Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Union with Christ (Unio Mystica)

37 passages across 9 documents address Union with Christ (Unio Mystica). The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Nature and Essence of Union with Christ (The Mystical and Vital Bond)

"To be a member of Christ is to be engrafted into him, and to be united to him by the same Holy Spirit dwelling in him and in us, and by this Spirit to be made a possessor of such righteousness and life as is in Christ: and to be made acceptable to God on account of the righteousness of Christ imputed unto us by faith, in as much as this righteousness is imperfect in this life." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The relation which holds between the head and the members of the same body, is a most fit and striking illustration of the close and indissoluble union between Christ and us." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Christ is always present with us with respect to his majesty; ... but as it regards the presence of his humanity, ... Christ is, therefore, present with us, 1. By his Spirit and Godhead. 2. By our faith, and the confidence with which we behold him. 3. By mutual love; because we love him, and he loves us in such a way as not to forget us. 4. By union with his human nature; for it is the same Spirit which is in us and him, that unites us to him." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"By faith we have union with Christ—and so the kindred comes in; being united to Christ, the natural Son, we become adopted sons. God is the Father of Christ; faith makes us Christ's brethren—and so God comes to be our Father." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"That communion with God is a unio mystica; it far surpasses our understanding; it is a most intimate union with God through the Holy Spirit; it is a unio personarum, an indissoluble and eternal covenant of God and man, which is far too weakly described by the designation ethical and is therefore indicated as mystical..." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"For he meant not to refer to the sense in which Adam used the words, but sets forth, under the figure and similitude of marriage, the sacred union which makes us one with Christ." [John Calvin - Institutes]

II. The Legal and Federal Basis of the Union

"The substance of this comfort consists in this that we are ingrafted into Christ by faith, that through him we are reconciled to, and beloved of God, that thus he may care for and save us eternally." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Therefore, the Word, who is the natural Son of God, is alone our Mediator, in whom, as in the first begotten, we are adopted as the sons of God, as it is said: 'If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.'" [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Already in eternity, in election, and more closely still in the pactum salutis, a bond has been laid between the mediator and those who have been given to him by the Father. Already then, in the decree of God, a unio mystica has been laid between both and a substitution has come about." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"He has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace..." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"In the covenant of peace Christ voluntarily took upon Himself to be the Head and Surety of the elect, destined to constitute the new humanity, and as such to establish their righteousness before God by paying the penalty for their sin and by rendering perfect obedience to the law and thus securing their title to everlasting life." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

III. The Holy Spirit as the Bond and Mediator of the Union

"He unites us to Christ, that we may be his members and be quickened by him, and so be made partakers of all his benefits." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The union of all the saints with Christ, as members with the head, which is effected by the Holy Ghost, who dwells in the head, and in the members, conforming and making them like unto their glorious Head..." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"So long as Christ is separated from us we have no benefit from him. We must be ingrafted in him like branches in the vine. Hence the Creed, after treating of Christ, proceeds in its third article, I believe in the Holy Spirit,—the Holy Spirit being the bond of union between us and Christ." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"It is enough for us to know that Christ and his people are really one. They are as truly one as the head and members of the same body, and for the same reason; they are pervaded and animated by the same Spirit." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The union between Christ and us is that whereby Christ and we are joined together, and made one. ... We are united unto Christ-- 1. By the Spirit on God's part, whereby he draws us, and joins us unto Christ." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

IV. The Instrumental Role of Faith in Subjective Union

"Those are true christians who are not only baptized and profess the doctrine of Christ, but who are also possessed of a true faith, and declare this by the fruits of repentance; or, they are those who are members of Christ by a true faith, and are made partakers of his anointing." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"...for it is through faith that we receive the Spirit, through whom this union is effected. But the members are united with each other and among themselves by mutual love, which cannot be wanting if we are joined to the head..." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"...faith is the grace of union, by which we may spell out our interest in God. Faith does not, as the mariner, cast its anchor downwards—but it casts its anchor upwards. ... Other graces make us like God; faith makes us one with him." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

"We are united unto Christ-- ... 2. By faith on our part, whereby we come unto Christ, and lay hold upon him." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Faith is first of all a gift of God, and as such a part of the treasures that are hidden in Christ. It enables us to appropriate on our part what is given unto us in Christ, and to enter ever-increasingly into conscious enjoyment of the blessed union with Christ, which is the source of all our spiritual riches." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"Therefore, flesh alone does not constitute the union of brotherhood. But although the apostle assigns to believers only the honour of being one with Christ, it does not however follow, that unbelievers have not the same origin according to the flesh; just as when we say that Christ became man, that he might make us sons of God, the expression does not extend to all classes of persons; the intervention of faith being necessary to our being spiritually ingrafted into the body of Christ." [John Calvin - Institutes]

V. The Sacramental Signification and Sealing of the Union (The Lord's Supper)

"It is not only to embrace with a believing heart, all the sufferings and death of Christ, and thereby to obtain the pardon of sin and life eternal; but also, besides that, to become more and more united to his sacred body, by the Holy Ghost, who dwells both in Christ and in us; so that we, although Christ is in heaven, and we on earth, are, notwithstanding, 'flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone;' and that we live and are governed for ever by one Spirit, as members of the same body are by one soul." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The sacramental union is nothing else, than the relation which the sign has to that which is signified, from which we obtain this infallible rule: While this relation continues the sign and the thing signified remain united; but when it once ceases, they are no longer united; by which we are to understand, that as long as the order established by God between the sign and the thing signified remains, so long are the things exhibited and sealed with the signs..." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"And it is this unio mystica which is signified and sealed in the Lord’s Supper." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The sacrament being called a communion , shows... That this ordinance is for believers only, because none else can have communion with Christ in these holy mysteries. ' Communion is based upon union .'" [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

"The dignity is amply enough commended when we hold, that it is a help by which we may be ingrafted into the body of Christ, or, already ingrafted, may be more and more united to him, until the union is completed in heaven." [John Calvin - Institutes]

