THE PLACE & NECESSITY OF CREEDS & CONFESSIONS IN THE MODERN CHURCH

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "THE PLACE & NECESSITY OF CREEDS & CONFESSIONS IN THE MODERN CHURCH"

Transcription

1 THE PLACE & NECESSITY OF CREEDS & CONFESSIONS IN THE MODERN CHURCH First published in the PCC Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 17, dated 29 Oct 2006 In a couple of days time, on October 31 st, it will be 489 th anniversary of the 16 th Century Protestant Reformation. On that day in 1517, a Roman Catholic Monk by the name of Martin Luther, a professor in theology nailed an invitation to a debate onto the door of the castle church of Wittenberg, Germany. In this document, today known as the 95 Thesis, Luther exposed a number of gross errors of the Roman Catholic Church, and called for anyone who would be inclined to do so to prove him wrong in a public debate. No one took up the challenge. What Luther wrote resonated with the heart feeling of the common people and scholars alike. So in a very short while, the document was copied and distributed all over Germany and beyond. It was start of a great religious revolution known as the Protestant Reformation. But 489 years have passed. Many of the things that Luther and his successors both in the Lutheran Church and the Reformed Churches taught have become strange in the ears of contemporary Christians. Many do not even know the difference between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism apart from the fact that Rome prays to the Virgin Mary while Protestants do not. Many Protestant know Martin Luther King, jr., the American civil rights activist, but know not his greater name sake. What shall we do to arrest this sad state of affair in the church? I believe that apart from teaching church history and promoting the reading of church history books, it is necessary for the church to be brought back to a proper understanding of the place and necessity of creeds and confession. What has creeds and confessions to do with the Reformation, you may ask? Well, the answer lies in the fact that history has shown that apart from churches which maintain a firm and honest emphasis on creeds and confessions, most others have drifted away from the moorings of the 16 th Century Reformation and the form of Scripturally balanced Christianity taught by the Magisterial Reformer such as Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox, etc. In this short article therefore, we would like to examine, as the questions: Is there a Biblical Basis for Creeds and Confessions? What are the Uses of Creed and Confessions in the Church? To what extend should Creed or Confession be binding to members? 1. Biblical Basis Many modern evangelical Christians are quick to say that they believe in no creeds but the Bible. But this statement is in itself a creedal statement, and therefore makes it self-contradictory. You see, the English word creed really comes from the Latin word credo which means I believe. A biblical creed, then, is really expression or statement of belief concerning what the Bible teaches. When the church adopts a creed, she is essentially confessing their faith or belief together. For this reason, creeds are also known as Confessions of Faith such as the Westminster Confession of Faith. Numerous passages in the Scripture instruct us to confess our faith (e.g. Mt 10:32; Rom 10:9-10; Rom 15:6; cf. Jn 1:49; Mt 16:16). And when the apostle Paul beseeched the Corinthian church by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that [they] all speak the same thing (1 Coe 1:10), he is in fact, telling them to confess the same faith. How might they do so except they have a statement of faith or a Confession of Faith however primitive or simple it might have been. Herein is the first biblical basis for creeds and confession: The scripture calls us to confession our faith and to confess it together. But secondly, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy: Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus (2Tm 1:13). The word translated form means schema or system. No, strictly speaking the Bible as we have received it does not present such a form that we can retain in our memory. A form or system requires some for of organization of the biblical data mined from everywhere in the Scripture. Only with an adopted creed or confession with their associated catechism can we effectively hold fast a form of sound doctrine in our minds. And thirdly, when we use creeds or confession, we are simply affirming our belief in the work of the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13). We agree with those who refuse to hold creeds in high regards that the Holy Spirit illumines our minds individually so that we can all understand the Scripture. But unlike them, we recognize that God s gift is given in different measure to different individuals (Eph 4:7). And we believe that our Confession of Faith and other Reformed Confessions were written by learned and godly men who were richly endowed with the Holy Spirit and enabled to interpret and expound the Scripture with uncommon clarity and accuracy. And their spiritual wisdom and faithfulness to the truth have been confirmed not only by their peers but by the church search the Scriptures to see if the things they taught are in accordance with the Scripture. 1 of 5

