Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Atonement & the Cross

87 passages across 11 documents address Atonement & the Cross. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Necessity of Expiation and Retributive Justice

"The Old Testament and in the New, God is declared to be just, in the sense that his nature demands the punishment of sin; that therefore there can be no remission without such punishment, vicarious or personal;" "Conscience is not satisfied with mere forgiveness. It is essential to peace with God, that the soul should see that justice is satisfied." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The veracity of God demanded that the penalty should be executed, and if sinners were to be saved, should be executed in the life of a substitute." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"It was necessary for Christ, in order that he might make satisfaction, not only to suffer, but also to die: 1. On account of the justice of God. Sin is an evil of such magnitude, that, according to the order of justice, it merits, and demands, the destruction of the sinner;" [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

II. The Nature of the Satisfaction: Penal and Substitutionary

"By the satisfaction of Christ is meant all He has done to satisfy the demands of the law and justice of God, in the place and in behalf of sinners.""As the satisfaction of Christ was not pecuniary, but penal or forensic; a satisfaction for sinners, and not for those who owed a certain amount of money... Christ did not suffer either in kind or in degree what sinners would have suffered. In value, his sufferings infinitely transcended theirs."

"This perfection of the satisfaction of Christ, as already remarked, is not due to his having suffered either in kind or in degree what the sinner would have been required to endure; but principally to the infinite dignity of his person." "The soul of man cannot be wounded or burnt, but when the body is injured it is the man who suffers. In like manner the obedience of Christ was the righteousness of God, and the blood of Christ was the blood of God." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The dignity of the person who suffered appears in this, that it was God, the Creator himself, who died for the sins of the world; which is infinitely more than the destruction of all creatures, and avails more than the holiness of all the angels and men." "The temporal punishment of the Son of God, exceeds in dignity and worth, the eternal punishment of the whole world, for the reasons already explained." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

III. Active and Passive Obedience

"The righteousness of Christ is commonly represented as including his active and passive obedience. This distinction is, as to the idea, Scriptural." "The active and passive obedience of Christ, however, are only different phases or aspects of the same thing. He obeyed in suffering. His highest acts of obedience were rendered in the garden, and upon the cross." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"Christ’s active and passive obedience should be regarded as complementary parts of an organic whole." "If Christ had merely obeyed the law and had not also paid the penalty, He would not have won a title to eternal life for sinners; and if He had merely paid the penalty, without meeting the original demands of the law, He would have left man in the position of Adam before the fall," [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"Indeed it is not good to say that the forgiveness of sins has been acquired only by his passive, and eternal life only by his active obedience. For his suffering was not a bearing of punishment only but also fulfilment of the law; and his working was not fulfilment of the law merely but also a bearing of its punishment. His doing was suffering and his suffering was act." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

IV. The Sacrifice of the Cross and the Curse of the Law

"The cross was cursed not only in the opinion of men, but by the enactment of the Divine Law. Hence Christ, while suspended on it, subjects himself to the curse." "And thus it behoved to be done, in order that the whole curse, which on account of our iniquities awaited us, or rather lay upon us, might be taken from us by being transferred to him." "Our acquittal is in this that the guilt which made us liable to punishment was transferred to the head of the Son of God," [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The death of the cross is an aggravation of the punishment of Christ, and a confirmation of our faith." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Christ did offer the sacrifice of himself unto God for us-- 1.That hereby he might satisfy God's justice for us. 2. And that hereby he might reconcile us unto God." "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"What is propitiation with the Lord (says Augustine) but sacrifice? And what is sacrifice but that which was offered for us in the death of Christ?" [John Calvin - Institutes]

V. Propitiation, Reconciliation, and Objective Atonement

"The atonement is objective. This means that the atonement makes its primary impression on the person to whom it is made." "In the case under consideration it means that the atonement was intended to propitiate God and to reconcile Him to the sinner." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"In the N. T. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the God of all grace and mercy... there is no contrast between the Father and Christ; as loving, merciful, and readily forgiving as Christ is, so also is the Father; they are his words that Christ speaks, his works that He does." "Christ therefore did not first move the Father by his work to love and grace, but the love of the Father precedes and comes to revelation in Christ; Christ is a gift of God’s love," [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Expiation and propitiation are correlative terms. The sinner, or his guilt is expiated; God, or justice, is propitiated." "Satisfaction or expiation does not awaken love in the divine mind. It only renders it consistent with his justice that God should exercise his love towards transgressors of his law." "The change is not in man, but, humanly speaking, in God; a change from the purpose to punish to a purpose to pardon and save." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The cross of Christ then only triumphs in the breasts of believers over the devil and the flesh, sin and sinners, when their eyes are directed to the power of his resurrection." [John Calvin - Institutes]

VI. The Design and Particular Extent of the Atonement

"The whole question, therefore, concerns simply the purpose of God in the mission of his Son. What was the design of Christ's coming into the world, and doing and suffering all He actually did and suffered? Was it merely to make the salvation of all men possible... or, Was it specially to render certain the salvation of his own people, i.e., of those given to Him by the Father?"

"He laid down his life for his sheep; He gave Himself for his Church. But in perfect consistency with all this, He did all that was necessary, so far as a satisfaction to justice is concerned, all that is required for the salvation of all men."

"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 his Father; and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto Him." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The question with which we are concerned at this point is not (a) whether the satisfaction rendered by Christ was in itself sufficient for the salvation of all men, since this is admitted by all... Did the Father in sending Christ, and did Christ in coming into the world, to make atonement for sin, do this with the design or for the purpose of saving only the elect or all men?" [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"He died for all, as touching the sufficiency of the ransom which he paid; and not for all; but only for the elect, or those that believe, as touching the application and efficacy thereof." "But he willed to die for the elect alone as touching the efficacy of his death, that is, he would not only sufficiently merit grace and life for them alone, but also effectually confers these upon them, grants faith, and the holy Spirit, and brings it to pass that they apply to themselves, by faith, the benefits of his death, and so obtain for themselves the efficacy of his merits." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"If the intercession is therefore particular, as it is, Joh. 17:9, 24, Rom. 8:34, Hebr. 7:25, 1 Joh. 2:1, 2, then the sacrifice is also." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

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Question 1

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has delivered me from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, also assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Rom. 14:7–9.

    Rom. 14:7–9 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. 8 For both if we should live, we live to the Lord, and if we should die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we should live and if we should die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

  • 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14.

    1 Cor. 3:23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 John 1:7–9; 2:2.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

    1 John 1:7–9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • John 8:34–36; Heb. 2:14–15; 1 John 3:1–11.

    John 8:34–36 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin. 35 Now the slave does not remain in the house to the age; the son remains to the age. 36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.

    Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

    1 John 3:1–11 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and we are! Because of this, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you⁺ know that He appeared so that He should take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 Everyone who [is] remaining in Him does not sin; everyone who [is] sinning has not seen Him, nor has he known Him. 7 Little children, let no one lead you⁺ astray; the one doing righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil is sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was made manifest, so that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: everyone not doing righteousness is not of God, and the one not loving his brother. 11 For this is the message that you⁺ heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

  • John 6:39–40; 10:27–30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5.

    John 6:39–40 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.”

    10:27–30 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    2 Thess. 3:3 But faithful is the Lord, who will strengthen you⁺ and guard [you] from the evil one.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Matt. 10:29–31; Luke 21:16–18.

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

    Luke 21:16–18 16 And you⁺ will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put to death some of you⁺. 17 And you⁺ will be hated by all because of My name. 18 And no, not a hair of your⁺ head shall perish.

  • Rom. 8:28.

    Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,

  • Rom. 8:15–16; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13–14.

    Rom. 8:15–16 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

    2 Cor. 1:21–22 21 Now the One establishing us with you⁺ into Christ, and having anointed us, [is] God, 22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

    5:5 Now the One having prepared us for this very [thing] [is] God, the One having given to us the pledge of the Spirit,

    Eph. 1:13–14 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

  • Rom. 8:1–17.

    Rom. 8:1–17 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those being according to the flesh mind the [things] of the flesh, but those according to the Spirit the [things] of the Spirit. 6 For the mind of the flesh [is] death, but the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace, 7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able. 8 And those being in the flesh are not able to please God. 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 10 But if Christ [is] in you⁺, the body [is] indeed dead because of sin, but the spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of the One having raised Jesus out from the dead dwells in you⁺, the One having raised Christ Jesus out from the dead will also make alive your⁺ mortal bodies through His Spirit, the One dwelling in you⁺. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you⁺ live according to the flesh, you⁺ are about to die; but if by the Spirit you⁺ put to death the deeds of the body, you⁺ will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], so that we may also be glorified with [Him].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works13 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 13

Q. Can we make this payment ourselves?

A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our debt every day.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:12; Rom. 2:4–5.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    Rom. 2:4–5 4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1941 shared proof text · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man1 shared proof text · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day1 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 991 shared proof text

Question 14

Q. Can another creature—any at all—pay this debt for us?

A. No. To begin with, God will not punish any other creature for what a human is guilty of. Furthermore, no mere creature can bear the weight of God's eternal wrath against sin and deliver others from it.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 18:4, 20; Heb. 2:14–18.

    Ezek. 18:4, 20 4 behold, all souls, they [are] unto Me—as the soul of the father, also the soul of the son—they [are] unto Me: The soul that is sinning, it will die. 20 The soul sinning, it will die. The son will not bear the guilt of the father, and the father will not bear the guilt of the son; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

    Heb. 2:14–18 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death. 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.

  • Pss. 49:7–9; 130:3.

    Pss. 49:7–9 7 A brother surely cannot ransom a man, and he cannot give to God his redemption price. 8 For costly [is] the ransom of their soul, and it shall cease forever, 9 that he might live on forever, [and] not see the Pit.

    130:3 If You were to mark iniquities, O YAH, O Lord, who could stand?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 374 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 18: The Incarnation2 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 222 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 392 shared proof texts

Question 17

Q. Why must he also be true God?

A. So that, by the power of his divinity, he might bear in his humanity the weight of God's wrath, and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 331 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 701 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 711 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 19

Q. How do you come to know this?

A. The holy gospel tells me. God himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, he proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets and foreshadowed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and finally he fulfilled it through his own beloved Son.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:15.

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

  • Gen. 22:18; 49:10.

    Gen. 22:18 And in your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have listened to My voice.”

    49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until that he comes to Shiloh; and to him [is] the obedience of the peoples.

  • Isa. 53; Jer. 23:5–6; Mic. 7:18–20; Acts 10:43; Heb. 1:1–2.

    Jer. 23:5–6 5 Behold, the days are coming, a declaration of YHWH, when I will raise up for David a Branch of Righteousness, and a King shall reign who will deal wisely, and he will do justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    Mic. 7:18–20 18 Who [is] a God like You, lifting away iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion. 19 He will turn back, He will have compassion on us, He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins. 20 You will give forth faithfulness to Jacob, loving devotion to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Lev. 1–7; John 5:46; Heb. 10:1–10.

    John 5:46 For if you⁺ were believing Moses, you⁺ would have been believing Me; for he wrote concerning Me.

    Heb. 10:1–10 1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things about to be, not the image of the things themselves, every year with the same sacrifices that they offer unto perpetuity, never is able to perfect those coming near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, because of no more having conscience of sins, those serving having been cleansed once? 3 But in these [is] a reminder of sins every year. 4 For [it is] impossible [for] the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    Leviticus 1 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 2 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 3 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 4 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 5 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 6 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 7 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 10:4; Gal. 4:4–5; Col. 2:17.

    Rom. 10:4 For the end of law [is] Christ, unto righteousness to everyone believing.

    Gal. 4:4–5 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

    Col. 2:17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 13: Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Also of Promises; of the Spirit and of the Letter3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 23

Q. What are these articles?

A. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended to heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Ecumenical Creeds · Apostles' Creed11 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World10 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Nicene Creed9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Athanasian Creed7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church6 shared topics

Question 31

Q. Why is he called "Christ," meaning "anointed"?

A. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance; our only high priest who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually intercedes for us before the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the deliverance he has won for us.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 3:21–22; 4:14–19 (Isa. 61:1); Heb. 1:9 (Ps. 45:7).

    Luke 3:21–22 21 Now it came to pass, in all the people having been baptized and Jesus having been baptized and praying, [that] heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in a bodily form as a dove. And a voice came out of heaven: “You are My Son, the Beloved; in You I was well pleased.”

    4:14–19 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report went out through all the surrounding region concerning Him. 15 And He was teaching in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and having unrolled the scroll, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because of which He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth the oppressed in deliverance, 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

    Isa. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord YHWH [is] upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring [good] news [to] the poor. He has sent me to bind the [wounds] of the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the bound the opening of their bonds;

    Heb. 1:9 You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this, God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of exultation beyond Your companions.”

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

  • Acts 3:22 (Deut. 18:15).

    Acts 3:22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

    Deut. 18:15 YHWH your God will raise up for you a prophet from among you, from your brothers, like me; you⁺ must listen to him

  • John 1:18; 15:15.

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

    15:15 No longer do I call you⁺ servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you⁺ friends, because all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you⁺.

  • Heb. 7:17 (Ps. 110:4).

    Heb. 7:17 For it is testified: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

    Ps. 110:4 YHWH has sworn, and He will not change His mind: “You [are] a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Heb. 9:12; 10:11–14.

    Heb. 9:12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption.

    10:11–14 11 And indeed every priest has stood every day, serving and offering the same sacrifices many times, which never are able to take away sins. 12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 [as to] the rest awaiting until His enemies should be placed [as] a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Matt. 21:5 (Zech. 9:9).

    Matt. 21:5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King comes to you, gentle and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

    Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He [is] righteous and bearing salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

  • Matt. 28:18–20; John 10:28; Rev. 12:10–11.

    Matt. 28:18–20 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

    Rev. 12:10–11 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, because the accuser of our brothers was cast down, the one accusing them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their life unto death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator13 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 427 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 34

Q. Why do you call him "our Lord"?

A. Because— not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood— he has delivered and purchased us body and soul from sin and from the tyranny of the devil, to be his very own.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Peter 1:18–19.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

  • Col. 1:13–14; Heb. 2:14–15.

    Col. 1:13–14 13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

    Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

  • 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Tim. 2:5–6.

    1 Cor. 6:20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 714 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 972 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 37

Q. What do you understand by the word "suffered"?

A. That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might deliver us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18.

    1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having been dead to sins, we might live to righteousness, “by whose stripes you⁺ were healed.”

    3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 3:25; Heb. 10:14; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.

    Rom. 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    1 John 2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

    4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [as] a propitiation for our sins.

  • Rom. 8:1–4; Gal. 3:13.

    Rom. 8:1–4 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

  • John 3:16; Rom. 3:24–26.

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    Rom. 3:24–26 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 974 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1943 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 39

Q. Is it significant that he was "crucified" instead of dying some other way?

A. Yes. By this death I am convinced that he shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was cursed by God.

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 3:10–13 (Deut. 21:23).

    Gal. 3:10–13 10 For as many as are of works of the law, they are under a curse, for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things having been written in the Book of the Law, to do them.” 11 Now [it is] evident that no one is justified before God in the law, because, “The righteous will live out of faith.” 12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    Deut. 21:23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him on the day—for cursed of God [is] he who is hanged [on a tree]—so that you do not defile the land that YHWH your God is giving to you [as] an inheritance.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1664 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 242 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 302 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 932 shared proof texts

Question 40

Q. Why did Christ have to suffer death?

A. Because God's justice and truth require it: nothing else could pay for our sins except the death of the Son of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 2:17.

    Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”

  • Rom. 8:3–4; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:9.

    Rom. 8:3–4 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

    Heb. 2:9 But we see Jesus, the One having been made a little less than the angels, because of the suffering of death, having been crowned with glory and with honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant2 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 972 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 41

Q. Why was he "buried"?

A. His burial testifies that he really died.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53:9; John 19:38–42; Acts 13:29; 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    Isa. 53:9 And He appointed His grave with the wicked, and with a rich one in his death; although He had done no violence, and no deceit [was] in his mouth.

    John 19:38–42 38 And after these things, Joseph from Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus (but concealed because of the fear of the Jews) asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave permission. Therefore he came and took away His body. 39 And Nicodemus, the one having come to Him by night at the first, also came bearing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred litras. 40 Therefore they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the custom among the Jews to prepare for burial. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where He was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one was yet having been laid. 42 Therefore because of the Preparation of the Jews [and] since the tomb was near, they laid Jesus there.

    Acts 13:29 And when they finished all the things having been written about Him, having taken [Him] down from the tree, they put [Him] in a tomb.

    1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 272 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 502 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 462 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement1 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 43

Q. What further benefit do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?

A. By his power our old man is crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead we may offer ourselves as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to him.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:5–11; Col. 2:11–12.

    Rom. 6:5–11 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

    Col. 2:11–12 11 in whom also you⁺ were circumcised with the circumcision done without hands in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead.

  • Rom. 6:12–14.

    Rom. 6:12–14 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your⁺ mortal body, in order to obey its desires. 13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.

  • Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:1–2.

    Rom. 12:1 Therefore I exhort you⁺, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your⁺ bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your⁺ reasonable service.

    Eph. 5:1–2 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism9 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1676 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 755 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification4 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 354 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification3 shared proof texts

Question 44

Q. Why does the creed add, "He descended into hell"?

A. To assure me during attacks of deepest dread and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from hellish anguish and torment.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; Matt. 26:36–46; 27:45–46; Luke 22:44; Heb. 5:7–10.

    Matt. 26:36–46 36 Then Jesus comes with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He says to the disciples, “Sit here until, having gone away over there, I shall pray.” 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.” 39 And having gone forward a little, He fell upon His face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You.” 40 And He comes to the disciples and finds them sleeping. And He says to Peter, “So, were you⁺ not able to watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray so that you⁺ might not enter into temptation. the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.” 42 Again, for a second time, having gone away, He prayed, saying, “My Father, if this is not possible to pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And having come again, He found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And having left them again, having gone away, He prayed for the third time, having said the same thing again. 45 Then He comes to the disciples and says to them, “Sleep and take your⁺ rest later on. Behold, the hour has drawn near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise up, let us go! Behold, he who is betraying Me has drawn near!”

    27:45–46 45 And from the sixth hour darkness was over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Heb. 5:7–10 7 [He] in the days of His flesh having offered both supplications and entreaties with strong crying and tears to the One being able to save Him from death, and having been heard from reverence, 8 although being a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered, 9 and having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation to all those obeying Him, 10 having been designated by God [as] high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 493 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 382 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 56

Q. What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?

A. I believe that God, because of Christ's satisfaction, will no longer remember any of my sins or my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, by his grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ that I may never come into judgment.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 103:3–4, 10, 12; Mic. 7:18–19; 2 Cor. 5:18–21; 1 John 1:7; 2:2.

    Ps. 103:3–4, 10, 12 3 the One forgiving all your iniquities, the One healing all your diseases, 4 the One redeeming your life from destruction, the One crowning you with loving devotion and compassion, 10 He has not done to us according to our sins, and He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities. 12 As far as the east [is] from the west, [so] has He put our transgressions far from us.

    Mic. 7:18–19 18 Who [is] a God like You, lifting away iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion. 19 He will turn back, He will have compassion on us, He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins.

    2 Cor. 5:18–21 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    1 John 1:7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

    2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 7:21–25.

    Rom. 7:21–25 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.

  • John 3:17–18; Rom. 8:1–2.

    John 3:17–18 17 For God did not send the Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Rom. 8:1–2 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification6 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will5 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 60

Q. How are you righteous before God?

A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments, of never having kept any of them, and of still being inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without any merit of my own, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, and as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me— if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:21–28; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–9; Phil 3:8–11.

    Rom. 3:21–28 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Phil 3:8–11 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith, 10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if somehow I may attain to the resurrection out from the dead.

  • Rom. 3:9–10.

    Rom. 3:9–10 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;

  • Rom. 7:23.

    Rom. 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

  • Titus 3:4–5.

    Titus 3:4–5 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 4:3–5 (Gen. 15:6); 2 Cor. 5:17–19; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Rom. 4:3–5 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one working, the wage is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

    2 Cor. 5:17–19 17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being! 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 4:24–25; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 4:24–25 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • John 3:18; Acts 16:30–31.

    John 3:18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Acts 16:30–31 30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful12 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 867 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1947 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 61

Q. Why do you say that through faith alone you are righteous?

A. Not because I please God by the worthiness of my faith, for only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness are my righteousness before God, and I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 1:30–31.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

  • Rom. 10:10; 1 John 5:10–12.

    Rom. 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

    1 John 5:10–12 10 The one believing in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one not believing God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one having the Son has life; the one not having the Son of God does not have life.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 322 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 731 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 66

Q. What are sacraments?

A. Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and seal that promise. And this is God's gospel promise: he grants us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ's one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 17:11; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 4:11.

    Gen. 17:11 And you⁺ shall be circumcised in the flesh of your⁺ foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and between you⁺.

    Deut. 30:6 And YHWH your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

    Rom. 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

  • Matt. 26:27–28; Acts 2:38; Heb. 10:10.

    Matt. 26:27–28 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    Heb. 10:10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1624 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1763 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 67

Q. Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

A. Yes indeed! The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel and confirms by the holy sacraments that our entire salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 11:26; Gal. 3:27.

    Rom. 6:3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

    1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

    Gal. 3:27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1623 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1652 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 942 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 69

Q. How does holy baptism remind and assure you that Christ's one sacrifice on the cross benefits you personally?

A. In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it promised that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly his blood and his Spirit wash away my soul's impurity, that is, all my sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:38.

    Acts 2:38 And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins, and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  • Matt. 3:11; Rom. 6:3–10; 1 Peter 3:21.

    Matt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you⁺ in water unto repentance, but the One coming after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient to carry the sandals. He will baptize you⁺ in the Holy Spirit and fire,

    Rom. 6:3–10 3 Or are you⁺ ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God.

    1 Peter 3:21 which also corresponds to the baptism now saving you⁺, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the demand of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1677 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1655 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 944 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1623 shared proof texts

Question 70

Q. What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?

A. To be washed with Christ's blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven our sins because of Christ's blood poured out for us in his sacrifice on the cross. To be washed with Christ's Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has renewed and sanctified us to be members of Christ, so that more and more we die to sin and live holy and blameless lives.

Scripture proofs
  • Zech. 13:1; Eph. 1:7–8; Heb. 12:24; 1 Peter 1:2; Rev. 1:5.

    Zech. 13:1 “On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David, and for those dwelling in Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.

    Eph. 1:7–8 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, 8 which He abounded to us in all wisdom and understanding,

    Heb. 12:24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, speaking a better thing than that of Abel.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    Rev. 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins in His blood—

  • Ezek. 36:25–27; John 3:5–8; Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 6:11; Col. 2:11–12.

    Ezek. 36:25–27 25 And I will sprinkle on you⁺ pure water, and you⁺ will be pure from all your⁺ uncleannesses, and from all your⁺ idols I will purify you⁺. 26 And I will give to you⁺ a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you⁺; and I will take away the heart of stone from your⁺ flesh, and I will give to you⁺ a heart of flesh. 27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].

    John 3:5–8 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That having been born of the flesh is flesh, and that having been born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you⁺ to be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit.”

    Rom. 6:4 We were buried, therefore, with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised out from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.

    1 Cor. 6:11 And some [of] you⁺ were these. But you⁺ were washed, but you⁺ were sanctified, but you⁺ were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

    Col. 2:11–12 11 in whom also you⁺ were circumcised with the circumcision done without hands in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 755 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 354 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 584 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 71

Q. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

A. In the institution of baptism, where he says: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism "the washing of regeneration" and the washing away of sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19.