VI. The Transforming Effects: Communion in Christ's Death, Resurrection, and Benefits

"Because that Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by his blood, also renews us by his Holy Spirit, after his own image; that so we may testify, by the whole of our conduct, our gratitude to God for his blessings..." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"...by faith and the Holy Spirit we are joined to him, and also, united among ourselves just as the members are connected with the head and with each other. ... Because we are quickened and governed by Christ, and draw from him, as the fountain, all good things, so that unless we continue in him we have no life in us, as the members cut off from the body can retain no life in themselves." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Pious souls can derive great confidence and delight from this sacrament, as being a testimony that they form one body with Christ, so that every thing which is his they may call their own. Hence it follows, that we can confidently assure ourselves, that eternal life, of which he himself is the heir, is ours, and that the kingdom of heaven, into which he has entered, can no more be taken from us than from him..." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Look how every bone and limb of Christ's natural body was raised up out of the grave, and carried into heaven; so shall every member of his mystical body be carried up into glory." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"...when believers die, their mystical union unto Christ still remaineth, and Christ is united both unto their souls with him in glory, and to their bodies, which are his members, even when they are rotting in the grave." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"The sinner must feel his dependence on Christ in the very depths of his being, — in the sub-conscious life. Hence he is incorporated in Christ, and as a result experiences that all the grace which he receives flows from Christ. The constant feeling of dependence thus engendered, is an antidote against all self-righteousness." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

Compare these in the interactive reader →

Question 20

Q. Are all people then saved through Christ just as they were lost through Adam?

A. No. Only those are saved who through true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all his benefits.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 7:14; John 3:16, 18, 36; Rom. 11:16–21.

    Matt. 7:14 For narrow [is] the gate and compressed the way that [is] leading to life, and few are those finding it.

    John 3:16, 18, 36 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. 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. 11:16–21 16 Now if the firstfruit [is] holy, also [is] the lump; and if the root [is] holy, also [are] the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and became a fellow partaker of the fatness of the root of the olive tree, 18 do not boast over the branches. But if you boast over [them], you do not support the root, but the root you. 19 You will say, then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Rightly so: They were broken off by unbelief, but you have stood by faith. Do not be high-minded, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps He will not spare you.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 322 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Question 53

Q. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?

A. First, that the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, that he is given also to me, so that, through true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his benefits, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:1–2; Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3–4.

    Gen. 1:1–2 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 And the earth was formless and void, and darkness [was] over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

    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,

    Acts 5:3–4 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart [for] you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the proceeds of the land? 4 Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it [not] in [your] own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!”

  • 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; Gal. 4:6.

    1 Cor. 6:19 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,

    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.

    Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

  • Gal. 3:14.

    Gal. 3:14 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.

  • John 15:26; Acts 9:31.

    John 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you⁺ from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from the Father, He will testify about Me.

    Acts 9:31 Then indeed the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified. And going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

  • John 14:16–17; 1 Peter 4:14.

    John 14:16–17 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you⁺ another Advocate so that He may be with you⁺ to the age— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive, because it does not see Him, nor does it know [Him]. But you⁺ know Him, for He abides with you⁺ and will be in you⁺.

    1 Peter 4:14 If you⁺ are reproached in the name of Christ, [you are] blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 95 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 114 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 63 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church3 shared proof texts

Question 64

Q. But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?

A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 6:43–45; John 15:5.

    Luke 6:43–45 43 For there is no good tree producing rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree producing good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by [its] own fruit. For they do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a bramble bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what [is] good, and the evil out of the evil brings forth what [is] evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 301 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 661 shared proof text · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit1 shared proof text · shared topicBelgic Confession · Article 14: The Creation and Fall of Man1 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will1 shared proof text

Question 65

Q. It is by faith alone that we share in Christ and all his benefits: where then does that faith come from?

A. The Holy Spirit works it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.

Scripture proofs
  • John 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:10–14; Eph. 2:8.

    John 3:5 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.

    1 Cor. 2:10–14 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who of men knows the [things] of the man except the spirit of the man that [is] in him? So also, no one has known the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. 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.

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

  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Peter 1:23–25.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Peter 1:23–25 23 having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, by the word of God, living and abiding, 24 because, “All flesh [is] like grass, and all the glory of it like a flower of grass. The grass withered, and the flower fell off, 25 but the word of the Lord remains to the age.” And this is the word having been proclaimed [as] good news to you⁺.

  • Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 10:16.

    Matt. 28:19–20 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.”

    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 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 305 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 595 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 674 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

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

Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith

We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him. For it must necessarily follow that either all that is required for our salvation is not in Christ or, if all is in him, then he who has Christ by faith has his salvation entirely. Therefore, to say that Christ is not enough but that something else is needed as well is a most enormous blasphemy against God—for it then would follow that Jesus Christ is only half a Savior.

And therefore we justly say with Paul that we are justified "by faith alone" or by faith "apart from works." However, we do not mean, properly speaking, that it is faith itself that justifies us—for faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness. But Jesus Christ is our righteousness crediting to us all his merits and all the holy works he has done for us and in our place. And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all his benefits. When those benefits are made ours they are more than enough to absolve us of our sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:28.

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

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 601 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 731 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Article 35: The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

We believe and confess that our Savior Jesus Christ has ordained and instituted the sacrament of the Holy Supper to nourish and sustain those who are already born again and ingrafted into his family: his church.

Now those who are born again have two lives in them. The one is physical and temporal—they have it from the moment of their first birth, and it is common to all. The other is spiritual and heavenly, and is given them in their second birth; it comes through the Word of the gospel in the communion of the body of Christ; and this life is common to God's elect only. Thus, to support the physical and earthly life God has prescribed for us an appropriate earthly and material bread, which is as common to all as life itself also is. But to maintain the spiritual and heavenly life that belongs to believers he has sent a living bread that came down from heaven: namely Jesus Christ, who nourishes and maintains the spiritual life of believers when eaten—that is, when appropriated and received spiritually by faith.

