what we be

What We Be BY

WALTER PICCARROLL, D.D.

Outline Studies of Scripture Doctrines

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T h e s e O u t l i ~ ? e S t u d i e s o f Christ inw Doctril les 7oer.e p?*epcrred ?reek bjj loeel; foi. 71se i n (i, class i n j ) ~.epcr?.ntio7z .for clt ?ircIl 71ze1nbe7.sllip. T l ~ e y are i1ozo ~ ~ ~ i b l i s h e c l ns a Na7rdDook f o ~ . Irse iit tlte clcrt~.clz at /((?-ye. I t tvcis fo?t?ld I ~ ~ l l > f 7 i l t o I1~(ve tlte c l i ~ s s ?ne?)lbers 7c.,-ite ou t t l ~ e S c ~ - f p t ? n , e ?.efere?tces ci?zcl t l ~ e a7;s7ue~.s t o tlce p7.i.iztetl ipresti07ts i n CL ?tote- book. T l ~ e y sl~o?rltl 710t be ctsl;etl t o ?u?.ite o7~ t ?~zo?.e tlca71 tsvo ?.eJere)lces 7r71rler enclc l~encl.

E v e r y t l ~ i n g t h n t cc. 11, ospect ive clez~?.cI~ w e ) ) z b e r shozilcl lozo7u i s I~e7.c in owtliwe fomn. T l ~ e s e stsrdies r0.e cctlaptnble t o n long 01. sho?.l co?n.se a s t h e pas- to?. 07. tencl~e?. ?nay be able t o seczire. O n e chnpte?. I ) L C L ~ ?.egui?'e t w o lessons, 09. t w o chap ters ?ua?j be coz~e?.ed in axe lesso7z. T h e s e s tudies s l ~ o z ~ l d be m e - t t i l also in Scsbbrrth Sclcools and in Yozing People's Societies.

Tice "Szr?nsna?y of Doct?.i?lul Testi?n.olz?~" p z ~ b - l ished b y t l ~ e R e f o 7 ~ ) t e d P ~ e s b y t e ? i n ? z Ciczi~~cit o f Scotln?zd itns been a?z i?zvnlzcccble gz~ ide . I t i s n?z ndmirnb le co~zde7zsation of t h e cloct?.ivzes o f the Ch?-ist ina faith. T h i s l i t t le book i s s e n t f o ~ t l t zuitlt t h e pra?Je? t i m t it m a y p ~ o v e cc zisefic.1 n?td helpfi l l ntea?zs f o ~ t h e i w s t m ~ c t i o n o f t h e yozstlc o f t h e chzc.?'cl~.

T H E APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of' heaven a n d e a r t h ; and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord ; who was con- ceived by the Holy Ghost , born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and bur ied ; He descended into the grave; the t h i r d day He rose again from the dead ; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; f'ronl thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the H o l y Catholic Church ( the Church Universal) , the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the I-esuwec- tion of the body, and t h e Life Everlasting. Amen.

TABLE O F CONTENTS

CH-\PTER I THE BIBLE OUR GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

CHAPTER I1 G o w - T n ~ x ~ ~ u IN UNITY.. ........................ 9

CHAPTER I11 MAN THE IRSACE OF GOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CHAPTER IV THE SIN OF MAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CHAPTER V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND PROI'IDENCE. .18

CHAPTER VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR. .21

CHAPTER VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE HOLY SPIRIT 24

CHAPTER VIII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. ; .27

CHAPTER 1X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELECTION A N D THE GOSPEL OFPER.. .30

CHAPTER X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE LAST THINGS 33

CHAPTER XI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.. .36

CHAPTER XI1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE CHURCH OF CI~RIST. . .40

CHAPTER XI11 THE WORSHLP OF GOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

CHAPTER XIV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE SACRAMENTS 47

CHAPTER XV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARRIAGE AND THE H O M E . . .52

CHAPTER XVI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CIVIL GOVERNMENT A N D THE HOME. . .55

CHAPTER ONE

THE BlBLE OUR GUlDE

W e betieve that t h e Sciipt,tl,res o f t he 01(1, c r . l l t ~ N e w Testn7nents (we the lVo7~l o f Go([, C('jl(l. t l l e o?zly i?tfctllible ?.?lie o f ftritlt, and li je .

1-Since man's chief end is to glorify God needs a guide or rule to direct hiin. Catechism 1 and 2. (Vl7estminster Shorter Catecllism) a. This guide \vc hil\le in the Scri1)tures of

the Old and Neu- Testaments. These Scrip- tures or nrritii1gs are called The Bible from the Greek nrord Biblia \vhicfl means "the 13001<s."

b. The Bible then is the ultimate souyce of authority in matters of faith and life. There aye two othcr clai~nants to this seat of supreme authority. Recrson, though it has certain inalienable rights, cannot be the ultimate authority. If we say Reason, then to \\.hat 11umal-i being or beings shall we look*? Tlre Chl i : i .~l~, though it too has certain inalienable rights as an interp1.eter of truth, cannot Ise acceptecl a s the final authority. or if so, ~111at C h u ~ c h ? Botll f ieason anci t l ~ c : Clrlii*ch rcsj.e ilel~endent on Re\~elation for the tl-uth ~vhich they u11- clertalie to interpret or esplain. Tlle Bible alone has the right to that =supreme place, for it is the yecold of God's I-e\realed \\rill, and its purpose is to tell man how to ~ 1 o ~ i f - y God and live in union with Him.

2-The Gible is made u p of turo pal-ts, the Old 3

and New Testaments, or the Old and Ne1~- Covenants.

The Old centers around the Chosen People Israel, the Ne\v around Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

b. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek. The original manuscripts a re lost but we have very old copies of the same, especially the three great mai~uscripts, the Vatican, the Sinaitic, and the Alesandrian.

3--These Scriptures ivere illspired by C~od in their original writings and so are the %'ol-d of God to man. I1 Pet . 2 2 1 ; TI Tim. 3:15-17. a. Ey "inspired" we meall tha t 1101~- men of

God spalce or wrote a s they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

b. This inspiration is attested by the testimony oC the Church, the "nature of the contents, and the \vitiness of the Spirit.

4--The Scriptures principally teach ~trhat Itre a r e to believe concerning God, and the duty God requires .of man. Catechism 3.

a. Wllat we a r e to believe concerning God is set forth in Questions 4-38 of the Shorter Catechisln.

b. The duty that God requires of man, moral and e\~angelical duty, is set forth in Ques- tions 39-107.

5-The Eible, though containing sisty-six books, \vritten by forty different writers living in different countries and in a period e~nbrac- ing 3 600 years, i s one book. Marlrs of this unity :

a. Throughout, the Eible bears witness to o m God.

b. I t forms one continuous story, the story of manlcind in relation to God.

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c. From beginning to end the Bible testifies to one Redemption. The scarlet thread of atonement runs thl~ouglnout. The cross is the center of that unii\?

L I., - d. The Bible has oi le great theme, the person

and work of the Christ. Ch1-ist is the liey to the unity of the Bible.

e. Predictions concerliing the Suture, which appeared l ~ o s t unlikely \\rhe~l innde, 2ll.e recorded a s fulfilled in the Bible.

"The Bible 1.ecords t\vo basic Co\,enants. a. The Covenant 01' IVorks made \\-it11 man i l l

his estate of innocency. Life \vas proin~ised on condition of perfect obeclience.

b. The Covenant of Grace lnade Sol. man in his fallen estate. The C o \ ~ e i ~ a ~ ~ t of Grace was made with Christ as the sccozrl man and in Him with all the elect as His seed. Larger Catechism 31.

a 1011s. 7-The Bible sets forth t\vo great Disl>ens t' a. The \trord "dispensation" rerers to the dil-

ferent nlodes of the admillistration of the Covenant of Grace, t h a t in preparation fo r the coming of the Alloillted One called the Old Testament, and that which records the corning and worlr of the Anointed One called the Ne\4? Testament.

b. How the Covenant 01 Grace was aclmin- istered under the t\vo dispensations. The Covenant of Grace \vas administered u n d e ~ the Old Testament by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the passover, and other types and ordinances, which did all foresigilify Christ then to come. Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was eshibited, the same Covenant of Grace was still is to be administered in the preaching of the Word, and the administra- tion of the sacraments of baptism and the

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Lord's Supper. Larger Catechisln Ques- tions 34, 35. CHAPTER TWO

1. Wlw,t i s .r~tan's chief end'? T4'i~ut ~ u l e o r gzl.ide IULT God giz'e?~ t o lil~t.il.'? T;lrl~~at is the 712eam i n g of the wo?-ds "Scs.ipt lci.es" cti2.d "Bible" ?

2. VVhnt u9.e o t h e l c l4~ i?~u .?~ts to t h e seat o f C L Z L ~ J L O T ~ ~ ? J i n 711.(~tte'i.s of fn.it h ancl l i fe ?

3. W h n t c ~ ~ c the t w o pc1.i.t~ of the Bible cci.lbed? TYIL?J ?

-1. W l ~ r ~ 1 - i s ~ L ~ C L S L ~ b y s((yi?l.g t h l t t h e Eible is i . n s p i ~ e d ?

5. ItVhnt do t h e Sc,~.ipt.li re.$ p.~i,~zdpci.lly teach ? 6. Whcct w e t l ~ e ?nc~?,lis of t h e 7lnitl~ of t h e

Bible ?

8. Hozu lous t l ~ e Cove?lu7tt o f g?-ace acl.mi?tis- t e ~ e r l ?i?2de~ t l ~ e Old Testn?ne?zt, a?zd ILOZC ?{.?~.cie~ t h e N e w Testnnzent?

