-12. - Mt 16:18; Ps 72:17; 102:28; Rev 12:17.
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;(7) 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.(8)
7. Col 1:18; Mt 28:18-20; Eph 4:11-12. - 2Th 2:2-9.
(Many today who hold firmly to the 1689 Confession
cannot agree with this dogmatic identification of the Pope of Rome as the
antichrist of 2 Thessalonians 2:2-9.)
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,(9) that they may walk before Him in all the ways of obedience,
which He prescribeth to them in His Word.(10) 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.(11)
9. Jn 10:16; 12:32. - Mt 28:20. - Mt 18:15-20.
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;(12) 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.(13)
12. Ro 1 :7; 1Co 1:2. - Ac 2:41-42; 5:13-14; 2Co
9:13.
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.(14)
14. Mt 18:17-18; 1Co 5:4-5; 5:13; 2Co 2:6-8.
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 entrusts them with, or
calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or
elders, and deacons.(15)
15. Ac 20:17,28; Php 1:1.
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;(16) 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;(17) and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like
suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.(18)
16. Ac 14:23. - 1Ti 4:14. - Ac 6:3,5-6.
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;(19) 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,(20) so as they may have a comfortable
supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs;(21) and may
also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others;(22) 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.(23)
19. Ac 6:4; Heb 13:17. - 1Ti 5:17-18; Gal 6:6-7. -
2Ti 2:4. - 1Ti 3:2. - 23. 1Co 9:6-14.
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.(24)
24. Ac 11:19-21; 1Pe 4:10-11.
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.(25)
25. 1Th 5:14; 2Th 3:6,14-15.
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 proceedings of the church.(26)
26. Mt 18:15-17; Eph 4:2-3.
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,(27) 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.(28)
27. Eph 6:18; Ps 122:6. - 28. Ro 16:1-2; 3Jn 8-10.
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;(29) 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.(30)
29. Ac 15:2,4,6,22-23,25. - 30. 2Co 1:24; 1Jn 4:1.
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;(1) and, being united to one another in love, they
have communion in each others gifts and graces,(2) 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.(3)
1. 1Jn 1:3; Jn 1:16; Php 3:10; Ro 6:5-6. - 2. Eph
4:15-16; 1Co 12:7; 3:21-23. - 3. 1Th 5:11,14; Ro 1:12; 1Jn 3:17-18; Gal
6:10.
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;(4) as also in
relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities,
and necessities;(5) 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,(6) or churches,(7) 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.(8)
4. Heb 10:24-25; 3:12-13. - 5. Ac 11:29-30. - 6.
Eph 6:4. - 7. 1Co 12:14-27. - 8. Ac 5:4; Eph 4:28.
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.(1)
1. Mt 28:19-20; 1Co 11:26.
2. These holy appointments are to be administered
by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the
commission of Christ.(2)
2. Mt 28:19; 1Co 4:1.
1. Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament,
ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party baptized, a sign of his
fellowship with Him, in His death and resurrection; of his being engrafted
into Him;(1) of remission of sins;(2) and of giving up into God, through
Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life.(3)
1. Ro 6:3-5; Col 2:12; Gal 3:27. - 2. Mk 1:4; Ac
22:16. - 3. Ro 6:4.
2. Those who do actually profess repentance towards
God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper
subjects of this ordinance.(4)
4. Mk 16:16; Ac 8:36-37; 2:41; 8:12; 18:8.
3. The outward element to be used in this ordinance
is water, wherein the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.(5)
5. Mt 28:19-20; Ac 8:38.
4. Immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is
necessary to the due administration of this ordinance.(6)
6. Mt 3:16, Jn 3:23.
1. The supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by
Him the same night wherein He was betrayed, to be observed in His churches,
unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance, and shewing forth
the sacrifice of Himself in His death,(1) confirmation of the faith of
believers in all the benefits thereof, their spiritual nourishment, and
growth in Him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe
to Him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Him, and with
each other.(2)
1. 1Co 11:23-26. - 2. 1Co 10:16-17,21.
