Westminster Confession of Faith – ARP Standards http://arpstandards.com The Online Standards of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Sat, 29 Sep 2018 00:07:24 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org//generator> http://arpstandards.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cropped-arp_church_seal-small-32x32.png Westminster Confession of Faith – ARP Standards http://arpstandards.com 32 32 I. Of the Holy Scripture http://arpstandards.com/article/i-of-the-holy-scripture/ Tue, 08 Aug 2017 18:20:56 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/?post_type=article&p=1643 Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; 1Rom. 2:14–15, Rom. 1:19–20, Ps. 19:1–3, Rom. 1:32, Rom. 2:1 yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is […]

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  • Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; 30Rom. 2:14–15, Rom. 1:19–20, Ps. 19:1–3, Rom. 1:32, Rom. 2:1 yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation. 311 Cor. 1:21, 1 Cor. 2:13–14 Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manner, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church; 32Heb. 1:1 and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: 33Prov. 22:19–21, Luke 1:3–4, Rom. 15:4, Matt. 4:4,7,10, Isa. 8:19–20 which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; 342 Tim. 3:15, 2 Pet. 1:19 those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased. 35Heb. 1:1–2
  • Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these,

    •  

    Of the Old Testament.

     

    Genesis 2 Chronicles Daniel
    Exodus Ezra Hosea
    Leviticus Nehemiah Joel
    Numbers Esther Amos
    Deuteronomy Job Obadiah
    Joshua Psalms Jonah
    Judges Proverbs Micah
    Ruth Ecclesiastes Nahum
    1 Samuel Song of Solomon Habakkuk
    2 Samuel Isaiah Zephaniah
    1 Kings Jeremiah Haggai
    2 Kings Lamentations Zechariah
    1 Chronicles Ezekiel Malachi

    Of the New Testament.

    Matthew 1 Timothy
    Mark 2 Timothy
    Luke Titus
    John Philemon
    Acts Hebrews
    Romans James
    1 Corinthians 1 Peter
    2 Corinthians 2 Peter
    Galatians 1 John
    Ephesians 2 John
    Philippians 3 John
    Colossians Jude
    1 Thessalonians Revelation
    2 Thessalonians

     

    All which are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life. 36Luke 16:29, 31, Eph. 2:20, Rev. 22:18–19, 2 Tim. 3:16

    1. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings. 37Luke 24:27, 44, Rom. 3:2, 2 Pet. 1:21
    2. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God 38who is truth itself the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God. 392 Pet. 1:19, 21, 2 Tim. 3:16, 1 John 5:9, 1 Thess. 2:13
    3. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the Holy Scripture. 401 Tim. 3:15 And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole 41which is, to give all glory to God, the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. 421 John. 2:20, John 16:13–14, 1 Cor. 2:10–12, Isa. 59:21
    4. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men. 432 Tim. 3:15–17, Gal. 1:8–9, 2 Thess. 2:2 Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: 44John 6:45, 1 Cor 2:9–12 and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed. 451 Cor. 11:13–14, 1 Cor. 14:26, 40
    5. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: 462 Pet. 3:16 yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them. 47Ps. 119:105, 130
    6. The Old Testament in Hebrew 48which was the native language of the people of God of old, and the New Testament in Greek 49which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations, being immediately inspired by God, and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; 50Matt. 5:18 so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them. 51Isa. 8:20, Acts 15:15, John 5:39, 46 But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, 52John 5:39 therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, 531 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11–12, 24, 27–28 that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner; 54Col. 3:16 and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope. 55Rom. 15:4
    7. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture 56which is not manifold, but one, it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly. 572 Pet. 1:20–21, Acts 15:15–16

    10.        The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture. 58Matt. 22:29, 31, Eph. 2:20, Acts 28:25

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    ]]>         XXXI. Of Synods and Councils http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf31/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf31/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf31/ For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councils; 59Acts 15:2,4,6 and it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification and not […]

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    ]]>     For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councils; 65Acts 15:2,4,6 and it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies; 66Acts 15 and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the church. 67Acts 15:22–23,25
    2. It belongeth to synods and councils, ministerially to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of His Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in His Word. 68Acts 15:15, 19, 24, 27–31, Acts 16:4, Matt. 18:17–20
    3. All synods or councils, since the Apostles’times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both. 69Eph. 2:20, Acts 17:11, 1 Cor. 2:5, 2 Cor. 1:24
    4. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or, by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate. 70Luke 12:13–14, John 18:36