GOD-TRINITY IN UNITY

liT7e believe i l l o ~ l e Gorl a7ld t l m t H e e t e ? - ~ l a I l ~ exis ts iw Ilwec pe?.so?zs. Futher , S o n , and Holy S p i ~ i t . 1-God is. Heb. I1 : G .

a. This belief is opposed to Atheis~n, Agnosti- cism, and Pantheism. Covenant of 1871, Section two.

b. Evidences in ihe universe \vliich confirm this belief. Thc presence of mind indicates an intel- 1 igent cause. Design in nature indicates a purposive cause. Indications of will reveal a n efficient cause. Conscience with a sense of accountability to a lawgiver indicates a mom1 cause.

2-God is spirit or personal. Catechism 4. a. God is spirit so does not have body, parts,

or passions a s Inen have. John 4:29. b. The foregoing evidences might form the

proof fo r a personal being a s Creator, Gov- ernor, and Preserver of all things. But Revelation assures us beyond doubt tha t He linows, thinks, plans, loves, and acts, therefore is a person. Ex. 3:14; I John 4: 8, 9, 16.

3-God is but one. There i s but one only, the living and true God. Catechism 6. EX. 20 :3; Deu. 11 :3?5 ; Jer . 10 :lo, 12. a. This is a witness against polytheism and

idolatiy. Israel was set in the midst of the nations to bear witness to this one great

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fundamental truth. Deu. 4 :15-19. The witness to the oneness and unity of God is especially needed today.

b. This is a witness against the deificatio~l of mortals who have gone to their reward; against living Inen \vho dare assume the l~rerogatives of God; and against the gods of the cults which flourish in our days, Morinonism, Christian Science, and Spiiit- ism. In the first, God is a Super-man; in the second, a principle and not personal; and in the third, a non-moral God.

&God is Triune. Matt. 28:19, Catechism 6. a. Trinity in unity. There a re three persons

in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; and these three are one God. This, thougl~ a mystery and largely in- coinp~ehensible by the 1;luman mind, is a reality. i\lany mysteries in nature which Isre cannot understand but nrllich we accept and use, for example the radio and electri- city. Illustrations of di\rersity in unity: the human body, the flower; man as body, soul, and spiri t ; the sun as invisible energy, visible ball of fire, and rays which coine to earth to give light, heat, and energy.

b. The use of the word person a difficulty but we have no adequate substitute. This is due to the Iirnitations of language. MTe must insist therefore with the Moha~n- ~nedans upon the unity of God; with the I3antheists upon the inz7na?zence of God, Acts 17 :28; and wit11 the Deists upon the t~n71sce7lde11ce of God.

c. The doctrine of the Trinity is basic to Ule Christian Faith. The whole program of redemption and 01 life in Christ depends on tha t truth as the underlying reality.

5-God eternally exists in three persons, Fathei-, Son, and Holy Spirit. a. The names in the order given is the order

in \vhich they are presented historically in the Script~ires. I n the Old Testament the primary cmphasis is upon the Fa ther ; in the Gospels upon the Son ; and in the Epis- tles upon the Holy Spirit. Memorize the Apostle's Creed, and note ~ v h a t is said of each of the three persons.

11. We come to this beliei by a study of the many passages relating to each person in turn. We find that each in turn is presented as having all the attributes and doing the \\rorlis of God. Yet we hold fas t to the unity and oneness of God. Larger Cate- chism 11. God is presented as the eternal Father, the founta i~l of life, light, and love. I Chr. 29:

I , 10 ; Is. 64 :8; 1 Pet. 1 :17 ; as the eternal Son I

I who became flesh and tabernacled among

! us, John 1 :14 ; Phil. 2:6-11; and, a s the eternal Spirit, Heb. 9 :14, John 1 5 2 6 .

I i 6-God is to be worshiped by all His creatures. I Psalm 148 ; Isaiah 40 ; John 4 :22-26.

1. W h n t evirleizce i n i y l ~ t be offel-ecl fo?. t h e state?nent "God i s J y ?

2. M'hnt i s God? Cr~techisnz 4. 3. AgaiTlst w h a t does t h e w i t n e s s t o t h e t ? r i t l ~

t h a t the?.e i s b?it o?ze GocL t e s t i f y ? 4. HOW 71zany pe?.sons in t h e Godkead? Cnte-

chisnz. 6. Shotu that this does n o t ?nea?t three gods , and t h a i t h e m y s t e ? y o f t?-istitg in unitu i s

I no t grente?. t l~a?z n7a)ty w z y s t o i e s in s~cctu1.e. 5. W h a t i s t l ~ e Sc? ' i l~t~i? 'e evicle?zce f o r believing

I t l ~ n t God etewzallg ex i s t s i?z tlzree pe~soqzs, F n t k e ~ , ! SOIL, C C ? Z ~ HoL?J Slli)"jt?

CHAPTER THREE

THE I-MAGE O F GOD

W e believe tint nucn ~ c ~ s created per fec t , male and fenzccle, in t h e i m a g e o f God; endowed with knowledge , ?-ighteozcs?~ess, ctnd t m e i toliness; and, with t h e la70 of God ?u?-itte?z in t h e i r hen?-ts.

1-Man's Origin and Nature. a. The question of man's origin and nature is

basic to an understanding of reden~ption through Christ. There a re only two avail- able sources : the Word of God and the spec- ulations of men. For the believer in Christ the Word of God is the sole source of autl~~ority. #

b. According to the s~ecula t ions of men, rnan nras not created upright; by a n act of God but was evolved through countless ages by impersonal forces resident within the life cell. This is the evolutionary hypothesis. God, apparently, had little if anything to do with that age-long process.

c. According to the Bible nlan was created perfect in the image of God. He was created, not evolved. (Gen. I and 11, Catechism 10.) On his physical side he has a co~uillu~litjr of nature with the higher animals. On his spiritual side he has a con~munity of nature wit11 God. On his spiritual side nlail was created in the image of God. This likeness was in k~lowl edge, righteousness, and holiness, with power or authority over the lower creation. I-Ie differs fl.om the higher animals then in two important respects : First, in his ca-

pacity fo r Ianr. (Morris.) This is his intuitive ability to distinguish between right and wrong; the ability ~vhich he possesses of weighing actions. Second, in his capacity for spiritual life. (Morris.) This is the intuitive ability t o I ~ I I O W God ilnmediately and directly and to have the whole inner life inbreathed with the life of God.

d. Man Ivas created free or a free agent. It was however freedom within strictly de- fined limits. This freedom was accom- panied wit11 respo~~sibility and accountability.

e. Man nras created double, 111ale and female, and this f i rs t pair formed tl-ie l'ountain head ol' the human race. For good o r ill they stood in a rcprcsentalive capacity. The race stood or fell by the Firs t Adal-il. A 11c11~ race is being created by the Second Adam.

2-Man is God's greatest work. Psalm S :5, "'rhou hast made him but little lo~vcr than God. and cro~vnest him wit11 glory and honor. (R. V.) a. I-Iis chief end lhcrefore is to gloriSy God

and enjoy him Iorever. Q. 1. I Cor. 6:.20. 11. I-Ie uras nlade to live in union with God.

Tlle intended life of u~lion with God may be described as "personal fello~irshil) which is I~oliness of character" and, "cool~erati\~e activity which is I-ighteousness of conduct" (Campbell Morgan).

c. Man however has not glorilied God as intended. Rom. 3 :23 ; Catecllisln 13.

3--Ri\~11 j~hilosophies ~rl l ich arise when the EibIe account of the origin and nature of man is re- jected. In our day t ~ v o great rival philoso- phies :

a. Jlai-ain71 Sociulism. This was embraced by the Eolshevists in Russia. I ts Bible is the "Manif'esto of Karl Marx." This is based an the denial of illan's spiritual nature, consequeiltly of the reality of the esistence of God. It is atheistic. It is also based on the "econonlic jilt-erl~retation of histoi-y." Since man has no spiritual nature the primary motivation of inaldiincl is the struggle for thc control of the ranr mateii- aIs of earth.

b. CO);I );i?i 1ti.572.

1. W h c ~ t is IIIU?Z's origin u7zd ?-ecll ??utli?.e? 2. TTfh(~2 i s wze((nt 0 1 ~ Deiwg created i n t h e i~izage

of God? 3. Ho?il does 7 ? z < i n dif f e ~ f1'071z the a?zin~nl,s? 4. I n zuhcct t w o ~ e s p e c i s 7ua; H e c~ecttecl to live

i~ 71 177 '07~ w i t l ~ God? 5. T/T'hn t is ~ ) I C L I L ' S c l~ i e f end ? Catechis?n 1. 6. T+'t'hat tzu ~ I L theojr'es, in oppositio?~

to i l ~ e Bible nc ave fo?u?(I S O ? I L ~ acceptn?zce in ti] e zoo~ld t o

he?.efo?.e sial~e?.,s i?z t h o u g l ~ t , zvord, a?zd deed; mid, in o?.der to be r e s t o ~ e d to fello~o,shiu w i t h GOO.

l -Ho\~ sin entered the world (Genesis Chapter 3.) a. By one man sill entered the urorld, aild

death by sin (Ronl. 5:12). That one was Adam, the head of the human race.

b. The tempter of nlarl is callecl "that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world" (Rev. 12 :9) .

c. Satan is the evil one, the chief 01 the evil spirits or bad angels (I1 Peter 2 : 4 ) .

2-What is sin? Catechism 14. a. Sin is not an entity \chic11 has a n indepen-

dent existence, yet i t is a reality just a s love, goodness, justice, and righteousness a re realities.

b. Sin is doing what God forbids, or not being and doing what God requires. It i s a n attitude of the soul issuing in disobedience. It js unbelief. I t i s turning to one's own way instead of God's way (Is. 53 : 6 ) . Its beginning and growth are described in Janles 1 :13-15. All unrighteousness is sin (I John 5 :17) .