To represent to us this spiritual and heavenly bread Christ has instituted an earthly and visible bread as the sacrament of his body and wine as the sacrament of his blood. He did this to testify to us that just as truly as we take and hold the sacraments in our hands and eat and drink it in our mouths, by which our life is then sustained, so truly we receive into our souls, for our spiritual life, the true body and true blood of Christ, our only Savior. We receive these by faith, which is the hand and mouth of our souls.

Now it is certain that Jesus Christ did not prescribe his sacraments for us in vain, since he works in us all he represents by these holy signs, although the manner in which he does it goes beyond our understanding and is incomprehensible to us, just as the operation of God's Spirit is hidden and incomprehensible. Yet we do not go wrong when we say that what is eaten is Christ's own natural body and what is drunk is his own blood—but the manner in which we eat it is not by the mouth but by the Spirit, through faith. In that way Jesus Christ remains always seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven—but he never refrains on that account to communicate himself to us through faith. This banquet is a spiritual table at which Christ communicates himself to us with all his benefits. At that table he makes us enjoy himself as much as the merits of his suffering and death, as he nourishes, strengthens, and comforts our poor, desolate souls by the eating of his flesh, and relieves and renews them by the drinking of his blood.

Moreover, though the sacraments and the thing signified are joined together, not all receive both of them. The wicked person certainly takes the sacrament, to his condemnation, but does not receive the truth of the sacrament, just as Judas and Simon the Sorcerer both indeed received the sacrament, but not Christ, who was signified by it. He is communicated only to believers.

Finally, with humility and reverence we receive the holy sacrament in the gathering of God's people, as we engage together, with thanksgiving, in a holy remembrance of the death of Christ our Savior, and as we thus confess our faith and Christian religion. Therefore no one should come to this table without examining himself carefully, lest "by eating this bread and drinking this cup he eat and drink to his own judgment." In short, by the use of this holy sacrament we are moved to a fervent love of God and our neighbors.

Therefore we reject as desecrations of the sacraments all the muddled ideas and damnable inventions that men have added and mixed in with them. And we say that we should be content with the procedure that Christ and the apostles have taught us and speak of these things as they have spoken of them.

Scripture proofs
  • 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper1 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1731 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 821 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1701 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

First Head, Article 7: Election

Election [or choosing] is God's unchangeable purpose by which he did the following:

Before the foundation of the world, by sheer grace, according to the free good pleasure of his will, he chose in Christ to salvation a definite number of particular people out of the entire human race, which had fallen by its own fault from its original innocence into sin and ruin. Those chosen were neither better nor more deserving than the others, but lay with them in the common misery. He did this in Christ, whom he also appointed from eternity to be the mediator, the head of all those chosen, and the foundation of their salvation.

And so he decided to give the chosen ones to Christ to be saved, and to call and draw them effectively into Christ's fellowship through his Word and Spirit. In other words, he decided to grant them true faith in Christ, to justify them, to sanctify them, and finally, after powerfully preserving them in the fellowship of his Son, to glorify them.

God did all this in order to demonstrate his mercy, to the praise of the riches of his glorious grace.

As Scripture says, "God chose us in Christ, before the foundation of the world, so that we should be holy and blameless before him with love; he predestined us whom he adopted as his children through Jesus Christ, in himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, by which he freely made us pleasing to himself in his beloved" (Eph. 1:4–6). And elsewhere, "Those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:4–6

    Eph. 1:4–6 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,

  • Rom. 8:30

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 133 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 6 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

Third and Fourth Head, Article 11: The Holy Spirit's Work in Conversion

Moreover, when God carries out this good pleasure in his chosen ones, or works true conversion in them, he not only sees to it that the gospel is proclaimed to them outwardly, and enlightens their minds powerfully by the Holy Spirit so that they may rightly understand and discern the things of the Spirit of God, but, by the effective operation of the same regenerating Spirit, he also penetrates into the inmost being of man, opens the closed heart, softens the hard heart, and circumcises the heart that is uncircumcised. He infuses new qualities into the will, making the dead will alive, the evil one good, the unwilling one willing, and the stubborn one compliant; he activates and strengthens the will so that, like a good tree, it may be enabled to produce the fruits of good deeds.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 675 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 685 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter III: Of Original Sin5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 655 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 26: Of the Communion of Saints

1. All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by his Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.

3. This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his Godhead; or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 1:3; Eph. 3:16–18; John 1:16; Eph. 2:5–6; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6; Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12.

    1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and have heard we declare to you⁺ also, so that you⁺ also may have fellowship with us. And indeed our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

    Eph. 3:16–18 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth,

    John 1:16 For from His fullness we all received also grace upon grace.

    Eph. 2:5–6 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

    Phil. 3:10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

    Rom. 6:5–6 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.

    Rom. 8:17 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].

    2 Tim. 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign together [with Him]; if we will deny [Him], He also will deny us;

  • Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Cor. 12:7, 12; 1 Cor. 3:21–23; Col. 2:19.

    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 Cor. 12:7, 12 7 Now to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit, for the common profiting. 12 For just as the body is one, and it has many members, and all the members of the body being many are one body, so also [is] Christ.

    1 Cor. 3:21–23 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours⁺, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or [things] present or [things] about to be—all [are] yours⁺, 23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.

    Col. 2:19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom all the body, being supplied and being knit together by the joints and ligaments, grows with the growth of God.

  • 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Rom. 1:11–12, 14; 1 John 3:16–18; Gal. 6:10.

    1 Thess. 5:11, 14 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as also you⁺ are doing. 14 And we exhort you⁺, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

    Rom. 1:11–12, 14 11 For I long to see you⁺ so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you⁺, to your⁺ being strengthened, 12 and, that is, to be encouraged together among you⁺ through the faith among one another, both of you⁺ and of me. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to foolish.

    1 John 3:16–18 16 In this we have known love, because He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down [our] lives for [our] brothers. 17 Now whoever may have the goods of the world, and may see his brother having need, and might shut his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him? 18 Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth.