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf31/feed/ 0     XXX. Of Church Censures http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf30/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf30/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf30/ The Lord Jesus, as King and Head of His Church, hath therein appointed a government, in the hand of Church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate. 71Isa. 9:6–7, 1 Tim. 5:17, 1 Thess. 5:12, Acts 20:17–18, Heb. 13:7,17,24, 1 Cor. 12:28, Matt. 28:18–20 2. To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are […]

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    ]]>     The Lord Jesus, as King and Head of His Church, hath therein appointed a government, in the hand of Church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate. 75Isa. 9:6–7, 1 Tim. 5:17, 1 Thess. 5:12, Acts 20:17–18, Heb. 13:7,17,24, 1 Cor. 12:28, Matt. 28:18–20
    2. To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed; by virtue whereof, they have power, respectively, to retain, and remit sins; to shut that kingdom against the impenitent, both by the Word, and censures; and to open it unto penitent sinners, by the ministry of the Gospel; and by absolution from censures, as occasion shall require 76Matt. 16:19, Matt. 18:17–18, John 20:21–23, 2 Cor. 2:6–8
    3. Church censures are necessary, for the reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren, for deterring of others from like offenses, for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump, for vindicating the honour of Christ, and the holy profession of the Gospel, and for preventing the wrath of God, which might justly fall upon the Church, if they should suffer His covenant, and the seals thereof, to be profaned by notorious and obstinate offenders. 771 Cor. 5, 1 Tim. 5:20, Matt. 7:6, 1 Tim. 1:20, 1 Cor 11:27–34, Jude 23
    4. For the better attaining of these ends, the officers of the church are to proceed by admonition, suspension from the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper for a season; and by excommunication from the Church, according to the nature of the crime, and demerit of the person. 781 Thess. 5:12, 2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15, 1 Cor. 5:4–5, 13, Matt. 18:17, Tit. 3:10

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf30/feed/ 0     XXIX. Of the Lord’s Supper http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf29/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf29/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf29/ 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 […]

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    ]]>     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. 981 Cor. 11:23–26, 1 Cor. 10:16–17,21, 1 Cor. 12:13
    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; 99Heb. 9:22, 25–26, 28 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: 1001 Cor. 11:24–26, Matt. 26:26–27 so that the popish sacrifice of the mass 101as they call it is most abominably injurious to Christ’s one, only sacrifice, the only propitiation for all the sins of His elect. 102Heb. 7:23–24, 27, Heb. 10:11–12, 14, 18
    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 103they communicating also themselves to give both to the communicants; 104Matt. 26:26–28, Mark 14:22–24, Luke 22:19–20, 1 Cor. 11:23–26 but to none who are not then present in the congregation. 105Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:20
    4. Private masses, or receiving this sacrament by a priest, or any other alone; 1061 Cor. 10:6 as likewise, the denial of the cup to the people, 107Mark 14:23, 1 Cor. 11:25–29 worshipping 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. 108Matt. 15:9
    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; 109Matt. 26:26–28 albeit, in substance and nature, they still remain truly and only bread and wine, as they were before. 1101 Cor. 11:26–28, Matt. 26:29
    6. That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ’s body and blood 111commonly 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. 112Acts 3:21, 1 Cor. 11:24–26, Luke 24:6, 39
    7. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements, in this sacrament, 1131 Cor. 11:28 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. 1141 Cor. 10:16
    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 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, 1151 Cor. 11:27–29, 2 Cor. 6:14, 16 or be admitted thereunto. 1161 Cor. 5:6–7, 13, 2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15, Matt. 7:6

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf29/feed/ 0     XXI. Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf21/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf21/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf21/ The light of nature sheweth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. 117Rom. 1:20, Acts […]