3-Effects of sin. Catechism Questions 17, 18, 19. a. Sin sets up self a s a n independent center,

thus placing the sinner in the position of a

rebel, making him guilty and liable to pun- ish ment.

1). Sin defaces and mars the inlage of God imprinted on the soul of man. Like poison in the blood strean1 it corrupts and pollutes thc imagination, the tulderstanding, the af- fections, the conscience, and the will. By sin man is "distanced from God, made ig- norant of God, and unlilte God." (Campbe11 Xlorgan)

c. Death both physical and spiritual is the result of sin. Rom. 6:'23, The wages of sin is death. See also Janles 1 :15. Spiritual death is eternal separation fro111 the 1112s- ence of God.

4-Sin is universal. All human beings possess an inherently sinful nature a~nd are therefore sin- e1.s in thougl~t, word and deed. a. Sin is universal because of the unity of the

human race with a common origin. This too is the testimony of the Bible. Rom. 3 : 10, 23, There is none rigl~teous; no not one . . . Tor a11 have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

b. Sin is universal in that i t extends to the thoughts, words, and deeds $of eve17 in- dividual (Mark 7 :15-23). NOTE: Bible Christians believe that "all human beings possess a n ii~hereiltly sinful nature," i.e. that every child born into thc world is born with a bias toward evil, therefore illust be "born again" by the Spirit of God in order to see or enter the lringdonl of God. So called "liberal Chris- tians" believe that men are born inately good so need onIy education and the right kind of surroundings.

5-Because of the perverted image of God in the soul, man creates false deities. According to

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I Campbell Morgan all false deities may be summed up under three names, Baal, Moloch, and lfanimo~l.

I a. Eaal. "The worship of Baal nras essential- ly the deification of nature, and the war- ship of the reproductive faculty."

b. Molocll. "The worship of Moloch expressed itself in all cl-uelty, its chief espression being the sacrifice of little children. I l l i s is the ~rost i tu t ion of the emotional nature."

c. Mailunon. ''The worship of Maninmoi~ is the reildering to wealth, Tor the sake of i ts power, of all that Inan oi~gllt to render to God." See any good Bible Dictionary for the meaning of these terms.

1. H o w did si7) e7tter flte ?uo~lcl'? 2. W h a t is s i l t ' ! Catec l l i sv~ 4. 3. TVhnt (ire t h e e f f e c t s o f s i ~ z ? 4. 171. what 7.e.specfs i s sin ?~wivel*sc~l? 5. Wlry does every o ~ e ?1eecL t o be bol-72 again?

(See N o t e ,zrnder 4 ) . 6 . Wlmt false deitic~s does sixfl i l T ) L ~ I Z c ~ e a t e ?

CHAPTER FIVE

GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND PROVIDENCE I i W e believe t h u t God *is absolute sovereig?z; tha t

h e quo,-lceth all thi?zgs c~ f te i . t h e counsel of his OIU72 will,; t h a t He Izcrs fo~.eo~dui?led w1ntsoeve.r. conzes t o puss; CL?UL t h a t H e prese.1-ves n?zd gove.r.7~~ all, His c7.ecrtures axd all t h e i ~ nctio?zs.

l-God is absolutely sovereign. a. God is the judge: he putteth down one, and

lifteth up another. Ps. 75:7 "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." Rom. 9 : 15

b. Sovereign means sziprc?;te i7z power, i n d e pendmlt of and '~(?tli??tited b y any other. Isa. 45:7, "I foml the light and, create darkness; I make peace and create evil. I a m the Lord that doeth all these things . . . Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker."

2-God worlteth all things af ter the counsel of His own will. Eph. 1 :11; Dan. 4:35, "He doeth according to his will in the army of heaveii, and among the inhabitants of the ear th; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" Read also Rom. 9 :17, 18 and Catechism 7.

3-God in His good pleasure hat11 foreordained whatsoever comes to pass. Rom. 8 :29, 30; John 6 :44; Rom. 9 :18-24; Ps. 3 3 : l l

a. The doctrine of foreordination, while a reality, is easily peiverted into fatalism, and we a re not fatalists. God's foreordination and man's responsibility a r e both true, and both must be accepted. God will not

allonr feated. His purpose of redemption to be de-

b. God's sovereignty is the source of the be- E liever's confidence and strength. "If God be for us who can be against us?'' Ram. S :29-34

4-God's supel*intending Providence is universal. Catechism 11

a. Providence means to foresee and make i ready for everything that comes to pass. Nothing is too big to be bejroncl His power, and nothing too small to be beneath His notice. Isa. 40 :12, "Who comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the moi~ntains in scales." Matt. 10 :29, 30, I 31, "Are not two sparrows sold for a pen- ny? and not one of them sllall fall on the

I ground without yoiir Father."

b. God's p~ovidence is most holy as well a s most mighty. He makes "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that a re called according to his purpose." Rorn. 8 :28.

5-A special act of providence in the case of man. Catechism 12

a. God made a covenailt with man. Life was I

promised on condition of pei-fect obedience. I

This was called the Covenant of Works because conditioiled on mall's efforts.

b. Man was placed in surroundings exactly adapted to his needs. Genesis 11. H e was given freedom, assigned duties, and en- trusted with responsibilities. The tree of life was to have been a source of strength in wallting in uiliol~ with God. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the red light warming of danger and of death.

c. This special act of God's providence endowed man with the power of choice, or

19

freedom of will. Confession of Faith, Chap- ter IX. Before he sinned man had freedom and power to wiH and to do what i s good and pleasing to God. But by his sin man lost his ability to will and do what is good and pleasing to God.

1. 1YIzcit i s ??zen?~t by snying tlrclt God is sovey- eign ?

2. W h a t c1l.e the decrees of God? Catechis?)~ 7. 3. W h a t i s m e a n t by f o ~ ~ e o ~ d i n u t i o n ? 4. WIltrl i s God's p ~ o v i d e n c e c~n.d Izolu fay does

it ex tend? 5. Whcrt special act o f proz:ide?zce in the cast:

0 f 777 1171. ?

CHAPTER SIX

CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR

W e believe t h a t God i ? ~ H i s 711e7.cy p?-ovided n S a v i o ? i ~ , t h e Lord Jes.zcs C h i s t , the eternal S o u of God, t o deliz~e?. His people f r o m t h e gltilt, po?uey, a n d s t a i ? ~ of SZU, ant! to ~ e s t o r e t h e m t o t h e place of fellowslzip. I-This Saviour was pro\.ided under a second

covenant callecl the Covenani of Grace. Cate- ch i sn~ 20. a. Thc Covenant of Grace was made with

Christ as the Second Man, and in I-Iim with all the elect a s I-lis seed.

b. The only Mediator of this covenant is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became man. Catechism 21. John 1: 1 4 ; Gal. ft :4 ; Phil. 2 :6, 7. Our Saviour therefore is both God and man, one person \\.it11 two distinct natures.

2-How did Christ, being the SOIT of God, become nl all ?

. a. He becanle inan by taltillg to Himself true human nature, eilterillg human life through tile womb of the Virgin Mary, begotten by the I-Ioly Spirit, and born of her, yet without sin. Catechism 22. Luke 1 :27-35.

b. Mary, His mother, gave Him I-lis true hu- nlan nature. Begotten by the Holy Spirit, His human natul-e was sinless. I-Ieb. 7 :26.

3-Why was it necessary that He be God, man and God-and-man, in one person? Larger Cate- chism Questioils 38. 39, 40. a. It was necessary that He be God in order

to malre His \vork and sufferings effective for His people. Acts 2 :24; Rom. 1 :4.

2 1

b. I t uras necessary that He be man in order to render full obedience to God in man's nature, and to be able to sympathize \!.it11 His people i n illeir temgtalions and afflic- tions. I-Ieb. 2 :14 ; 4 :15.

c. I t nras necessary tlzat He be both God and man in one 1)erson in order Illat His recon- ciling \\70rIi be acceptable 11ot11 to God and His people.

4-IV1711y was it necessary tllat He be sinless? Eecause, bci~lg sinftll, I-Ie co~ild not be a bonds- man and a deliverer for others, but would I-Eimself be under condemnation.

5-This o u ~ . Saviour is called tlle Lord Jesus Chrisl. ;I. I-Ie is called Jesus because He saves His

~ ~ e o p l e i'rom their sins. Matt. 1 :12. b. He is called Clwist , or T h e Ch?-ist, because

He was anoi~lted \\.it11 the I-Ioly Spirit fo r His \vork of redemption. Messialt is the I-Iebrew word, and Chris t the Greek word fol. the di loi)?ted One. Lulie 4:18, 21 ; Acts 3 :22.

c. I-Ie is called Lorcl because He is the One \\rho has tlle supreme right to rule over His people. Matt. 28 :l8.

6-The Pur l~ose of His Coming. a. To reveal to us by His Word and Spirit the

will of God f o r our salvation. He is therefore a prophet, a Teacher, a Revealer. Cate- chism 24. J.ohn 1 :IS.

b. To offel- Himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God. He is therefore a Priest, an Intercessor, a Recon- ciler. Catechism 25. I-Ieb. 9 :14, 25.

c. To reign over His people and lead them on to victory over sin and Satan. Catechism 26. Acts 5:31. He is therefore a. King-, Lord and Master, Ruler.