2. In this ordinance Christ is not offered up to
His Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sin of the
quick or dead, but only a memorial of that one offering up of Himself by
Himself upon the cross, once for all;(3) and a spiritual oblation of all
possible praise unto God for the same.(4) So that the popish sacrifice of
the mass, as they call it, is most abominable, injurious to Christ's own
sacrifice the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.
3. Heb 9:25-26,28. - 4. 1Co 11:24; Mt 26:26-27.
3. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance,
appointed His ministers to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine,
and thereby to set them apart from a common to a holy use, and to take and
break the bread; to take the cup, and, they communicating also themselves,
to give both to the communicants.(5)
5. 1Co 11:23-26.
4. The denial of the cup to the people, worshipping
the elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and
reserving them for any pretended religious use, are all contrary to the
nature of this ordinance, and to the institution of Christ.(6)
6. Mt 26:26-28; 15:9; Ex 20:4-5.
5. The outward elements in this ordinance, duly set
apart to the use ordained by Christ, have such relation to Him crucified, as
that truly, although in terms used figuratively, they are sometimes called
by the names of the things they represent, to wit, the body and blood of
Christ,(7) albeit, in substance and nature, they still remain truly and only
bread and wine, as they were before.(8)
7. 1Co 11:27. - 8. 1Co 11:26-28.
6. That doctrine which maintains a change of the
substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ's body and blood,
commonly called transubstantiation, by consecration of a priest, or by any
other way, is repugnant not to Scripture alone,(9) but even to common sense
and reason, overthroweth the nature of the ordinance, and hath been, and is,
the cause of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross idolatries.(10)
9. Ac 3:21; Lk 24:6,39. - 10. 1Co 11:24-25.
7. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the
visible elements in this ordinance, do them also inwardly by faith, really
and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually receive, and
feed upon Christ crucified, and all the benefits of His death; the body and
blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally, but spiritually
present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements
themselves are to their outward senses.(11)
11. 1Co 10:16; 11:23-26.
8. All ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are
unfit to enjoy communion with Christ, so are they unworthy of the Lord's
table, and cannot, without great sin against Him, while they remain such,
partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto;(12) yea,
whosoever shall receive unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of the
Lord, eating and drinking judgment to themselves.(13)
12. 2Co 6:14-15. - 13. 1Co 11:29; Mt 7:6.
1. The bodies of men after death return to dust,
and see corruption(1) but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having
an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them.(2) The
souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received
into paradise, where they are with Christ, and behold the face of God in
light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies;(3) and the
souls of the wicked are cast into hell; where they remain in torment and
utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day;(4) besides these
two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture
acknowledgeth none.
1. Ge 3:19; Ac 13:36. - 2. Ecc 12:7. - 3. Lk 23:43;
2Co 5:1,6,8; Php 1:23, Heb 12:23. - 4. Jude 6-7; 1Pe 3:19; Lk 16:23-24.
2. At the last day, such of the saints as are found
alive, shall not sleep, but be changed;(5) and all the dead shall be raised
up with the selfsame bodies, and none other;(6) although with different
qualities, which shall be united again to their souls for ever.(7)
5. 1Co 15:51-52; 1Th 4:17. - 6. Job 19:26-27. - 7.
1Co 15:42-43.
3. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of
Christ, be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by His Spirit, unto
honour, and be made conformable to His own glorious body.(8)
8. Ac 24:15; Jn 5:28-29; Php 3:21.
1. God hath appointed a day wherein He will judge
the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ;(1) to whom all power and
judgment is given of the Father; in which day, not only the apostate angels
shall be judged,(2) but likewise all persons that have lived upon the earth
shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their
thoughts, words, and deeds, and to receive according to what they have done
in the body, whether good or evil.(3)
1. Ac 17:31; Jn 5:22, 27. - 2. 1Co 6:3; Jude 6. -
3. 2Co 5:10; Ecc 12:14; Mt 12:36; Ro 14:10,12; Mt 25:32-46.