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    ]]>     The light of nature sheweth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. 156Rom. 1:20, Acts 17:24, Ps. 119:68, Jer. 10:7, Ps. 31:23, Ps. 18:3, Rom. 10:12, Ps. 62:8, Josh. 24:14, Mark 12:33 But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture. 157Deut. 12:32, Matt. 15:9, Acts 17:25, Matt. 4:9–10, Deut. 15:1–20, Exod. 20:4–6, Col. 2:23
    2. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and to Him alone; 158Matt. 4:10, John 5:23, 2 Cor. 13:14 not to angels, saints, or any other creature: 159Col. 2:18, Rev. 19:10, Rom. 1:25 and, since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone. 160John 14:6, 1 Tim. 2:5, Eph. 2:18, Col. 3:17
    3. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of religious worship, 161Phil. 4:6 is by God required of all men: 162Ps. 65;2 and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, 163John 14:13–14, 1 Pet. 2:5 by the help of His Spirit, 164Rom. 8:26 according to His will, 1651 John 5:14 with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; 166Ps. 47:7, Eccl. 5:1–2, Heb. 12:28, Gen. 18:27, James 5:16, James 1:6–7, Mark 11:24, Matt. 6:12, 14–15, Col. 4:2, Eph. 6:18 and, if vocal, in a known tongue. 1671 Cor. 14:14
    4. Prayer is to be made for things lawful; 1681 John 5:14 and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter: 1691 Tim. 2:1–2, John 17:20, 2 Sam. 7:29, Ruth 4:12 but not for the dead, 1702 Sam. 12:21–23, Luke 16:25–26, Rev. 14:13 nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death. 1711 John 5:16
    5. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear, 172Acts 15:21, Rev. 1:3 the sound preaching 1732 Tim. 4:2 and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith and reverence, 174James 1:22, Acts 10:33, Matt. 13:19, Heb. 4:2, Isa. 66:2 singing of psalms with grace in the heart; 175Col. 3:16, Eph. 5:19, 13, James 5:13 as also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted by Christ, are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God: 176Matt. 28:19, 1 Cor. 11:23–29, Acts 2:42 beside religious oaths, 177Deut. 6:13, Neh. 10:29 vows, 178Isa. 19:21, Eccl. 5:4–5 solemn fastings, 179Joel 2:12, Esth. 4:16, Matt. 9:15, 1 Cor. 7:5 and thanksgivings upon special occasions, 180Ps. 107, Esth. 9:22 which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner. 181Heb. 12:28
    6. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now, under the Gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed: 182John 4:21 but God is to be worshipped everywhere, 183Mal. 1:11, 1 Tim. 2:8 in spirit and truth; 184John 4:23–24 as, in private families 185Jer. 10:25, Deut. 6:6–7, Job 1:5, 2 Sam. 6:18, 20, 1 Pet. 3:7, Acts 10:2 daily, 186Matt. 6:11 and in secret, each one by himself; 187Matt. 6:6, Eph. 6:18 so, more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God, by His Word or providence, calleth thereunto. 188Isa. 56:6–7, Heb. 10:25, Prov. 1:20–21, 24, Prov. 8:34, Acts 13:42, Luke 4:16, Acts 2:42
    7. As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in His Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in all ages, He hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him: 189Exod. 20:8, 10–11, Isa. 56:2, 4, 6–7 which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, 190Gen. 2:2–3, 1 Cor. 16:1, Acts 20:7 which, in Scripture, is called the Lord’s Day, 191Rev. 1:10 and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath. 192Exod. 20:8, 10, Matt. 5:17–18
    8. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs before-hand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations, 193Exod. 20:8, Exod. 16;23, 25–26, 29–30, Exod. 31:15–17, Isa. 58:13, Neh. 13:15–19, 21–22 but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. 194Isa. 63:13, Matt. 12:1–13

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf21/feed/ 0     XXII. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf22/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf22/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf22/ A lawful oath is part of religious worship, 195Deut. 10:20 wherein, upon just occasion, the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth, or promiseth, and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of what he sweareth. 196Exod. 20:7, Lev. 19:12, 2 Cor. 1:23, 2 Chron. 6:22–23 2. The name of […]