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F .(\ r-Summaur of terms setting forth Hiss \A, live mission. N o t e : One 1s salTed simp,,,

accepting Christ as His divine Sa~iiour'L - doing His will, not by u ~ l d e r s t a ~ l d i ~ l g a list o i - definitions, yet the definitions a r e important - too. 3. T h e inca?.?trttioi~. This means the eternal

Son of God taking to Himself true 111u11an nature.

b. Tkc n t o , l r ) ~ ? er~ f. This means the reconcilia- tion of parties alienated, the satisfying of divine justice, and the vindication of a n outraged 1nora1 order. God could not for- give the sinner unless the penalty fo r s in weye paid. Christ became our substitute and the strolie due to us fell on I-Iim.

c. T h e ?*esl~?'~.ect io~t o f C h ~ i s t . This \\.as the triumphant conclusion of His great work of redemption. His atoning death was given meaning and power by I-Iis resurrection. I COY. 15 :14, 20-22.

1. TVho ,runs t h e S(tzjio?~?, ???.oviilecl 7rnt.ler t h e Coue?za??t of Gjnce '!

2. H o w d id the eteuztrl S o n of God beco??ze ??Zcc?L ?

3. W h l ~ qocis it ?~ece.s,scl?-y t h a t the Ret.leenzer be God , I I ? ~ ? L , m ~ c l God-n?zcl-n~ctl~, in one g e ~ s o n ?

4. tT?hat i s t h e ?,tenni?7g o f t h e wol-(7s " J ~ s ~ L s , " "CI~?-ist," n 1 z d "Lo7Y.Y ?

5. W h a t tuns the pzrlpose o f H i s con.litzgl! 6. W h a t is ??zeci?zt b y the t e r m s "Inca~nutio?z,"

"4 tow e??ze?zt," u?zd "Res7a-rection of CIt?.ist" ?

I . S h o w tlzat t h e Hal?] Sphdt is a pe?-so7z. 2. Shozu tha t t h e Holy Spil-it is r~ Divine peYso.iz. 3. Disti.rzgz~ish between t h e . zuo~k of the S o n n.rlcE 4 ZUOTIC of t h e Holy Sp i r i t .

'l"4. W h a t i s t h e w o ~ k o f the Holy Spiqi t ili the d d ? Sect ion 4.

5 . W b o t i s the w o ~ l i o f the Holg Spi7i t in the

F e ~ ~ t ~ o f believers? Sections 5, 6, '7.

CHAPTER EIGHT

FAITH IN JESUS CIfRIST i 4

1;l'e believe t h a t "Chqist died for OILY sills nc- 1 c o ~ d i q ~ g t o the Scril~t?!?.es," and t h a t all ? jho have f a i t h i n H i m Iz.cc.ve fo?.give?zess o f si?ls ever- Znsti?jg ?.ighteo~tsness, solely t l ~ r o w g h t h e 71te7its o f J e s z s Ch?-ist o n the g?-oz~nd of H i s slced blood.

1-Saving faith is accepting Jesus Christ as our Saviour froin sin, and trusting Him day by 1 day for keeping and guidance. This faith is ac- companied by : a. Conviction. This is the work of God's Spirit.

The sinner thereby is brought to a sense of his guilt before God, and of his inability to save himself, Jo l~n 16 : 8. ,

1 b. IZepentalzce. Cathechism 87. Repentance is a cllange of mind and of at-

I titude. The sinner convicted of sin begins to I

b hate what once he loved. Repentance and faith are inseparable, two aspects of one

I I

thing. If the face is turned toward the cross the siilner has turned his back on the world, the flesh, and the devil! Ezek. 36:31; Acts 8:21, 22.

c. Co?zve?.sio?z. Matt. 18 :3; Acts 3 :19: This is the coilscious commitment of life to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

2-Saving Faith is the gift of God: Eph. 2 :8, 9. a. This faith is wrought in the heart by the

Holy Spirit. Catechism 31. The Spirit en- lightens the mind in the k~~owledge of Christ, renews the will, and persuades and enables us to embrace Jesus Christ. This is Regeneration.

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b. Saving fai th then is not mere assent to certain statements about God and Christ and sin. It is also trust and the committing of one's life to God in Christ.

c. The principal acts of saving fai th a re accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for salvation. Catechism 86. Jesus Christ is God's offer to man, and faith is the acceptance of that offer.

3-The Xature and Object of Saving Fai th : a. The nature of faith illustrated. It is the eye

by which we see and understand what God in Christ has done for us. I t is the hand by which we receive God's gil't. I t i s the esten- sion cord by which we a r e connected with the source of light and power. It is in exer- cise when nre 100li away from self to the living Christ "who was delivered f o r our offences and raised fog our justification." Rom. 4:25.

b. God in Christ is the object of faith. It is the object of faith tha t counts. It is the engine tha t is the source of power, not the coupling, though the coupling is both important and necessary. Faith then is only a n instrument, but a God-appointed and a God-given instrument.

&The BeneIits which come to us through Sav- ing Faith. a. J7tstification. Catechism 33.

We receive the forgiveness of sins, and a r e accepted a s righteous in God's sight, not because of our fai th and repentance, and not because God decides to wipe t h e slate clean, but only fo r the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and received by faith alone. (1) How does i t come thab Chcist has a

28

righteousness ta spare? See ansnrer of Greatheart to Christians. (Bunyan) (2) Imputation means to place to the ac- colr9z.t of. Our sills a re placed to the account of Christ and His righteousness to our account. 1s tha t jus t? This transaction is based on the covenant union between Christ and I l i s people.

b. rldoption. Catechism 3.1. Thus receiving Christ by faith nre become children of God. Joh11 1 :12; I John 3 :I, 2.

c. Snnctificatiolz. Catechism 35. The worli of renewal is begun in our heal-1s ancf continued throughout lil'e though with many ups and donrns: Eph. 4:23, 24 ; Col. 1 : lo , 11 ; Rom. G :4, 6, 14.

d. -4ss?cl-ance. Catecllism 36. Through faith in Christ nre may have assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, and joy in the I-Ioly Spirit.

e. Fruitf uhzess : Jol l~l 15 :1-8. Througll faith we are brought into spiritual union with Christ and thus become fruitful.

1. l47lzict i s saving f ~ i t h tr7ztE by whict is i t ctc- compct nietl ?

2. W k n t i s the sozryce o f siiving faith aqzcl what aye i t s priq~cipnb cccts?

3. Give illz~stratiolls of fnitR ( L I Z ~ stilte i t s t?.?re object.

4. W h a t are the benefits that come t h ~ o u g h saving faith?

5. Esplcti?z what is ntecrlzt by jzlstificntiol-r, throzcgh faith alone?

"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.

b. E17ei-y hearer is put under solenln obiiga- tion to accept Christ a s his Saviour. The door is open to "whosoe~~e~- ~vill."

1. Who be saved cc~. tL 1uh.o wilI n o t be lost'! 2. W l ~ a t i s ?rzecl?tt b y t h e "pe?.seve~cr?zce o f t h e

sai?zts," t i ~ d . t o ~ u h c t t is it dzce'! 3. .nila?j one 1 ; u o ~ tlzcct i ~ e is saved? 0.,z what

g?.otl,ld i! -1. To who?tt is f l ~ e gospel t o be o t f e r e d ? Ox

w h i t is t h i s fo l i?~ded? 5. W h m t i,, every hecil.ei. ~tntle?. obligtriio7z t o do?

CHAPTER TEN

THE LAST THINGS

I4'e believe t h a t it is a.ppoin.ter1 7c7~t0 all ?11,e7t oxce t o d ie ; t l m t ccfte?. death. t h e SOILLS of t h e re- deenzed d o i??s??zedintelv pass i n t o g l o l y , a7zd the so7~l-s o f t h e ?in?-edeenzed i n t o t h e abode o f t h e lost. W e belie.ue in t h e Seco?zcl Canting of C h ~ i s t , is1 t h e Resu.~:~.ect io?~. of t h e d.etrd, in tlre i i ? z c ~ b J l b d u - m e ~ t t , c~qtd i ? ~ t h e L i f e Eve~lcrsti?zg.

I-Death is the lot of all both great and small. I t is certain, inescapable, and universal. a . Death is tile result and penalty of sin. Rom.

5:12; 6 2 3 . The sting of death i s sin but; the atoning death of Christ has robbed deatll of its sting for every believer: 1 Cor. 15 :55-57.

b. Pllysical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. Though separated fr,onl the body the soul does not lose coilscious existence. The souls of believers enter at once into a state of unending hap- piness. The souls of the wicked shall be pilnished with everlasting desti-uction from the preseilce of the Lord. Larger Cat+ cllism 86. Matt. 25:46; Luke 16 2 3 , 21 ; 23 :43 ; Jude 6, 7.

2-The Second Coming of Christ. a. The Second. Coming of Christ is sure, per-

sonal; and,. visible. Acts 1 :11; I Thess. 4 :- 13-18; I1 Thess. b:7-10.

b. He will come again at the- last day i n great . power, and! in the. full manifestahion of His own glory, and of H i s Father's, with, all His

33

holy angels, and nrith the trulllpet of God. Larger Catechism 56. The "last day" will marl; the end of the lwesent age of grace and the inauguration of the kingdom of glory. The work of the I-edemption in its entirety will then have been completed. I Cor. 15 :24-28. There will be therefore only one Second Corning, not two or three as some teach.

c. The purpose of the Second Coming is to judge the world in righteousness. "He llath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in rigl~teousness by that man whom he hath ordained." Acts 17:31.