    Gal. 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, we should work good toward all, and especially toward those of the household of the faith.

  • Heb. 10:24–25; Acts 2:42, 46; Isa. 2:3; 1 Cor. 11:20.

    Heb. 10:24–25 24 And we should carefully consider toward stirring up one another to love and to good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.

    Acts 2:42, 46 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. 46 And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple and breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart,

    Isa. 2:3 And many people will come and say, “Come and let us go up to the mountain of YHWH, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the Word of YHWH from Jerusalem.

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

  • 1 John 3:17; 2 Cor. 8–9; Acts 11:29–30. (See Acts 2:44–45.)

    1 John 3:17 Now whoever may have the goods of the world, and may see his brother having need, and might shut his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him?

    Acts 11:29–30 29 And the disciples, as anyone was prospered, each of them determined to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea, 30 which also they did, having sent [it] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

    Acts 2:44–45 44 And all those believing were in the same [place] and were having all things in common. 45 And they were selling the possessions and the goods and were dividing them to all, as anyone had need.

    2 Corinthians 8 on BibleHub ↗

    2 Corinthians 9 on BibleHub ↗

  • Col. 1:18–19; 1 Cor. 8:6; Ps. 45:6–7; Heb. 1:6–9; John 1:14; John 20:17.

    Col. 1:18–19 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, 19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

    1 Cor. 8:6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.

    Ps. 45:6–7 6 Your throne, O God, [is] forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness [is] the scepter of your kingdom. 7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

    Heb. 1:6–9 6 And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “And let all angels of God worship Him.” 7 And indeed to the angels He says: “The One making His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire.” 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.”

    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.

    John 20:17 Jesus says to her, “Do not touch Me, for not yet have I ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your⁺ Father, and [to] My God and your⁺ God.’”

  • Ex. 20:15; Eph. 4:28; Acts 5:4.

    Ex. 20:15 You shall not steal.

    Eph. 4:28 The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with [his] own hands what [is] good, so that he may have [something] to impart to the one having need.

    Acts 5:4 Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it [not] in [your] own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!”

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 6510 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification7 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 756 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1036 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof texts · shared topic

Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments

1. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ, and his benefits; and to confirm our interest in him: as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the church, and the rest of the world; and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word.

2. There is, in every sacrament, a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified: whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other.

3. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it: but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.

4. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospel; that is to say, baptism, and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any, but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained.

5. The sacraments of the old testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the new.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 4:11; Gen. 17:7, 10–11.

    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. 17:7, 10–11 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. 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⁺.

  • Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23.

    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,

    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,

  • Rom. 6:3–4; Col. 2:12; 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:25–26; Gal. 3:27.

    Rom. 6:3–4 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.

    Col. 2:12 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.

    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. 11:25–26 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.

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

  • Ex. 12:48; Gen. 34:14; 1 Cor. 10:21.

    Ex. 12:48 And when a sojourner sojourns with you, and he does the Passover to YHWH, every male of his shall be circumcised; and then he may come near to do it, and he shall be as a native of the land. And any uncircumcised person shall not eat of it.

    Gen. 34:14 and they said to them, “We are not able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who has a foreskin, for that [is] a reproach to us.

    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.

  • Rom. 6:3–4; Gal. 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Cor. 10:16. (See 1 Cor. 5:7–8.)

    Rom. 6:3–4 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.

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

    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,

    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. 5:7–8 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, 8 so that we may keep the feast, not with old leaven, not with leaven of malice and wickedness, but with unleavened [bread] of sincerity and of truth.

  • Gen. 17:10; Matt. 26:27–28; 1 Cor. 10:16–18.

    Gen. 17:10 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.

    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.

    1 Cor. 10:16–18 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. 18 Consider Israel according to flesh: Are not those eating the sacrifices fellow sharers of the altar?

  • Rom. 2:28–29; 1 Peter 3:21.

    Rom. 2:28–29 28 For [it is] not the one [who] on the outside is a Jew, nor [is] [that] on the outside in flesh circumcision. 29 But a Jew [is one] on the inside, and circumcision [is] of heart, in spirit, not in letter, of whom the praise [is] not of men, but of 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,

  • 1 Cor. 12:13.

    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.

  • Matt. 26:26–28; Luke 22:19–20; Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:26.

    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 22:19–20 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⁺.

    Matt. 28:19–20 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.”

    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.

  • Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:20, 23; 1 Cor. 4:1; Eph. 4:11–12.

    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,

    1 Cor. 11:20, 23 20 Therefore, [on] your⁺ coming together in the same [place], it is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 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. 4:1 So let a man reckon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

    Eph. 4:11–12 11 And He gave some indeed [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] shepherds and teachers, 12 toward the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,

  • 1 Cor. 10:1–4; Rom. 4:11; Col. 2:11–12.

    1 Cor. 10:1–4 1 For I do not want you⁺ to be ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea. 2 And all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 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.

    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,

    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 16221 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 17612 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7812 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16810 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 929 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper9 shared proof texts · shared topic

Chapter 28: Of Baptism

1. Baptism is a sacrament of the new testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible church; but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, of remission of sins, and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life. Which sacrament is, by Christ's own appointment, to be continued in his church until the end of the world.

2. The outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the gospel, lawfully called thereunto.

3. Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring, or sprinkling water upon the person.

4. Not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ, but also the infants of one, or both, believing parents, are to be baptized.

5. Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated, or saved, without it; or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.

6. The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.

7. The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered unto any person.

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,

  • 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27–28.

    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.

    Gal. 3:27–28 27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male and female; for you⁺ are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Rom. 4:11; Col. 2:11–12.

    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,

    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.

  • Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:5.

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

    Rom. 6:5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection,

  • John 3:5; Titus 3:5.

    John 3:5 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.

    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,

  • Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.

    Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance unto 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.

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

  • Rom. 6:3–4.

    Rom. 6:3–4 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.

  • Matt. 28:19–20.