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    ]]>     A lawful oath is part of religious worship, 211Deut. 10:20 wherein, upon just occasion, the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth, or promiseth, and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of what he sweareth. 212Exod. 20:7, Lev. 19:12, 2 Cor. 1:23, 2 Chron. 6:22–23
    2. The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear, and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence. 213Deut. 6:13 Therefore, to swear vainly, or rashly, by that glorious and dreadful Name; or, to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred. 214Exod. 20:7, Jer. 5:7, Matt. 5:34, 37, James 5:12 Yet, as in matters of weight and moment, an oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the new testament as well as under the old; 215Heb. 6:16, 2 Cor. 1:23, Isa. 65:16 so a lawful oath, being imposed by lawful authority, in such matters, ought to be taken. 2161 Kings 8:31, Neh. 13:25, Ezra 10:5
    3. Whosoever taketh an oath ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully persuaded is the truth: 217Exod. 20:7, Jer. 4:2 neither may any man bind himself by oath to any thing but what is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what he is able and resolved to perform. 218Gen. 24:2–3, 5–6, 8–9
    4. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation, or mental reservation. 219Jer. 4:2, Ps. 24:4 It cannot oblige to sin; but in any thing not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a man’s own hurt. 2201 Sam. 25:22, 32–34, Ps. 15:4 Nor is it to be violated, although made to heretics, or infidels. 221Ezek. 17:16, 18–19, Josh. 9:18–19, 2 Sam. 21:1
    5. A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath, and ought to be made with the like religious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness. 222Isa. 19:21, Eccl. 5:4–6, Ps. 61:8, Ps. 66:13–14
    6. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone: 223Ps. 76:11, Jer. 44:25–26 and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of faith, and conscience of duty, in way of thankfulness for mercy received, or for the obtaining of what we want, whereby we more strictly bind ourselves to necessary duties: or, to other things, so far and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto. 224Deut. 23:21–23, Ps. 50:14, Gen. 28:20–22, 1 Sam. 1:11, Ps. 66:13–14, Ps. 132:2–5
    7. No man may vow to do any thing forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded, or which is not in his own power, and for the performance whereof he hath no promise of ability from God. 225Acts 23:12, 14, Mark 6:26, Numb. 30:5, 8, 12–13 In which respects, popish monastical vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself. 226Matt. 19:11–12, 1 Cor. 7:2, 9, Eph. 4:28, 1 Pet. 4:2, 1 Cor. 7:23

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf22/feed/ 0     XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf23/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf23/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf23/ God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good: and, to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the […]

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    ]]>     God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good: and, to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil doers. 244Rom. 13:1–4, 1 Pet. 2:13–14
    2. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when called thereunto: 245Prov. 8:15–16, Rom. 13:1–2, 4 in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth; 246Ps. 2:10–12, 1 Tim. 2:2, Ps. 82:3–4, 2 Sam. 23:3, 1 Pet. 2:13 so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the new testament, wage war, upon just and necessary occasion. 247Luke 3:14, Rom. 13:4, Matt. 8:9–10, Acts 10:1–2, Rev. 17:14, 16
    3. Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments; 2482 Chron. 26:18 or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven; 249Matt. 18:17, Matt. 16:19, 1 Cor. 12:28–29, Eph. 4:11–12, 1 Cor. 4:1–2, Rom. 10:15, Heb. 5:4 or, in the least, interfere in the matter so faith. 250John 18:36, Acts 5:29, Eph. 4:11–12 Yet, as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the Church of our common Lord, without giving the preference to any denomination of Christians above the rest, in such a manner that all ecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full, free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every part of their sacred functions, without violence or danger. 251Isa. 49:23, Rom. 13:1–6 And, as Jesus Christ hath appointed a regular government and discipline in his Church, no law of any commonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exercise thereof, among the voluntary members of any denomination of Christians, according to their own profession and belief. 252Ps. 104:15, Acts 18:14–15 It is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no person be suffered, either upon pretence of religion or of infidelity, to offer any indignity, violence, abuse, or injury to any other person whatsoever: and to take order, that all religious and ecclesiastical assemblies be held without molestation or disturbance. 253Rom. 13:4, 1 Tim. 2:2
    4. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates, 2541 Tim. 2:1–2 to honour their persons, 2551 Pet. 2:17 to pay them tribute or other dues, 256Rom. 13:6–7 to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience’sake. 257Rom. 13:5, Tit. 3:1 Infidelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrates’just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to them: 2581 Pet. 2:13–14, 16 from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted, 259Rom. 13:1, 1 Kings 2:35, Acts 25:9–11, 2 Pet. 2:1, 10–11, Jude 8–11 much less hath the Pope any power and jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and, least of all, to deprive them of their dominions, or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever. 2602 Thess. 2:4, Rev. 13:15–17

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf23/feed/ 0     XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf24/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf24/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf24/ Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband, at the same time. 261Gen. 2:24, Matt. 19:5–6, Prov. 2:17 2. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife, […]