3-The Resurrectiorl of the Dead. a. At tlle '%st day" there will be a genera!

resurrectio~l of the dead. "The hour is coming in the which all that a re in the graves shall hear hissvoice, and shall come forth.'' John 5:28, 29. "There shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust." Acts 24:15.

b. The bodies of the just shall be raised ir. power, spiritual, and incoi-ruptible, and made like ullto Christ's resurrection body; while the bodies of the l i cked shall be raised up in dishonor. I Cor. 15:51-53; Dan. 1 2 2

4--The Final Judgment. a. This is the Day of Account, when "eve1-y

one of us shall give account of himself to God." Ronl. 14 :12. "God shall bring every work into judgment whether it be good o r whether i t be evil." Eccl. 12 :14. See also I1 Cor. 5 :lo.

b. It is a sifting process by which the wheat is separated from the chaff. 4 t the day of judgment the wicked shall be set on Christ's left hand, and up011 clear

3 4

evidence and full conviction af t.heir on-n consciences, shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against thenl. JIatt. '25 :41, 42. Larger Catechism 89. A t the day of judgment, the righteous being caught ill:, to Christ in the clouds, shall be set on His right hand, and there openly aclino~ledgcd and acquitted . . . and fully and forever freed from alf: sin 2nd 1nise1.y. Matt. 25:33, 34, 46. Larger Cate- cllisln 90.

1. Whctt (lye tll e fo?tr last fhi??ys ) ~ t e u t i o l ~ e d ? 3. T4'hy i s clenth ~i?tiverstil'! 3. W h a t becomes of t l ~ e so?ils depn~ated? 4. IVheiz will tlte Scco??d Con?i??y of CIt?.ist be,

( l ~ d wlrcrt is t h e 2xr7.pose of His co711i?ty? 3. TVhc~t i s ?)zecc?zt b y the general ~ -es~~ .? .ec t io?z

of the derrd c~17tl ?olcen will it be '! 6. f h a t ttrlces place trt t l ~ e f i m l j? (dg~?ze?~t?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

T H E CHRISTI.4N L I F E

TTre believe tlrcrt i n all t1rii~y.s w e sIlo?~ld live a l i f e of obediettce t o tile L0.l.d Jeszi.s CGI~7.ist a s 0141.

4fri.s.ter"; tnking the T e 7 ~ C07i1tti~,ldt)le%ts, alzd tjte e.s:un,pLe and t e a c l ~ i n g s of J e s z ~ s a s oq~r 7-ule o f 7-ighteoqrs.r?ess; a n d , love to God and m a n ns t h e clo)izi.rt~tti?~g g?.inciple o f life.

1-T"1is means that Jesus Christ is to be the Mas- ter and Guide of our life in the home, in the school, in business, in social relationships, and in civil and political affairs. a. We a re under ob1igati.on to confess Christ

in all these areas of life: Matt. 10 :32, 33. b. This inay prove costl?: I Peter 2 :11-16; 3:

13-17. '--This calls for practice of the Christian graces.

a. FAITH. This is daily trust in God. Sinful worry and anxious care are the denial of trusting faith : Matt. 6 :25-34.

b. HOPE. Hope is the expectation of good to come. Christian hope is based on the promise of God's Word. Despair is the opposite of hope. Moods of despondency and depres- sion tend to destroy hope: Rom. 8:18-25.

c. LOVE. This grace is not a sentimental af- fection for others, but a desire tha t others should have the same fa i r treatment tha t I ask for myself. Because God so loved us we a re bound to love one another; and, even to love our enemies ; I John 3 :13-16 ; 4 :7 11 ; Rom. 13 :8-10.

3-This calls f o r the practice of some homely virtues.

3 6

a. TRUTHFULNESS. No lie is of the truth. The old nature is fruitful of lies. The neur natui-e does not lie. The true Christian does liot indulge in "white lies" and "grey lies." I John 2 2 1 ; John 8:44; Acts 5 :1-11. Can T be depended on to tell the truth no matter what the cost'!

b. HONESTY. This nleails being t r i ~ s t ~ r o r t h y in money matters, in examinations, in \ 1 ~ 0 ~ 1 i and in business. The Christian docs not cheat. I-Ic is not dishonest. Hc does not steal. I Cor. 6 :S-11; II Cor. S 20 , 21.

c. PURITY. This has a broad application but often has specific reference to ses relations. Sex desire is perfectly normal. I t is in its perversion that the Sevcnth Com- mandment is violated: Matt. 5:27, 28; I Cor. 6 :l5-20. "As a s e ~ v a n t of the higher

purposes in liSc i t is a n~ondel*ful se r \~an t , giving drive and beauty to the rest of life. As a master-it is hell !" (Jones)

d. UNSELFISI-INESS. Either sell' is on the throne of my heart or Christ is. Either self o r Christ has the ultimate say ill iny life. TVhich is i t ? I Tim. 6 :6-10; II Tim. 4 :9, 1 0 ; Phil. 2:4, 5. "What an1 I living for- myself, my own position, money, place, power? Myself or others ?" (Jones)

4-Talring Christ a s Master i t becoilles our duty to witness against public evils.

a. The Traffic in Intoxicating Liquors. The use of alcoholic beverages is injurious to the Iife and witness of the Christian. The law of love leads Christ's disciples lo ab- stain from their use: I Cor.. 8 :13; Eph. 5 :18 ; Prov. 20 : l ; 23 :29-32 ; Rom. 14 :13. Church membership is refused to those en- gaged in the manufacture o r sale of aI- coholic beverages : Habalrlruk 2 :15.

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b. The Vice of Gambling. This is a widespread and popular evil which ruins the moral character and is destructive of the spiritiial Iife. I t is a n attempt to get something for nothing, to gain through a neighbor's loss. It i s quite unworthy of one who Ioves his neighbor a s himself. This rules out all forms of betting, lotteries, and s\veepstakcs.

c. Secret Oath-bound Societies. Here we have the evil of secrecy, and of un- lawful oaths in many secret lodges, and of false worship in others : I Thess. 5 :5 ; Matt. 1 5 ; John 3 2 0 , 21. The Christian swears away his freedom and manhood when he binds himself by dreadfuI oaths ever to con- ceal and never reveal what he may learn in the lodge. The oath cannot be lawfully administered in these , secret organizations, and oftc~ltirnes i t is of such a nature that. a true disciple of Christ could not take it under any circumstances.

5-Talting the example and teaching of Jesus as our rule of righteousness we will indulge only ill those amusenlents and recreations of which Christ can approve. These then will be clean and uplifting, not irreverent 01. indccent, and not tending to create a distaste f o r the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and of good re- port : Phil. 4 :8. Companionships affect fo r good or ill the Christian life: I Cor. 15:33.

6-The Christian life can be nlaiiltained only by the constant feeding of the inner springs of Me. a. This calls for the prayer-habit. Without

prayer the spiritual life becomes foi-n~al and

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]~o\verless : Lnke 11 :1-13 ; Eph. ti : IS ; Col. 4 :2.

b. For- this i t is necessary to feed on the Word : Col. 3 :16 ; John 1 5 :7 ; I Peter 2 :2 ; 11 Tim. 3 :1G; Ps. 119 :11.

1. 1 7 2 ~ i ~ h c i t cl;t.eczs i s t l ~ e CIr1.%~ti(z7~ l i f e to be Ii'ued ?

2. TYhy cc9.e Faith,, Hops, cct~d Love ?1.ecessa?.?! to the Ch?.istici.n li fe?

3. Nnnle fo7.17. I~o?xeLy vi?-t?les cutd S ~ L O Z U W I L Y tlccp ewe ~ e c e s s a ~ ~ ? ~ to Chl'istZu..)t. cl~nrcbcte~)..

4. Agaitlst what p71b1.1:~ evils 7 ~ t i s t I U C beu.)' witlzess ? I.T/If,y ?

5. TV1u1,t p.).1:riciple i s to gzr,icle the Che~istinn ilt h i s n?~z?rse?nents a77.d ~~~ec~eu~ t io?zs ' ?

6. No,w 1:s the q.l~nlity of the CI~?.istin:lz l i f e t o be ?,rni?ztni.ned ?

CHAPTER TWELVE

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

W e believe that the Church is the Body o f Christ , brought in to being by the Holy Spiri t ; that i t consists o f all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, together w i t h their chil- d?*en; that i t s 09-ganization is determined b y Christ i t s Hec~d; ad, that i t s terms o f fellozu- ship sho?ild be only w h a t the Scriptzlres enjoin.

I-The Church llefined. a. It is the Eody 01 Christ brought into being

by the Holy Spirit: Eph. 1 :23 : 4:12. I t is an organism formed by an inner principle of life rather than by external authority: Eph. 2 :IS. Christ t11ere~ol.e is the only Icing and Head of the Church, and He alone has authority to determine its life and ~vitness: Epll. 1: 22 ; Col. 1 :18.

b. I t was brought into being by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost: Acts 2 :1-4, 41, 47. I t s life was sustained and constant- ly renewed by the indwelling Spirit: Acts 4 :4 ; 5 :1-14 ; 10 :44-48.

c. It is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone: Eph. 2 : 20-22.

d. It consists of all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, together with their children: Acts 2 :38-41; Matt. 19:14. The Church is one among all nations. We should pray and labor therefore for the visible oneness of the Church of God, in our own land and throughout the world, on the basis

4 0

of truth and of Scriptural order: I Cor. 12 : 12, 13 ; Psa. 122 :6-9; Eph. 4:3-6.