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

  • Mark 16:16.

    Mark 16:16 The one having believed and having been baptized will be saved, but the one having disbelieved will be condemned.

  • Titus 3:5.

    Titus 3:5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Acts 22:16.

    Acts 22:16 And now, why do you delay? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having called on His name.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1653 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 942 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 75

Q. How does the holy supper remind and assure you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all his benefits?

A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup in remembrance of him. With this command come these promises: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup shared with me, so surely his body was offered and broken for me and his blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of him who serves, and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, given me as sure signs of Christ's body and blood, so surely he nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with his crucified body and poured-out blood.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:23–25.

    Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Mark 14:22–24 22 And [in] their eating, having taken bread, having spoken a blessing, He broke [it] and gave to them and said, “Take; this is My body.” 23 And having taken the cup, having given thanks, He gave to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many.

    Luke 22:19–20 19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,” 20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

    1 Cor. 11:23–25 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16211 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16910 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 928 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1687 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments7 shared proof texts

Question 76

Q. What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood?

A. It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and in this way to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. But it means more. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us, we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body. And so, although he is in heaven and we are on earth, we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit, as the members of our body are by one soul.

Scripture proofs
  • John 6:35, 40, 50–54.

    John 6:35, 40, 50–54 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.” 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • John 6:55–56; 1 Cor. 12:13.

    John 6:55–56 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him.

    1 Cor. 12:13 For also in one Spirit we all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

  • Acts 1:9–11; 1 Cor. 11:26; Col. 3:1.

    Acts 1:9–11 9 And having said these things, [in] their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. 10 And as they were looking intently into heaven [in] His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, 11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

    Col. 3:1 If, then, you⁺ were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.

  • 1 Cor. 6:15–17; Eph. 5:29–30; 1 John 4:13.

    1 Cor. 6:15–17 15 Do you⁺ not know that your⁺ bodies are members of Christ? Having taken, then, the members of the Christ, shall I make [them] members of a prostitute? Never may it be! 16 Or do you⁺ not know that the one being joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, “The two will be into one flesh.” 17 But the one being joined to the Lord is one spirit.

    Eph. 5:29–30 29 For no one at any time hated his own flesh, but he nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ also [does] the church. 30 For we are members of His body.

    1 John 4:13 In this we know that we remain in Him and He in us: because from out of His Spirit He has given to us.

  • John 6:56–58; 15:1–6; Eph. 4:15–16; 1 John 3:24.

    John 6:56–58 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.”

    15:1–6 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch not bearing fruit in Me, He takes it away; and every one bearing fruit, He prunes it clean so that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you⁺ are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you⁺. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you⁺. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither you⁺, unless you⁺ remain in Me. 5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like the branch and is dried up; and they gather them and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

    Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

    1 John 3:24 And the one keeping His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. And in this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit whom He gave to us.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord12 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 534 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1703 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 663 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 79

Q. Why then does Christ call the bread his body and the cup his blood, or the new covenant in his blood, and Paul use the words, a participation in Christ's body and blood?

A. Christ has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that just as bread and wine nourish the temporal life, so too his crucified body and poured-out blood are the true food and drink of our souls for eternal life. But more important, he wants to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge, that we, through the Holy Spirit's work, share in his true body and blood as surely as our mouths receive these holy signs in his remembrance, and that all of his suffering and obedience are as definitely ours as if we personally had suffered and made satisfaction for our sins.

Scripture proofs
  • John 6:51, 55.

    John 6:51, 55 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16–17; 11:26.

    1 Cor. 10:16–17 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

    11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • Rom. 6:5–11.

    Rom. 6:5–11 5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him. 10 For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1674 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1703 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 963 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 80

Q. How does the Lord's Supper differ from the Roman Catholic Mass?

A. The Lord's Supper declares to us that all our sins are completely forgiven through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he himself accomplished on the cross once for all. It also declares to us that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ, who with his true body is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father where he wants us to worship him. But the Mass teaches that the living and the dead do not have their sins forgiven through the suffering of Christ unless Christ is still offered for them daily by the priests. It also teaches that Christ is bodily present under the form of bread and wine where Christ is therefore to be worshiped. Thus the Mass is basically nothing but a denial of the one sacrifice and suffering of Jesus Christ and a condemnable idolatry.

Scripture proofs
  • John 19:30; Heb. 7:27; 9:12, 25–26; 10:10–18.

    John 19:30 Therefore when Jesus took the sour wine, He said, “It has been finished.” And having bowed the head, He yielded up the spirit.

    Heb. 7:27 who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for [his] own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself.

    9:12, 25–26 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 25 nor that He should offer Himself many times, just as the high priest enters into the holy [places] every year with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

    10:10–18 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And indeed every priest has stood every day, serving and offering the same sacrifices many times, which never are able to take away sins. 12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 [as to] the rest awaiting until His enemies should be placed [as] a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us. For after having said: 16 “This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, giving My laws on their hearts, and I will inscribe them on their mind,” 17 then [He says]: “Their sins and their lawless acts, I will remember no more.” 18 Now where [there is] forgiveness of these, no longer [is there] an offering concerning sin.

  • 1 Cor. 6:17; 10:16–17.

    1 Cor. 6:17 But the one being joined to the Lord is one spirit.

    10:16–17 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

  • Acts 7:55–56; Heb. 1:3; 8:1.

    Acts 7:55–56 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, having looked intently into heaven, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens having been opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    8:1 Now the main point of the things being said: We have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

  • Matt. 6:20–21; John 4:21–24; Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1–3.

    Matt. 6:20–21 20 But treasure up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust disfigure, and where thieves do not break in, nor do they steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there will be also your heart.

    John 4:21–24 21 Jesus says to her, “Believe Me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you⁺ worship the Father. 22 You⁺ worship what you⁺ do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation is of the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father also seeks such who worship Him. 24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

    Phil. 3:20 For our citizenship is in the heavens, from where also we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

    Col. 3:1–3 1 If, then, you⁺ were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Mind the things above, not the things on the earth. 3 For you⁺ died, and your⁺ life has been hidden with Christ in God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper11 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 543 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 81

Q. Who should come to the Lord's table?

A. Those who are displeased with themselves because of their sins, but who nevertheless trust that their sins are pardoned and that their remaining weakness is covered by the suffering and death of Christ, and who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and to lead a better life. Hypocrites and those who are unrepentant, however, eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 10:19–22; 11:26–32.

    1 Cor. 10:19–22 19 Then what do I say? That what is sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 [No], but that which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you⁺ to be fellow sharers with demons. 21 You⁺ are not able to drink a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons. You⁺ are not able to partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

    11:26–32 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 31 For if we were discerning of ourselves, we would not be being judged. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 976 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1736 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 30: Of Church Censures6 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1085 shared proof texts

Question 86

Q. Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace through Christ without any merit of our own, why then should we do good works?

A. Because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, is also renewing us by his Spirit into his image, so that with our whole lives we may show that we are thankful to God for his benefits, and that he may be praised through us, and further, so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and by our godly living our neighbors may be won over to Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 6:13; 12:1–2; 1 Peter 2:5–10.

    Rom. 6:13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness.

    12:1–2 1 Therefore I exhort you⁺, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your⁺ bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your⁺ reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for you⁺ to discern what [is] the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.

    1 Peter 2:5–10 5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen [and] precious cornerstone; and the one believing on Him shall never be put to shame.” 7 Therefore the preciousness [is] to you⁺ who [are] believing. But [to] [those] disbelieving, “The stone that those building rejected, this became into the head of the corner,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed. 9 But you⁺ [are] a chosen kindred, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [His] possession, so that you⁺ may proclaim the excellencies of the One having called you⁺ out of darkness into His marvelous light, 10 who once [were] not a people, but now [are] the people of God—those not having received mercy, but now having received mercy.

  • Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    Matt. 5:16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Matt. 7:17–18; Gal. 5:22–24; 2 Peter 1:10–11.

    Matt. 7:17–18 17 Thus every good tree produces good fruits, but the rotten tree produces evil fruits. 18 A good tree is not able to produce evil fruits, nor a rotten tree to produce good fruits.

    Gal. 5:22–24 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those of Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with the passions and the desires.

    2 Peter 1:10–11 10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble. 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you⁺.

  • Matt. 5:14–16; Rom. 14:17–19; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1–2.

    Matt. 5:14–16 14 You⁺ are the light of the world. A city lying on a hill is not able to be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house. 16 Thus let your⁺ light shine before men, so that they may see your⁺ good works and may glorify your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens.

    Rom. 14:17–19 17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one serving Christ in in this [is] well-pleasing to God and approved by men. 19 So then, may we pursue the [things] of peace, and the [things] of building up one another.

    1 Peter 2:12 having your⁺ conduct among the Gentiles good, so that wherein which they speak against you⁺ as evildoers, out of having witnessed the good works, they may glorify God in the day of visitation.

    3:1–2 1 Likewise, wives, be subject to [your] own husbands, so that even if any are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without word by the conduct of the wives, 2 having witnessed your⁺ respectful, pure conduct,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Article 21: The Atonement

We believe that Jesus Christ is a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek—made such by an oath—and that he presented himself in our name before his Father, to appease his wrath with full satisfaction by offering himself on the tree of the cross and pouring out his precious blood for the cleansing of our sins, as the prophets had predicted. For it is written that "the chastisement of our peace" was placed on the Son of God and that "we are healed by his wounds." He was "led to death as a lamb"; he was "numbered among sinners" and condemned as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, though Pilate had declared that he was innocent. So he paid back what he had not stolen, and he suffered—the "just for the unjust," in both his body and his soul—in such a way that when he sensed the horrible punishment required by our sins his sweat became like "big drops of blood falling on the ground." He cried, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" And he endured all this for the forgiveness of our sins.

Therefore we rightly say with Paul that we "know nothing but Jesus and him crucified"; we consider all things as "dung for the excellence of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." We find all comforts in his wounds and have no need to seek or invent any other means to reconcile ourselves with God than this one and only sacrifice, once made, which renders believers perfect forever. This is also why the angel of God called him Jesus—that is, "Savior"—because he would save his people from their sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53:4–12.

    Isa. 53:4–12 4 Surely, our sicknesses He has lifted, and our sorrows, He has borne them; and we considered Him stricken—struck by God and afflicted. 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and he was afflicted, and he did not open his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before the faces of her shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. 8 By restraint and by judgment He was taken away, and His generation—who can recount? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of My people He was stricken. 9 And He appointed His grave with the wicked, and with a rich one in his death; although He had done no violence, and no deceit [was] in his mouth. 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Ps. 69:4.

    Ps. 69:4 Those hating me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those seeking my destruction, my enemies [with] deception! That which I did not steal, I must then return.

  • 1 Peter 3:18.

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

  • Luke 22:44.

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

  • Matt. 27:46.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • 1 Cor. 2:2.

    1 Cor. 2:2 For I decided not to know anything among you⁺ except Jesus Christ and Him having been crucified.

  • Phil. 3:8.

    Phil. 3:8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ

  • Matt. 1:21.

    Matt. 1:21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 716 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World1 shared proof text · 10 shared topics

Article 23: The Justification of Sinners

We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works. And the same apostle says that we are justified "freely" or "by grace" through redemption in Jesus Christ.

And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting only on the obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him. That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God's approach, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves. In fact, if we had to appear before God relying—no matter how little—on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up. Therefore everyone must say with David: "Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified."

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 32:1; Rom. 4:6.

    Ps. 32:1 Of David. A Maskil. Blessed [is he] with transgression lifted, with sin is covered.

    Rom. 4:6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:

  • Rom. 3:24.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 143:2.

    Ps. 143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for not anyone alive is righteous before Your face.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 332 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 702 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 712 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · 7 shared topics

Article 29: The Marks of the True Church

We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church—for all sects in the world today claim for themselves the name of "the church." We are not speaking here of the company of hypocrites who are mixed among the good in the church and who nonetheless are not part of it, even though they are physically there. But we are speaking of distinguishing the body and fellowship of the true church from all sects that call themselves "the church."

The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; it practices church discipline for correcting faults. In short, it governs itself according to the pure Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it and holding Jesus Christ as the only Head. By these marks one can be assured of recognizing the true church—and no one ought to be separated from it.

As for those who are of the church, we can recognize them by the distinguishing marks of Christians: namely by faith, and by their fleeing from sin and pursuing righteousness, once they have received the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. They love the true God and their neighbors, without turning to the right or left, and they crucify the flesh and its works. Though great weakness remains in them, they fight against it by the Spirit all the days of their lives, appealing constantly to the blood, suffering, death, and obedience of the Lord Jesus, in whom they have forgiveness of their sins, through faith in him.

As for the false church, it assigns more authority to itself and its ordinances than to the Word of God; it does not want to subject itself to the yoke of Christ; it does not administer the sacraments as Christ commanded in his Word; it rather adds to them or subtracts from them as it pleases; it bases itself on men, more than on Jesus Christ; it persecutes those who live holy lives according to the Word of God and who rebuke it for its faults, greed, and idolatry. These two churches are easy to recognize and thus to distinguish from each other.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man4 shared topics

Article 34: The Sacrament of Baptism

We believe and confess that Jesus Christ, in whom the law is fulfilled, has by his shed blood put an end to every other shedding of blood, which anyone might do or wish to do in order to atone or satisfy for sins. Having abolished circumcision, which was done with blood, he established in its place the sacrament of baptism. By it we are received into God's church and set apart from all other people and alien religions, that we may be dedicated entirely to him, bearing his mark and sign. It also witnesses to us that he will be our God forever, since he is our gracious Father.

Therefore he has commanded that all those who belong to him be baptized with pure water "in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." In this way he signifies to us that just as water washes away the dirt of the body when it is poured on us and also is seen on the body of the baptized when it is sprinkled on him, so too the blood of Christ does the same thing internally, in the soul, by the Holy Spirit. It washes and cleanses it from its sins and transforms us from being the children of wrath into the children of God. This does not happen by the physical water but by the sprinkling of the precious blood of the Son of God, who is our Red Sea, through which we must pass to escape the tyranny of Pharaoh, who is the devil, and to enter the spiritual land of Canaan.

So ministers, as far as their work is concerned, give us the sacrament and what is visible, but our Lord gives what the sacrament signifies—namely the invisible gifts and graces; washing, purifying, and cleansing our souls of all filth and unrighteousness; renewing our hearts and filling them with all comfort; giving us true assurance of his fatherly goodness; clothing us with the "new man" and stripping off the "old," with all its works.

For this reason we believe that anyone who aspires to reach eternal life ought to be baptized only once without ever repeating it—for we cannot be born twice. Yet this baptism is profitable not only when the water is on us and when we receive it but throughout our entire lives.

For that reason we detest the error of the Anabaptists who are not content with a single baptism once received and also condemn the baptism of the children of believers. We believe our children ought to be baptized and sealed with the sign of the covenant, as little children were circumcised in Israel on the basis of the same promises made to our children. And truly, Christ has shed his blood no less for washing the little children of believers than he did for adults. Therefore they ought to receive the sign and sacrament of what Christ has done for them, just as the Lord commanded in the law that by offering a lamb for them the sacrament of the suffering and death of Christ would be granted them shortly after their birth. This was the sacrament of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, baptism does for our children what circumcision did for the Jewish people. That is why Paul calls baptism the "circumcision of Christ."

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19.

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

  • Col. 3:9–10.

    Col. 3:9–10 9 Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his practices, 10 and having put on the new, the one being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One having created him,

  • Col. 2:11.

    Col. 2:11 in whom also you⁺ were circumcised with the circumcision done without hands in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ1 shared proof text · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments2 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 711 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 3: Of God; The Unity and the Trinity1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

First Head, Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel

In order that people may be brought to faith, God mercifully sends proclaimers of this very joyful message to the people he wishes and at the time he wishes. By this ministry people are called to repentance and faith in Christ crucified. For "how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without someone preaching? And how shall they preach unless they have been sent?" (Rom. 10:14–15).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 10:14–15

    Rom. 10:14–15 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!”

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 722 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 542 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 982 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1032 shared proof texts

Second Head, Article 1: The Punishment Which God's Justice Requires

God is not only supremely merciful, but also supremely just. His justice requires (as he has revealed himself in the Word) that the sins we have committed against his infinite majesty be punished with both temporal and eternal punishments, of soul as well as body. We cannot escape these punishments unless satisfaction is given to God's justice.

Second Head, Article 2: The Satisfaction Made by Christ

Since, however, we ourselves cannot give this satisfaction or deliver ourselves from God's anger, God in his boundless mercy has given us as a guarantee his only begotten Son, who was made to be sin and a curse for us, in our place, on the cross, in order that he might give satisfaction for us.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 174 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 19: The Two Natures of Christ3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 13 shared topics

Second Head, Article 3: The Infinite Value of Christ's Death

This death of God's Son is the only and entirely complete sacrifice and satisfaction for sins; it is of infinite value and worth, more than sufficient to atone for the sins of the whole world.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 13 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 173 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 313 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 603 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement3 shared topics

Second Head, Article 5: The Mandate to Proclaim the Gospel to All

Moreover, it is the promise of the gospel that whoever believes in Christ crucified shall not perish but have eternal life. This promise, together with the command to repent and believe, ought to be announced and declared without differentiation or discrimination to all nations and people, to whom God in his good pleasure sends the gospel.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church4 shared topicsThe Cambridge Declaration · Solus Christus: The Erosion of Christ-Centered Faith4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 844 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints4 shared topics

Second Head, Article 6: Unbelief Man's Responsibility

However, that many who have been called through the gospel do not repent or believe in Christ but perish in unbelief is not because the sacrifice of Christ offered on the cross is deficient or insufficient, but because they themselves are at fault.

Parallel passages (2)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man3 shared topicsThe Cambridge Declaration · Solus Christus: The Erosion of Christ-Centered Faith3 shared topics

Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death

For it was the entirely free plan and very gracious will and intention of God the Father that the enlivening and saving effectiveness of his Son's costly death should work itself out in all his chosen ones, in order that he might grant justifying faith to them only and thereby lead them without fail to salvation. In other words, it was God's will that Christ through the blood of the cross (by which he confirmed the new covenant) should effectively redeem from every people, tribe, nation, and language all those and only those who were chosen from eternity to salvation and given to him by the Father; that he should grant them faith (which, like the Holy Spirit's other saving gifts, he acquired for them by his death); that he should cleanse them by his blood from all their sins, both original and actual, whether committed before or after their coming to faith; that he should faithfully preserve them to the very end; and that he should finally present them to himself, a glorious people, without spot or wrinkle.

Parallel passages (6+)Scots Confession · Chapter VIII: Election9 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topics

Second Head, Article 9: The Fulfillment of God's Plan

This plan, arising out of God's eternal love for his chosen ones, from the beginning of the world to the present time has been powerfully carried out and will also be carried out in the future, the gates of hell seeking vainly to prevail against it. As a result the chosen are gathered into one, all in their own time, and there is always a church of believers founded on Christ's blood, a church which steadfastly loves, persistently worships, and—here and in all eternity—praises him as her Savior who laid down his life for her on the cross, as a bridegroom for his bride.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 214 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter VIII: Election4 shared topics

Second Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that God the Father appointed his Son to death on the cross without a fixed and definite plan to save anyone by name, so that the necessity, usefulness, and worth of what Christ's death obtained could have stood intact and altogether perfect, complete and whole, even if the redemption that was obtained had never in actual fact been applied to any individual.

For this assertion is an insult to the wisdom of God the Father and to the merit of Jesus Christ, and it is contrary to Scripture. For the Savior speaks as follows: "I lay down my life for the sheep, and I know them" (John 10:15, 27). And Isaiah the prophet says concerning the Savior: "When he shall make himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days, and the will of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand" (Isa. 53:10). Finally, this undermines the article of the creed in which we confess what we believe concerning the church.

Error II.

Who teach that the purpose of Christ's death was not to establish in actual fact a new covenant of grace by his blood, but only to acquire for the Father the mere right to enter once more into a covenant with men, whether of grace or of works.

For this conflicts with Scripture, which teaches that Christ "has become the guarantee and mediator" of a better—that is, "a new"—"covenant" (Heb. 7:22; 9:15), and that "a will is in force only when someone has died" (Heb. 9:17).

Error III.

Who teach that Christ, by the satisfaction which he gave, did not certainly merit for anyone salvation itself and the faith by which this satisfaction of Christ is effectively applied to salvation, but only acquired for the Father the authority or plenary will to relate in a new way with men and to impose such new conditions as he chose, and that the satisfying of these conditions depends on the free choice of man; consequently, that it was possible that either all or none would fulfill them.

For they have too low an opinion of the death of Christ, do not at all acknowledge the foremost fruit or benefit which it brings forth, and summon back from hell the Pelagian error.

Error IV.

Who teach that what is involved in the new covenant of grace which God the Father made with men through the intervening of Christ's death is not that we are justified before God and saved through faith, insofar as it accepts Christ's merit, but rather that God, having withdrawn his demand for perfect obedience to the law, counts faith itself, and the imperfect obedience of faith, as perfect obedience to the law, and graciously looks upon this as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For they contradict Scripture: "They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood" (Rom. 3:24–25). And along with the ungodly Socinus, they introduce a new and foreign justification of man before God, against the consensus of the whole church.

Error V.

Who teach that all people have been received into the state of reconciliation and into the grace of the covenant, so that no one on account of original sin is liable to condemnation, or is to be condemned, but that all are free from the guilt of this sin.

For this opinion conflicts with Scripture which asserts that we are by nature children of wrath.

Error VI.

Who make use of the distinction between obtaining and applying in order to instill in the unwary and inexperienced the opinion that God, as far as he is concerned, wished to bestow equally upon all people the benefits which are gained by Christ's death; but that the distinction by which some rather than others come to share in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life depends on their own free choice (which applies itself to the grace offered indiscriminately) but does not depend on the unique gift of mercy which effectively works in them, so that they, rather than others, apply that grace to themselves.

For, while pretending to set forth this distinction in an acceptable sense, they attempt to give the people the deadly poison of Pelagianism.

Error VII.

Who teach that Christ neither could die, nor had to die, nor did die for those whom God so dearly loved and chose to eternal life, since such people do not need the death of Christ.

For they contradict the apostle, who says: "Christ loved me and gave himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20), and likewise: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died," that is, for them (Rom. 8:33–34). They also contradict the Savior, who asserts: "I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:15), and "My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12–13).

Scripture proofs
  • John 10:15, 27

    John 10:15, 27 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

  • Isa. 53:10

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

  • Heb. 7:22; 9:15

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

    9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • Heb. 9:17

    Heb. 9:17 For a covenant [is] firm upon death, since it is not in force at the time when the one having made [it] is living,

  • Rom. 3:24–25

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

  • Gal. 2:20

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • John 10:15

    John 10:15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.

  • John 15:12–13

    John 15:12–13 12 This is My commandment, that you⁺ should love one another as I have loved you⁺. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 714 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Fifth Head, Article 2: The Believer's Reaction to Sins of Weakness

Hence daily sins of weakness arise, and blemishes cling to even the best works of God's people, giving them continual cause to humble themselves before God, to flee for refuge to Christ crucified, to put the flesh to death more and more by the Spirit of supplication and by holy exercises of godliness, and to strain toward the goal of perfection, until they are freed from this body of death and reign with the Lamb of God in heaven.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord5 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter VIII: Election4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 26: Of the Burial of the Faithful, and of the Care Which Is to Be Had for Such As Are Dead; of Purgatory, and the Appearing of Spirits4 shared topics

Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree

1. God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.

2. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions, yet hath he not decreed anything because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.

3. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.

4. These angels and men, thus predestinated, and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.

5. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto 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, without any foresight of faith, or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto; and all to the praise of his glorious grace.

6. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto. Wherefore, they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power, through faith, unto salvation. Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.

7. The rest of mankind God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy, as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by; and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice.

8. 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. So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God; and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.

Scripture proofs
  • Ps. 33:11; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17.

    Ps. 33:11 The counsel of YHWH stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation and [to] generation.

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Heb. 6:17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath,

  • Ps. 5:4; James 1:13–14; 1 John 1:5. (See Hab. 1:13.)

    Ps. 5:4 For You [are] not a God delighting in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with You.

    James 1:13–14 13 Let no one being tempted say, “I am being tempted from God.” For God is unable to be tempted by evils, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.

    1 John 1:5 And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we announce to you⁺, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness—none.

    Hab. 1:13 Purer of eyes than to behold evil, and You are not able to look on wickedness. Why do You look on those acting treacherously, [and] remain quiet when the wicked is devouring one more righteous than he?

  • Acts 2:23; Matt. 17:12; Acts 4:27–28; John 19:11; Prov. 16:33.

    Acts 2:23 Him delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you⁺ put to death, having crucified by lawless hands—

    Matt. 17:12 But I say to you⁺ that Elijah did already come, and they did not know him, but they did to him whatever they wanted. Thus also the Son of Man is about to suffer under them.”

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

    John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Because of this, the one having delivered Me up to you has greater sin.”

    Prov. 16:33 Into the lap the lot is cast, and all its judgment [is] from YHWH.

  • 1 Sam. 23:11–12; Matt. 11:21, 23.

    1 Sam. 23:11–12 11 Will the men of Keilah shut me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O YHWH, God of Israel, declare, please, to Your servant.” And YHWH said, “He will come down.” 12 And David said, “Will the men of Keilah shut up me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And YHWH said, “They will shut [you] up.”

    Matt. 11:21, 23 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented. 23 And you, Capernaum, to heaven will you be lifted up? To Hades you will be brought down! For if the miracles having happened in you had happened in Sodom, it would have remained until [this] day.

  • Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18.

    Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy. 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • 1 Tim. 5:21; Jude 6; Matt. 25:31, 41.

    1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

    Matt. 25:31, 41 31 And when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon the throne of His glory. 41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

  • Eph. 1:5–6; Rom. 9:22–23; Prov. 16:4.

    Eph. 1:5–6 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

    Prov. 16:4 YHWH has made everything for its own end—even the wicked for the day of evil.

  • John 13:18; 2 Tim. 2:19. (See John 10:14–16, 27–28; 17:2, 6, 9–12.)

    John 13:18 I speak not about all of you⁺—I know whom I chose—but so that the Scripture may be fulfilled: ‘The one eating My bread lifted up his heel against Me.’

    2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

    John 10:14–16, 27–28 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me— 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

    17:2, 6, 9–12 2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life. 6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word. 9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all things of Mine are Yours, and Yours Mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, and they are themselves in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given to Me, so that they may be one as We [are]. 12 When I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name, which You have given to Me. And I guarded [them], and none of them perished except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

  • Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:28–30; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:9.

    Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Rom. 8:28–30 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

    1 Thess. 5:9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Rom. 9:11, 13, 15–16; Eph. 2:8–9. (See Eph. 1:5, 9, 11.)

    Rom. 9:11, 13, 15–16 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 15 For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I may have compassion.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Eph. 1:5, 9, 11 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

  • Eph. 1:6, 12.

    Eph. 1:6, 12 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 12 for us to be to the praise of His glory, the ones having first hoped in Christ,

  • 1 Peter 1:2; Eph. 2:10; 2 Thess. 2:13.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Thess. 5:9–10; Titus 2:14.

    1 Thess. 5:9–10 9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 the One having died for us, so that whether we may watch or we may sleep, we may live together with Him.

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • Rom. 8:30. (See Eph. 1:5; 2 Thess. 2:13.)

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Eph. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Peter 1:5.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • John 10:14–15, 26; John 6:64–65; Rom. 8:28–39. (See John 8:47; 17:9; 1 John 2:19.)

    John 10:14–15, 26 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me— 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 26 But you⁺ do not believe, because you⁺ are not of My sheep.

    John 6:64–65 64 But there are some of you⁺ who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning who are those not believing and who it is who will betray Him. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Rom. 8:28–39 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified. 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    John 8:47 The one being of God hears the words of God; because of this you⁺ do not hear, because you⁺ are not of God.”

    17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.

    1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [it is] so that it might be made manifest that they are not all of us.

  • Matt. 11:25–26; Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22; Jude 4; 1 Peter 2:8; 2 Tim. 2:19–20.

    Matt. 11:25–26 25 In that time, answering, Jesus said, “I acknowledge You, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, because You hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and You revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, because of this it was good pleasure before You.

    Rom. 9:17–18, 21–22 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very thing I raised you up, so that I might display My power in you, and that My name should be declared in all the earth.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants. 21 Or does the potter not have authority over the clay to make out of the same lump the one vessel indeed for honor, but the one for dishonor? 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction,

    1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” [They] stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

    2 Tim. 2:19–20 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” 20 Now in a great house there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some indeed for honor, but some for dishonor.

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 9:20; Rom. 11:33; Deut. 29:29.

    Rom. 9:20 But rather, O man, who are you answering against God? [Will] the thing formed say to the One having formed [it], “Why did you make me thus?”

    Rom. 11:33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

    Deut. 29:29 The things hidden are of YHWH our God, and the things revealed [are] to us and to our sons even to forever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

  • 2 Peter 1:10; 1 Thess. 1:4–5.

    2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble.

    1 Thess. 1:4–5 4 knowing, brothers beloved by God, your⁺ election, 5 because our gospel came to you⁺ not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much full assurance, just as you⁺ know what we were among you⁺ on account of you⁺.

  • Eph. 1:6. (See Rom. 11:33.)

    Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    Rom. 11:33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

  • Rom. 11:5–6, 20; Rom. 8:33; Luke 10:20. (See 2 Peter 1:10.)

    Rom. 11:5–6, 20 5 So then also in the present time, there has been a remnant according to the election of grace, 6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace. 20 Rightly so: They were broken off by unbelief, but you have stood by faith. Do not be high-minded, but be afraid.

    Rom. 8:33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying.

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

    2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree38 shared proof texts · 16 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors14 shared proof texts · 12 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1315 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 5415 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1211 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 2611 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator

1. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of his church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world: 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.

2. The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, 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.

3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure, having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell; to the end that, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator, and surety. Which office he took not unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father, who put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.

4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that he might discharge, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it; endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul, and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died, was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered, with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession, and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.

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 his Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

6. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto 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 of the woman which should bruise the serpent's head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world; being yesterday and today the same, and forever.

7. Christ, in the work of mediation, acts 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.

8. To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19–20; John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Isa. 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, I take hold of him, My Chosen One, [in whom] My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him, and He will bring forth justice to the nations.

    1 Peter 1:19–20 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Acts 3:20, 22. (See Deut. 18:15.)

    Acts 3:20, 22 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and [that] He may send the One having been appointed to you⁺, Christ Jesus, 22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

    Deut. 18:15 YHWH your God will raise up for you a prophet from among you, from your brothers, like me; you⁺ must listen to him

  • Heb. 5:5–6.

    Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:33. (See Isa. 9:5–6; Acts 2:29–36; Col. 1:13.)

    Ps. 2:6 “And I have installed My King on Zion, the mountain of My holiness.”

    Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”

    Isa. 9:5–6 5 For every boot treading with quaking, and the garment rolled in blood, will be for burning, as fuel for fire. 6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Acts 2:29–36 29 Men, brothers, it is permitted [me] to speak with freedom to you⁺ concerning the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is among us unto this day, 30 being therefore a prophet and knowing that God swore to him with an oath to seat one out of the fruit of his loins upon his throne. 31 Having foreseen, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was He abandoned into Hades, nor did His flesh see decay. 32 This Jesus God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you⁺ both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand 35 until I place Your enemies [as] a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

    Col. 1:13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

  • Eph. 5:23.

    Eph. 5:23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body.

  • Heb. 1:2.

    Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

  • Acts 17:31.

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • John 17:6; Ps. 22:30; Isa. 53:10; Eph. 1:4.

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

    Ps. 22:30 A seed shall serve Him; it will be recounted of the Lord to the generation.

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    Eph. 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

  • 1 Tim. 2:6; Isa. 55:4–5; 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 8:30.

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Isa. 55:4–5 4 Behold, as a witness to the nations I have placed him, a leader and commander of the peoples. 5 Behold, you will call on a nation you do not know, and a nation you do not know will run to you, on account of YHWH your God and the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.”

    1 Cor. 1:30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • John 1:1, 14; 1 John 5:20; Phil. 2:6; Gal. 4:4.

    John 1:1, 14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

    Phil. 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14, 16–17; Heb. 4:15.

    Phil. 2:7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men.

    Heb. 2:14, 16–17 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • Luke 1:27, 31, 35; Gal. 4:4. (See Matt. 1:18, 20–21.)

    Luke 1:27, 31, 35 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name [was] Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin [was] Mary. 31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Matt. 1:18, 20–21 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together was found having in womb from the Holy Spirit. 20 But [on] his having pondered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, you should not be afraid to receive Mary [as] your wife, for that having been begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

  • Matt. 16:16; Col. 2:9; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 3:16.

    Matt. 16:16 And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

    Col. 2:9 because in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

    1 Tim. 3:16 And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: [He] who appeared in flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

  • Rom. 1:3–4; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Rom. 1:3–4 3 concerning His Son, the One having come of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 the One having been determined the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection [from] the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord,

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 45:7; John 3:34. (See Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18; Heb. 1:8–9.)

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

    John 3:34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.

    Isa. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord YHWH [is] upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring [good] news [to] the poor. He has sent me to bind the [wounds] of the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the bound the opening of their bonds;

    Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because of which He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth the oppressed in deliverance,

    Heb. 1:8–9 8 But to the Son: “Your throne, O God, [is] to the age of the age, and the scepter of uprightness [is] the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this, God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of exultation beyond Your companions.”

  • Col. 2:3.

    Col. 2:3 in whom are hidden away all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.

  • Col. 1:19.

    Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

  • Heb. 7:26; John 1:14.

    Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

  • Acts 10:38; Heb. 12:24; Heb. 7:22.

    Acts 10:38 Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

    Heb. 12:24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, speaking a better thing than that of Abel.

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

  • Heb. 5:4–5.

    Heb. 5:4–5 4 And no one takes upon himself the honor, but is being called by God, just as Aaron also. 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”

  • John 5:22, 27; Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:36.

    John 5:22, 27 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

    Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.

    Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

  • Ps. 40:7–8. (See Heb. 10:5–10; John 4:34; John 10:18; Phil. 2:8.)

    Ps. 40:7–8 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come—in the roll of the book it is written of me. 8 I have delighted to do Your will, O my God, and Your law [is] in the midst of my heart.”

    Heb. 10:5–10 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    John 4:34 Jesus says to them, “My food is that I should do the will of the One having sent Me and should finish His work.

    John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Gal. 4:4.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Matt. 3:15; Matt. 5:17; Heb. 5:8–9.

    Matt. 3:15 But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit [it] presently; for thus it is fitting to us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits Him.

    Matt. 5:17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

    Heb. 5:8–9 8 although being a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered, 9 and having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation to all those obeying Him,

  • Matt. 26:37–38; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.

    Matt. 26:37–38 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • Matt. 26:67–68; Matt. 27:27–50.

    Matt. 26:67–68 67 Then they spat in His face and struck Him. And others slapped [Him], 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who is the one having struck You?”

    Matt. 27:27–50 27 Then the soldiers of the governor, having taken with [them] Jesus into the Praetorium, gathered the whole cohort before Him. 28 And having stripped Him, they put a scarlet robe around Him. 29 And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And having spit upon Him, they took the reed and kept striking [Him] on His head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, and they put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify [Him]. 32 And going out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon. They compelled him that he might carry His cross. 33 And having come to a place called Golgotha, which is called Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; and having tasted [it], He was not willing to drink [it]. 35 And having crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting a lot. 36 And sitting down, they were guarding Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 At that time two robbers are crucified with Him, one at the right hand and one at the left. 39 And those passing by kept railing at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “The One demolishing the temple and building [it] in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, also come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise also the chief priests, mocking, with the scribes and elders, were saying, 42 “He saved others. He is not able to save Himself. He is King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted on God. Let Him deliver [Him] now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And likewise even the robbers, those having been crucified with Him, were upbraiding Him. 45 And from the sixth hour darkness was over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?” 47 And some of those standing there, having heard, were saying, “This [man] calls Elijah.” 48 And immediately one of them, having run and having taken a sponge, and having filled [it] with vinegar and having put [it] on a reed, gave Him to drink. 49 And the rest were saying, “Let [it] be. Let us see whether Elijah comes to save Him.” 50 And Jesus, having cried again in a loud voice, yielded up [His] spirit.

  • Mark 15:24, 37; Phil. 2:8.

    Mark 15:24, 37 24 And they crucify Him. And they divide His garments, casting a lot for them, who should take what. 37 But Jesus, having uttered a great cry, breathed His last.

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Matt. 27:60; Acts 2:24, 27; Acts 13:29, 37; Rom. 6:9.

    Matt. 27:60 and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And having rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, he went away.

    Acts 2:24, 27 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 27 for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay.

    Acts 13:29, 37 29 And when they finished all the things having been written about Him, having taken [Him] down from the tree, they put [Him] in a tomb. 37 But the One God raised up did not see decay.

    Rom. 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him.

  • 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

  • Luke 24:39; John 20:25, 27.

    Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

    John 20:25, 27 25 Therefore the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and I put my finger into the mark of the nails, and I put my hands into His side, I will never believe.” 27 Then He says to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put [it] into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

  • Luke 24:50–51; 1 Peter 3:22.

    Luke 24:50–51 50 And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and having lifted up His hands, He blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, in His blessing them, [that] He was separated from them and was carried up into heaven.

    1 Peter 3:22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to Him.

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25. (See Heb. 9:24.)

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Acts 1:11; John 5:28–29; Rom. 14:10b; Acts 10:42; Matt. 13:40–42; Jude 6. (See 2 Peter 2:4.)

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    John 5:28–29 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those having done good to the resurrection of life, and those having practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.

    Rom. 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

    Acts 10:42 And He instructed us to proclaim to the people and to testify fully that He is the One having been appointed by God [as] Judge of the living and the dead.

    Matt. 13:40–42 40 Therefore, as the weeds are gathered together and are burned up in fire, so will it be in the consummation of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all the stumbling blocks and those doing lawlessness, 42 and they will cast them into the furnace of the fire—there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth.

    2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels having sinned, but having cast [them] down to Tartarus in chains of gloomy darkness, He delivered [them], being kept for judgment;

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 5:19; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:14; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 3:25–26.

    Rom. 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Eph. 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

    Rom. 3:25–26 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

  • Dan. 9:24; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:20; Eph. 1:11, 14; Heb. 9:12, 15; John 17:2.

    Dan. 9:24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies.

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

    Col. 1:20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross through Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.

    Eph. 1:11, 14 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

    Heb. 9:12, 15 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

    John 17:2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life.

  • Gal. 4:4–5; Gen. 3:15; 1 Cor. 10:4; Rev. 13:8; Heb. 13:8. (See Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:15.)

    Gal. 4:4–5 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

    1 Cor. 10:4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

    Rom. 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

    Heb. 9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • John 10:17–18; 1 Peter 3:18; Heb. 1:3. (See Heb. 9:14.)

    John 10:17–18 17 Because of this, the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I might take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

  • Acts 20:28; Luke 1:43. (See Rom. 9:5.)

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

    Luke 1:43 And from where [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

  • John 6:37, 39; John 10:15–16, 27–28.

    John 6:37, 39 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day.

    John 10:15–16, 27–28 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • 1 John 2:1; Rom. 8:34.

    1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • John 15:15; Eph. 1:9; John 17:6.

    John 15:15 No longer do I call you⁺ servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you⁺ friends, because all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you⁺.

    Eph. 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

  • John 14:26; 2 Cor. 4:13; Rom. 8:9, 14; Rom. 15:18–19; John 17:17.

    John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you⁺ all things and will remind you⁺ of all the things that I said to you⁺.

    2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,

    Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

    Rom. 15:18–19 18 For I will not dare to speak of anything that Christ did not work through me for the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God, so as for me, from Jerusalem and around as far as Illyricum, to have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ,

    John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

  • Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25–26; Col. 2:15; Luke 10:19.

    Ps. 110:1 A Psalm of David. An utterance of YHWH to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

    1 Cor. 15:25–26 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death.

    Col. 2:15 Having divested the rulers and the authorities, He made a show [of them] in public, having triumphed over them in it.

    Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you⁺ the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator79 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4927 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World15 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4216 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 3514 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 3113 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Justification

1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth: not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness, by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.

2. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification: yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.

3. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father's justice in their behalf. 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; 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.

4. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them.

5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and, although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.

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.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 5:15–16.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Rom. 5:15–16 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification.

  • Rom. 4:5–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22–28; Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 3:22–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Titus 3:5, 7 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • John 1:12; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38–39; Phil. 3:9; Eph. 2:7–8; John 6:44–45, 65; Phil. 1:29.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Eph. 2:7–8 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    John 6:44–45, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

  • John 3:18, 36; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1.

    John 3:18, 36 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • James 2:17, 22, 26; Gal. 5:6.

    James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

    Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

  • Mark 10:45; Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19; Gal. 3:13; 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 1:3; Heb. 10:10, 14; Dan. 9:24, 26. (See Isa. 52:13–53:12.)

    Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    Heb. 10:10, 14 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Dan. 9:24, 26 24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. 26 And after sixty and two sevens, Messiah will be cut off, and not for Him. And the people of the leader who is coming will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [is] in a flood, and until the end, war [and] desolations are determined.

    Isa. 52:13–53:12 13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; he will rise up, and be lifted up and highly exalted. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Rom. 8:32; John 3:16.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

  • 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 2:6–9; Isa. 53:10–11.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Eph. 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

    Phil. 2:6–9 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name,

    Isa. 53:10–11 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities.

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 3:26; Eph. 2:7; Zech. 9:9; Isa. 45:21.

    Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

    Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He [is] righteous and bearing salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

    Isa. 45:21 Declare [it] and approach, even let them take counsel together: Who has reported this from of old, from that time having declared it? Is it not I, YHWH? And [there is] no other God besides Me, and a righteous God bringing salvation [there is] none besides Me.

  • Rom. 8:29–30; Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2, 19–20.

    Rom. 8:29–30 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

    1 Peter 1:2, 19–20 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺. 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

  • Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Eph. 2:3; Titus 3:3–7; Gal. 2:16. (Cf. Col. 1:21–22.)

    Eph. 2:3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

    Titus 3:3–7 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 5:1–5; Rom. 8:30–39; Heb. 10:14 (cf. Luke 22:32); John 10:28.

    Rom. 5:1–5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only [so], but also we boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.

    Rom. 8:30–39 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified. 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • Ps. 89:30–33; Ps. 51; Ps. 32:5; Matt. 26:75; Luke 1:20; 1 Cor. 11:30, 32.

    Ps. 89:30–33 30 If his sons should abandon My instruction, and do not walk in My ordinances, 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Luke 1:20 And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until that day these things shall take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season.”

    1 Cor. 11:30, 32 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

    Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗

  • Gal. 3:9, 13–14; Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24; Rom. 10:6–13; Heb. 13:8.

    Gal. 3:9, 13–14 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,” 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

    Rom. 10:6–13 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks thus: “You should not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring down Christ), 7 or, ‘Who will descend into the Abyss?’ (that is, to bring up Christ out from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith that we proclaim, 9 that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus [is] Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him out from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone believing on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him, 13 for, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7021 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6020 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7120 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper

1. Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted the sacrament of his body and blood, called the Lord's Supper, to be observed in his church, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of himself in his death; the sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto him; and, to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other, as members of his mystical body.

2. In this sacrament, Christ is not offered up to his Father; nor any real sacrifice made at all, for remission of sins of the quick or dead; but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all: and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God, for the same: so that the popish sacrifice of the Mass (as they call it) is most abominably injurious to Christ's one, only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of his elect.

3. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers to declare his word of institution to the people; to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to an holy use; and to take and break the bread, to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the communicants; but to none who are not then present in the congregation.

4. Private Masses, or receiving this sacrament by a priest, or any other, alone; as likewise, the denial of the cup to the people, worshiping the elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about, for adoration, and the reserving them for any pretended religious use; are all contrary to the nature of this sacrament, and to the institution of Christ.

5. The outward elements in this sacrament, duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that, truly, yet sacramentally only, they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ; albeit, in substance and nature, they still remain truly and only bread and wine, as they were before.

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, but even to common sense, and reason; overthroweth the nature of the sacrament, and hath been, and is, the cause of manifold superstitions; yea, of gross idolatries.

7. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements, in this sacrament, do then also, inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive, and feed upon, Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ being then, not corporally or carnally, in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet, as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses.

8. Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this sacrament; yet, they receive not the thing signified thereby; but, by their unworthy coming thereunto, are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore, all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table; and cannot, without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 11:23–26; 1 Cor. 10:16–17, 21; 1 Cor. 12:13.

    1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

    1 Cor. 10:16–17, 21 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf. 21 You⁺ are not able to drink a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons. You⁺ are not able to partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons.

    1 Cor. 12:13 For also in one Spirit we all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

  • Heb. 9:22, 25–26, 28; Heb. 10:10–14.

    Heb. 9:22, 25–26, 28 22 And almost all things are purified with blood according to the law, and without blood-shedding there is no forgiveness. 25 nor that He should offer Himself many times, just as the high priest enters into the holy [places] every year with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.

    Heb. 10:10–14 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And indeed every priest has stood every day, serving and offering the same sacrifices many times, which never are able to take away sins. 12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 [as to] the rest awaiting until His enemies should be placed [as] a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

  • 1 Cor. 11:24–26; Matt. 26:26–27; Luke 22:19–20.

    1 Cor. 11:24–26 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

    Matt. 26:26–27 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you.

    Luke 22:19–20 19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,” 20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

  • Heb. 7:23–24, 27; Heb. 10:11–12, 14, 18.

    Heb. 7:23–24, 27 23 And indeed those having become priests are many, because of by death being prevented from continuing. 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 27 who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for [his] own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself.

    Heb. 10:11–12, 14, 18 11 And indeed every priest has stood every day, serving and offering the same sacrifices many times, which never are able to take away sins. 12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God, 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified. 18 Now where [there is] forgiveness of these, no longer [is there] an offering concerning sin.

  • Matt. 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Cor. 10:16–17; 1 Cor. 11:23–27.

    Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Mark 14:22–24 22 And [in] their eating, having taken bread, having spoken a blessing, He broke [it] and gave to them and said, “Take; this is My body.” 23 And having taken the cup, having given thanks, He gave to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many.

    Luke 22:19–20 19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,” 20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

    1 Cor. 10:16–17 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

    1 Cor. 11:23–27 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord.

  • Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:20.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    1 Cor. 11:20 Therefore, [on] your⁺ coming together in the same [place], it is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16.

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

  • Matt. 26:27–28; Mark 14:23; 1 Cor. 11:25–29.

    Matt. 26:27–28 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Mark 14:23 And having taken the cup, having given thanks, He gave to them, and they all drank of it.

    1 Cor. 11:25–29 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

  • Matt. 15:9.

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

  • Matt. 26:26–28.

    Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

  • 1 Cor. 11:26–28; Matt. 26:29.

    1 Cor. 11:26–28 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.

    Matt. 26:29 And I say to you⁺ [that] I shall not drink of this fruit of the vine from now until that day when I drink it anew with you⁺ in the kingdom of My Father.”