2. The end of God's appointing this day, is for the
manifestation of the glory of His mercy, in the eternal salvation of the
elect; and of His justice, in the eternal damnation of the reprobate, who
are wicked and disobedient:(4) for then shall the righteous go into
everlasting life, and receive that fullness of joy and glory with
everlasting rewards, in the presence of the Lord; but the wicked, who know
not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast aside into
everlasting torments,(5) and punished with everlasting destruction, from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.(6)
4. Ro 9:22-23. - 5. Mt 25:21,34; 2Ti 4:8. - 6. Mt 25:46; Mk 9:48; 2Th
1:7-10.
3. As Christ would have us to be certainly
persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from
sin,(7) and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity,(8)
so will He have the day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal
security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the
Lord will come,(9) and may ever be prepared to say, "Come Lord Jesus;
come quickly".(10) Amen.
7. 2Co 5:10-11. - 8. 2Th 1:5-7. - 9. Mk 13:35-37; Lk 12:35-40. - 10. Rev
22:20.
Closing Statement & Signatories
We the MINISTERS, and MESSENGERS of, and concerned for
upwards of, one hundred BAPTIZED CHURCHES, in England and Wales (denying
Arminianisim), being met together in London, from the third of the seventh
month to the eleventh of the same, 1689, to consider of some things that
might be for the glory of God, and the good of these congregations, have
thought meet (for the satisfaction of all other Christians that differ from
us in the point of Baptism) to recommend to their perusal the confession of
our faith, which confession we own, as containing the doctrine of our faith
and practice, and do desire that the members of our churches respectively do
furnish themselves therewith.
Hansard Knollys, Pastor, Broken Wharf, London
William Kiffin, Pastor, Devonshire-square, London
John Harris, Pastor, Joiner's Hall, London
William Collins, Pastor, Petty France, London
Hurcules Collins, Pastor, Wapping, London
Robert Steed, Pastor, Broken Wharf, London
Leonard Harrison, Pastor, Limehouse, London
George Barret, Pastor, Mile End Green, London
Isaac Lamb, Pastor, Pennington-street, London
Richard Adams, Minister, Shad Thames, Southwark
Benjamin Keach, Pastor, Horse-lie-down, Southwark
Andrew Gifford, Pastor, Bristol, Frvars, Som. & Glouc.
Thomas Vaux, Pastor, Broadmead, Som. & Glouc.
Thomas Winnel, Pastor, Taunton, Som. & Glouc.
James Hitt, Preacher, Dalwood, Dorset
Richard Tidmarsh, Minister, Oxford City, Oxon
William Facey, Pastor, Reading, Berks
Samuel Buttall, Minister, Plymouth, Devon
Christopher Price, Minister, Abergayenny, Monmouth
Daniel Finch, Minister, Kingsworth, Herts
John Ball, Tiverton, Devon
Edmond White, Pastor, Evershall, Bedford
William Prichard, Pastor, Blaenau, Monmouth
Paul Fruin, Minister, Warwick, Warwick
Richard Ring, Pastor, Southhampton, Hants
John Tomkins, Minister, Abingdon, Berks
Toby Willes, Pastor, Bridgewater, Somerset
John Carter, Steventon, Bedford
James Webb, Devizes, Wilts
Richard Sutton, Pastor, Tring, Herts
Robert Knight, Pastor, Stukeley, Bucks
Edward Price, Pastor, Hereford City, Hereford
William Phipps, Pastor, Exon, Devon
William Hawkins, Pastor, Dimmock, Gloucester
Samuel Ewer, Pastor, Hemstead, Herts
Edward Man, Pastor, Houndsditch, London
Charles Archer, Pastor, Hock-Norton, Oxon
In the name of and on the behalf of the whole assembly.