2-The Governnlent of the Church. a. Its government is determined bj. Christ its

Head. Government is necessaly to organization, and organization is izecessary in order to obey the commands of Christ given to His disciples in their collective capacity. For example: "This do in remembrance of me," and "Go ye into all the ~rrorld." I Cor. 11 :23 26 ; Matt. 28 :18-20. The guiding 1)rinciple for its organization is the will of Christ as revealed in His Word : Isa. 9 : G ; Heb. 8 :5.

b. The Government of the Church, as revealed in the New Testament, is Presby- terian o r repl.esel~tative go\re~-nment. Those set to rille are cliosen by the members them- selves. This means government by elders, or by Presbyters, I\-hich elders urei,e also called bishops or overseers : Acts 14 :23 ; 20 :17, 18, 28; I Tim. 3:1, 2. Some of the elders thus chosen to rule are called teaching elders, or ministers, but all have equal authority and are solemnly ordained lo office: I Tim. 5 :17, 19 ; 4 :14. The tern1 of office nlay Ise for life or fo r a limited period.

c. Deacons, or Managers, are office-bearers chosen by the congregation to care for its telnporal and financial interests. This is a n administrative office. I t s nlelnbers may be both men and women. The term of office may be for a limited time or f01- life.

3-The Courts of the Church. a. Presbyterian Order provides for a gradu-

ation of Coui-ts : congregational sessions, presbyteries, and synods, in regular sub- ordination the one to the other.

SESSION. This is the governing body of the local congregation, composed of elders chosen by the congregation, and account- able to the Presbytery. The elected minister is Moderator of the Session. PRESBYTERY. This is com~osed of an elder and minister from each congregation in a definite geographical area. The Pres- bytery is responsible for the supervision of the congregations under its care. There may be many presbyteries nfhicli are ac- coulltable to the nest higher coui-t. SYNOD. This is composed of a minister and an elder i'r0~1-1 each of the congi-egations in all of the Presbyteries. This is the high- est ruling body in the Covenanter Church.

b. Eenefits of the Presbyterian Order: I t preserves the rights of the people, provides for representative gove;nment, secures equai- ity among those who rule, and permits ap- peal from one court to another.

-I--'I'erms of Fellowship in the Chiurch. a. Telms of fellowship are necessary:

To exhibit a system of sound principles concerning the way of salvation, the Chris- tian life, the Christian Church, and the Christian witness, etc. Amos 3 :3 ; Col. 2 :2. To maintain the ordinances of worship in their purity : Acts 2 :42. To promote holiness of life, and prepare the saints for heaven: Col. 1 :12.

b. Terms of fellowship should require only what the Scriptures enjoin, and should re- ject no Scriptural t ru th ; yet the distinction between essentials and non-essentials is a just and proper one. The only thing essential to salvation is to be in Christ: Rom. 8:l. But full obedience to Christ requires us to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded us: Matt. 28 :19, 20.

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1. H7hnt is t l ~ e C h ? ~ c i ~ n?ld o j quhnt does it' COIL- sist ?

2. Wh.nt i s the guiidi?zg principle for the o~gn?l i - za,tio~t. of the Cl~?c-.rch'!

3. IThat i s tlze f o m z of govm.?~?~tent set fortlz. ilz tlze Script.lc?.es, CL?LC). 2uI~n.t are i t s office?.^'?

3. TYl~nt nl-e the ous.io~r.s CO~L. I .~S of tl1.e CI~~r.s.ch, a71d 7uI~nt i s t l ~ e rr?itho,i.ity of each'?

5. W l ~ y c1.9.e te?.?~ls of jello~uship ?tecessnl.?j, a?rrl, ?&hat shozild the3 ~et/.tti7-e'!

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

THE WORSHIP O F GOD

We believe tkcrt fhe 7uo1-sllip of tlre o w livi7l.g uxd tr71e God i s (L 7in ive~sa l obligation; t l m t H i s ?uo?..shi11 n~w.st be accoi.di?tg f o H i s o'lfl72 nppoi?zt- 7ilertt; l l ~ a t H e l~rrs designated ant. dny in s e v e ? ~ f o ~ q-esl ccnd zt;o?.ship; a?tcl, lhn t giving a s t h e Lo7.d hcis p ~ o r p e ~ e d z ~ s is a?!. i?ltegral part o f the ?co~.sI~li) ci)zd s e n i c e of God.

1-Worship is comnlanded. Luke 4 :S ; I Thess. 5 : l 7 ; Heb. 10 :25 ; Col. 3 :16.

a. The princil~al parts of public worship are praise, prayer, the offering, the reading and preaching the word of God. This i s the ~inited worship of the congregation in public assei~lbljr. This calls for reverence which should be cultivated care- fully. The minister voices the adoration and confessioll of the congregation in pray- el-, and speaks as the ambassador of God in reading and preaching the Word of God. Siilging God's praise is a pa r t of public worship, in which the whole congregation should join.

b. Worship is also private, fanliIy and social. Private. "Enter into thine inner chamber and . . . pray." Matt. 6:6. Family. This is ~vorship by the family as a unit. This is the recognition that the family a s such belongs to God: Josh. 24:15; Job. 1 :5. Social. This is worship in more informal gatherings, assembled for prayer and Bible study.

44

2-The Way in which we a re to \\-orship is that wllich God llas appointed in His MTord. Cate- chism 50, 51. a. This means that nre must have a "Thus

saith the Lord" for what uTc use iiz His \vorship. \.Trorship is to be given to God alone, and not to angels, saiizts, or any other creature. He is not to be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men: Deut. 12 :32; Matt. 4 :9, 10. True worship then is a matter of Ihe heart and voice, in spirit and in t ru th : Jolnl 4:24.

b. Wc arc comi~~andcd to use the Psalnzs in worship, but we have no comniand to use instruments of music in the New Testalnelit Church. Instruments 01 I ~ I U S ~ C : formed a part of the typical and ceremonial ~vorship of the temple, which was fulfilled and abolished by the coming of Christ. The Bo01i of Psallns was provided by inspiration of the I-Ioly Spirit, as the book 01 praise best adapted to the ~ v o ~ s h i p of God in a11 ages. They adequately express the holilless and majesty of God, and sound the depths of the human Ileait and of human experience.

3-God has appointed one day in seven fo r rest and worship. Catechism 57-61. a. The day so appointed is the f i rs t day of

the week ever since the resurrection of Christ. This is properly called the Lord's Day, or the Christian Sabbath. This em- bodies the essence of the Fourth Command- me~zt, and expresses the freedom of love rather than tha t of legal requirements : John 20 :19-27 ; Acts 20 :7 ; Rev. 1 :lo.

b. Purpose of the Day: To keep in constant renlembranee the resurrection of our Lord. Our attitude to-

45

wards the Day expresses our attitude toward His resurrection. To keep in remembrance the t ~ v o great benefits, Creation and Redemption. Cate- chism 59. Ev i t w e acknowledge God's lordship over afi of our time. I t prevents toil becoming a curse. and leaves men free to worship. To cultivate the spiritual life, and to en- gage in a ministry to the souls and bodies of men.

I-Giving as the Lord has prospered us is an integral par t of the worship and service of God: I Cor. 16 :2. a. Tllc offering is a part of worship, and is

a symbol of the dedication of the body and of all nlaterial possessions to the Lord and His service: Rom. 12:1, 2.

b. Our giving lo the Lord's work should be proportionate giving. ' The proportion can scarcely be less than under the Mosaic Law. The tithe then, or one-tenth of net income should be set apart a s the Lord's portion, to be administered as in His sight, This is an aclalowledgment of the Lord's owner- ship, and of our stewardship of material possessions.

1. W h a t w e t l ~ e p1'%'7zcipcl,l pn.rts of '~liorship, a71d .ruhcrt t l ~ e cl.iffe?-ent g ~ o 7 l . p ~ t h a t wovsh ip?

2. T4rhnt i s t h e 2un.y i71 auhich w e ( w e t o z o o ~ s h i p , ( L ? z ~ ?ohat s o n g s (!;re t o be zl.setl 1:?z p m i s e ?

3. W h a t d a y , b y di7iille conzm.rtncl, is .set npa9.t for wo?.ship, (~97d, z ~ k c ~ t i s t h e especicrl pzwpose o f t h e Da.y '? a

~1. lVl~y i s gl:ving cc peaat of t h e 7uo?-slLip and s e ~ v i c e of G o d ? .j. I?ih(f.t i s t h e p?'opo?'tio7?. o f ilzco?~ze to be se t

c~pa?-t cc71cl h o w cid?n.i?tiste~ecl?

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

THE SACRA-MENTS

W e believe t h a t t h e Lo?.cl Jeszts C h r i s t I ~ n s ap- poi7ltecl sacl.a??~e?zts t o be obse?.ved b y H i s C I L ~ ? - c h ; tltat these s a c ~ a ? n e ~ z t s are tzoo, ancl t w o on ly , Bccp- i i s ~ ~ z a n d tlze Lo7.dJs S z ~ p p e ~ ; and t h a t the?/ b e c o n ~ e channels o f grace o ~ z l y b y t h e blessing of Cl~?-ist a n d people. i l ~ e 2uorki1zg o f H i s S p i ~ i t in t h e I ~ e a ~ t s o f H i s

1-The sacraments were appointed by God as signs and seals of the covenant of gracc: Rom. 4 :11; Catechism 92.

a. The word sacrament meant originally a n oath of fidelity and obedience talien by a Roman soldier to his commander. In a sense therefore a sacrament is a r e ~ c ~ v a l of the promise 01 fidelity and obedience to Jesus Christ.

b. An ordina~lcc to be a sacrament requires two things: a co~nmaild of Christ, and a n element that will serve as a symbol o r sign of divine gracc. By the w o ~ d of Christ therefore a spiritual relationship is estab- lished between the sign and the thing signi- fied. Larger Catechism 163. By the same authority the sacrament is made a seal of the promises. The governor of a state, fo r example, af- fixes both his signature and seal to a n of- ficial document.

c . There are two sacraments authorized by Christ, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Matt. 28 :19 ; I Cor. 1'1 :23 26 ; Catechism 93.