  • Acts 3:21; 1 Cor. 11:24–26; Luke 24:6, 39.

    Acts 3:21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.

    1 Cor. 11:24–26 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

    Luke 24:6, 39 6 He is not here, but He is risen! Remember how He spoke to you⁺, being yet in Galilee, 39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

  • 1 Cor. 11:28.

    1 Cor. 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16. (See 1 Cor. 10:3–4.)

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

    1 Cor. 10:3–4 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

  • 1 Cor. 11:27–29; 2 Cor. 6:14–16; 1 Cor. 10:21.

    1 Cor. 11:27–29 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

    2 Cor. 6:14–16 14 Do not become unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what partnership [have] righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship [has] light with darkness? 15 And what harmony [has] Christ with Beliar? Or what part to a believer [is] with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement [has] the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them, and I will walk among [them], and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

    1 Cor. 10:21 You⁺ are not able to drink a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons. You⁺ are not able to partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons.

  • 1 Cor. 5:6–7, 13; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15; Matt. 7:6.

    1 Cor. 5:6–7, 13 6 Your⁺ boasting [is] not good. Do you⁺ not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed, 13 But God judges those outside. “Expel the wicked one from among yourselves.”

    2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15 6 Now we command you⁺, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother walking in an unruly manner and not according to the tradition that you received from us. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word through the letter, take note of this one not to mix with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 And do not deem [him] as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

    Matt. 7:6 Do not give what [is] holy to the dogs, nor cast your⁺ pearls before the pigs, lest they will trample them among their feet and, having turned, tear you⁺ to pieces.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper23 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16216 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 8011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16811 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7511 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 17111 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 20

Q. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

A. God, having out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4–5; 2 Thess. 2:13–14.

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

    Eph. 1:4–5 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

    2 Thess. 2:13–14 13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 14 to which also He called you⁺ through our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Gen. 3:15; Gen. 17:7; Ex. 19:5–6; Jer. 31:31–34; Matt. 20:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:15.

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

    Gen. 17:7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and between you and between your seed after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you, and to your seed after you.

    Ex. 19:5–6 5 And now if you⁺ will listen carefully to My voice and keep My covenant, then you⁺ shall be to Me a treasured possession from among all the peoples—for all the earth belongs to Me. 6 And you⁺—you⁺ shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These [are] the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”

    Jer. 31:31–34 31 Behold, the days are coming, a declaration of YHWH, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, in that they broke My covenant, and I was a husband to them, a declaration of YHWH. 33 “For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, a declaration of YHWH: I will give My law in their inward parts, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 And they will teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know YHWH; for all of them will know Me, from the least of them and to the greatest of them, a declaration of YHWH. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

    Matt. 20:28 even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    1 Cor. 11:25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.”

    Heb. 9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 305 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 134 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 21

Q. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?

A. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.

Scripture proofs
  • John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5–6.

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

  • Ps. 2:7; Matt. 3:17; Matt. 17:5; John 1:18.

    Ps. 2:7 I will recount the decree of YHWH; He has said to Me: “You [are] My Son; today I have begotten You.

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    Matt. 17:5 [In] his still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

  • Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:23; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4.

    Isa. 9:6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Matt. 1:23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.”

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Acts 1:11; Heb. 7:24–25.

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    Heb. 7:24–25 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 3613 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 354 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 23

Q. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?

A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 18:18; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:22–23; Heb. 1:1–2.

    Deut. 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet from among their brothers, like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

    Acts 2:33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you⁺ both see and hear.

    Acts 3:22–23 22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺. 23 And it will come to pass [that] every soul who might not heed that prophet will be utterly destroyed out of the people.’

    Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

  • Heb. 4:14–15; Heb. 5:5–6.

    Heb. 4:14–15 14 Therefore, having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to [our] confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

    Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Isa. 9:6–7; Luke 1:32–33; John 18:37; 1 Cor. 15:25.

    Isa. 9:6–7 6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of [His] government and peace [will be] no end, over the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and sustain it with justice and with righteousness from now and even to forever. The zeal of YHWH of Hosts will accomplish this.

    Luke 1:32–33 32 He will be great, and He will be called Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”

    John 18:37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “Then You are a king!” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, so that I may testify to the truth. Everyone being of the truth hears My voice.”

    1 Cor. 15:25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 4213 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church4 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 25

Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; Acts 8:32–35; Heb. 9:26–28; Heb. 10:12.

    Acts 8:32–35 32 Now the passage of Scripture that he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter, and as a lamb before the one shearing it [is] silent, so He does not open His mouth. 33 In His humiliation, justice was taken away from Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is removed from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch, answering, said to Philip, “I beseech you, about whom does the prophet say this? About himself, or about some other?” 35 And Philip, having opened his mouth and having begun from this Scripture, proclaimed the good news to him—Jesus.

    Heb. 9:26–28 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And inasmuch as it is apportioned to men to die once, and after this, judgment, 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.

    Heb. 10:12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 5:10–11; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:21–22.

    Rom. 5:10–11 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 11 And not only [so], but also we are boasting in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now received reconciliation.

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; Heb. 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 447 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 313 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 27

Q. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?

A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 2:7; 2 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 4:4.

    Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her Son, the firstborn, and she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

    2 Cor. 8:9 For you⁺ know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich, on account of you⁺ He became poor, so that you⁺ by that poverty might be enriched.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Gal. 4:4.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Isa. 53:3; Luke 9:58; John 4:6; John 11:35; Heb. 2:18.

    Isa. 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with weakness; and like one from whom [they] hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

    Luke 9:58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere He might lay the head.”

    John 4:6 And Jacob’s well was there. Therefore Jesus, wearied from the journey, was thus sitting at the well. The hour was about the sixth.

    John 11:35 Jesus wept.

    Heb. 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.

  • Ps. 22:1; Matt. 27:46; Isa. 53:10; 1 John 2:2.

    Ps. 22:1 For the one directing. According to “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me, far away from my salvation, [from] the words of my roaring?

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    1 John 2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Gal. 3:13; Phil. 2:8.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Matt. 12:40; 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    Matt. 12:40 For just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

    1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 4614 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 495 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 503 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 29

Q. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

Scripture proofs
  • Titus 3:4–7.

    Titus 3:4–7 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 584 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 304 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 602 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 30

Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 2:12–16; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 1:29.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 2:12–16 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God, 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the spiritual [man] judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

  • John 15:5; 1 Cor. 1:9; Eph. 3:17.

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

    1 Cor. 1:9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

    Eph. 3:17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 597 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 655 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 663 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 88

Q. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:18–20; Acts 2:41–42.

    Matt. 28:18–20 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    Acts 2:41–42 41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added. 42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church5 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church4 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1543 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 313 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1083 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 34

Q. How was the covenant of grace administered under the old testament?

A. The covenant of grace was administered under the old testament, by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the Passover, and other types and ordinances, which did all foresignify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 15:8. (See for example Gen. 3:15; 12:1–3; 15:5.)

    Rom. 15:8 For I say [that] Christ has become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises to the fathers,

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

    12:1–3 1 And YHWH had said to Abram, “Go for yourself from your land and from your kindred and from the house of your father, to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you and I will make great your name, and you shall be a blessing. 3 And I will bless those blessing you, and him who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

    15:5 And He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall be your seed.”

  • Acts 3:20, 24. (See for example Isa. 52:13–53:12.)

    Acts 3:20, 24 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and [that] He may send the One having been appointed to you⁺, Christ Jesus, 24 And also all the prophets from Samuel, and those subsequently, as many as have spoken—they also proclaimed these days.

    Isa. 52:13–53:12 13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; he will rise up, and be lifted up and highly exalted. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Heb. 10:1. (See Lev. 1–7.)

    Heb. 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things about to be, not the image of the things themselves, every year with the same sacrifices that they offer unto perpetuity, never is able to perfect those coming near.

    Leviticus 1 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 2 on BibleHub ↗

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  • Rom. 4:11. (See Gen. 17:1–14.)

    Rom. 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

    Gen. 17:1–14 1 And Abram was a son of ninety years and nine years, and YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] El-Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and between you, and I will multiply you greatly, greatly.” 3 And Abram fell on his face, and God spoke with him, saying, 4 “As for me, behold, My covenant [is] with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 And your name shall no longer be called Abram, and your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you fruitful—greatly, greatly—and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come out from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and between you and between your seed after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you, and to your seed after you. 8 And I give to you and to your seed after you the land in which you are a sojourner—all the land of Canaan—as an everlasting possession. And I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham, “And as for you, you shall keep My covenant—you and your seed after you, throughout their generations. 10 This [is] My covenant, which you⁺ shall keep between Me, and between you⁺, and between your seed after you: Every male child among you⁺ shall be circumcised. 11 And you⁺ shall be circumcised in the flesh of your⁺ foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and between you⁺. 12 And a son of eight days among you⁺ shall be circumcised—every male child in your⁺ generations who is born in your house or bought with silver from any son of a foreigner who is not of your seed. 13 And he must surely be circumcised—he who is born in your house, or he who is bought with your silver. And My covenant shall be in your⁺ flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, the soul [of] that one shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

  • 1 Cor. 5:7; Ex. 12:14, 17, 24 (see entire chapter).

    1 Cor. 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven, so that you⁺ may be a new lump, as you⁺ are, unleavened. For also Christ our Passover was sacrificed,

    Ex. 12:14, 17, 24 14 And this day shall be for you⁺ a memorial, and you⁺ shall celebrate it. as a feast to YHWH throughout your⁺ generations an everlasting—statute—you⁺ shall celebrate it. 17 And you⁺ shall keep the Unleavened, for on this same day I brought out your⁺ armies from the land of Egypt. And you⁺ shall keep this day throughout your⁺ generations—an everlasting statute. 24 And you⁺ shall keep this word as a statute for you and for your sons unto eternity.

  • Heb. 8:1–2 (see chapters 8–10); Heb. 11:13.

    Heb. 8:1–2 1 Now the main point of the things being said: We have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the holy places and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.

    Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth.

  • Gal. 3:7–9, 14.

    Gal. 3:7–9, 14 7 Know, then, that those of faith, these are sons of Abraham. 8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church10 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man8 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 747 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 44

Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 9:14, 28; Heb. 10:12. (See Isa. 53.)

    Heb. 9:14, 28 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God! 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.

    Heb. 10:12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Heb. 2:17; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:21–22.

    Heb. 2:17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Heb. 7:25; Heb. 9:24.

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 257 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 49

Q. How did Christ humble himself in his death?

A. Christ humbled himself in his death, in that having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the world, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors; having also conflicted with the terrors of death, and the powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God's wrath, he laid down his life an offering for sin, enduring the painful, shameful, and cursed death of the cross.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 27:4.

    Matt. 27:4 saying, “I sinned, having betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What [is it] to us? You will see.”

  • Matt. 26:56.

    Matt. 26:56 And all this has come to pass so that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then the disciples, all having forsaken Him, fled.

  • Isa. 53:2–3.

    Isa. 53:2–3 2 For He grew up as a tender shoot before His face, and as a root out of a dry land. No form [was] unto Him, and no splendor that we should see Him, and no appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with weakness; and like one from whom [they] hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

  • Matt. 27:26–50; John 19:34. (See Luke 22:63–64.)

    Matt. 27:26–50 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. And having flogged Jesus, He delivered [Him] up so that He might be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor, having taken with [them] Jesus into the Praetorium, gathered the whole cohort before Him. 28 And having stripped Him, they put a scarlet robe around Him. 29 And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And having spit upon Him, they took the reed and kept striking [Him] on His head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, and they put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify [Him]. 32 And going out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon. They compelled him that he might carry His cross. 33 And having come to a place called Golgotha, which is called Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; and having tasted [it], He was not willing to drink [it]. 35 And having crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting a lot. 36 And sitting down, they were guarding Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 At that time two robbers are crucified with Him, one at the right hand and one at the left. 39 And those passing by kept railing at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “The One demolishing the temple and building [it] in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, also come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise also the chief priests, mocking, with the scribes and elders, were saying, 42 “He saved others. He is not able to save Himself. He is King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted on God. Let Him deliver [Him] now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And likewise even the robbers, those having been crucified with Him, were upbraiding Him. 45 And from the sixth hour darkness was over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?” 47 And some of those standing there, having heard, were saying, “This [man] calls Elijah.” 48 And immediately one of them, having run and having taken a sponge, and having filled [it] with vinegar and having put [it] on a reed, gave Him to drink. 49 And the rest were saying, “Let [it] be. Let us see whether Elijah comes to save Him.” 50 And Jesus, having cried again in a loud voice, yielded up [His] spirit.

    John 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water came out immediately.

    Luke 22:63–64 63 And the men who are holding Him began mocking Him, beating [Him]. 64 And having blindfolded Him, they were questioning [Him], saying, “Prophesy, who is the one having struck You?”

  • Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • Isa. 53:10; Matt. 20:28. (See Mark 10:45.)

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    Matt. 20:28 even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

  • Phil. 2:8; Heb. 12:2; Gal. 3:13.

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

    Heb. 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised [its] shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator27 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 275 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 443 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 50

Q. Wherein consisted Christ's humiliation after his death?

A. Christ's humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried, and continuing in the state of the dead, and under the power of death till the third day; which hath been otherwise expressed in these words, He descended into hell.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

  • Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:24–27, 31; Rom. 6:9; Matt. 12:40.

    Ps. 16:10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, and You will not give Your Holy one to see corruption.

    Acts 2:24–27, 31 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 25 For David says about Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord before me through all, because He is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. 26 Because of this my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced, and now also my flesh will dwell in hope, 27 for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay. 31 Having foreseen, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was He abandoned into Hades, nor did His flesh see decay.

    Rom. 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him.

    Matt. 12:40 For just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 273 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 412 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 281 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 431 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 55

Q. How doth Christ make intercession?

A. Christ maketh intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers; answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 9:12, 24.

    Heb. 9:12, 24 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Isa. 53:12; Heb. 1:3.

    Isa. 53:12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

  • John 3:16; John 17:9, 20, 24.

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    John 17:9, 20, 24 9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours. 20 But I do not ask for these only, but also for those believing in Me through their word, 24 Father, [those] whom You have given to Me, I want that they also may be with Me where I am, so that they may behold My glory that You have given to Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

  • Rom. 8:33–34.

    Rom. 8:33–34 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • Rom. 5:1–2; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Rom. 5:1–2 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Heb. 4:16.

    Heb. 4:16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

  • Eph. 1:6.

    Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • 1 Peter 2:5.

    1 Peter 2:5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared proof texts · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation4 shared proof texts

Question 57

Q. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?

A. Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the covenant of grace.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 9:12; Eph. 1:7.

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 9:12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • 2 Cor. 1:20; Eph. 1:3–6; 2 Peter 1:3–4.

    2 Cor. 1:20 For as many as [are] the promises of God, in Him [is] the “Yes.” Therefore also through Him the “Amen” through us [is] for glory to God.

    Eph. 1:3–6 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly realms, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    2 Peter 1:3–4 3 Accordingly, His divine power has given to us all things toward life and godliness, through the knowledge of the One having called us [by His] own glory and excellence, 4 through which He has given to us the precious and magnificent promises, so that through these you⁺ might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption in the world in evil desire.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 59

Q. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?

A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:13–14; John 6:37, 39; John 10:15–16.

    Eph. 1:13–14 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

    John 6:37, 39 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day.

    John 10:15–16 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 2:12–16; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 8:9, 14.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 2:12–16 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God, 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the spiritual [man] judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 307 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 655 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 70

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners, in which he pardoneth all their sins, accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God imputed to them, and received by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:22, 24–25; Rom. 4:5.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

    Rom. 4:5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

  • Jer. 23:6; Rom. 4:6–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28.

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 3:22, 24–25, 27–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7.

    Titus 3:5, 7 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 4:6–8, 11; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Acts 10:43; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification21 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3310 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man8 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 71

Q. How is justification an act of God's free grace?

A. Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in the behalf of them that are justified; yet inasmuch as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety, which he might have demanded of them, and did provide this surety, his own only Son, imputing his righteousness to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to them of free grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:8–10, 19.

    Rom. 5:8–10, 19 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 10:10; Matt. 20:28; Dan. 9:24, 26; Isa. 53:4–6, 10–12; Heb. 7:22; Rom. 8:32; 1 Peter 1:18–19.

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 10:10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    Matt. 20:28 even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Dan. 9:24, 26 24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. 26 And after sixty and two sevens, Messiah will be cut off, and not for Him. And the people of the leader who is coming will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [is] in a flood, and until the end, war [and] desolations are determined.

    Isa. 53:4–6, 10–12 4 Surely, our sicknesses He has lifted, and our sorrows, He has borne them; and we considered Him stricken—struck by God and afflicted. 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all. 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

  • 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6, 11.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 4:6, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

  • Rom. 3:24–25.

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

  • Eph. 2:8.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24–25.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification12 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 335 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 170

Q. How do they that worthily communicate in the Lord's Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein?

A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper, and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver, no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward senses; so they that worthily communicate in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in a spiritual manner; yet truly and really, while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 3:21.

    Acts 3:21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.

  • Matt. 26:26, 28.

    Matt. 26:26, 28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

  • 1 Cor. 11:24–29. (Cf. Confession of Faith 27.2. Cf. also John 6:51, 53.)

    1 Cor. 11:24–29 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

    John 6:51, 53 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16.

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 786 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 826 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 194

Q. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

A. In the fifth petition, (which is, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,) acknowledging, that we and all others are guilty both of original and actual sin, and thereby become debtors to the justice of God; and that neither we, nor any other creature, can make the least satisfaction for that debt: we pray for ourselves and others, that God of his free grace would, through the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, apprehended and applied by faith, acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin, accept us in his Beloved; continue his favor and grace to us, pardon our daily failings, and fill us with peace and joy, in giving us daily more and more assurance of forgiveness; which we are the rather emboldened to ask, and encouraged to expect, when we have this testimony in ourselves, that we from the heart forgive others their offenses.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 6:12. (Cf. Luke 11:4.)

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

  • Rom. 3:9–22; Matt. 18:24–25; Ps. 130:3–4.

    Rom. 3:9–22 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one understanding; there is no one seeking out God. 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.” 13 “Their throat [is] a grave having been opened; they keep practicing deceit with their tongues;” “the poison of vipers [is] under their lips,” 14 “of whom the mouth is full of cursing and of bitterness;” 15 “their feet [are] swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery [are] in their paths; 17 and a way of peace they did not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God. 20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin. 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction,

    Matt. 18:24–25 24 And [on] his having begun to settle, one was brought to him, a debtor of ten thousand talents. 25 And [on] his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made.

    Ps. 130:3–4 3 If You were to mark iniquities, O YAH, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with You [is] forgiveness, so that You may be feared.

  • Rom. 3:24–26; Heb. 9:22.

    Rom. 3:24–26 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Heb. 9:22 And almost all things are purified with blood according to the law, and without blood-shedding there is no forgiveness.

  • Eph. 1:6–7.

    Eph. 1:6–7 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • 2 Peter 1:2.

    2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺ in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

  • Hos. 14:2; Jer. 14:7; 1 John 1:9. (See Dan. 9:17–19.)

    Hos. 14:2 Take with you⁺ words, and return to YHWH. Say to Him: “Lift away all iniquity, and receive what is good, and we offer the fruit of our lips.

    Jer. 14:7 Though our iniquities testify against us, O YHWH, may You act for the sake of Your name! For many are our backslidings; we have sinned against You.

    1 John 1:9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    Dan. 9:17–19 17 And now, listen, our God, to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and cause to shine Your face on Your sanctuary that [is] desolate—for the sake of the Lord! 18 Incline, O my God, Your ear, and hear; open Your eyes, and see our desolations and the city upon which Your name is called. For [it is] not because of our righteous acts [that] we are letting fall our supplications before Your face, but because of Your many mercies. 19 O Lord, may You hear! O Lord, may You forgive! O Lord, may You be attentive and act! Do not delay, for Your sake, O my God, for Your name is called upon Your city and upon Your people!”

  • Rom. 15:13; Ps. 51:7–10, 12.

    Rom. 15:13 And may the God of hope fill you⁺ with all joy and peace in believing, for you⁺ to abound in hope in the power [of] the Holy Spirit.

    Ps. 51:7–10, 12 7 Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 9 May You hide Your face from my sins, and wipe out all my iniquities. 10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

  • Luke 11:4; Matt. 6:14–15; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13. (See Matt. 18:21–35.)

    Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

    Matt. 6:14–15 14 For if you⁺ forgive men their trespasses, your⁺ heavenly Father will also forgive you⁺. 15 But if you⁺ do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your⁺ Father forgive your⁺ trespasses.

    Eph. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as also God in Christ forgave you⁺.

    Col. 3:13 bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone may have a complaint toward another. Just as also the Lord forgave you⁺, so also you⁺.

    Matt. 18:21–35 21 Then, having come, Peter said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times! 23 Because of this, the kingdom of the heavens was likened to to a man, a king, who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And [on] his having begun to settle, one was brought to him, a debtor of ten thousand talents. 25 And [on] his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made. 26 Therefore the servant, having fallen down, was bowing on his knees to him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay all to you.’ 27 And having been moved with compassion, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But having gone out, that servant found one of his fellow servants who was owing him a hundred denarii. And having seized him, he was choking [him], saying, ‘Repay what you owe!’ 29 Therefore, having fallen down, his fellow servant was calling on him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you.’ 30 But he was not willing. Rather, having gone, he cast him into prison until he should repay what was owed. 31 Therefore his fellow servants, having seen the things having happened, were deeply grieved, and having gone, they made clear to their master all the things having happened. 32 Then, having summoned him, his master says to him, ‘Evil servant! I forgave you all that debt because you called on me. 33 Was it not necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I also had mercy on you?’ 34 And having become angry, his master delivered him to the tormenters until he should repay everything being owed to him. 35 Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you⁺ unless each of you⁺ should forgive his brother from your⁺ hearts.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 10522 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 12618 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 512 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Preface

Professed and believed by the Protestants within the realm of Scotland. Published by them in Parliament and by the estates thereof. Ratified and approved, as wholesome and sound doctrine grounded upon the infallible truth of God's Word.

And these glad tidings of the kingdom will be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all nations: And then will the end come.

The Estates of Scotland, with the inhabitants of the same, professing Christ Jesus, His holy gospel, to their natural countrymen and to all other realms and nations professing the same Lord Jesus with them, wish grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the spirit of righteous judgment, for salvation.