2 This being the case, when we adopt a Confession as a church, we are in effect, acknowledging that the church did not begin with us and the Holy Spirit is not our sole possession. The Holy Spirit did not only inspire the Scripture, He illumined. The written Confessions represent the Spirit s work in the history of the Church. We should therefore regard the confession highly and use it to guide our own interpretation of the Scripture. In this regard, we agree with the eloquent statement of Dr G.I. Williamson: The Bible contains a great wealth of information. It isn't easy to master it all - in fact, no one has ever mastered it completely. It would therefore be foolish for us to try to do it on our own, starting from scratch. We would be ignoring all the study of the Word of God that other people have done down through the centuries. That is exactly why we have creeds. They are the product of many centuries of Bible study by a great company of believers. They are a kind of spiritual "road map" of the teaching of the Bible, already worked out and proved by others before us. And, after all, isn't this exactly what Jesus promised? When he was about to finish his work on earth, he made this promise to his disciples: "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (Jn 16:13). And Christ kept his promise. When the Day of Pentecost came, he sent his Spirit to dwell in his people. The Holy Spirit was poured out - not on individuals, each by himself, but on the whole body of Christian believers together (Acts 2). And from that time until this, he has been giving his church an understanding of the Scriptures. It is no wonder that the church expressed itself from very early times through creeds And right here we see one of the most important things about a creed that is true to the Bible - it remains true down through the ages. It does not need to be changed again and again, with each generation, because it deals with things that are unchanging. Thus, an accurate creed binds the generations together. It reminds us that the church of Jesus Christ is not confined to one age, just as it is not confined to any one place. In other words, there is a unity in what Christians have believed, right down through the ages. Just think of it: when we confess our faith together... we join with all those believers who have gone before us. Does not this demonstrate that there is indeed just one Lord and one true faith? 1 So then, the use of Creeds and Confession has a strong biblical basis, because firstly we are commanded in the Word of God to confess our faith together; secondly, we are taught to retain in our minds a system of doctrine; and thirdly, we are convinced from the Scripture that the Holy Spirit is not only given to us, but in fact given in greater measure to our godly and learned fathers in the faith, some of whom were used by the Lord to pen and to hand down their exposition and creedal systematization of the Word of God. But what are the uses of Creeds and Confession 2. Uses Dr A.A. Hodge has outlined the uses of creed and confession very succinctly: They have been found in all ages of the church useful for the following purposes: (1) To mark, preserve and disseminate the attainments made in the knowledge of Christian truth by any branch of the church in any grand crisis of its development. (2) To discriminate the truth from the glosses of false teachers, and accurately to define it in its integrity and due proportions. (3) To act as the bond of ecclesiastical fellowship among those so nearly agreed as to be able to labor together in harmony. (4) To be used as instruments in the great work of popular instruction. 2 Developing on this outline, we may think of three inter-related uses for creeds or confessions in the church. Firstly, there is a Unifying Use as already alluded by the fact that part of the biblical basis for the use of confession is so that the church may confess the same truth. The apostle Paul speaks of the church as having One Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph 4:5). But unless the church interprets the Scripture in the same way on major issues, there can be no true unity of faith. So Paul also speak of how the gifts of the Holy Spirit pertaining to the conveyance of knowledge are given to various individuals in the church For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Eph 4:12-13). The Confession of Faith which is produced through the collective exercise of the gift of the Spirit is therefore very important as a tool to maintain the unity of the church. In this regard it is important to note that in a Reformed church, the official doctrinal position of the church should not be the pastor s position (as in the case of papalism and independent non-creedal church). Rather, it should be the doctrine spelt out in the Confession. Where the confession is silent on any matters, then members should be allowed to differ. A church should never be allowed to split over issues that are extra-confessional. On the other hand, if an officer of the church, especially an elder, in the church differ from the confessional position on a point of doctrine and seek to promote his view, then he could be cited for having a divisive spirit. 1 G.I. Williamson. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1993: Hodge, Archibald Alexander. Creeds and Confessions. As accessed at 2 of 5