    Matt. 28:19–20 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 10:47; Acts 8:36, 38; Matt. 28:19.

    Acts 10:47 “Is anyone able to withhold the water to baptize these who have received the Holy Spirit just as we also [have]?”

    Acts 8:36, 38 36 And as they were going along the road, they came upon some water, and the eunuch says, “Behold, water! What prevents my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down to the water—both Philip and the eunuch—and he baptized him.

    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,

  • Heb. 9:10, 13, 19, 21; Mark 7:2–4; Luke 11:38.

    Heb. 9:10, 13, 19, 21 10 [consisting] only in foods and drinks and various washings—ordinances of the flesh being imposed until the time of reformation. 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 19 For [on] every commandment having been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, having taken the blood of calves and of goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, he sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people, 21 And likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the sacred service with blood.

    Mark 7:2–4 2 And they had seen some of His disciples, that with defiled hands—that is, unwashed—they are eating the loaves. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash the hands to the fist, holding to the tradition of the elders; 4 and [coming] from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they immerse; and there are many other things that they received to hold to—immersions of cups and pitchers and bronze vessels and couches.)

    Luke 11:38 But the Pharisee, having seen, marveled that He did not wash first before the dinner.

  • Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12–13; Acts 16:14–15.

    Acts 2:41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

    Acts 8:12–13 12 But when they believed Philip proclaiming the gospel concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, he was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed.

    Acts 16:14–15 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, worshiping God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to attend to the things being spoken by Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her house, she begged, saying, “If you⁺ have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, having entered into my house, abide.” And she persuaded us.

  • Gen. 17:7–14; Gal. 3:9, 14; Col. 2:11–12; Acts 2:38–39; Rom. 4:11–12; Matt. 19:13; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17; Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 7:14.

    Gen. 17:7–14 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.”

    Gal. 3:9, 14 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.

    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.

    Acts 2:38–39 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. 39 For the promise is to you⁺ and to your⁺ children and to all those at a distance, as many as the Lord our God shall summon.”

    Rom. 4:11–12 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, 12 and father of circumcision to those not only of circumcision, but also to those walking in the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham in uncircumcision.

    Matt. 19:13 Then little children were brought to Him so that He might lay the hands on them and He might pray, but the disciples rebuked them.

    Mark 10:13–16 13 And they were bringing little children to Him so that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 And having seen, Jesus was indignant and said to them, “Permit the little children to come to Me; do not forbid them! For of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Truly I say to you⁺, whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall never enter into it.” 16 And having taken [them] in [His] arms, He was blessing them, having laid the hands on them.

    Luke 18:15–17 15 And they were bringing the infants also to Him so that He might touch them; but having seen, the disciples were rebuking them. 16 But Jesus summoned them, saying, “Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of the such is the kingdom of God. 17 Truly I say to you⁺, whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall never enter into it.”

    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,

    1 Cor. 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother. Otherwise, then your⁺ children are unclean; but now they are holy.

  • Gen. 17:14; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38. (See Luke 7:30.)

    Gen. 17:14 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.”

    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,

    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.

    Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers set aside the counsel of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

  • Rom. 4:11; Acts 10:2, 4, 22, 31, 45, 47.

    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,

    Acts 10:2, 4, 22, 31, 45, 47 2 devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms to the people and praying to God through all. 4 And having looked intently at him, and having become afraid, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a man righteous and fearing God—and being well testified to by all the nation of the Jews—was divinely instructed by a holy angel to send for you to his house and to hear a message from you.” 31 and he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer was heard, and your alms have been remembered before God. 45 And the believers from the circumcision, as many as had come with Peter, were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out even on the Gentiles. 47 “Is anyone able to withhold the water to baptize these who have received the Holy Spirit just as we also [have]?”

  • Acts 8:13, 23.

    Acts 8:13, 23 13 And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, he was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed. 23 For I see you being in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.”

  • John 3:5, 8.

    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. 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. 6:3–6; Gal. 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38, 41.

    Rom. 6:3–6 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.

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

    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,

    Acts 2:38, 41 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. 41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

  • Rom. 6:3–11.

    Rom. 6:3–11 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. 11 So also you⁺, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 16619 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16513 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7413 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 16712 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9512 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 3411 shared proof texts · 3 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 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 96

Q. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 22:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

    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. 11:23–26 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.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper8 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1628 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1687 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 776 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 65

Q. What special benefits do the members of the invisible church enjoy by Christ?

A. The members of the invisible church by Christ enjoy union and communion with him in grace and glory.

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:21; Eph. 2:5–6; John 17:24; 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Eph. 3:16–19; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6.

    John 17:21 that all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

    Eph. 2:5–6 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

    John 17:24 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.

    1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and have heard we declare to you⁺ also, so that you⁺ also may have fellowship with us. And indeed our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

    John 1:16 For from His fullness we all received also grace upon grace.

    Eph. 3:16–19 16 that He might give to you⁺ according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love, 18 that you⁺ may be fully able, with all the saints, to comprehend what [is] the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge, that you⁺ may be filled to all the fullness of God.

    Phil. 3:10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

    Rom. 6:5–6 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification7 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 454 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 493 shared proof texts

Question 66

Q. What is that union which the elect have with Christ?

A. The union which the elect have with Christ is the work of God's grace, whereby they are spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably, joined to Christ as their head and husband; which is done in their effectual calling.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 2:6–7.

    Eph. 2:6–7 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 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.

  • Eph. 1:22; 1 Cor. 6:17; John 10:28; Eph. 5:23, 30; John 15:5; Eph. 3:17.

    Eph. 1:22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church,

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

    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.

    Eph. 5:23, 30 23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body. 30 For we are members of His body.

    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.

    Eph. 3:17 [for] Christ to dwell in your⁺ hearts through faith, having been rooted and having been founded in love,

  • 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Cor. 1:9.

    1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, the One having called you⁺ to His eternal glory in Christ, having suffered a little while, He Himself will complete, will confirm, will strengthen, [and] will establish [you].