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    ]]>     Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband, at the same time. 275Gen. 2:24, Matt. 19:5–6, Prov. 2:17
    2. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife, 276Gen. 2:18 for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the Church with an holy seed; 277Mal. 2:15 and for preventing of uncleanness. 2781 Cor. 7:2, 9
    3. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able with judgment to give their consent. 279Heb. 13:4, 1 Tim. 4:3, 1 Cor. 7:36–38 Yet it is the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord. 2801 Cor. 7:39 And therefore such as profess the true reformed religion should not marry with infidels, papists, or other idolaters: neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked in their life, or maintain damnable heresies. 281Gen. 34:14, Exod. 34:16, Deut. 7:3–4, 1 Kings 11:4, Neh. 13:25–27, Mal. 2:11–12, 2 Cor. 6:14
    4. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity forbidden by the Word. 282Lev. 18, 1 Cor. 5:1, Amos 2:7 Nor can such incestuous marriage ever be made by any law of man or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife. 283Mark 6:18, Lev. 18:24–28
    5. Adultery or fornication committed after a contract, being detected before marriage, giveth just occasion to the innocent party to dissolve that contract. 284Matt. 1:18–20 In the case of adultery after marriage, it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a divorce. 285Matt. 5:31–32 and, after the divorce, to marry another, as if the offending party were dead. 286Matt. 19:9, Rom. 7:2–3
    6. Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments unduly to put asunder those whom God hath joined together in marriage: yet, nothing but adultery, or such willful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church, or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of marriage: 287Matt. 19:8–9, 1 Cor. 7:15, Matt. 19:6 wherein, a public and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed; and the persons concerned in it not left to their own wills and discretion in their own case. 288Deut. 24:1–4

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf24/feed/ 0     XXV. Of the Church http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf25/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf25/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf25/ The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all. 289Eph. 1:10, 22–23, Eph. 5:23,27,32, Col. 1:18 2. The […]

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    ]]>     The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all. 304Eph. 1:10, 22–23, Eph. 5:23,27,32, Col. 1:18
    2. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel 305not confined to one nation, as before under the law, consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; 3061 Cor. 1:2, 1 Cor. 12:12–13, Ps. 2:8, Rev. 7:9, Rom. 15:9–12 and of their children: 3071 Cor. 7:14, Acts 2:39, Ezek. 16:20–21, Rom. 11:16, Gen. 3:15, Gen. 17:7 and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, 308Matt. 13:47, Isa. 9:7 the house and family of God, 309Eph. 2:19, Eph. 3:15 out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation. 310Acts 2:47
    3. Unto this catholic visible Church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and doth, by His own presence and Spirit, according to His promise, make them effectual thereunto. 3111 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11–13, Matt. 28:19–20, Isa. 59:21
    4. This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. 312Rom. 11:3–4, Rev. 12:6, 14 And particular Churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the Gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them. 313Rev. 2–3, 1 Cor. 5:6–7
    5. The purest Churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; 3141 Cor. 13:12, Rev. 2–3, Matt. 13:24–30, 47 and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan. 315Rev. 18:2, Rom. 11:18–22. Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on earth to worship God according to His will. 316Matt. 16:18, Ps. 72:17, Ps. 102:28, Matt. 28:19–20
    6. There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ. 317Col. 1:18, Eph. 1:22 Nor can the Pope of Rome, in any sense, be head thereof. 318Matt. 23:8–10, 2 Thess. 2:3–4, 8–9, Rev. 13:6

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    ]]>     http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf25/feed/ 0     XXVI. Of the Communion of Saints http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf26/ http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf26/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:25:03 +0000 http://arpstandards.com/article/wcf26/ All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by His Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His grace, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: 3191 John 1:3, Eph. 3:16–19, John 1:16, Eph. 2:5–6, Phil. 3:10, Rom. 6:5–6, 2 Tim. 2:12 and, being united to one another in love, they have communion […]

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    ]]>     All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by His Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His grace, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: 3261 John 1:3, Eph. 3:16–19, John 1:16, Eph. 2:5–6, Phil. 3:10, Rom. 6:5–6, 2 Tim. 2:12 and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other’s gifts and graces, 327Eph. 4:15–16, 1 Cor. 12:7, 1 Cor. 3:21–23, Col. 2:19 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. 3281 Thess. 5:11,14, Rom. 1:11–12,14, 1 John 3:16–18, Gal. 6:10
    2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; 329Heb. 10:24–25, Acts 2:42, 46, Isa. 2:3, 1 Cor. 11:20 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. 330Acts 2:44–45, 1 John 3:17, 2 Cor. 8–9, Acts 11:29–30
    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. 331Col. 1:18–19, 1 Cor. 8:6, Isa. 42:8, 1 Tim. 6:15–16, Ps. 45:7, Heb. 1:8–9 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. 332Exod. 20:15, Eph. 4:28, Acts 5:4

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