Long have we thirsted, dear brethren, to have notified unto the world the sum of that doctrine which we profess and for which we have sustained infamy and danger. But such has been the rage of Satan against us and against Christ Jesus His eternal verity, lately borne among us that to this day no time has been granted unto us to clear our consciences, as most gladly we would have done. For how we have been tossed heretofore, the most part of Europe (as we suppose) does understand. But seeing that of the infinite goodness of our God (which never suffers His afflicted utterly to be confounded) above expectation, we have obtained some rest and liberty, [and] we could not but set forth this brief and plain confession of such doctrine as is propounded unto us, and as we believe and profess, partly for satisfaction of our brethren, whose hearts we doubt not have been and yet are wounded by the despiteful railing of such as yet have not learned to speak well: and partly for stopping the mouths of the impudent blasphemers, which boldly damn that which they have neither heard nor yet understood. Not that we judge that the cankered malice of such is able to be cured by this our simple confession. No, we know that the sweet savor of the gospel is and will be death to the sons of perdition. But we have chief respect to our weak and infirm brethren, to whom we would communicate the bottom of our hearts, lest they be troubled or carried away by [the] diversity of rumors which Satan spreads contrary to us, to the defacing of this our most godly enterprise. Protesting that if any man will note in this our confession any article or sentence repugnant to God's holy Word, that it would please him, of his gentleness and for Christian charity's sake, to admonish us of the same in writing. And we on our honor and fidelity do promise unto him satisfaction from the mouth of God (that is, from His Holy Scriptures) or else reformation of that which he will prove to be amiss. For God we take to record in our conscience, that from our hearts we abhor all sects of heresy and all teachers of erroneous doctrine, and that with all humility we embrace the purity of Christ's gospel, which is the only food of our souls—and, therefore, so precious unto us, that we are determined to suffer the extremity of worldly danger, rather than that we will suffer our selves to be defrauded of the same. For hereof we are most certainly persuaded, that whosoever denies Christ Jesus or is ashamed of Him in the presence of men, will be denied before the Father, and before His holy angels. And, therefore, by the assistance of the mighty Spirit of the same our Lord Jesus, we firmly purpose to abide to the end in the confession of this our faith, as by the following articles.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topics

Chapter VIII: Election

For that same eternal God and Father, who of mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus His Son before the foundation of the world was laid (Eph. 1), appointed Him to be our Head, our brother (Heb. 2), our pastor, and great bishop of our souls (John 10). But because the enmity betwixt the justice of God and our sins was such that no flesh by itself could or might have attained unto God, it behooved that the Son of God should descend unto us and take Himself a body of our body, flesh of our flesh, and bones of our bones: and so become the perfect mediator betwixt God and man, giving power to so many as believe in Him to be the sons of God (John 1). As He Himself does witness, "I pass up to my Father and unto your Father, to my God and unto your God" (John 20). By which most holy fraternity, whatsoever we have lost in Adam is restored to us again. And for this cause are we not afraid to call God our Father, not so much that He has created us (which we have common with the reprobate) as for that, that He has given to us His only Son, to be our brother, and given unto us grace to acknowledge and embrace Him for our only mediator, as before was said. It behooved further the Messiah and Redeemer to be very God and very man because He was to undergo the punishment due for our transgressions (Isa. 53), and to present Himself in the presence of His Father's judgment as in our person to suffer for our transgression and disobedience by death, to overcome him that was author of death. But because the only Godhead could not suffer death, neither yet could the only manhood overcome the same, He joined both together in one person that the weakness of the one should suffer and be subject to death (which we had deserved), and the infinite and invincible power of the other, to wit, of the Godhead, should triumph and purchase to us life, liberty, and perpetual victory. And so we confess and most undoubtedly believe.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World11 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared topics

Chapter IX: Christ's Death, Passion, Burial, Etc.

That our Lord Jesus offered Himself a voluntary sacrifice unto His Father for us (Heb. 10), that He suffered contradiction of sinners, that He was wounded and plagued for our transgressions (Isa. 53), that He being the clean and innocent Lamb of God was damned in the presence of an earthly judge, that we should be absolved before the tribunal seat of our God. That He suffered not only the cruel death of the cross (which was accursed by the sentence of God [Deut. 21; Gal. 3]), but also that He suffered for a season the wrath of His Father, which sinners had deserved. But yet we avow that He remained the only well beloved and blessed Son of His Father, even in the midst of His anguish and torment which He suffered in body and soul to make that full satisfaction for the sins of His people (Heb. 10). After which we confess and avow that there remains no other sacrifice for sin, which if any affirm, we nothing doubt to avow that they are blasphemous against Christ's death and the everlasting purgation and satisfaction purchased to us by the same.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Belgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death5 shared topics

Chapter X: Resurrection

We undoubtedly believe that in as much as it was impossible that the sorrows of death should retain in bondage the author of life (Acts 2–3), that our Lord Jesus, crucified, died, and buried (Rom. 6), who descended into hell, did rise again for our justification, and destroying him who was author of death brought life again unto us that were subject to death and to the bondage of the same. We know that His resurrection was confirmed by the testimony of His very enemies (Matt. 28), by the resurrection of the dead whose sepulchers did open and they did arise and appeared to many within the city of Jerusalem (Matt. 27). It was also confirmed by the testimony of angels and by the senses and judgments of His apostles and of others (John 20–21), who had conversation and did eat and drink with Him after His resurrection.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 233 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 523 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Apostles' Creed3 shared topics

Chapter XI: Ascension

We nothing doubt but that the selfsame body which was born of the virgin, was crucified, and buried, and which did rise again, did ascend into the heavens (Acts 1), for the accomplishment of all things where in our names and for our comfort, He has received all power in heaven and earth (Matt. 28), where He sits at the right hand of the Father (1 John 2), inaugurating His kingdom, advocate and only mediator for us (1 Tim. 2; Ps. 110). Which glory, honor, and prerogative, He alone amongst the brethren will possess till all His enemies are made His footstool, as that we undoubtedly believe they will be in the final judgment: to the execution whereof we certainly believe that the same Lord Jesus will visibly return as He was seen to ascend (Acts 1). And then we firmly believe that the time of refreshing and restitution of all things will come (John 19; Acts 3), in so much that those who from the beginning have suffered violence, injury, and wrong for righteousness' sake will inherit that blessed immortality promised from the beginning. But contrariwise the stubborn, disobedient, cruel oppressors, filthy persons, idolaters, and all sorts of unfaithful (Rev. 20; Isa. 66) will be cast in the dungeon of utter darkness, where their worm will not die, neither yet their fire be extinguished. The remembrance of which day and of the judgment to be executed in the same is not only to us a bridle whereby our carnal lusts are restrained, but also such inestimable comfort that neither may the threatening of worldly princes, neither yet the fear of temporal death and present danger move us to renounce and forsake that blessed society which we the members have with our Head and only Mediator, Christ Jesus. Whom we confess and avow to be the Messiah promised, the only Head of His kirk, our just Lawgiver, our only High Priest, Advocate and Mediator (Isa. 7; Col. 1; Heb. 6, 10). In which honors and offices, if man or angel presumes to intrude themselves, we utterly detest and abhor them as blasphemous to our sovereign and supreme governor Christ Jesus.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 235 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Apostles' Creed5 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Nicene Creed5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared topics

Chapter XII: Faith in the Holy Ghost

This our faith and the assurance of the same proceeds not from flesh and blood (Matt. 16), that is to say, from no natural powers within us, but is the inspiration of the Holy Ghost (John 14–16), whom we confess God equal with the Father and with the Son, who sanctifies us and brings us in all verity by His own operation, without whom we should remain forever enemies to God and ignorant of His Son, Christ Jesus. For by nature we are so dead, so blind, and so perverse that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness from our minds, and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of His blessed will. And so as we confess that God the Father created us when we were not; as His Son our Lord Jesus redeemed us when we were enemies to Him (Rom. 5); so also do we confess that the Holy Ghost does sanctify and regenerate us without all respect of any merit proceeding from us, be it before or be it after our regeneration. To speak this one thing, yet in more plain words, as we willingly spoil our selves of all honor and glory of our own creation and redemption, so do we also of our regeneration and sanctification, for of our selves we are not sufficient to think any good thought (2 Cor. 7). But He who has begun the good work in us is only He that continues us in the same to the praise and glory of His undeserved grace.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head, Article 12: Regeneration a Supernatural Work7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared topics

Chapter XXII: Of the Right Administration of the Sacraments

That sacraments be rightly ministered, we judge two things requisite: the one, that they be ministered by lawful ministers whom we affirm to be only they that are appointed to the preaching of the Word or unto whose mouths God has put some sermon of exhortation, they being men lawfully chosen thereto by some kirk. The other, that they be ministered in such elements and in such sort as God has appointed. Else we affirm that they cease to be right sacraments of Christ Jesus. And therefore it is that we flee the society with the papistical kirk in participation of their sacraments. First, because their ministers are not ministers of Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 6); (yes, which is more horrible) they suffer women, whom the Holy Ghost will not suffer, to teach in the congregation [and] to baptize. And secondly, because they have so adulterated both the one sacrament and the other with their own inventions that no part of Christ's action abides in the original purity. For oil, salt, spittle, and such like in baptism are but men's inventions, adoration, veneration, bearing through streets and towns and keeping of bread in boxes or buists [small boxes] are profanation of Christ's sacraments and no use of the same. For Christ Jesus said, "Take and eat. Do ye this in remembrance of me" (Matt. 26, etc.). By which words and charge He sanctified bread and wine to be the sacrament of His body and blood to the end that the one should be eaten and that all should drink of the other; and not that they should be kept to be worshipped and honored as God, as the papists have done heretofore, who also have committed sacrilege, stealing from the people the one part of the sacrament, to wit, the blessed cup. Moreover that the sacraments are rightly used, it is requisite that the end and cause why the sacraments were instituted be understood and observed, as well of the minister as the receivers. For if the opinion be changed in the receiver, the right use ceases which is most evident by the rejection of the sacrifices as also if the teacher plainly teaches false doctrine (Isa. 1), which were odious and abominable unto God (albeit they were His own ordinance) because that wicked men used them to one other end than God had ordained. The same affirm we of the sacraments (Jer. 7; Isa. 66) in the papistical kirk in which we affirm the whole action of the Lord Jesus to be adulterated, as well in the external form as in the end and opinion. What Christ Jesus did and commanded to be done is evident by three evangelists (Matt. 26) and by St. Paul (1 Cor. 11, etc.). What the priest does at his altar we need not rehearse. The end and cause of Christ's institution and why the selfsame should be used is expressed in these words: "Do ye this in remembrance of Me. As often as ever ye will eat of this bread and drink of this cup, ye will show forth (that is, extol, preach, magnify, and praise) the Lord's death till He come." But to what end and in what opinion the priests say their Masses, let the words of the same, their own doctors and writings witness. To wit, that they as mediators betwixt Christ and His kirk do offer unto God the Father a sacrifice propitiatory for the sins of the quick and the dead. Which doctrine as blasphemous to Christ Jesus and making derogation to the sufficiency of His only sacrifice once offered for purgation of all those that will be sanctified, we utterly abhor, detest, and renounce.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices5 shared topicsEcumenical Creeds · Nicene Creed5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper5 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World

Moreover, we believe and teach that the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, was from all eternity predestinated and foreordained of the Father to be the Savior of the world. And we believe that He was begotten, not only then, when He took flesh of the virgin Mary, nor yet a little before the foundations of the world were laid, but before all eternity; and that of the Father, after an unspeakable manner. For Isaiah says, "Who can tell His generation?" (53:8). And Micah says, "Whose egress hath been from everlasting" (5:2). And John says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word" (1:1). Therefore, the Son is co-equal and consubstantial with the Father, as touching His divinity: true God, not by name only, or by adoption, or by special favor, but in substance and nature (Phil. 2:6). Even as the apostle says elsewhere, "This is the true God, and life everlasting" (1 John 5:20). Paul also says, "He hath made His Son the heir of all things, by whom also He made the world: the same is the brightness of His glory, and the engraved form of His person, bearing up all things by His mighty word" (Heb. 1:2–3). "Likewise in the gospel the Lord Himself says, "Father, glorify thou Me with Thyself, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was" (John 17:5). Also elsewhere it is written in the gospel, "The Jews sought how to kill Jesus, because He said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God" (John 5:18).

We, therefore, abhor the blasphemous doctrine of Arius, and all the Arians, uttered against the Son of God; and especially the blasphemies of Michael Servetus the Spaniard, and of his accomplices, which Satan by them has, as it were, drawn out of hell, and most boldly and impiously spread abroad throughout the world against the Son of God.

We teach also and believe that the eternal Son of the eternal God was made the Son of man, of the seed of Abraham and David (Matt. 1:1–25), not by the means of any man, as Ebion affirmed; but that He was most purely conceived by the Holy Ghost, and was born of Mary, who was always a virgin, even as the history of the gospel declares. And Paul says, "He took in no sort the angels, but the seed of Abraham" (Heb. 2:16). And John the apostle says, "He that believeth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God" (1 John 4:3). The flesh of Christ, therefore, was neither flesh in show only, nor yet flesh brought from heaven, as Valentinus and Marcion dreamed.

Moreover, our Lord Jesus Christ did not have a soul without sense and reason, as Apollinaris thought; nor flesh without a soul, as Eunomius taught: but a soul with its reason and flesh with its senses, by which senses He felt true grief in the time of His passion, even as He Himself witnessed when He said, "My soul is heavy even to death" (Matt. 26:38) and "My soul is troubled" (John 12:27).

We acknowledge, therefore, that there are in one and the same Jesus Christ our Lord two natures, the divine and the human nature; and we say that these two are so conjoined or united that they are not swallowed up, confounded, or mingled together, but rather united or joined together in one person, the properties of each nature being safe and remaining still: so that we worship one Christ our Lord, and not two; I say, one true God and man; as touching His divine nature of the same substance with the Father, and as touching His human nature of the same substance with us and "like unto us in all things, sin only excepted" (Heb. 4:15).

As, therefore, we detest the heresy of Nestorius, which makes two Christs of one, and dissolves the union of the person; so do we curse the madness of Eutyches and of the Monothelites or Monophysites who overthrow the propriety of the human nature.

Therefore, we do not teach that the divine nature in Christ suffered or that Christ according to His human nature is yet in the world, and so in every place. For we do neither think nor teach that the body of Christ ceased to be a true body after His glorification, or that it was deified, and so deified that it put off its properties, as touching body and soul, and became altogether a divine nature and began to be one substance alone: and, therefore, we do not allow or receive the unwitty subtleties, and the intricate, obscure, and inconstant disputations of Schwenkfeld and such other vain janglers about this matter; neither are we Schwenkfeldians.

Moreover, we believe that our Lord Jesus Christ did truly suffer and die for us in the flesh as Peter says (1 Peter 4:1). We abhor the most horrible madness of the Jacobites and all the Turks, which abandon the passion of our Lord. Yet we deny not but that "the Lord of glory (according to the saying of Paul) was crucified for us" (1 Cor. 2:8). For we reverently and religiously receive and use the communication of expressions drawn from Scripture, and used of all antiquity in expounding and reconciling places of Scripture which at first sight seem to disagree one from another.

We believe and teach that the same Lord Jesus Christ, in that true flesh in which He was crucified and died, rose again from the dead; and that He did not rise up another flesh instead of that which was buried, nor took a spirit instead of flesh, but retained a true body: therefore, while His disciples thought that they saw the spirit of their Lord Christ, He showed them His hands and feet, which were marked with the prints of the nails and wounds, saying, "Behold my hands and my feet, for I am He indeed: handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39).

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, in the same flesh, did ascend above all the visible heavens into the very highest heaven, that is to say, the seat of God and of the blessed spirits, unto the right hand of God the Father. Which, although it signifies an equal participation of glory and majesty, yet it is also taken for a certain place of which the Lord, speaking in the gospel, says that "He will go and prepare a place for His" (John 14:2). Also the apostle Peter says, "The heavens must contain Christ, until the time of restoring of all things" (Acts 3:21). And out of heaven the same Christ will return unto judgment, even then, when wickedness shall chiefly reign in the world, and when Antichrist, having corrupted true religion, shall fill all things with superstition and impiety, and shall most cruelly destroy the church with fire and bloodshed. Now Christ shall return to redeem His, and to abolish Antichrist by His coming and to judge the quick and the dead (Acts 17:31). For the dead shall arise and "those which shall be found alive in that day" (which is unknown unto all creatures) "shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:51–52). And all the faithful shall be taken up to meet Christ in the air (1 Thess. 4:17) that thenceforth they may enter with Him into heaven, there to live forever (2 Tim. 2:11), but the unbelievers, or ungodly, shall descend with the devils into hell, there to burn forever, and never to be delivered out of torments (Matt. 25:41).

We, therefore, condemn all those which deny the true resurrection of the flesh, and those which think amiss of the glorified bodies; as did John of Jerusalem, against whom Jerome wrote. We also condemn those which have thought that both the devils and all the wicked shall at length be saved and have an end of their torments: for the Lord Himself has absolutely set it down that, "Their fire is never quenched, and their worm never dieth" (Mark 9:44). Moreover we condemn the Jewish dreams that before the day of judgment there shall be a golden world in the earth; and that the godly shall possess the kingdoms of the world, their wicked enemies being trodden under foot: for the evangelical truth, Matthew 24 and 25, and Luke 21, and the apostolic doctrine in the second epistle to the Thessalonians 2, and in the second epistle to Timothy 3 and 4, are found to teach far otherwise.

Furthermore, by His passion or death, and by all those things which He did and suffered for our sakes from the time of His coming in the flesh, our Lord reconciled His heavenly Father unto all the faithful (Rom. 5:10), purged their sin (Heb. 1:3), spoiled death, broke asunder condemnation and hell, and by His resurrection from the dead, brought again and restored life and immortality (2 Tim. 1:10). For He is our righteousness, life, and resurrection (John 6:44); and, to be short, He is the fullness and perfection, the salvation and most abundant sufficiency of all the faithful. For the apostle says, "So it pleaseth the Father that all fullness should dwell in Him" (Col. 1:19); and "In Him ye are complete" (Col. 2:10).

For we teach and believe that this Jesus Christ our Lord is the only and eternal Savior of mankind, yes, and of the whole world; in whom are saved by faith all that ever were saved before the Law, under the Law, and in the time of the gospel, and so many as shall yet be saved to the end of the world. For the Lord Himself in the gospel says, "He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up another way, he is a thief and a robber" (John 10:1). "I am the door of the sheep" (v. 7). And also in another place of the same gospel He says, "Abraham saw my day, and rejoiced" (John 8:56). And the apostle Peter says, "Neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ; for among men there is given no other name under heaven whereby they might be saved" (Acts 4:12). We believe, therefore, that through the grace of our Lord Christ we shall be saved, even as our fathers were. For Paul says that "All our fathers did eat the same spiritual meat and drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ" (1 Cor. 10:3–4). And, therefore, we read that John said that "Christ was that Lamb which was slain from the beginning of the world" (Rev. 13:8) and that John the Baptist witnesses that "Christ is that Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). Wherefore we do plainly and openly profess and preach that Jesus Christ the only Redeemer and Savior of the world, the King and High Priest, the true and looked for Messiah, that holy and blessed one (I say) whom all the shadows of the Law, and the prophecies of the prophets, did prefigure and promise; and that God supplied and sent Him unto us so that now we are not to look for any other. And now there remains nothing but that we all should give all glory to Him, believe in Him, and rest in Him only, condemning and rejecting all other aids of our life. For they are fallen from the grace of God, and make Christ of no value unto themselves, whosoever they be that seek salvation in any other things besides Christ alone (Gal. 5:4).

And to speak many things in few words, with a sincere heart we believe, and with liberty of speech we freely profess, whatsoever things are defined out of the Holy Scriptures, and comprehended in the creeds, and in the decrees of those four first and most excellent Councils held at Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, together with blessed Athanasius' Creed, and all other creeds like to these, touching the mystery of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ; and we condemn all things contrary to the same. And thus do we retain the Christian, sound, and catholic faith, whole and inviolable, knowing that nothing is contained in the foresaid creeds which is not agreeable to the Word of God, and makes wholly for the sincere declaration of the faith.

Scripture proofs
  • Phil. 2:6

    Phil. 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,

  • 1 John 5:20

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

  • Heb. 1:2–3

    Heb. 1:2–3 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages, 3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

  • John 17:5

    John 17:5 And now, glorify Me—You, Father, with Yourself—with the glory that I had with You before the world existed.

  • John 5:18

    John 5:18 Therefore because of this, the Jews were seeking more to kill Him, because not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was also calling God His own Father, making Himself equal to God.

  • Matt. 1:1–25

    Matt. 1:1–25 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judah and his brothers. 3 And Judah begat Perez and Zerah out of Tamar, and Perez begat Hezron, and Hezron begat Aram. 4 And Aram begat Amminadab, and Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon. 5 And Salmon begat Boaz out of Rahab, and Boaz begat Obed out of Ruth, and Obed begat Jesse, 6 and Jesse begat David the king. And: David begat Solomon out of her who [was] of Uriah, 7 and Solomon begat Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begat Abijah, and Abijah begat Asaph. 8 And Asaph begat Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begat Joram, and Joram begat Uzziah. 9 And Uzziah begat Jotham, and Jotham begat Ahaz, and Ahaz begat Hezekiah. 10 And Hezekiah begat Manasseh, and Manasseh begat Amos, and Amos begat Josiah, 11 and Josiah begat Jeconiah and his brothers at the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel begat Abiud, and Abiud begat Eliakim, and Eliakim begat Azor. 14 And Azor begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Achim, and Achim begat Eliud. 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar, and Eleazar begat Matthan, and Matthan begat Jacob, 16 and Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, out of whom was begotten Jesus, the One being called Christ. 17 Therefore all the generations from Abraham until David [were] fourteen generations, and from David until the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon until the Christ fourteen generations. 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together was found having in womb from the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being righteous and not willing to make an example of her, resolved to send her away secretly. 20 But [on] his having pondered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, you should not be afraid to receive Mary [as] your wife, for that having been begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 And all this has come to pass so that it might be fulfilled, that having been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph, having been awoken from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and received his wife. 25 And he did not know her until she bore a Son, and he called His name Jesus.

  • Heb. 2:16

    Heb. 2:16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

  • 1 John 4:3

    1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you⁺ heard that is coming, and now is already in the world.

  • Matt. 26:38

    Matt. 26:38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

  • John 12:27

    John 12:27 Now My soul has been troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But because of this I came to this hour.

  • Heb. 4:15

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, Christ having suffered in the flesh, you⁺ also arm yourselves with the same mind, because the one having suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

  • 1 Cor. 2:8

    1 Cor. 2:8 which none of the rulers of this age has known. For if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

  • Luke 24:39

    Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

  • John 14:2

    John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. And if not so, would I have told you⁺ that I am going to prepare a place for you⁺?

  • Acts 3:21

    Acts 3:21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.

  • Acts 17:31

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • 1 Cor. 15:51–52

    1 Cor. 15:51–52 51 Behold, I speak to you⁺ a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

  • 1 Thess. 4:17

    1 Thess. 4:17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord.

  • 2 Tim. 2:11

    2 Tim. 2:11 Trustworthy [is] the word: For if we died together [with Him], we will also live together [with Him];

  • Matt. 25:41

    Matt. 25:41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

  • Mark 9:44

    Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (KJV)

  • Matthew 24
  • Luke 21
  • Rom. 5:10

    Rom. 5:10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life!

  • Heb. 1:3

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

  • 2 Tim. 1:10

    2 Tim. 1:10 and now having been made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, having indeed abolished death and having brought to light life and immortality through the gospel,

  • John 6:44

    John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • Col. 1:19

    Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

  • Col. 2:10

    Col. 2:10 And you⁺ are made complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority,

  • John 10:1

    John 10:1 “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, the one not entering through the door to the fold of the sheep, but going up another way, he is a thief and a robber.

  • John 8:56

    John 8:56 Abraham your⁺ father exulted that he should see My day, and he saw and rejoiced.”

  • Acts 4:12

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

  • 1 Cor. 10:3–4

    1 Cor. 10:3–4 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

  • Rev. 13:8

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

  • John 1:29

    John 1:29 On the next day he sees Jesus coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, the One taking away the sin of the world!

  • Gal. 5:4

    Gal. 5:4 You⁺ were severed from Christ, whoever are being justified in the law; you⁺ fell away from grace.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator15 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 359 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics

Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man

The gospel has the doctrine of repentance joined with it: for so said the Lord in the gospel, "In my name must repentance and remission of sins be preached among all nations" (Luke 24:47). By repentance we understand the change of the mind in a sinful man, stirred up by the preaching of the gospel through the Holy Spirit and received by a true faith; by which a sinful man acknowledges his natural corruption and all his sins, convinced of them by the Word of God, and is heartily grieved for them, and not only bewails and freely confesses them before God with shame, but also loathes and abhors them with indignation, thinking seriously of present amendment and of a continual concern for innocence and virtue, wherein to exercise himself in a holy manner all the rest of his life.