3 Secondly, Confessions have a Didactic Use. That is: they and especially their associated Catechism may be profitably used for the systematic instruction of children and adults alike. In additional to that, statements in the Confessions and Catechisms may be quoted authoritatively in sermons to clarify or state a doctrine without having to prove its veracity again. Thirdly, Confession has a Corrective Use. That is: Since the Confession contains the accepted or adopted doctrinal position of the church, anyone who promotes a different doctrine can be asked officially to refrain. And if he continues to promote his opinions contrary to the Confession can dealt with disciplinarily by the church. Thus, if a minister of the church which upholds the historic Westminster Confession of Faith were to insist in Premillenialism, he can and should be asked to resign from the pastorate. 3. Extent of Authority A Church that decides to adopt a creed for the afore said reasons must decide the extent to which the creed should be given power to bind the conscience. In this regard there are two errors which we must avoid. First, we should avoid the error of making the Confession a powerless symbol in the church. Sadly, this has become the case in many modern Presbyterian churches where the stated Confession of the Church is the Westminster Confession of Faith, whereas the ministers and elders teach and defend Arminianism and Dispensationalism; and where the worship is contemporary to the exclusion of Psalms. Such churches are merely paying lip-service to the Confession of Faith, may be better off without them rather than face charges of dishonesty from within and without. But secondly, we should avoid the error of making every member in the church subscribe to the confession of faith. The church is the church of Christ, we have no right to make the doorway to the church narrower than it already is. Thus, we agree with the judgment of Dr A.A. Hodge: The matter of all these Creeds and Confessions binds the consciences of men only so far as it is purely scriptural, and because it is so. The form in which that matter is stated, on the other hand, binds only those who have voluntarily subscribed the Confession and because of that subscription. In all churches a distinction is made between the terms upon which private members are admitted to membership and the terms upon which office bearers are admitted to their sacred trusts of teaching and ruling. A church has no right to make anything a condition of membership which Christ has not made a condition of salvation. The church is Christ s fold. The Sacraments are the seals of his covenant. All have a gilt to claim admittance who make a credible profession of the true religion, that is, who are presumptively the people of Christ. This credible profession of course involves a competent knowledge of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, a declaration of personal faith in Christ and of devotion to his service, and a temper of mind and a habit of life consistent therewith. On the other hand, no man can be inducted into any office in any church who does not profess to believe in the truth and wisdom of the constitution and laws it will be his duty to conserve and administer. Otherwise all harmony of sentiment and all efficient co operation in action would be impossible. In other words, officers of the church, especially elders should subscribe fully to the Confession of Faith to be able to defend it and to have no disagreement with it. On the other hand, to be an ordinary member of the church, only credible profession of faith is needed. Of course, for prudential reasons, for two cannot walk except they be agreed, the elders of the church should, when admitting anyone who is known to differ from the doctrine of the Confession at any point to admonish the would be member not to promote his or her own peculiar doctrine; and to require him to submit to the teaching and instruction of the church which is in accordance with the Confession of Faith. 3 Conclusion We have seen the biblical basis for having a Confession of Faith. We have seen its uses in the church and the extent to which it is authoritative in the church. It remains for us to conclude by way of an assertion that it would be of far greater value for modern churches planning to celebrate Reformation Day to return to an honest and balanced use of the Reformation Creeds and Confession, rather than to be entertained by videos and sermons about the Reformation. 3 Ibid. 3 of 5

4 The Lord himself says: Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls (Jer 6:16). Unless we return to the old ways, even the ways which our fathers of the faith have so diligently delineated in our Creeds and Confession, we shall have no rest, but continue to experience ecclesiastical declensions and divisions to the shame of the name of Christ, the King of the Church. Amen. JJ Lim 4 of 5

5 Bibliography Hodge, Archibald Alexander. Creeds and Confessions. As accessed at Williamson, G.I.. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: Presbyterian and Reformed, of 5

Lesson 3: Who Are Protestants?

Lesson 3: Who Are Protestants? STANDARD C - WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PART OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD? Introduction Lesson 3: Who Are Protestants? Most Christians are in agreement on basic beliefs. Most accept the Apostles Creed and the Nicene

More information

Then after a bit of a break at the beginning of 2011, I preached through the five major points of doctrine in the Canons of Dort in 25 sermons.