4 7

These two sacraments fulfill and replace the two sacraments of the Old Testament, Circumcision and the Passover. Baptism, like Circumcision, is a n initial rite to be observed but once, or to be administered to the same person but once. The Lord's Supper, like the Passover, is a memorial feast to be observed repeated- Iy. Larger Catechism 176.

2-The Sacrament of Baptism. a. Baptism is a sacrament of the Ne\v Testa-

ment \~hei-ein Christ has appointed the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, to be a sign and seal of our union with Christ, of our cleansing from sin's guilt ancl stain, and of our commitment to Him. Matt. 25 :19: Catechisln 94. The element used is vate el., a symbol of the blood of Christ wrhii.h cleanses from the guilt of sin, and of the IVol-d of Christ which purifies the soul : I John 1 :7 ; John 15 :3. T l ~ c sacrament is therefore a s i p of the believer's regeneration by the blood and the Word applied by the 1-1013. Spiri t : John 3 : 5 ; Titus 3 :5. It is a solenln eormllitrnellt to Ihc Triwne Gocl, Father, Son and Spiri t ; and a renouncing of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

b. I3al1tism is t n be adrn i i i i s t~ r~d l n :~d i~ l t . s 011

profession of their faith in Christ and obedience to Him, and to the illfants of believing parents. Infants are baptized on the basis of the faith of the parent or parents, and tlze vo\lrs which they take for the child. Acts 10 :47 ; Matt. 19 :14 ; Catechism 95.

c. Baptism may be by sprinlcling, pouring 01. dipping. Since the element used, water, is

48

a sign of a spiritual reality, the significance of the sacrament does not depend upon the amount used. I t is to be into the name of the Father. Son, and Spirit, the Triuile God: Matt. 28 :19. It is usually to be achninistered in the Church, in the presence of the congregation, by a minister of Christ lawfully called tllereunto.

3-The Lord's Supper. a. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament of the

New Testament, ~ rhere in by giving and receiving bread and the cup according to the appointment of Christ, His death is sho\ved foisth : Luke 22 : l9, 20 ; Catechism 96. It is then to be a memorial feast appointed by Christ for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of I-Iimself in His death. I t is to be observed a t regular intervals by the congregation assenlbled for public ~vor - ship, and administered only by a lawful minister of the Word.

b. The Sacramental Elements. The elements to be used are bread and the cup. The "cup" stands for that which ii; contains, the I rui t of the vine. Whether this was fermented \vine is a matter of dispute: I Cor. 11 :23-26; I fark 14:22, 23, 25. The bread and the cup are sjmmbols of Christ's body and blood.

c. The Sacramental Acts. Tlzc-se are s i s in number, four by the minister and two by the communicants. "Took bread." "This is my body." Mark 14:22; John 1:14. This means that the eternal Son of God became flesh, i.e. toolr to Himsell true human nature. It does not mean that the bread turned into flesh and blood in I-Iis hand.

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"And blessed." Mark 14 2 2 . This signifies the solemn dedication of Je- sus to His lnission as tile Christ in His public baptism in the Jordan, and the Father's blessing: Matt. 3 :I?. The blessing does not change the nature of the elements. "And brake.'?hlarli 14 :22. This signifies the sufferings and death of the Anointed One. He died as our substitute. His death was an atonement for the sins of Ilis people. "And g a ~ e . " He gave the bread and gave the cup. He thus offers Himself in His sufferings and death to be our Saviour. Our salvation theyefore is all of grace. We are saved by grace. The disciples "take" or receive the bread and the cup. This indicates the faith and obedience of His disciples. They accept what God in Christ has done fo r them. They stand right ~ v i t h God througl~ their faith alone. The disciples "eat" and "drinli" the f rui t of the vine. This means that they receive ancl feed upon Christ and all the benefits of His death. Christ's mind becomes their- mind, and His spirit their spirit. Phil. 2 :2; Gal. 2 2 0 . Christ then is present, not in the bread or in the cup, but in the heart of the believer.

d. The Sacramental Observance. The nlanner of its obseivance is plainly 1.ecor.ded in the New Testament. The spii i t of i ts observance espresses itself in self- examination, preparation (of mind and heart, and in high anticipation of blessing : I Cor. 11 :27-31; I1 Cor. 13:5.

4-Tlle sacrainents become channels of grace only 50

by the blessing of Christ and the ~vol-king of His Spirit in the hearts of His people: I Cor. 3:'i; 6 : l l .

1. IT'hnt is n s n c ~ . a ? ~ t e ~ i t mtcl ~clhnt t w o tlt~17gs n re slecessrc1.y t o n sno. i t?ne?~t '!

2. W h n t t w o sncrame?zts in t h e hrezu Tes tan tea t , crwd 7ul~rrt t w o scm-n??te?tts o f t h e Old T e s t n ? ) ~ e ? ~ t do the^ ?.epl(tce '!

3. TVhnt i s b i r p t i s ~ ~ t n?rd .~crhnt i s its mecotzny '! 4. T o ?ulioln i s b a p t i s ~ ~ l t o be tidnzi7~istered a d

hozo? 5. T/T'hnt is f l te L o ~ c l ' s S z ~ p p e r '! 6. l?/lzc~t n r s t h e ele~lze?zts xsed and wlu~t clo t h e y

rep?.esent ? 7. IYhilt p r e p n r a t i o ~ ~ i s necessn ly to i t s ob-

se? vnltce?

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

M.ARKIAGE AND THE HOME

VlJe believe t k n t ?,m?.?-inge is C L I L honorable es tate i?~.s t i t?~ted b?j God i)z t h e beginnilzg o f 11117ncc7~ his- LOT?^; ikiit t h e jcc?)~iEy 1's t h e t l u e writ of society crnd essential to i t s stubili t?j; a ? ~ d , t h a t t h e Chl-is- t i a n h,onle is v i tu l to t h e wel l bei7lg o f the CILSIYCJL.

I--Marriage, instituted by the Creator, is honorable in all. Heb. 1 3 : 4 ; Matt. 19 :3-6. a. I t is la\\rful therefor for all sorts of people

who are able with judgment to give their consent. Gen. 211 :57, 58. Marriage is not a sacrament, nor peculiar to the Church of Christ, so it is right that the civil goveriunent make laws to regulate marriage. Marriage is of a public nature and must al- ways be performed before a conlpetent number of witnesses. 19arriage was ordained for. the illutual good of husballd and wife; for the coiltinuance of society; for the increase and building up of the church; and t o promote purity. Gen. 2 : 1 5 ; 1 2 8 ; Mal. 2 : l l ; I Cor. ' 72 .

b. Marriage is a solenln covenant between one man and one woman, in which they vow to live together in loyalty to each other uiltil parted by death. Christians should marry only in the Lord. That is, a Chris- tian should not marry a n unbeliever. I Cor. 7 :39 ; I1 Cor. 6 :14. The marriage of Christians should be sol- emnized by a lawful minister. Scripture enjoins the husband to love his wife even

52

as Christ lo17ed the church, and the wife to respect her husband in the Lord. Eph. 5 : 22-33. Marriage is indissoluble except fo r tlle cause of adultery or ii~emediable desel-tion. Divorce is a last desperate resort permit- ted only for the foregoing reasons. Ex. 20: 1 4 ; Matt. 19:9; I Car. 7 :16.

%-The Family is the true unit of society and essential to its stability. a. The family is the unit or cell which makes

society organic. The fanlily is made up of parents and children : father, mother, child o r children. Parents are responsible for their. childrcn until they come to years of maturity. Immature children a re dependent on their parenls and owe obedience to thcm. Human society is strong and vigor- ous nrhen the marriage bond is held in hoiior, and when parents and children a r e bound together by mutual love and respect.

13. The family is a healthy unit of society only when based on the Fifth and Seventh Com- mandments. See Catechism Questions 63- 66 and 70-72.

3-The Christian I-Iome is vital to the \\re11 being of the Church. a. By and large the strength of the Church

is dependent on its homes. The spiritual life of the church on the wltole will not rise higher than the quality of spiritual life in its homes. The home then must be Chris- tian if the Church is to have power. On the other hand the Church has a responsibiIity for cultivating and developing Chiistian homes.

b. A Christian home is one which is comrnit- ted to the worship and service of God in

53

Christ. Ps. 103 : l7, 18; Acts 2:39; Deut. 6 :6, 7 ; Matt. 19 :13-15. Here parents teach their children that they are Christ's and owre Him the love of thei r hearts and the service of their lives. They train them to trust and obey the Lord, and teach them the way of t ru th and goodness. l iere children obey and honor their parents as in the Lord, and parents do not provoke their children to do wrong. Eph. 6:l-4. Here too is the family al tar o r family worship. This is the regular worship of Gad by the family, parents and children together. L4 n~iniillurn requirement is the reading aloud of a portion of the Word and some lnelllber of the family leading in prayer.

1. TTfhcit i s ??tccrv.icrge; for ~ ( ; I L o ? ) L ~ R Z O ~ Z I ~ ; b y ~ I J ~ L O W Z insti t?rted; for quhcrt plc?.pose; and qui t l~ ? L ~ / L O ~ sholtld Cltsistic~?zs ma?-?-y ?

2. T/T'hrtt i s t h e inlgortalzce of the fa?nily t o society, cind o f t h e Fiftlz r~wd S e v e ? ~ t h Col~?nzn?td- nlei?ts to the fanlily'?