And surely this is true repentance, namely, an unfeigned turning unto God and to all goodness, and a serious return from the devil and from all evil. Now we expressly say that this repentance is the mere gift of God, and not the work of our own strength. For the apostle wishes the faithful minister diligently to "instruct those which withstand the truth, if so be at any time the Lord may give them repentance, that they may acknowledge the truth" (2 Tim. 2:25). Also, the sinful woman in the gospel, which washed Christ's feet with her tears; and Peter, which bitterly wept and bewailed his denial of his Master; manifestly show what mind the penitent man should have, to wit, very earnestly lamenting his sins committed. Moreover, the prodigal son, and the publican in the gospel, that are compared with the Pharisee, set forth unto us a most fit pattern of confessing our sins to God. The prodigal son said, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee: I am not worthy to be called thy son, make me as one of thy hired servants" (Luke 15:18–19). The publican also, not daring to lift up his eyes to heaven, but knocking his breast, cried, "God, be merciful unto me a sinner" (Luke 18:13). And we doubt not but the Lord received them to mercy. For John the apostle says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to purge us from all iniquity. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:9–10).

We believe that this sincere confession which is made to God alone, either privately between God and the sinner, or openly in the church, where that general confession of sins is rehearsed, is sufficient, and that it is not necessary for the obtaining of remission of sins that any man should confess his sins unto the priest, whispering them into his ears, that, the priest laying his hands on his head, he might receive absolution; because we find no commandment nor example thereof in the Holy Scripture. David protests and says, "I made my fault known to thee, and my unrighteousness did I not hide from thee. I said, I will confess my wickedness to the Lord against myself, and thou hast forgiven the heinousness of my sin" (Ps. 32:5). Yes, and the Lord teaching us to pray, and also to confess our sins, said, "So shall ye pray; Our Father, which art in heaven, forgive us our debts, even as we forgive our debtors" (Matt. 6:9, 12). It is requisite, therefore that we should confess our sins unto God, and be reconciled with our neighbor, if we have offended him. And the apostle James speaking generally of confession says, "Confess each of you your sins one to another" (James 5:16). If any man, being overwhelmed with the burden of his sins and troublesome temptations, will privately ask counsel, instruction, or comfort, either of a minister of the church, or of any other brother that is learned in the law of God, we do not dislike it. Also we fully allow that general and public confession, which is wont to be rehearsed in the church, and in holy meetings (whereof we spoke before) being, as it is, agreeable with the Scripture.

Concerning the keys of the kingdom of heaven which the Lord committed to His apostles, they prate many strange things: and of these keys they make swords, spears, scepters, and crowns, and full power over mighty kingdoms, yes, and over men's souls and bodies. But we, judging uprightly according to the Word of God, say that all ministers, truly called, have and exercise the keys or the use of them, when they preach the gospel, that is to say, when they teach, exhort, reprove, and keep in order the people committed to their charge. For so do they open the kingdom of God to the obedient, and shut it against the disobedient. These keys did the Lord promise to the apostles in Matthew 16:19; and delivered them in John 20:23, Mark 16:15–16 and Luke 24:47 when He sent forth His disciples, and commanded them to preach the gospel in all the world, and to remit sins.

The apostle in the epistle to the Corinthians says that the Lord "gave to His ministers the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:18). And what this was, he straightway makes plain and says, "The word or doctrine of reconciliation" (v. 19). And yet more plainly expounding his words, he adds that the ministers of Christ, as it were, "go an embassage in Christ's name, as if God Himself should by His ministers exhort the people to be reconciled to God" (v. 20); to wit, by faithful obedience. They use the keys, therefore, when they persuade to faith and repentance. Thus do they reconcile men to God; thus they forgive sins; thus they open the kingdom of heaven, and bring in believers; much differing herein from those of whom the Lord spoke in the gospel, "Woe unto you lawyers, for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye have not entered in yourselves, and those that would have entered ye forbade" (Luke 11:52).

Rightly, therefore, and effectually do ministers absolve, when they preach the gospel of Christ, and thereby remission of sins; which is promised to every one that believes, even as every one is baptized; and testify of it that it particularly appertains to all. Neither do we imagine that this absolution is made any whit more effectual for that which is mumbled into some priest's ear, or upon some man's head particularly; yet we judge that men must be taught diligently to seek remission of sins in the blood of Christ, and that everyone is to be put in mind that forgiveness of sins belongs unto Him.

But how diligent and careful every penitent man ought to be in the endeavor of a new life, and in slaying the old man, and raising up the new man, the examples in the gospel teach us. For the Lord says to him whom He had healed of the palsy, "Behold thou art made whole, sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14). Likewise to the adulterous woman which was delivered, He said, "Go thy way, and sin no more" (John 8:11). By which words He did not mean that any man could be free from sin, while he lived in this flesh; but He commends unto diligence and an earnest care, that we (I say) should endeavor by all means, and beg of God by prayer, that we may not fall again into sins, out of which we are risen after a manner, and that we may not be overcome of the flesh, the world, or the devil. Zacchaeus, the publican, being received into favor by the Lord, cries out in the gospel, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken from any man any thing by fraud, I restore him fourfold" (Luke 19:8). After the same manner, we preach that restitution and mercy, yes, and giving of alms, are necessary for them which truly repent. And generally out of the apostle's words, we exhort men, saying, "Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it through the lusts thereof. Neither give ye your members, as weapons of unrighteousness, to sin; but give yourselves unto God, as they that are alive from the dead; and give your members, as weapons of righteousness, unto God" (Rom. 6:12–13).

Wherefore, we condemn all the ungodly speeches of certain ones who abuse the preaching of the gospel and say, "To return unto God is very easy, for Christ has purged all our sins: forgiveness of sins is easily obtained: what, therefore, will it hurt to sin?" And, "We need not take any great care for repentance," etc. Notwithstanding, we always teach that an entrance unto God is open for all sinners, and that this God forgives all the sins of the faithful, only that one sin excepted which is committed against the Holy Ghost (Mark 3:28–29). And, therefore, we condemn the old and new Novatians and Catharists, and especially we condemn the pope's lucrative doctrine of penance; and against his simony, and simonaical indulgences, we use that sentence of Simon Peter, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou thoughtest that the gift of God might be bought with money. Thou hast no part or fellowship in this matter, for thy heart is not upright before God" (Acts 8:20–21).

We also disapprove of those who think that they themselves by their own satisfactions can make recompense for their sins committed. For we teach that Christ alone, by His death and passion, is the satisfaction, propitiation, and purging of all sins (Isa. 53:4). Nevertheless, we cease not to urge, as was before said, the mortification of the flesh; and yet we add further that it must not be proudly thrust upon God for a satisfaction for our sins (1 Cor. 8:8), but must humbly, as it becomes the sons of God, be performed as a new obedience to show thankful minds for the deliverance and full satisfaction obtained by the death and satisfaction of the Son of God."

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 24:47

    Luke 24:47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be proclaimed in His name to all nations, having begun from Jerusalem.

  • 2 Tim. 2:25

    2 Tim. 2:25 in gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth,

  • Luke 15:18–19

    Luke 15:18–19 18 Having risen up, I will go to my father and I will say to him, “Father, I sinned against heaven and before you; 19 no longer am I worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired men.”’

  • Luke 18:13

    Luke 18:13 But the tax collector, standing afar off, was not even willing to lift up the eyes to heaven, but was striking his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’

  • 1 John 1:9–10

    1 John 1:9–10 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

  • Ps. 32:5

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

  • Matt. 6:9, 12

    Matt. 6:9, 12 9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

  • James 5:16

    James 5:16 Therefore confess the sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you⁺ may be healed. The supplication of a righteous [man] being made effective prevails much.

  • Matthew 16:19

    Matthew 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. And whatever you might bind on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you might loose on the earth will be loosed in the heavens.”

  • John 20:23

    John 20:23 If you⁺ might forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you⁺ might retain any, they are retained.”

  • Mark 16:15–16

    Mark 16:15–16 15 And He said to them, “Having gone into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. 16 The one having believed and having been baptized will be saved, but the one having disbelieved will be condemned.

  • 2 Cor. 5:18

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

  • Luke 11:52

    Luke 11:52 Woe to you⁺, the lawyers, because you⁺ took away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter, and you⁺ hindered those entering.”

  • John 5:14

    John 5:14 After these things Jesus finds him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well. Sin no more, so that something worse might not happen to you.”

  • John 8:11

    John 8:11 And she said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now [on] sin no more.”

  • Luke 19:8

    Luke 19:8 But having stood, Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I give to the poor; and if I defrauded anything of anyone, I repay [it] fourfold.”

  • Rom. 6:12–13

    Rom. 6:12–13 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your⁺ mortal body, in order to obey its desires. 13 Neither present your⁺ members to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as living out from the dead, and your⁺ members to God [as] instruments of righteousness.

  • Mark 3:28–29

    Mark 3:28–29 28 Truly I say to you⁺ that all sins and blasphemies will be forgiven the sons of men, as many as they may blaspheme. 29 But whoever may blaspheme in regard to the Holy Spirit does not have forgiveness to the age, but is guilty [of] eternal sin.”

  • Acts 8:20–21

    Acts 8:20–21 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver with you, may it be to destruction, because you thought the gift of God was to be obtained by money! 21 To you there is no part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

  • Isa. 53:4

    Isa. 53:4 Surely, our sicknesses He has lifted, and our sorrows, He has borne them; and we considered Him stricken—struck by God and afflicted.

  • 1 Cor. 8:8

    1 Cor. 8:8 But food will not commend us to God; neither if we should eat do we fall short, nor if we should not eat do we excel.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1854 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 763 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 832 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful

To justify, in the apostle's disputation touching justification, signifies to remit sin, to absolve from the fault and the punishment thereof, to receive into favor, to pronounce a man just. For the apostle says to the Romans, "God is He that justifieth; who is he that can condemn?" (Rom. 8:33–34) where to justify and to condemn are opposed. And in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle says, "Through Christ is preached unto you forgiveness of sins; and from all things (from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses) by Him, every one that believeth is justified" (Acts 13:38–39). For in the Law also and in the prophets, we read that "If a controversy were risen amongst any, and they came to judgment, the judge should judge them; that is, justify the righteous, and make wicked, or condemn, the wicked" (Deut. 25:1). And in Isaiah, "Woe to them which justify the wicked for rewards" (5:23).

Now it is most certain that we are all by nature sinners, and before the judgment seat of God convicted of ungodliness and guilty of death. But we are justified, that is, acquitted from sin and death by God the Judge through the grace of Christ alone, and not by any respect or merit of ours. For what is more plain than that which Paul says? "All have sinned, and are destitute of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:23–24). For Christ took upon Himself and bare the sins of the world and satisfied the justice of God. God, therefore, is merciful unto our sins, for Christ alone, that suffered and rose again, and does not impute them unto us. But He imputes the righteousness of Christ unto us for our own: so that now we are not only cleansed from sin, and purged, and holy, but also endued with the righteousness of Christ; yes, and acquitted from sin, death, and condemnation (2 Cor. 5:19–21); finally, we are righteous and heirs of eternal life. To speak properly, then, it is God alone that justifies us, and that only for Christ by not imputing unto us our sins, but imputing Christ's righteousness unto us (Rom. 4:23–25).

But because we receive this justification, not by any works, but by faith in the mercy of God, and in Christ; therefore, we teach and believe with the apostle that sinful man is justified only by faith in Christ, not by the Law, or by any works. For the apostle says, "We conclude that man is justified by faith, without the works of the law" (Rom. 3:28). "If Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to boast; but not with God: for what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness, but to him that worketh not, but believeth in Him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6). And again; "Ye are saved by grace through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works lest any might have cause to boast" (Eph. 2:8–9). Therefore, because faith apprehends Christ our righteousness and attributes all to the praise of God in Christ, in this respect justification is attributed to faith, chiefly because of Christ whom it receives, and not because it is a work of ours; for it is the gift of God.

Now that we do receive Christ by faith, the Lord shows at large (John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58) where He puts eating for believing, and believing for eating. For as by eating we receive meat, so by believing we are made partakers of Christ. Therefore, we do not part the benefit of justification, giving part to the grace of God or to Christ, and part to ourselves, our charity, works or merit; but we attribute it wholly to the praise of God in Christ, and that through faith. Moreover, our charity and our works cannot please God, if they are done of such as are not just; wherefore, we must first be just before we can love or do any just works. We are made just (as we have said) through faith in Christ, by the mere grace of God; who does not impute unto us our sins, but imputes unto us the righteousness of Christ; yes, and our faith in Christ He imputes for righteousness unto us. Moreover, the apostle plainly derives love from faith, saying, "The end of the commandment is love, proceeding from a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned" (1 Tim. 1:5).

Wherefore, in this matter we speak not of a feigned, vain, or dead faith, but of a lively and quickening faith; which, for Christ (who is life, and gives life) whom it apprehends, both is indeed, and is so called, a lively faith, and proves itself to be lively, by lively works. And, therefore, James does not speak contrary to our doctrine, for he speaks of a vain and dead faith, which certain bragged of but did not have Christ living within them by faith. And James also says that works do justify (2:14–16); yet he is not contrary to Paul (for then he would be rejected), but he shows that Abraham declared his lively and justifying faith by works. And so do all the godly, who yet trust in Christ alone, not to their own works. For the apostle said again, "I live, howbeit not I, but Christ liveth in me. But the life which now I live, in the flesh, I live through the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not despise the grace of God, for if righteousness is by the law, then Christ died in vain" (Gal. 2:20–21).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • Acts 13:38–39

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

  • Deut. 25:1

    Deut. 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, and they come to the court, they are to be judged, and the righteous shall be declared righteous, and the wicked condemned.

  • Rom. 3:23–24

    Rom. 3:23–24 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • 2 Cor. 5:19–21

    2 Cor. 5:19–21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 4:23–25

    Rom. 4:23–25 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Rom. 3:28

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Rom. 4:2–3, 5; Gen. 15:6

    Rom. 4:2–3, 5 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a ground of boasting, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

  • Eph. 2:8–9

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

  • John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58

    John 6:27, 33, 35, 48–58 27 Do not work [for] the food that is perishing, but [for] the food remaining unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you⁺; for God the Father sealed Him.” 33 For the bread of God is the One coming down out of heaven and giving life to the world.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your⁺ fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.”

  • 1 Tim. 1:5

    1 Tim. 1:5 Now the goal of [our] charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith,

  • Gal. 2:20–21

    Gal. 2:20–21 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness [is] through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6012 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7610 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 215 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church

Forasmuch as God from the beginning would have men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), therefore, it is necessary that there always should have been, and should be at this day, and to the end of the world, a church: that is, a company of the faithful, called and gathered out of the world; that is, a company (I say) of all saints, that is, of them who do truly know, and rightly worship and serve, the true God, in Jesus Christ the Savior by the Word and the Holy Spirit, and who by faith are partakers of all those good graces which are freely offered through Christ. These all are citizens of one and the same city living under one Lord, under the same laws, and in the same fellowship of all good things: for so the apostle calls them "fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19), terming the faithful upon the earth saints (1 Cor. 6:11) who are sanctified by the blood of the Son of God. Of these is that article of our Creed wholly to be understood: "I believe the catholic church, the communion of saints."

And seeing that there is always but "one God, and one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ" (1 Tim. 2:5); also, one shepherd of the whole flock, one head of this body, and to conclude one Spirit, one salvation, one faith, one testament or covenant, it follows necessarily that there is but one church: which we, therefore, call catholic because it is universal, spread abroad through all the parts and quarters of the world, and reaches unto all times, and is not limited within the compass either of time or place. Here, therefore, we must condemn the Donatists who pinned up the church within the corners of Africa; neither do we allow of the Roman clergy, who vaunt that the Church of Rome alone is in a manner catholic.

The church is divided by some into divers parts or sorts: not that it is rent and divided from itself, but rather distinguished in respect of the diversity of the members that are in it. One part thereof they make to be the church militant, the other the church triumphant. The militant wars still on the earth and fights against the flesh, the world, the prince of the world, the devil, against sin, and against death. The other, being already set at liberty, is now in heaven and triumphs over all those things overcome, and continually rejoices before the Lord. Yet these two churches have notwithstanding a communion and fellowship among themselves.

Moreover, the church militant upon the earth has evermore had in it many particular churches, which must all notwithstanding be referred to the unity of the catholic church. This militant church was otherwise ordered and governed before the Law, among the patriarchs; otherwise under Moses, by the Law; and otherwise of Christ, by the gospel. There are but two sorts of people for the most part mentioned, to wit, the Israelites and the Gentiles; or they which, of the Jews and Gentiles, were gathered to make a church. There are also two testaments, the old and the new. Yet both these sorts of people have had, and still have, one fellowship, one salvation, in one and the same Messiah; in whom, as members of one body, they are all joined together under one head, and by one faith are all partakers of one and the same spiritual meat and drink. Yet here we do acknowledge a diversity of times, and a diversity in the pledges and signs of Christ promised and exhibited; and that now the ceremonies being abolished, the light shines unto us more clearly, our gifts and graces are more abundant and our liberty is more full and ample.

This holy church of God is called "the house of the living God" (2 Cor. 6:16), "builded of living and spiritual stones" (1 Peter 2:5) "founded upon a rock" (Matt. 16:18) "that cannot be removed" (Heb. 12:28) "upon a foundation, besides which none can be laid" (1 Cor. 3:11). Whereupon it is called "the pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15) that does not err, so long as it relies upon the rock Christ, and upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles. And no marvel if it does err, as often as it forsakes Him who alone is the truth. This church is also called "a virgin" (2 Cor. 11:2) and "the spouse of Christ" (Song 4:8) and "his only beloved" (Song 5:16). For the apostle says, "I have joined you unto one husband, that I might present you a chaste virgin unto Christ" (2 Cor. 11:2). The church is called "a flock of sheep under one shepherd" even Christ (Ezek. 34:22–23 and John 10:16) also, "the body of Christ" (Col. 1:24) because the faithful are the lively members of Christ, having Him for their head.

It is the head which has the preeminence in the body, and from whence the whole body receives life; by whose spirit it is governed in all things, of whom also it receives increase that it may grow up. Also there is but one head of the body which has agreement with the body; and, therefore, the church cannot have any other head beside Christ. For as the church is a spiritual body, so must it have a spiritual head like unto itself. Neither can it be governed by any other spirit than by the Spirit of Christ. Wherefore Paul says, "And He is the head of His body the church, who is the beginning, the first born of the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). And in another place, "Christ (he says) is the head of the church, and the same is the Savior of His body" (Eph. 5:23). And again, "Who is the head of the church, which is His body, even the fullness of Him, which filleth all in all things" (Eph. 1:22–23). Again, "Let us in all things grow up into Him which is the head, that is Christ; by whom all the body being knit together, receiveth increase" (Eph. 4:15–16). And, therefore, we do not allow of the doctrine of the Roman prelates, who would make the pope the general pastor and supreme head of the church of Christ militant here on earth, and the very vicar of Christ, who has (as they say) all fullness of power and sovereign authority in the church. For we hold and teach, that Christ our Lord is, and remains still the only universal pastor, and highest bishop, before God His Father; and that in the church He performs all the duties of a pastor or bishop, even to the world's end: and, therefore, does not stand in need of any other to supply His place. For he is said to have a substitute, who is absent: but Christ is present in His church, and is the head that gives life thereunto. He did straitly forbid His apostles and their successors all superiority or dominion in the church. They, therefore, that by gainsaying set themselves against so manifest a truth and bring another kind of government into the church; see not that they are to be counted in the number of them of whom the apostles of Christ prophesied as Peter (2 Peter 2:1) and Paul (Acts 20:29; 2 Cor. 11:13; 2 Thess. 2:8–9) and in many other places.

Now by taking away the Roman head, we do not bring any confusion or disorder into the church. For we teach that the government of the church which the apostles set down, is sufficient to keep the church in due order; which, from the beginning, while as yet it wanted such a Roman head as is now pretended to keep it in order, was not disordered or full of confusion. The Roman head indeed maintains his tyranny and corruption which have been brought into the church: but in the meantime he hinders, resists, and, with all the might he can make, cuts off the right and lawful reformation of the church.

They object to us that there have been great strifes and dissensions in our churches, since they did sever themselves from the Church of Rome; and that, therefore, they cannot be true churches. As though there were never in the Church of Rome any sects, any contentions and quarrels; and that in matters of religion, maintained not so much in the schools as in the holy chairs, even in the audience of the people. We know that the apostle said, "God is not the author of dissension, but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33); and, "Seeing there is amongst you emulation and contention, are ye not carnal?" (1 Cor. 3:3–4). Yet may we not deny but that God was in that church planted by the apostle, and that the apostolic church was a true church, howsoever there were strifes and dissensions in it. The apostle Paul reprehended Peter, an apostle (Gal. 2:11), and Barnabas fell at variance with Paul (Acts 15:39). Great contention arose in the church of Antioch, between them that preached one and the same Christ, as Luke records in the Acts of the Apostles (15:2). And there have at all times been great contentions in the church, and the most excellent doctors of the church have about no small matters differed in opinion: yet so as in the meantime the church ceased not to be the church for all these contentions. For thus it pleases God to use the dissensions that arise in the church to the glory of His name, to the setting forth of the truth, and to the end that such as are not approved might be manifest (1 Cor. 11:19).

Now, as we acknowledge no other head of the church than Christ, so we do not acknowledge every church to be the true church which vaunts herself so to be: but we teach that to be the true church indeed in which the marks and tokens of the true church are to be found. First and chiefly, the lawful or sincere preaching of the Word of God, as it is left unto us in the writings of the prophets and apostles, which all seem to lead us unto Christ, who in the gospel has said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life. A stranger they do not hear, but flee from him, because they know not his voice" (John 10:5, 27–28). And they that are such in the church of God have all but one faith and one Spirit; and, therefore, they worship but one God: and Him alone they serve in spirit and in truth, loving Him with all their hearts and with all their strength, praying unto Him alone through Jesus Christ the only mediator and intercessor; and they seek not life or justice but only in Christ, and by faith in Him: because they acknowledge Christ the only head and foundation of His church, and, being surely founded on Him, daily repair themselves by repentance and with patience bear the cross laid upon them; and besides, by unfeigned love joining themselves to all the members of Christ, they declare themselves to be the disciples of Christ, by continuing in the bond of peace and holy unity. They do withal communicate in the sacraments ordained by Christ and delivered to us by His apostles, using them in no other manner than as they received them from the Lord Himself. That saying of the apostle Paul is well known to all, "I received from the Lord that which I delivered unto you" (1 Cor. 11:23). For which cause we condemn all such churches as strangers from the true church of Christ, who are not such as we have heard they ought to be; howsoever, in the meantime, they brag of the succession of bishops, of unity, and of antiquity. Moreover we have in charge from the apostles of Christ "to shun idolatry" (1 Cor. 10:14; 1 John 5:21) and "to come out of Babylon, and to have no fellowship with her, unless we mean to be partakers with her of all God's plagues laid upon her" (Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:17).

But as for communicating with the true church of Christ, we so highly esteem of it, that we say plainly that none can live before God which do not communicate with the true church of God, but separate themselves from the same. For as without the ark of Noah there was no escaping when the world perished in the flood; even so do we believe that without Christ, who in the church offers Himself to be enjoyed of the elect, there can be no certain salvation: and, therefore, we teach that such as would be saved must not separate themselves from the true church of Christ.