    1 Cor. 1:9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 303 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 763 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 67

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God's almighty power and grace, whereby (out of his free and special love to his elect, and from nothing in them moving him thereunto) he doth, in his accepted time, invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his Word and Spirit; savingly enlightening their minds, renewing and powerfully determining their wills, so as they (although in themselves dead in sin) are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call, and to accept and embrace the grace offered and conveyed therein.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 37:9, 14; John 5:25; Eph. 1:18–20; 2 Tim. 1:8–9.

    Ezek. 37:9, 14 9 And He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, thus says the Lord YHWH: From the four winds come, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 14 And I will put My Spirit in you⁺, and you⁺ will live; and I will settle you⁺ in your⁺ own land. And you⁺ will know that I, YHWH, have spoken, and I have done [it], a declaration of YHWH.’”

    John 5:25 Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that an hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those having heard will live.

    Eph. 1:18–20 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what [is] the surpassing greatness of His power to us, those believing, according to the working of the power of His strength, 20 which He worked in Christ, having raised Him out from the dead, and having seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly realms,

    2 Tim. 1:8–9 8 Therefore you should not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, His prisoner; but suffer together for the gospel according to the power of God, 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,

  • Titus 3:4–5; Eph. 2:4–5, 7–9; Rom. 9:11; Deut. 9:5.

    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,

    Eph. 2:4–5, 7–9 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 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, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Rom. 9:11 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—

    Deut. 9:5 Not in your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but for the wickedness of these nations YHWH your God is driving them out from before you, so that He may fulfill the word that YHWH swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

  • John 3:5; Titus 3:5; 2 Cor. 5:20; 2 Cor. 6:1–2; John 6:44–45; Acts 16:14; 2 Thess. 2:13–14.

    John 3:5 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.

    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,

    2 Cor. 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.

    2 Cor. 6:1–2 1 And working together, we also exhort you⁺ not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In the acceptable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now [is] the favorable time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.

    John 6:44–45 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.

    Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, worshiping God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to attend to the things being spoken by Paul.

    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.

  • Acts 26:18; 1 Cor. 2:10, 12; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:17–18.

    Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’

    1 Cor. 2:10, 12 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 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,

    2 Cor. 4:6 For God [is] the One having said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who shone in our hearts for the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

    Eph. 1:17–18 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you⁺ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

  • Ezek. 11:19; Ezek. 36:26–27; John 6:45.

    Ezek. 11:19 And I will give to them a single heart, and I will give a new spirit within them; and I will turn away the heart of stone from their flesh, and I will give to them a heart of flesh,

    Ezek. 36:26–27 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 6:45 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.

  • Eph. 2:5; Phil. 2:13; Deut. 30:6; Isa. 45:22; Matt. 11:28–30; Rev. 22:17.

    Eph. 2:5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved—

    Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.

    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.

    Isa. 45:22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I [am] God, and there is no other.

    Matt. 11:28–30 28 Come to Me, all those toiling and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest. 29 Take up My yoke upon you⁺ and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble [in] heart, and you⁺ will find rest [for] your⁺ souls. 30 For My yoke [is] easy and My burden is light.”

    Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And the one hearing, let him say, “Come!” And the one thirsting, let him come; the one wanting, let him take the water of life freely.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling27 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 3119 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling18 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will6 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 68

Q. Are the elect only effectually called?

A. All the elect, and they only, are effectually called; although others may be, and often are, outwardly called by the ministry of the Word, and have some common operations of the Spirit; who, for their willful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them, being justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 13:48.

    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.

  • Matt. 22:14; Acts 8:13, 20–21.

    Matt. 22:14 For many are called, but few chosen.”

    Acts 8:13, 20–21 13 And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, he was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed. 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.

  • Matt. 7:22; Matt. 13:20–21; Heb. 6:4–6.

    Matt. 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and [in] Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’

    Matt. 13:20–21 20 And that having been sown upon the rocky [places], this is the one hearing the word and immediately receiving it with joy. 21 And he has no root in himself, but is temporary. But [on] tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately he is caused to stumble.

    Heb. 6:4–6 4 For [it is] impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and having tasted the goodness of God’s word and the power [of] the coming age— 6 and then having fallen away—to restore [them] again to repentance, crucifying in themselves the Son of God and subjecting [Him] to open shame.

  • John 12:38–40; Acts 28:25–27; John 6:64–65; Ps. 81:11–12; Heb. 10:29; 1 John 2:19.

    John 12:38–40 38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled that said: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom was the arm of the Lord revealed?” 39 Because of this, they were not able to believe, because again Isaiah said: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and turn, and I will heal them.”

    Acts 28:25–27 25 And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly by the prophet Isaiah to your⁺ fathers, 26 saying: ‘Go to this people and say, “In hearing you⁺ will hear and never understand; and in seeing you⁺ will see and never perceive.” 27 For the heart of this people grew dull, and with the ears they barely hear, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and should hear with the ears, and should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.’

    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.”

    Ps. 81:11–12 11 My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel has not consented to Me. 12 And I sent them away in the stubbornness of their hearts, to walk by their own counsels.

    Heb. 10:29 How much worse punishment do you⁺ think he will be worthy of, the one having trampled upon the Son of God, and having deemed common the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and having insulted the Spirit of grace?

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 5: Of Providence3 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 69

Q. What is the communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

A. The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, adoption, sanctification, and whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30.

    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.

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

  • 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Cor. 6:11.

    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,

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 324 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 79

Q. May not true believers, by reason of their imperfections, and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with, fall away from the state of grace?

A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God, and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance, their inseparable union with Christ, his continual intercession for them, and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 31:3.

    Jer. 31:3 YHWH has appeared to me from afar: “I have loved you [with] an everlasting love; upon thus I have drawn you with loving devotion.

  • 2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 13:20–21; 2 Sam. 23:5.

    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.”

    Heb. 13:20–21 20 Now [may] the God of peace, the One having brought up out from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.