3. W h y is t l ~ e Chv is t i co~ h0111e 7:itcll t o the zuell- bei7l.g of the Chlc?.cl~?

4. TTThtrt i s ri Chlisticrn h o m e ?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CIVIL GOVERNMENT AND T H E KINGDOM O F GOD

W e believe t h a t the Lord Jesus CIL?-ist is the X d e ? . o f ~ m t i o ~ z s ; t h a t ?ur.tio?zs alld ~ ? i l e ~ s owe obedieltce t o H i m CIS t he K i n g o f k ings ; that civil g o v e ~ ~ ~ z w e l z t , in addi t ion t o the F a n ~ i l y t lw Chzt?.cl~, i s a div ine ins t i tu t ion fo?. b?-i>rgi?tg i?t t h e ICi?tgdom o f G o d ; ancl, t lmt ~ t a t i o ? ~ p?-ofessing the Ch?.istia?z ?.eLigio?~ sl~ozilcl elzte?. i ~ t o cove?zn9~t 7-elntio?zs zuitk God in C l ~ ~ i s t .

1-The Lord Jesus Christ is the Rulel. of 11 a t' lons. a. To Ifiin has been colnnlitted all autllority

in heaven and on earth. Matt. 22:18; Jno. 5:22, 23; Phil. 2 :9-11.

b. Christ actually rules as King of nations by punishing those who violate His law, and by rewarding those who obey Kim a s their Ruler. Ps. 2 :1-5, 9 ; 9 : l7 ; Rev. 2 :27 ; Deut. 28 :1-14 ; Ps. 2 :12.

c. Sonqc day all nations shall aclinowledge and obey Christ a s their Ruler. Ps. 72:8, 11, 1 7 ; Dan. 7 :13, 14, 27.

2-Nations and rulers owe obedience to Him as Icing of Icings. a. Znasmuch as their authol.ity i s derived

from God through Christ, the only Media- tor, they a re bound to acknowledge the source of their authority, and rule accoi-d- ing to the revealed will of God. Deut. 17: 18-20. This acknowledgment should be made in the Constitution, the fundamental law of the land.

b. In every nation that professes the Christian 5 5

religion i t i s t he duty of civil rulers, in- cluding presidents, kings, governors, leg- islators and voters t o honor the King of kings by shaping the laws and life of t he nat ion according t o the principles of t he Word of God f o r nations.

$--Civil government, in addition to the fanlily and the Church, is a divine institution fo r bringing i n t h e Kingdom of God.

a. Civil government in its na ture is a n ordinance of God, and a s such is t o be obeyed. Rom. 13 :1, 2 ; I Pet . 2 :13, 14. Civil g o \ ~ e r l m e n t in actual operation is composed of men, imperfect a t the best, and sometimes bad, and so may be perverted lo evil ends. Civil rulers, in t he ordinance of God, a r e to be ministers of God. They a r e set fo r the punishment of eviI cloers, and f o r t he pro- tection of those \!rho do r ight . Rom. 13:3, 4 ; I Pet . 2 :13, 14. Citizens o r subjects owe obedience to their rulers in all th ings l a \ ~ ~ f u I , f o r conscience, salie. Rom. 13 :ti, 6. This obedience however is limited by the law of God. I f rulers become the protectors of evil doers and a te r ror to the good, then Ch~is t ia r t s lnust obey Gocl ra ther than men. Acts 5 2 9 .

b. The Icingclom 01 God is the grea t end fo r 1vhic11 the three divine institutions exist. S o civiI government a s a divine institution has one grea t pul.pose, to bring in the King- don1 of God. The 1<1ngdom oS God is Gocl's all inclusive program, i n Christ, Por the world. It i s the rule of' God i n the hearts of men, and a divine order into which nlen must e n t e ~ . It

56

i s both to be received and entered. Luke 18: 1% Jo1111 3 :5. The Manifesto of the Iiingdom i s found in Rlattheur chapters V, 1 7 1 , VII. The qualifications of i ts citizens a r e set for th in Matt. 5:l-16. Many of t he parables of Jesus illustrate phases of the I(ingd0n-t. Jesus taught His disciples t o pray, Thy liingdom come. Cate- chism 102. The qualities of the lringdonl t o be empha- sized a r c righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit . Rom. 14 :17, 18.

-1-Nations professing the Christian religion should enter into covenant relations \\:it11 God. 11 Chron. 15 :11-15; 23 :1-3. 16. 3. This exalts the ~\lill of God to the place of

supremacy i n the life of the nation. This, however, does not involve a ullion of Clnwch and State. Each is independent in i t s o\trll sphere, but both owe obedience t o the I i ing of nations and the Head of the Chul-ch.

b. The Christian a s a citizen is called upon to dissent f rom ancl to refuse to incorporate urith a c o n s t i t ~ t i ~ o n of governlnent which denies our Lord's claim to the obedience of the body politic. See C o v e n ~ n t of 1871, Sectioil 111.

I. SJLOW tl~ci t t h e Loyd Jes?,rs Ch.?-ist i s t h e 12,z/Le.1. of ??tr.tio?ts.

2. I;T/ILIJ sho?~lcl. ?lrrtio,tl.s c~ck~tozo~ecl'.ge t h e Lo?.d Jesus Ch>.ist n.s Icing o i Iti~zgs, ri..i~d ?ohem sho7llcl t h i s trck?zo?s.ledg~lze?zt be ?l?.atle '?

3. I;l/'htrt i s ci7tiL gozre7.?27tse7lt ciqzd *[.uhrit a m t h e d?!.i:ies o f civil ,~.?rlers?

5 7

4. A1.e there (1777j limits t o t h e obedience 70.2 o w e t o civil mle7.s? I f so, ~ l z . u t ?

5. I q l ~ ( ~ t is t h e K i w g d o m o f God, n i ~ d w h a t i s t l ~ e y yeat p7r1.11ose o j civil gove-?miz e.izt ?

6. Ji7hu shozrld u, n u t i o n p ~ o f e s s i n y t h e Ch1-i'~- f inn ?.eligio?c ei1te.l. i n t o coz>e72c~nt 7 u i f l ~ God ?

7. What is ''polZtic(11 clissent," cc i l d lohen does z't become necessc17.y ?

SUMMARY

I. We believe tha t the Scriptures of the o l d and New Testaments a re the Word of God, and the ollly infallible rule of fai th and life.

2. MTe believe in one God and that He eternally exists in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

3. We believe tha t nlan was created perfect. Inale and female, in the inlage of God; elldowed wit11 knowledge, righteousness, and t rue holiness ; and, wit11 the law of God written on their 11eal.ts.

4. We believe t h a t nlan sinned and brouglll .death ~lpoll himself and his posterity; tha t all human beings halle an inherently sinful nature, and a r e therefore sinners in thought, ~ r o r d , and deed: and in order t:, be restored to fellowship with God must be born again by the Spirit of God.

6. RTe believe tha t God is absolutely sovereign ; t h a t He worketll all things af ter tlle counsel of His own will, tha t He has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass; and tha t He preserves and governs all His creatures and all their actions.

6. We believe tha t God in His mercy provided a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, to deliver His people fro111 the guilt, power, and stain of sin, and to restore them to the place of fellowship.

7. We believe tha t the Holy Spiri t is the third persoll of the Trinity, proceeding fro111 the Father and the Son; and, tha t EIe is tlle divine agent for bringing men into saving relations with God in Christ.

8. M7e believe tha t "Christ died for our sins ac- cordillg t~ the Scril3tures," and that all ~ * ~ h o 11alre

50

fait11 in H i m 11ave forgi~reness of sins and ever lasting ~ ~ i g l ~ l e o u s n e s s , solely through the merits of Jesus Chr i s t on the grounds of His shed blood.

9. 14le believe t h a t a11 those ~vho111 God has c]losen u n t o life will be called by His Word and Spirit 011t of the s t a t e of sin and death i lnh sal- \,ation by Jesus Ch1-ist; that noile of tllose urhonl God has cllosell will be lost ; that true believers lllay to t h e assurance of their salvation; and t] lat God commands all men to repent and believe on His Son.

10. We believe t h a t it is appoiilted unto all inen once to d i e ; t h a t af ter death the souls of believers d o immediately pass into glory, and the souls 01 t h e i~nredeerned into the abode of the lost; we believe i n the Second Coming- of Christ, tlle resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the l i f e everlasting.

11. W e believe t h a t insall things nre should live a life of obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ a s our Master; t a k i n g the Ten Co~nn~and~l le l l t s and the esainpIe a n d teachings of Jesus as 0111. rille of righteousness.

12. W e believe t h a t the Church is the body of Christ b rough t i n t o being by the Moly Spiri t ; that it consists of all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ a s their Saviour, together with their children ; that i ts organization is determined by Christ i t s Head ; a n d that its terms of fellowship should b e only w h a t the Scriptures enjoin.

13. W e believe t h a t the worship of the one living and t r u e God is a universal obligation; that His worship m u s t be according to His own ap- pointmeilt; t ha t H e has designated one day in seven fox- res t a n d ~rrorship; and, tha t giving as the Lord has pms],ered us is a n integral par t of tlte worship and service of God.

14. W e believe t h a t the Lord Jesus Chiist has

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appointed sacraments to be observed by His Church; that ihese sacl.aments a re two, and two only, Eaplisnl ancl the Lord's Supper; and, that they become channels of grace only by the blessing of Christ and the +vorking of His Spirit in the heal-ts of His people.

15. We believe that marriage is an honorable cstate instituted by God in the beginning of human history; tllat the i'arnily is the true unit of society and esseiltial to its stability; and, that the Christian home is vilal to the well being of the C1111rc11.

16. We bclieve that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Ruler of nations; tha t ilatio~ls and rulers owe obedience to Hiin as the I(ing of kings; tha t civil government, in addition to the Family and the Church, is a divine institution for bringing in the I(ingdoln of God ; and, that nations professing the Christian religion slzould enter into covenant relations xrrith God in Christ.

has confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour

and has been received into the full membership of the

-- - . - .

on this . - -- - day of in the

year of o u r Lord 19--__

what we be

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