But yet we do not so strictly shut up the church within those marks before mentioned, as thereby to exclude all those out of the church which either do not communicate in the sacraments (not willingly, nor upon contempt, but who, being constrained by necessity, against their will abstain from them, or else do want them); or in whom faith sometimes fails, though not quite decay, nor altogether die: or in whom some slips and errors of infirmity may be found. For we know that God had some friends in the world that were not of the commonwealth of Israel. We know what befell the people of God in the captivity of Babylon, where they wanted their sacrifices seventy years. We know what happened to St. Peter, who denied his Master, and what is wont daily to fall out among the faithful and chosen of God, which go astray and are full of infirmities. We know moreover what manner of churches the churches at Galatia and Corinth were in the apostles' times: in which the apostle Paul condemns divers great and heinous crimes; yet he calls them the holy churches of Christ (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2).

Yes, and it falls out sometimes that God in His just judgment suffers the truth of His Word and the catholic faith and His own true worship to be so obscured and defaced, that the church seems almost quite razed out, and not so much as a face of a church remains; as we see fell out in the days of Elijah (1 Kings 19:10, 14) and at other times. And yet, in the meantime, the Lord has in this world, even in this darkness, His true worshippers, and those not a few, but even seven thousand (v. 18) and more (Rev. 7:4). For the apostle cries, "The foundation of the Lord standeth sure, and hath this seal, The Lord knoweth who are His" (2 Tim. 2:19). Whereupon the church of God may be termed invisible: not that the men whereof it consists are invisible; but because, being hidden from our sight, and known only unto God, it cannot be discerned by the judgment of man.

Again not all that are reckoned in the number of the church are saints, and lively and true members of the church. For there are many hypocrites which outwardly hear the Word of God and publicly receive the sacraments, and seem to pray unto God alone through Christ, to confess Christ to be their only righteousness, and to worship God, and to exercise the duties of charity to the brethren, and for a while through patience to endure in troubles and calamities. And yet they are altogether destitute of the inward illumination of the Spirit of God, of faith and sincerity of heart, and of perseverance or continuance to the end. And these men are for the most part at the length laid open what they are. For the apostle John says, "They went out from among us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would have tarried with us" (1 John 2:19). Yet these men, while they pretend religion, are accounted to be in the church, however indeed they are not of the church. Even as traitors in a commonwealth, before they are detected are counted in the number of good citizens; and as the cockle and darnel and chaff are found among the wheat; and as tumors and swellings are in a perfect body, when they are rather diseases and deformities than true members of the body. And, therefore, the church is very well compared to a dragnet which draws up fish of all sorts, and to a field wherein is found both darnel and good corn (Matt. 13:25–26). We are to have a special regard that we judge not rashly before the time, nor go about to exclude and cast off or cut away those whom the Lord would not have excluded nor cut off, or whom, without some damage to the church, we cannot separate from it. Again, we must be very vigilant lest the godly falling fast asleep, the wicked grow stronger and do some mischief to the church.

Furthermore we teach, that it is carefully to be marked wherein especially the truth and unity of the church consists, lest we either rashly breed or nourish schisms in the church. It consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but rather in the truth and unity of the catholic faith. This catholic faith is not taught us by the ordinances or laws of men, but by the Holy Scriptures, a compendious and short sum whereof is the Apostles' Creed. And, therefore, we read in the ancient writers that there were manifold diversities of ceremonies, but that those were always free; neither did any man think that the unity of the church was thereby broken or dissolved. We say then that the true unity of the church consists in several points of doctrine: in the true and uniform preaching of the gospel, and in such rites as the Lord Himself has expressly set down; and here we urge that saying of the apostle very earnestly, "As many of us, therefore, as are perfect, let us be thus minded. If any man think otherwise, the Lord shall reveal the same unto him. And yet in that whereunto we have attained, let us follow one direction, and all of us be like affected one towards another" (Phil. 3:15–16).

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 2:4

    1 Tim. 2:4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

  • Eph. 2:19

    Eph. 2:19 So then, you⁺ are no longer strangers and aliens, but you⁺ are fellow citizens of the saints and of the household of God,

  • 1 Cor. 6:11

    1 Cor. 6:11 And some [of] you⁺ were these. But you⁺ were washed, but you⁺ were sanctified, but you⁺ were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

  • 1 Tim. 2:5

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • 2 Cor. 6:16

    2 Cor. 6:16 And what agreement [has] the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them, and I will walk among [them], and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    1 Peter 2:5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Matt. 16:18

    Matt. 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

  • Heb. 12:28

    Heb. 12:28 Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, we may have grace, by which we may serve God well pleasingly, with reverence and awe.

  • 1 Cor. 3:11

    1 Cor. 3:11 For no one is able to lay another foundation besides the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Tim. 3:15

    1 Tim. 3:15 but if I should delay, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.

  • 2 Cor. 11:2

    2 Cor. 11:2 For I am jealous [as to] you⁺ with the jealousy of God. For I betrothed you⁺ to one husband, to present a pure virgin to Christ.

  • Song 4:8

    Song 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, with me from Lebanon! Descend from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from the mountains of the leopards.

  • Song 5:16

    Song 5:16 His mouth [is] sweetness, and all of him [is] desireable. This [is] my beloved, and this [is] my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!

  • Ezek. 34:22–23 and John 10:16

    Ezek. 34:22–23 22 I will bring salvation to My flock, and will they be no longer for prey; and I will judge between a sheep and a sheep. 23 And I will raise up over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them—He will feed them and he will be unto them as shepherd.

    John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

  • Col. 1:24

    Col. 1:24 Now I rejoice in the sufferings for you⁺, and I am filling up that which is lacking of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh for His body, which is the church,

  • Col. 1:18

    Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,

  • Eph. 5:23

    Eph. 5:23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body.

  • Eph. 1:22–23

    Eph. 1:22–23 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.

  • Eph. 4:15–16

    Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

  • 2 Peter 2:1

    2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, as also among you⁺ there will be false teachers who will stealthily introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master having bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

  • Acts 20:29; 2 Cor. 11:13; 2 Thess. 2:8–9

    Acts 20:29 I have known that after my departure, grievous wolves will come in among you⁺, not sparing the flock,

    2 Cor. 11:13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

    2 Thess. 2:8–9 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and will annul by the appearing of His coming, 9 whose coming is according to the working of Satan, in every power and in signs and in wonders of falsehood,

  • 1 Cor. 14:33

    1 Cor. 14:33 For He is not the God of disorder, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

  • 1 Cor. 3:3–4

    1 Cor. 3:3–4 3 for you⁺ are still fleshly. For where jealousy and strife [are] among you⁺, are you⁺ not fleshly and walking according to man? 4 For when one may say, “I am indeed of Paul,” and another, “I of Apollos,” are you⁺ not men?

  • Gal. 2:11

    Gal. 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned.

  • Acts 15:39

    Acts 15:39 Therefore a sharp disagreement arose, so that they separated from one another. And Barnabas, having taken Mark, sailed to Cyprus.

  • 1 Cor. 11:19

    1 Cor. 11:19 For also it is necessary for there to be factions among you⁺, so that also the ones approved should become evident among you⁺.

  • John 10:5, 27–28

    John 10:5, 27–28 5 But they will never follow a stranger, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • 1 Cor. 11:23

    1 Cor. 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread,

  • 1 Cor. 10:14; 1 John 5:21

    1 Cor. 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

    1 John 5:21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

  • Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:17

    Rev. 18:4 And I heard another voice out of heaven saying: “Come forth out of her, My people, so that you⁺ may not share together in her sins, and so that you⁺ may not receive of her plagues.

    2 Cor. 6:17 “Therefore come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord, and touch no unclean [thing], and I will receive you⁺.”

  • 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2

    1 Cor. 1:2 To the church of God being in Corinth, having been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those in every place calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, theirs and ours:

    Gal. 1:2 and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia:

  • 1 Kings 19:10, 14

    1 Kings 19:10, 14 10 And he said, “I have been extremely zealous for YHWH, God of Hosts. For the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant; they have torn down Your altars and have killed Your prophets with the sword, and I am left alone, and they are seeking my life, to take it.” 14 And he said, “I have been extremely zealous for YHWH, God of Hosts, for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant. They have torn down Your altars and have killed Your prophets with the sword. And I am left alone, and they are seeking my life to take it.”

  • Rev. 7:4

    Rev. 7:4 And I heard the number of those having been sealed, a hundred forty-four thousand having been sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel:

  • 2 Tim. 2:19

    2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

  • 1 John 2:19

    1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [it is] so that it might be made manifest that they are not all of us.

  • Matt. 13:25–26

    Matt. 13:25–26 25 And while the men are sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds in the midst of the wheat, and went away. 26 And when the plants sprouted and produced fruit, then the weeds also appeared.

  • Phil. 3:15–16

    Phil. 3:15–16 15 Therefore as many as [are] mature, we should be of this mind. And if you⁺ are minded [in] anything differently, even this God will reveal to you⁺. 16 However, to that which we have attained, walk by the same.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church9 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ

God, even from the beginning, added unto the preaching of the Word His sacraments, or sacramental signs, in His church. And this the Holy Scripture plainly testifies. Sacraments are mystical symbols, or holy rites, or sacred actions, ordained of God Himself, consisting of His Word, of outward signs, and of things signified; whereby He keeps in continual memory, and recalls to mind in His church His great benefits bestowed upon man; and whereby He seals up His promises and outwardly represents, and, as it were, offers unto our sight, those things which inwardly He performs unto us, and therewith strengthens and increases our faith through the working of God's Spirit in our hearts; lastly, whereby He separates us from all other people and religions and consecrates and binds us wholly unto Himself, and gives us to understand what He requires of us.

These sacraments are either of the old church or of the new. The sacraments of the old were circumcision and the Pascal Lamb, which was offered up; under which name, reference is made to the sacrifices which were in use from the beginning of the world. The sacraments of the new church are baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Some there are which reckon seven sacraments of the new church, of which number we grant that repentance, matrimony, and the ordination of ministers (we mean not the popish, but the apostolic ordination) are very profitable ordinances of God, but not sacraments. As for confirmation and extreme unction, they are mere devices of men which the church may very well want, without any damage or discommodity at all: and, therefore, we do not have them in our churches because there are certain things in them which we can by no means permit. As for that merchandise which the Roman prelates use in ministering their sacraments, we utterly abhor it.

The author and institutor of all sacraments is not any man, but God alone: for men can by no means ordain sacraments because they belong to the worship of God, and it is not for man to appoint and prescribe a service of God, but to embrace and retain that which is taught unto him by the Lord. Besides the sacramental signs have God's promises annexed to them, which necessarily require faith: now faith rests itself only upon the Word of God; and the Word of God is resembled to writings or letters, the sacraments to seals which the Lord alone sets to His own letters.

And as the Lord is the author of the sacraments, so He continually works in that church, where they are rightly used; so that the faithful, when they receive them of the ministers, do know that the Lord works in His own ordinance, and, therefore, they receive them as from the hand of God: and the minister's faults (if there be any notorious in them) cannot hurt them, seeing they acknowledge the goodness of the sacraments to depend upon the ordinance of the Lord. For which cause they put a difference in the administration of the sacraments, between the Lord Himself and His minister; confessing that the substance of the sacraments is given them of the Lord, and the outward signs by the ministers of the Lord.

But the principal thing which in all the sacraments is offered of the Lord, and chiefly regarded of the godly of all ages (which some have called the substance and matter of the sacraments) is Christ our Savior: that only sacrifice (Heb. 10:12), and that Lamb of God slain from the beginning of the world (Rev. 13:8), that rock also, of which all our fathers drank (1 Cor. 10:4) by whom all the elect are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands through the Holy Spirit (Col. 2:11–12) and are washed from all their sins (Rev. 1:5), and are nourished with the very body and blood of Christ unto eternal life (John 6:54).

Now, in respect of that which is the chief thing, and the very matter and substance of the sacraments, the sacraments of both the Testaments are equal. For Christ, the only Mediator and Savior of the faithful, is the chief thing and substance in them both: one and the same God is author of them both: they were given unto both churches as signs and seals of the grace and promises of God; which should call to mind and renew the memory of God's great benefits to them, and should distinguish the faithful from all the religions in the world; lastly, which should be received spiritually by faith, and should bind the receivers unto the church and admonish them of their duty. In these, I say, and such like things, the sacraments of both churches are not unequal, although in the outward signs they are diverse.

And indeed we do yet put a greater difference between them: for ours are more firm and durable as those which are not to be changed to the end of the world. Again, ours testify that the substance and promise is already fulfilled and performed in Christ, whereas the other did only signify that they should be fulfilled. And again ours are more simple and not so painful, not so sumptuous, nor so full of ceremonies. Moreover they belong to a greater people that is dispersed through the face of the whole earth: and because they are more excellent and do by the Spirit of God stir up in us a greater measure of faith, therefore, a more plentiful measure of the Spirit follows them.

But now, since Christ the true Messiah is exhibited unto us and the abundance of grace is poured forth upon the people of the New Testament, the sacraments of the Old Law are surely abrogated and ceased; and in their stead the sacraments of the New Testament are placed: namely, for circumcision, baptism, and for the Pascal Lamb and sacrifices, the Supper of the Lord.

And as in the old church the sacraments consisted of the Word, the sign and the thing signified, so even at this day they are composed, as it were, of the same parts. For the Word of God makes them sacraments, which before were not: for they are consecrated by the Word and declared to be sanctified by Him who first ordained them. To sanctify or consecrate a thing is to dedicate it unto God and unto holy uses; that is, to take it from the common and ordinary use and to appoint it to some holy use. For the signs that are in the sacraments are drawn from common use; things external and visible. As in baptism, the outward sign is the element of water, and that visible washing which is done by the minister. But the thing signified is regeneration and the cleansing from sins. Likewise in the Lord's Supper, the outward sign is bread and wine, taken from things commonly used for meat and drink. But the thing signified is the body of Christ which was given, and His blood which was shed for us, and the communion of the body and blood of the Lord.

Wherefore the water, bread, and wine, considered in their own nature, and out of this holy use and institution of the Lord, are only that which they are called and which we find them to be. But let the Word of God be added to them together with invocation upon His holy name, and the renewing of their first institution and sanctification, and then these signs are consecrated and declared to be sanctified by Christ. For Christ's first institution and consecration of the sacraments stands yet in force in the church of God, in such sort that they which celebrate the sacraments no otherwise than the Lord Himself from the beginning has appointed, have still even to this day, the use and benefit of that first and most excellent consecration. And for this cause in the administration of the sacraments, the very words of Christ are repeated.

And forasmuch as we learn out of the Word of God that these signs were appointed unto another end and use than commonly they are used, therefore, we teach that they now, in this their holy use, take upon them the names of things signified, and are not still called bare water, bread, or wine: but that the water is called "regeneration, and washing of the new birth" (Titus 3:5), and the bread and wine "the body and blood of the Lord" (1 Cor. 10:16), or the pledges and sacraments of His body and blood. Not that the signs are turned into the things signified, or cease to be that which in their own nature they are (for then they could not be sacraments which should consist only of the thing signified and have no signs); but, therefore, do the signs bear the names of the things because they are mystical tokens of holy things, and because the signs and the things signified are sacramentally joined together: joined together I say, or united by a mystical signification, and by the purpose and will of Him who first instituted them. For the water, bread, and wine are not common, but holy signs. And He that instituted water in baptism did not institute it with that mind and purpose, that the faithful should only be dipped in the water of baptism; and He which commanded the bread to be eaten and the wine to be drunk in the Supper did not mean that the faithful should only receive bread and wine without any further mystery, as they eat bread at home in their own houses: but that they should spiritually be partakers of the things signified and by faith be truly purged from their sins and be partakers of Christ also.

And, therefore, we cannot allow of them which attribute the consecration of the sacraments to I know not what syllables; to the rehearsal of certain words pronounced by him that is consecrated, and that has an intent of consecrating; or to some other accidental things, which are not left unto us either by the word or by the example of Christ or His apostles. We also dislike the doctrine of those that speak no otherwise of the sacraments than of common signs, not sanctified, nor effectual. We condemn them also, who, because of the invisible things despise the visible and think the signs superfluous because they already enjoy the things themselves: such were the Messalians, as it is recorded. We disapprove their doctrine also who teach that grace and the things signified are to be so tied to and included in the signs, that whosoever outwardly receives the signs must necessarily inwardly participate in the grace and in the things signified, whatever manner of men they may be.

Notwithstanding, as we esteem not the goodness of the sacraments by the worthiness or unworthiness of the ministers, so likewise we do not weigh them by the condition of the recipients. For we know that the goodness of the sacraments depends upon the faithfulness or truth and the mere goodness of God. For even as God's Word remains the true Word of God, wherein not only bare words are uttered when it is preached, but there withal the things signified by the words are offered of God, although the wicked and unbelievers hear and understand the words, yet do not enjoy the things signified because they receive them not by a true faith: even so, the sacraments consisting of the Word, the signs, and the things signified, continue true and perfect sacraments not only because they are holy things, but also that God also offers the things signified; however unbelievers do not receive the things which are offered. This comes to pass not by any fault in God, the author and offerer of them; but by the fault of men, who receive them without faith and unlawfully: "whose unbelief cannot make the truth of God of none effect" (Rom. 3:3).

Now forasmuch as in the beginning, where we showed what the sacraments were, we did also by the way set down to what end they were ordained, it will not be necessary to trouble ourselves with repeating anything which has been already handled. Next, therefore, in order, it remains to speak severally of the sacraments of the new church.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 10:12

    Heb. 10:12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God,

  • Rev. 13:8

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

  • 1 Cor. 10:4

    1 Cor. 10:4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

  • Col. 2:11–12

    Col. 2:11–12 11 in whom also you⁺ were circumcised with the circumcision done without hands in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which also you⁺ were raised with [Him] through the faith from the working of God, the One having raised Him out from the dead.

  • Rev. 1:5

    Rev. 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins in His blood—

  • John 6:54

    John 6:54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • Titus 3:5

    Titus 3:5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • 1 Cor. 10:16

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

  • Rom. 3:3

    Rom. 3:3 For what If some disbelieved? Will their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 783 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 703 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord

The Supper of the Lord (which is also called the Lord's Table, and the Eucharist, that is, a thanksgiving) is, therefore, commonly called a Supper because it was instituted of Christ in His last Supper, and as yet represents the same, and in it the faithful are spiritually fed and nourished. For the author of the Supper of the Lord is not an angel or man, but the very Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who first of all consecrated it to His church. And the same blessing and consecration still remains among all those who celebrate no other but that very Supper which the Lord instituted; and at that recite the words of the Supper of the Lord, and in all things look unto Christ only by a true faith; at whose hands, as it were, they receive that which they do receive by the ministry of the ministers of the church. The Lord by this sacred rite would have that great benefit to be kept in fresh remembrance which He performed for mankind; to wit, that by giving up His body to death and shedding His blood, He has forgiven us all our sins and redeemed us from eternal death and the power of the devil, and now feeds us with His flesh, and gives us His blood to drink: which things, being apprehended spiritually by a true faith, nourish us to life everlasting. And this so great a benefit is renewed so oft as the Supper is celebrated. For the Lord said, "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).

By this holy Supper also it is sealed unto us that the very body of Christ was truly given up for us and His blood shed for the remission of our sins, lest our faith might somewhat waver. And this is outwardly represented unto us by the minister in the sacrament after a visible manner, and, as it were, laid before our eyes to be seen, which is inwardly in the soul invisibly performed by the Holy Ghost. Outwardly bread is offered by the minister and the words of the Lord are heard: "Receive, eat, this is my body; take it, and divide it amongst you: drink ye all of this, this is my blood" (Matt. 26:26–28; Luke 22:17–20). Therefore, the faithful receive that which is given by the minister of the Lord and eat the bread of the Lord, and drink of the Lord's cup. But yet, by the working of Christ, through the Holy Ghost, they receive also the flesh and blood of the Lord and feed on them to life everlasting. For the flesh and blood of Christ is true meat and drink unto everlasting life: yes Christ Himself, in that He was delivered for us, and is our Savior, is that special thing and substance of the Supper; and, therefore, we suffer nothing to be put in His place.

But that it may the better and more plainly be understood how the flesh and blood of Christ are the meat and drink of the faithful, and are received by the faithful to life everlasting, we will add moreover these four things.

Eating is of divers sorts: for there is a corporal eating, whereby meat is taken into a man's mouth, chewed with the teeth, and swallowed down into the belly. After this manner did the Capernaites in times past think that they should eat the flesh of the Lord: but they are confuted by Him (John 6:30–63). For as the flesh of Christ cannot be eaten bodily without great wickedness and cruelty, so is it not meat for the belly, as all men do confess. We, therefore, disapprove that canon in the pope's decrees, Ego Berengarius (De Consecrat., dist. 2). For neither did godly antiquity believe, neither yet do we believe that the body of Christ can be eaten corporally and essentially with a bodily mouth.

There is also a spiritual eating of Christ's body; not such a one whereby it may be thought that the very meat is changed into the spirit, but whereby (the Lord's body and blood remaining in their own essence and property) those things are spiritually communicated unto us, not after a corporal, but after a spiritual manner, through the Holy Ghost, who applies and bestows upon us those things (to wit, remission of sins, deliverance and life everlasting) which are prepared for us by the flesh and blood of our Lord, given for us: so that Christ now lives in us and we live in Him; and causes us to apprehend Him by true faith to this end, that He may become unto us such a spiritual meat and drink, that is to say, our life. For even as corporal meat and drink not only refresh and strengthen our bodies, but also keep them in life; even so the flesh of Christ delivered for us and His blood shed for us, do not only refresh and strengthen our souls, but also preserves them alive, not so far as they are corporally eaten and drunken, but so far as they are communicated unto us spiritually by the Spirit of God: the Lord saying, "The bread which I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" (John 6:51); also "The flesh (to wit, corporally eaten) profiteth nothing, it is the Spirit which giveth life: and the words which I speak to you, are Spirit and life" (John 6:63).

And as we must by eating receive the meat into our bodies to the end that it may work in us and show its efficacy in us (because, while it is without us, it profits us not at all); even so it is necessary that we receive Christ by faith, that He may be made ours and that He may live in us and we in Him. For He says, "I am the bread of life; He that cometh to me shall not hunger, and He that believeth in me, shall not thirst any more" (John 6:35); and also, "He that eateth me, shall live through me; and He abideth in me, and I in him" (John 6:56).

By all which it appears manifestly that by spiritual meat we do not mean any imaginary thing, but the very body of our Lord Jesus given to us; which yet is received of the faithful not corporally, but spiritually by faith: in which point we do wholly follow the doctrine of our Lord and Savior Christ in the 6th of John. And this eating of the flesh and drinking of the blood of the Lord is so necessary to salvation that without it no man can be saved. This spiritual eating and drinking is also without the Supper of the Lord; even so often as and where ever a man believes in Christ. To which purpose that sentence of St. Augustine happily belongs: "Why dost thou prepare thy teeth and belly? Believe, and thou hast eaten."

Besides that former spiritual eating, there is a sacramental eating of the body of the Lord; whereby the faithful man not only is partaker spiritually and internally of the true body and blood of the Lord; but also by coming to the Table of the Lord outwardly receives the visible sacraments of the body and blood of the Lord. It is true that the faithful man, by believing, before received the food that gives life, and still receives the same, but yet, when he receives the sacrament, he receives something more. For he goes on in continual communication of the body and blood of the Lord, and his faith is daily more and more kindled, more strengthened and refreshed by the spiritual nourishment. For while we live, faith has continual increasings: and he that outwardly receives the sacraments with a true faith, the same not only receives the sign, but also enjoys (as we have said) the thing itself. Moreover the same man obeys the Lord's institution and commandment, and with a joyful mind gives thanks for his and the redemption of all mankind; and makes a faithful remembrance of the Lord's death, and witnesses the same before the church, of which body he is a member. This also is sealed to those which receive the sacrament, that the body of the Lord was given and His blood shed, not only for men in general, but particularly for every faithful communicant whose meat and drink He is, to life everlasting.