    2 Sam. 23:5 For not so [is] my house with God; yet an everlasting covenant He has made with me, ordered in all things and secure; for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, for will He not make it sprout?

  • 1 Cor. 1:8–9.

    1 Cor. 1:8–9 8 who also will confirm you⁺ until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Heb. 7:25; Luke 22:32.

    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.

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

  • 1 John 3:9; 1 John 2:27.

    1 John 3:9 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.

    1 John 2:27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.

  • Jer. 32:40; John 10:28.

    Jer. 32:40 And I will make with them a covenant forever, that I will not turn away from them My doing good, and My fear I will put in their hearts, and that they will not turn aside from Me.

    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.

  • 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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints11 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 162

Q. What is a sacrament?

A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church, to signify, seal, and exhibit unto those that are within the covenant of grace, the benefits of his mediation; to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; to oblige them to obedience; to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another; and to distinguish them from those that are without.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 17:7, 10; Ex. 12 (containing the institution of the Passover); Matt. 28:19; Matt. 26:26–28. (See Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:22–26.)

    Gen. 17:7, 10 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. 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.

    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,

    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 14:22–25 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. 25 Truly I say to you⁺ that I will never [again] drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”

    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. 11:22–26 22 What! Have you⁺ no houses in which to eat and to drink? Or do you⁺ despise the church of God and put to shame those not having? What shall I say to you⁺? Shall I praise you⁺? In this I do not praise [you]! 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.

    Exodus 12 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 11:24–25.

    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,

    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.”

  • Rom. 15:8; Ex. 12:48; Rom. 9:8; Gal. 3:27, 29.

    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,

    Ex. 12:48 And when a sojourner sojourns with you, and he does the Passover to YHWH, every male of his shall be circumcised; and then he may come near to do it, and he shall be as a native of the land. And any uncircumcised person shall not eat of it.

    Rom. 9:8 That is, the children of the flesh, these [are] not children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for seed.

    Gal. 3:27, 29 27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ. 29 Now if you⁺ [are] of Christ, then you⁺ are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

  • Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 10:16.

    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.

    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. 4:11; Gal. 3:27.

    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,

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

  • Rom. 6:3–4; 1 Cor. 10:21.

    Rom. 6:3–4 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.

    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.

  • Eph. 4:2–5; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Cor. 10:16–17.

    Eph. 4:2–5 2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love; 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; 4 one body and one Spirit, just as also you⁺ were called in one hope of your⁺ calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

    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.

    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.

  • Eph. 2:11–12; Gen. 34:14.

    Eph. 2:11–12 11 Therefore remember that once you⁺—the Gentiles in the flesh, the ones being called the uncircumcision by that being called the circumcision, done by hands in the flesh— 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.

    Gen. 34:14 and they said to them, “We are not able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who has a foreskin, for that [is] a reproach to us.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments21 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper16 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9213 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 7511 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 165

Q. What is baptism?

A. Baptism is a sacrament of the new testament, wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself, of remission of sins by his blood, and regeneration by his Spirit; of adoption, and resurrection unto everlasting life; and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible church, and enter into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only the Lord's.

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,

  • Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3.

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

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

  • Mark 1:4; Rev. 1:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.

    Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance unto forgiveness of sins.

    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—

    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.

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

    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,

  • Titus 3:5; Eph. 5:26. (See Acts 2:38.)

    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,

    Eph. 5:26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed [her] by the washing of water in the word,

    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.

  • Gal. 3:26–27.

    Gal. 3:26–27 26 For you⁺ are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you⁺ as were baptized into Christ, you⁺ put on Christ.

  • 1 Cor. 15:29; Rom. 6:5.

    1 Cor. 15:29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are they also baptized for them?

    Rom. 6:5 For if we have become united in the likeness of His death, yet also we will be of the resurrection,

  • 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:41.

    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 2:41 Therefore those indeed having received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

  • Rom. 6:4. (See Acts 2:38–42.)

    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.

    Acts 2:38–42 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. 39 For the promise is to you⁺ and to your⁺ children and to all those at a distance, as many as the Lord our God shall summon.” 40 And he earnestly testified many other words and was exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation.” 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+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9412 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 29: Of Baptism7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 735 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church5 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 168

Q. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament of the new testament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, his death is showed forth; and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; have their union and communion with him confirmed; testify and renew their thankfulness, and engagement to God, and their mutual love and fellowship each with other, as members of the same mystical body.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 22:20.

    Luke 22:20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

  • Matt. 26:26–28; 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

    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. 11:23–26 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.

    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. 11:24.

    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.”

  • 1 Cor. 10:14–16, 21. (Cf. Rom. 7:4.)

    1 Cor. 10:14–16, 21 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible ones; judge for yourselves what I say. 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? 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.

    Rom. 7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you⁺ also have been put to death to the law through the body of Christ, for you⁺ to become unto another, unto the One having been raised out from the dead, so that we should bear fruit to God.

  • 1 Cor. 10:17.

    1 Cor. 10:17 Because [there is] one loaf, we the many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 967 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 757 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 786 shared proof texts · 2 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 XXI: Of the Sacraments

As the fathers under the Law (besides the verity of the sacrifices) had two chief sacraments, to wit, circumcision and the Passover, the despisers and contemners whereof were not reputed for God's people (Gen. 17), so we do acknowledge and confess that we now in the time of the gospel have two sacraments only, instituted by the Lord Jesus and commanded to be used of all those that will be reputed members of His body (Matt. 26, 28), to wit, baptism and the Supper or table of the Lord Jesus called the communion of His body and blood. And these sacraments (as well of the Old as of the New Testament) were instituted of God, not only to make a visible difference betwixt His people and those that were without His league, but also to exercise the faith of His children and by participation of the same sacraments to seal in their hearts the assurance of His promises and of that most blessed conjunction, union and society which the elect have with their head, Christ Jesus.

And thus we utterly damn the vanity of those that affirm sacraments to be nothing else but naked and bare signs (Rom. 8). No, we assuredly believe that by baptism we are engrafted in Christ Jesus to be made partakers of His justice by which our sins are covered and remitted (1 Cor. 10). And also that in the Supper rightly used, Christ Jesus is so joined with us (John 6) that He becomes the very nourishment and food of our souls. Not that we imagine any transubstantiation of bread in Christ's natural body and of wine in His natural blood (as the papists have perniciously taught and damnably believe), but this union and conjunction which we have with the body and blood of Christ Jesus in the right use of the sacraments is wrought by operation of the Holy Ghost, who by true faith carries us above all things that are visible, carnal, and earthly, and makes us to feed upon the body and blood of Christ Jesus which was once broken and shed for us which now is in heaven (Heb. 6, 10) and appears in the presence of His Father for us; and yet notwithstanding the far distance of the place which is betwixt His body now glorified in heaven and us now mortal in this earth, yet we most assuredly believe that the bread that we break is the communion of Christ's body (1 Cor. 10), and the cup which we bless is the communion of His blood. So that we confess and undoubtedly believe that the faithful, in the right use of the Lord's table do so eat the body and drink the blood of the Lord Jesus (John 6) that He remains in them and they in Him, yes that they are so made flesh of His flesh and bone of His bones that as the eternal Godhead has given to the flesh of Christ Jesus (which of its own condition and nature was mortal and corruptible) life and immortality (Eph. 5), so does Christ Jesus, His flesh and blood eaten and drunk by us, give to us the same prerogatives (John 6). Which albeit we confess are neither given unto us at that only time neither yet by the proper power and virtue of the sacrament only, yet we affirm that the faithful in the right use of the Lord's table have such conjunction with Christ Jesus as the natural man can not apprehend. Yes and farther we affirm that albeit the faithful oppressed by negligence and manly infirmity do not profit so much as they would in the very instant action of the Supper, yet will it after bring forth fruit as lively seed sown in good ground. For the Holy Spirit (which can never be divided from the right institution of the Lord Jesus) will not frustrate the faithful of the fruit of that mystical action, but all this we say comes by true faith which apprehends Christ Jesus who only makes His sacrament effectual unto us. And, therefore, whosoever slanders us, as that we affirmed or believed sacraments to be only naked and bare signs, do injury unto us and speak against a manifest truth. But this liberally and frankly we must confess, that we make a distinction betwixt Christ Jesus in His natural substance and betwixt the elements in the sacramental signs. So that we will neither worship the signs in place of that which is signified by them, neither yet do we despise and interpret them as unprofitable and vain, but do use them with all reverence, examining ourselves diligently before, that so we do because we are assured by the mouth of the apostle that such as eat of the bread and drink of that cup unworthily are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 11).

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 796 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 33: The Sacraments5 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 35: The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ5 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 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 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 27: Of the Communion of Saints

1. All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their Head, by his Spirit, and faith; although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts, and graces; and obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services, as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities; which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families, or churches; yet as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, doth not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6.

    1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and have heard we declare to you⁺ also, so that you⁺ also may have fellowship with us. And indeed our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

    John 1:16 For from His fullness we all received also grace upon grace.

    Phil. 3:10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

    Rom. 6:5–6 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.

  • Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Cor. 3:21–23.

    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 Cor. 12:7 Now to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit, for the common profiting.

    1 Cor. 3:21–23 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours⁺, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or [things] present or [things] about to be—all [are] yours⁺, 23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.

  • 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Rom. 1:12; 1 John 3:17–18; Gal. 6:10.

    1 Thess. 5:11, 14 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as also you⁺ are doing. 14 And we exhort you⁺, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

    Rom. 1:12 and, that is, to be encouraged together among you⁺ through the faith among one another, both of you⁺ and of me.

    1 John 3:17–18 17 Now whoever may have the goods of the world, and may see his brother having need, and might shut his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him? 18 Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth.

    Gal. 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, we should work good toward all, and especially toward those of the household of the faith.

  • Heb. 10:24–25; Heb. 3:12–13.

    Heb. 10:24–25 24 And we should carefully consider toward stirring up one another to love and to good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.

    Heb. 3:12–13 12 See to it, brothers, lest ever there will be in any of you⁺ an evil heart of unbelief in the falling away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another each day, as long as it is called today, so that not any of you⁺ may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

  • Acts 11:29–30.

    Acts 11:29–30 29 And the disciples, as anyone was prospered, each of them determined to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea, 30 which also they did, having sent [it] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

  • Eph. 6:4.

    Eph. 6:4 And fathers, do not provoke to anger your⁺ children, but nourish them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.

  • 1 Cor. 12:14–27.

    1 Cor. 12:14–27 14 For also the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” not on account of this is it not of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” not on account of this is it not of the body. 17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [is] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [is] the sense of smell? 18 But now God placed the members, each one of them in the body, as He wanted. 19 And if all were one member, where [is] the body? 20 But now indeed, [there are] many members, but one body. 21 Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you⁺.” 22 But much more, the members of the body seeming to be weaker are essential, 23 and those of the body we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor. And our unseemly [parts] have more abundant decorum, 24 but our seemly [parts] have no need. But God composed the body, having given more abundant honor to the [parts] lacking [it], 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have the same concern for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with [it]; if one member is glorified, all the members rejoice with [it]. 27 Now you⁺ are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

  • Acts 5:4; Eph. 4:28.

    Acts 5:4 Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it [not] in [your] own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!”

    Eph. 4:28 The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with [his] own hands what [is] good, so that he may have [something] to impart to the one having need.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 3214 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 5510 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 655 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification5 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 753 shared proof texts

Chapter 28: Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

1. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of positive, and sovereign institution; appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only Lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.

2. These holy appointments are to be administered by those only, who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:26.

    Matt. 28:19–20 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.”

    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.

  • Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 4:1.

    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,

    1 Cor. 4:1 So let a man reckon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1764 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 683 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1083 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 28: Of Baptism2 shared proof texts · 3 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