But as for him that without faith comes to this holy Table of the Lord, he is made partaker of the sacrament only; but the matter of the sacrament from whence comes life and salvation, he receives not at all and such men do unworthily eat of the Lord's Table. "Now they which do unworthily eat of the Lord's bread and drink of the Lord's cup, they are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and they eat and drink it to their judgment" (1 Cor. 11:26–29). For as they do not approach with true faith, they do despite unto the death of Christ, and, therefore, eat and drink condemnation to themselves.

We do not, therefore, so join the body of the Lord and His blood with the bread and wine, as though we thought that the bread is the body of Christ more than after a sacramental manner; or that the body of Christ lies hidden corporally under the bread, so as it ought to be worshipped under the form of bread; or yet that whoever he is which receives the sign, he receives the thing itself. The body of Christ is in the heavens, at the right hand of His Father: and, therefore, our hearts are to be lifted up on high, and not to be fixed on the bread, neither is the Lord to be worshipped in the bread; though notwithstanding the Lord is not absent from His church when they celebrate the Supper. The sun, being absent from us in the heavens, is yet notwithstanding present among us effectually: how much more Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, though in body He is absent from us in the heavens, yet is present among us, not corporally, but spiritually, by His lively operation; and so as He Himself promised in His last Supper, to be present among us (John 14–16). Whereupon it follows that we have not the Supper without Christ, and yet that we have meanwhile an unbloody and mystical Supper, even as all antiquity called it.

Moreover, we are admonished in the celebration of the Supper of the Lord to be mindful of the body whereof we are made members; and that, therefore, we are at concord with all our brethren that we live holily and not pollute ourselves with wickedness and strange religions; but persevering in the true faith to the end of our life give diligence to excel in holiness of life.

It is, therefore, very requisite that, purposing to come to the Supper of the Lord, we do try ourselves according to the commandment of the apostle: first, with what faith we are endued, whether we believe that Christ is come to save sinners and to call them to repentance, and whether each man believes that he is in the number of them that, being delivered by Christ, are saved; and whether he has purposed to change his wicked life, to live holily, and persevere through God's assistance in true religion and in concord with his brethren, and to give worthy thanks to God for his delivery.

We think that rite, manner, or form of the Supper to be the most simple and excellent which comes nearest to the first institution of the Lord and to the apostles' doctrine: which consists in declaring the Word of God, in godly prayers, in the action itself that the Lord used, and the repeating of it; in the eating of the Lord's body and drinking of His blood; in the wholesome remembrance of the Lord's death and faithful giving of thanks; and in a holy fellowship in the union of the body of the church.

We, therefore, disapprove them which have taken from the faithful one part of the sacrament, to wit, the Lord's cup. For these do very grievously offend against the institution of the Lord, who says, "Drink all of you of this" (Matt. 26:27), which He did not so plainly say of the bread. What manner of mass it was that the fathers used, whether it were tolerable, or intolerable, we do not now dispute. But this we say freely, that the Mass which is now used throughout the Roman Church, which, for brevity's sake, we will not now particularly recite, for many and most just causes is quite abolished out of our churches. Truly we could not like it because of a most wholesome action, they have made a vain spectacle; also because it is made a meritorious matter and is said for money; likewise because in it the priest is said to make the very body of the Lord, and to offer the same really, even for the remission of the sins of the quick and the dead. Add this also; that they do it for the honor, worship, and reverence of the saints in heaven.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 22:19

    Luke 22:19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,”

  • Matt. 26:26–28; Luke 22:17–20

    Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Luke 22:17–20 17 And having received a cup, having given thanks, He said, “Take this and divide [it] among yourselves. 18 For I say to you⁺ that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now until the kingdom of God shall come.” 19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,” 20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

  • John 6:30–63

    John 6:30–63 30 Therefore they said to Him, “Then what sign do You do, so that we may see and may believe You? What do You work? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’” 32 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, Moses has not given you⁺ the bread out of heaven, but My Father gives you⁺ the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the One coming down out of heaven and giving life to the world.” 34 Therefore they said to Him, “Sir, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 36 But I said to you⁺ that you⁺ have also seen Me and you⁺ do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not so that I may do My will, but the will of the One having sent Me. 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.” 41 Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him because He said, “I am the bread having come down out of heaven.” 42 And they were saying, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does He say, ‘I have come down out of heaven?’” 43 Jesus answered and said to them, “Do not grumble with one another. 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One being from God; He has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, the one believing has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your⁺ fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.” 59 He said these things teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60 Therefore many of His disciples, having heard, said, “This word is difficult; who is able to hear it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in Himself that His disciples are grumbling about this, said to them, “Does this cause you⁺ to stumble? 62 Then [what] if you⁺ may behold the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit making alive; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you⁺ are spirit and they are life.

  • John 6:51

    John 6:51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

  • John 6:63

    John 6:63 It is the Spirit making alive; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you⁺ are spirit and they are life.

  • John 6:35

    John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time.

  • John 6:56

    John 6:56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him.

  • 1 Cor. 11:26–29

    1 Cor. 11:26–29 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

  • John 14–16
  • Matt. 26:27

    Matt. 26:27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 7612 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper9 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1708 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1626 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter 26: Of the Burial of the Faithful, and of the Care Which Is to Be Had for Such As Are Dead; of Purgatory, and the Appearing of Spirits

The Scripture wills that the bodies of the faithful, as being temples of the Holy Ghost, which we truly believe shall rise again at the last day, should be honestly, without any superstition, committed to the earth; and besides, that we should make honorable mention of the godly which have died in the Lord, and perform all duties of love to such as they leave behind them, as their widows and fatherless children. Other care to be taken for the dead, we teach none. Therefore, we do greatly dislike the Cynics, who neglected the bodies of the dead, or did very carelessly and disdainfully cast them into the earth, never speak so much as a good word of the deceased, nor any whit regarded those whom they left behind them. Again, we condemn those which are too much and preposterously officious toward the dead; who like Ethnics, do greatly lament and bewail their dead (we do not despise that moderate mourning which the apostle allows, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, but judge it an unnatural thing to be touched with no sorrow); and do sacrifice for the dead, and mumble certain prayers, not without their penny for their pains, thinking by these duties to deliver their friends from torments, wherein being wrapped by death, they suppose they may be rid of them again by such lamentable songs. For we believe that the faithful, after bodily death, go directly unto Christ, and, therefore, do not stand in need of helps or prayers for the dead or any other such duty of them which are alive. In like manner, we believe that the unbelievers are cast headlong directly into hell, from whence there is no return opened to the wicked by any duties of those which live.

But as touching that which some teach concerning the fire of purgatory, it is flat contrary to the Christian faith ("I believe the remission of sins, and life everlasting") and to the absolute purgation of sins made by Christ, and to these sayings of Christ our Lord: "Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth in Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but hath passed from death unto life" (John 5:24). Again, "He that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean" (John 13:10).

Now that which is recorded of the spirits or souls of the dead sometimes appearing to them that are alive, and craving certain duties of them whereby they may be set free: we count those apparitions among the delusions, crafts, and deceits of the devil, who, as he can transform himself into an angel of light so he labors tooth and nail either to overthrow the true faith or else to call it into doubt. The Lord, in the Old Testament, forbade to enquire the truth of the dead and to have anything to do with spirits (Deut. 18:10–11). And to the glutton, being bound in torments, as the truth of the gospel declares, is denied any return to his brethren: the oracle of God pronouncing and saying, "They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe, if one shall arise from the dead" (Luke 16:29, 31).

Scripture proofs
  • we do not despise that moderate mourning which the apostle allows, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, but judge it an unnatural thing to be touched with no sorrow

    1 Thessalonians 4:13 But we do not want you⁺ to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those having fallen asleep, so that you⁺ should not be grieved, just as also the rest, those having no hope.

  • John 5:24

    John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that the one hearing My word and believing the One having sent Me has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

  • John 13:10

    John 13:10 Jesus says to him, “The one having been bathed has no need to wash, except the feet, but is wholly clean. And you⁺ all are clean, but not all.”

  • Deut. 18:10–11

    Deut. 18:10–11 10 There shall not be found among you one who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, a user of divinations, a soothsayer, or a diviner, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells or consults a medium, or a spiritist, or a seeker of the dead.

  • Luke 16:29, 31

    Luke 16:29, 31 29 But Abraham says, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 942 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1132 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 32 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 421 shared proof text · shared topic

Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree

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 comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin, nor hath fellowship with any therein; 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; in which appears his wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree.

2. Although God knoweth whatsoever may, or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions; yet hath he not decreed anything, because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.

3. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life, through Jesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice.

4. These angels and men thus predestinated, and foreordained, are particularly, and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain, and definite, that it cannot be either increased, or diminished.

5. Those of mankind that are predestinated 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; without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him thereunto.

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, wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by his Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power through faith unto salvation; neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.

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; so shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the gospel.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 46:10; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:15, 18.

    Isa. 46:10 declaring from the beginning the end, and from of old that which has not been done, saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all My delight;’

    Eph. 1:11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Heb. 6:17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath,

    Rom. 9:15, 18 15 For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I may have compassion.” 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • James 1:13; 1 John 1:5.

    James 1:13 Let no one being tempted say, “I am being tempted from God.” For God is unable to be tempted by evils, and He Himself tempts no one.

    1 John 1:5 And this is the message that we have heard from Him and we announce to you⁺, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness—none.

  • Acts 4:27–28; John 19:11.

    Acts 4:27–28 27 For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen.

    John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Because of this, the one having delivered Me up to you has greater sin.”

  • Num. 23:19; Eph. 1:3–5.

    Num. 23:19 God [is] not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and He will not do? Or has He spoken, and He will not fulfill?

    Eph. 1:3–5 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly realms, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

  • Acts 15:18.

    Acts 15:18 known from the age.’

  • Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18.

    Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy. 18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • 1 Tim. 5:21; Matt. 25:34.

    1 Tim. 5:21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

    Matt. 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, the blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you⁺ from the foundation of the world.

  • Eph. 1:5–6.

    Eph. 1:5–6 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • Rom. 9:22–23; Jude 4.

    Rom. 9:22–23 22 And [what] if God, desiring to display the wrath and to make known His power, bore with much patience vessels of wrath, having been fitted for destruction, 23 so that He might also make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

    Jude 4 on BibleHub ↗

  • 2 Tim. 2:19; John 13:18.

    2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

    John 13:18 I speak not about all of you⁺—I know whom I chose—but so that the Scripture may be fulfilled: ‘The one eating My bread lifted up his heel against Me.’

  • Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:30; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:9.

    Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

    1 Thess. 5:9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Rom. 9:13, 16; Eph. 2:5, 12.

    Rom. 9:13, 16 13 As it has been written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.

    Eph. 2:5, 12 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 12 that at that time you⁺ were apart from Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.

  • 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13.

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Thess. 5:9–10.

    1 Thess. 5:9–10 9 because God did not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 the One having died for us, so that whether we may watch or we may sleep, we may live together with Him.

  • Rom. 8:30; 2 Thess. 2:13.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,

  • 1 Peter 1:5.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • John 10:26; John 17:9; John 6:64.

    John 10:26 But you⁺ do not believe, because you⁺ are not of My sheep.

    John 17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.

    John 6:64 But there are some of you⁺ who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning who are those not believing and who it is who will betray Him.

  • 1 Thess. 1:4–5; 2 Peter 1:10.

    1 Thess. 1:4–5 4 knowing, brothers beloved by God, your⁺ election, 5 because our gospel came to you⁺ not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much full assurance, just as you⁺ know what we were among you⁺ on account of you⁺.

    2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble.

  • Eph. 1:6; Rom. 11:33.

    Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    Rom. 11:33 O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

  • Rom. 11:5–6.

    Rom. 11:5–6 5 So then also in the present time, there has been a remnant according to the election of grace, 6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.

  • Luke 10:20.

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree38 shared proof texts · 16 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling10 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 129 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 138 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 548 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator

1. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus his only begotten Son, according to the covenant made between them both, to be the Mediator between God and man; the Prophet, Priest, and King; Head and Savior of his church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world; 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.

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 fullness of time was come take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin: 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: 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.

3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, in the person of the Son, was sanctified, anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure; having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell: to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace, and truth, he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator and surety; which office he took not upon himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; who also put all power and judgment in his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.

4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which that he might discharge he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it, and underwent the punishment due to us, which we should have born and suffered, being made sin and a curse for us: enduring most grievous sorrows in his soul; and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died, and remained in the state of the dead; yet saw no corruption: on the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with which he also ascended into heaven: and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession; and shall return to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.

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, procured reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

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 of the woman, which should bruise the serpent's head; and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world: being the same yesterday, and today and forever.

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.

8. To all those for whom Christ hath obtained eternal redemption, he doth certainly, and effectually apply, and communicate the same; making intercession for them, 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, governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit, and overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power, and wisdom; 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 foreseen in them, to procure it.

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.

10. This number and order of offices is necessary; for in respect of our ignorance, we stand in need of his prophetical office; 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: and in respect to 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.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19–20.

    Isa. 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, I take hold of him, My Chosen One, [in whom] My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him, and He will bring forth justice to the nations.

    1 Peter 1:19–20 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

  • Acts 3:22.

    Acts 3:22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

  • Heb. 5:5–6.

    Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:33.

    Ps. 2:6 “And I have installed My King on Zion, the mountain of My holiness.”

    Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”

  • Eph. 1:22–23.

    Eph. 1:22–23 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.

  • Heb. 1:2.

    Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

  • Acts 17:31.

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • Isa. 53:10; John 17:6; Rom. 8:30.

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • John 1:14; Gal. 4:4.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Rom. 8:3; Heb. 2:14, 16–17; Heb. 4:15.

    Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,

    Heb. 2:14, 16–17 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • Luke 1:27, 31, 35.

    Luke 1:27, 31, 35 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name [was] Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin [was] Mary. 31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.

  • Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 2:5

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 45:7; Acts 10:38; John 3:34.

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

    Acts 10:38 Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

    John 3:34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.

  • Col. 2:3.

    Col. 2:3 in whom are hidden away all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.

  • Col. 1:19.

    Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

  • Heb. 7:26.

    Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

  • John 1:14.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

  • Heb. 7:22.

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

  • Heb. 5:5.

    Heb. 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”

  • John 5:22, 27; Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:36.

    John 5:22, 27 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

    Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.

    Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

  • Ps. 40:7–8; Heb. 10:5–10; John 10:18.

    Ps. 40:7–8 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come—in the roll of the book it is written of me. 8 I have delighted to do Your will, O my God, and Your law [is] in the midst of my heart.”

    Heb. 10:5–10 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

  • Gal 4:4; Matt. 3:15.

    Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Matt. 3:15 But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit [it] presently; for thus it is fitting to us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits Him.

  • Gal. 3:13; Isa. 53:6; 1 Peter 3:18.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    Isa. 53:6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

  • 2 Cor. 5:21.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Matt. 26:37–38; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.

    Matt. 26:37–38 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • Acts 13:37.

    Acts 13:37 But the One God raised up did not see decay.

  • 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    1 Cor. 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you⁺ as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

  • John 20:25, 27.

    John 20:25, 27 25 Therefore the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and I put my finger into the mark of the nails, and I put my hands into His side, I will never believe.” 27 Then He says to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put [it] into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

  • Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9–11.

    Mark 16:19 Therefore indeed the Lord Jesus, after speaking to them, was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.

    Acts 1:9–11 9 And having said these things, [in] their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. 10 And as they were looking intently into heaven [in] His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, 11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Acts 10:42; Rom. 14:9–10; Acts 1:11.

    Acts 10:42 And He instructed us to proclaim to the people and to testify fully that He is the One having been appointed by God [as] Judge of the living and the dead.

    Rom. 14:9–10 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

  • Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:14; Rom. 3:25–26.

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Rom. 3:25–26 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

  • John 17:2; Heb. 9:15.

    John 17:2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life.

    Heb. 9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • 1 Cor. 4:10; Heb. 4:2; 1 Peter 1:10–11.

    1 Cor. 4:10 We [are] fools on account of Christ, but you⁺ [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but you⁺ [are] strong; you⁺ [are] glorious, but we [are] without honor.

    Heb. 4:2 For also we are [those] having had the gospel proclaimed, even as also those; but the word of [their] hearing did not profit those not having been united with the faith of those having heard.

    1 Peter 1:10–11 10 Concerning this salvation the prophets sought out and searched out, those having prophesied concerning the grace unto you⁺, 11 searching into what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them was making evident, testifying beforehand unto the sufferings of Christ and the glories after these,

  • Rev. 13:8.

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

  • Heb. 13:8.

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

  • John 3:13; Acts 20:28.

    John 3:13 And no one has gone up into heaven except the One having come down out of heaven, the Son of Man.

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

  • John 6:37; John 10:15–16; John 17:9.

    John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out.

    John 10:15–16 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

    John 17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.

  • John 17:6; Eph. 1:9; 1 John 5:20.

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

    Eph. 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

  • Rom. 8:9, 14.

    Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

  • Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25–26.

    Ps. 110:1 A Psalm of David. An utterance of YHWH to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

    1 Cor. 15:25–26 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death.

  • John 3:8; Eph. 1:8.

    John 3:8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit.”

    Eph. 1:8 which He abounded to us in all wisdom and understanding,

  • 1 Tim. 2:5.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • John 1:18.

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

  • Col. 1:21; Gal. 5:17.

    Col. 1:21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works—

    Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.

  • John 16:8; Ps. 110:3; Luke 1:74–75.

    John 16:8 And having come, He will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment:

    Ps. 110:3 Your people [are] freewill offerings in the day of your might, in the splendors of holiness; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth [is] unto you.

    Luke 1:74–75 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator79 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 5212 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4211 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World8 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 3712 shared proof texts · shared topic

Chapter 11: Of Justification

1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting, and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; 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, they receiving, and resting on him, and his righteousness, by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.

2. Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ, and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification: yet is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.

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: yet in as much 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; 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.

4. God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit, doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them.

5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification; yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; 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.

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.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:24; Rom. 8:30.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • Rom. 4:5–8; Eph. 1:7.

    Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Phil. 3:8–9; Eph. 2:8–10.

    Phil. 3:8–9 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Eph. 2:8–10 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • John 1:12; Rom. 5:17.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Rom. 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ!

  • Rom. 3:28.

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

  • Gal.5:6; James 2:17, 22, 26.

    Gal.5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

    James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

  • Heb. 10:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Isa. 53:5–6.

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

    Isa. 53:5–6 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Rom. 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 3:26; Eph. 1:6–7; Eph. 2:7.

    Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Eph. 1:6–7 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

  • Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 2:6.

    Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

    1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺.

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

  • Rom. 4:25.

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Col. 1:21–22; Titus 3:4–7.

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

    Titus 3:4–7 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • John 10:28.

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • Ps. 89:31–33.

    Ps. 89:31–33 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.

  • Ps. 32:5; Ps. 51; Matt. 26:75.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗

  • Gal. 3:9; Rom. 4:22–24.

    Gal. 3:9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham.

    Rom. 4:22–24 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7014 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6013 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7112 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful9 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man11 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper

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 showing forth the sacrifice in his death, 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. 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; and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same; so that the popish sacrifice of the Mass (as they call it) is most abominable, injurious to Christ's own only sacrifice the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.

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 an holy use, and to take and break the bread; to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the communicants.

4. The denial of the cup to the people, worshiping 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.

5. The outward elements in this ordinance, duly set apart to the uses 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; albeit, in substance, and nature, they still remain truly, and only bread, and wine, as they were before.

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, 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.

7. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this ordinance, do then 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.

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: yea, whosoever shall receive unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, eating and drinking judgment to themselves.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

    1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • 1 Cor. 10:16–17, 21.

    1 Cor. 10:16–17, 21 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ? 17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf. 21 You⁺ are not able to drink a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons. You⁺ are not able to partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons.

  • Heb. 9:25–26, 28.

    Heb. 9:25–26, 28 25 nor that He should offer Himself many times, just as the high priest enters into the holy [places] every year with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.

  • 1 Cor. 11:24; Matt. 26:26–27.

    1 Cor. 11:24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.”

    Matt. 26:26–27 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you.

  • 1 Cor. 11:23–26ff.

    1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • Matt. 26:26–28; Matt. 15:9; Ex. 20:4–5.

    Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

    Ex. 20:4–5 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me,

  • 1 Cor. 11:27.

    1 Cor. 11:27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord.

  • 1 Cor. 11:26–28.

    1 Cor. 11:26–28 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup.

  • Acts 3:21; Luke 24:6, 39.

    Acts 3:21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.

    Luke 24:6, 39 6 He is not here, but He is risen! Remember how He spoke to you⁺, being yet in Galilee, 39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

  • 1 Cor. 11:24–25.

    1 Cor. 11:24–25 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.”

  • 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

    1 Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is [it] not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is [it] not a fellowship of the body of Christ?

    1 Cor. 11:23–26 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • 2 Cor. 6:14–15.

    2 Cor. 6:14–15 14 Do not become unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what partnership [have] righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship [has] light with darkness? 15 And what harmony [has] Christ with Beliar? Or what part to a believer [is] with an unbeliever?

  • 1 Cor. 11:29; Matt. 7:6.

    1 Cor. 11:29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

    Matt. 7:6 Do not give what [is] holy to the dogs, nor cast your⁺ pearls before the pigs, lest they will trample them among their feet and, having turned, tear you⁺ to pieces.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper23 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 17010 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16810 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16210 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments9 shared proof texts · shared topic

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 2311 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World11 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 906 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 265 shared topics

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
begotten from the Father before all ages,
God from God,
Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made;
of the same essence as the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and was made human.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered and was buried.
The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life.
He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
He spoke through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
and to life in the world to come. Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World11 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church10 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 239 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices7 shared topics

Solus Christus: The Erosion of Christ-Centered Faith

As evangelical faith becomes secularized, its interests have been blurred with those of the culture. The result is a loss of absolute values, permissive individualism, and a substitution of wholeness for holiness, recovery for repentance, intuition for truth, feeling for belief, chance for providence, and immediate gratification for enduring hope. Christ and his cross have moved from the center of our vision.

Thesis Two: Solus Christus

We reaffirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.

We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared topics

Sola Fide: The Erosion of The Chief Article

Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. This is the article by which the church stands or falls. Today this article is often ignored, distorted or sometimes even denied by leaders, scholars and pastors who claim to be evangelical. Although fallen human nature has always recoiled from recognizing its need for Christ's imputed righteousness, modernity greatly fuels the fires of this discontent with the biblical Gospel. We have allowed this discontent to dictate the nature of our ministry and what it is we are preaching.

Many in the church growth movement believe that sociological understanding of those in the pew is as important to the success of the gospel as is the biblical truth which is proclaimed. As a result, theological convictions are frequently divorced from the work of the ministry. The marketing orientation in many churches takes this even further, erasing the distinction between the biblical Word and the world, robbing Christ's cross of its offense, and reducing Christian faith to the principles and methods which bring success to secular corporations.

While the theology of the cross may be believed, these movements are actually emptying it of its meaning. There is no gospel except that of Christ's substitution in our place whereby God imputed to him our sin and imputed to us his righteousness. Because he bore our judgment, we now walk in his grace as those who are forever pardoned, accepted and adopted as God's children. There is no basis for our acceptance before God except in Christ's saving work, not in our patriotism, churchly devotion or moral decency. The gospel declares what God has done for us in Christ. It is not about what we can do to reach him.

Thesis Four: Sola Fide

We reaffirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.

We deny that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, or that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topics