Then after a bit of a break at the beginning of 2011, I preached through the five major points of doctrine in the Canons of Dort in 25 sermons. PROFFESSION OF OUR FAITH. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church January 13, 2013, 6:00PM Sermon Texts: I Timothy 6:12-14; II Timothy 3:14-15 Introduction. When I arrived here as your

More information

NO CREED, BUT CHRIST

NO CREED, BUT CHRIST I. INTRODUCTION. A. Scripture Reading: NO CREED, BUT CHRIST What Is Wrong with Creeds? B. What Separates the Lord s Church from Man-made Churches. 1. There are many factors, but one major factor is the

More information

Approved PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL. Constitution PREAMBLE

Approved PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL. Constitution PREAMBLE Approved 1-21-96 PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL Constitution PREAMBLE Whereas, according to the Word of God, it is the duty of Christians to establish and maintain in their midst the ministerial offices

More information

GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH VISITS IN THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA ADOPTED BY SYNOD 1998

GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH VISITS IN THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA ADOPTED BY SYNOD 1998 APPENDIX 3 GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH VISITS IN THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA ADOPTED BY SYNOD 1998 (Re: Article 44 of the Church Order 1 ) PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS Footnotes amended according to Article

More information

Our Plea To The Religious World

Our Plea To The Religious World Our Plea To The Religious World Since the early 1800 s the plea for a return to NT Christianity has been made in America The plea was made because of the creeds of men and the widespread false teaching

More information

We Have Noted In Lessons 1-3. Today s Study the Years of Reformation

We Have Noted In Lessons 1-3. Today s Study the Years of Reformation 1 2 We Have Noted In Lessons 1-3 What we mean by the term church. The Kingdom was Prophesied Dan 2:44; Matthew 3:1,2; Mark 9:1 Jesus promised to build His church (kingdom) Matthew 16:18,19 Established

More information

Part One: The End of Sola Scriptura "By Scripture Alone"

Part One: The End of Sola Scriptura By Scripture Alone Are We At the End of the Reformation? Part One: The End of Sola Scriptura "By Scripture Alone" Peter Ditzel Most scholars date the start of the Protestant Reformation to October 31, 1517, when the Roman

More information

Sola Scriptura and the Regulative Principle of Worship, Chapter 1 What Is Sola Scriptura?

Sola Scriptura and the Regulative Principle of Worship, Chapter 1 What Is Sola Scriptura? Sola Scriptura and the Regulative Principle of Worship, Chapter 1 What Is Sola Scriptura? Brian Schwertley Before we consider the relationship between sola scriptura and the regulative principle, we need

More information

Sacraments of the Reformed Faith

Sacraments of the Reformed Faith Sacraments of the Reformed Faith Student s Guide Introduction This study guide is intended for small groups and short seminars to introduce the view of sacraments as held by Presbyterians and other branches

More information

Contents Exploring the Book of Confessions

Contents Exploring the Book of Confessions Contents Exploring the Book of Confessions Introduction to Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding... 3 Introduction to Exploring the Book of Confessions... 4 Session 1. The Nature and Function of

More information

Outline of Membership Class

Outline of Membership Class Outline of Membership Class The Membership Class is made up of four one hour classes: Class One: Watch video on Beliefs and Doctrines What do You Promise as a member The Tenets of the Presbyterian Church

More information

The Constitution of OUR SAVIOUR S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Hardwood Way Cannon Falls, MN 55009

The Constitution of OUR SAVIOUR S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Hardwood Way Cannon Falls, MN 55009 The Constitution of OUR SAVIOUR S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 30370 Hardwood Way Cannon Falls, MN 55009 Revised: Jan. 2007 PREAMBLE In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

More information

The Reformation Protestant protest

The Reformation Protestant protest The Reformation The church had fallen into ritualism, superstition and lifeless theological scholasticism. Some church leaders even suggested that salvation could be earned or bought. Giving the church

More information

SPIRITUAL MATURITY 1CORINTHIANS 3

SPIRITUAL MATURITY 1CORINTHIANS 3 SPIRITUAL MATURITY 1CORINTHIANS 3 Text: 1 Cor. 3:1 (1 Cor 3:1 KJV) And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. Introduction: The church

More information

Intercontinental Church of God 33. Traditional Christian Doctrines

Intercontinental Church of God 33. Traditional Christian Doctrines Intercontinental Church of God 33. Traditional Christian Doctrines DOCTRINAL STATEMENT The Church is the spiritual body of Christ, a group of persons called out by God and impregnated with His Holy Spirit.

More information

RESTORING THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

RESTORING THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH Front Cover RESTORING THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH Every church has its own peculiar plea. The peculiar plea of the church of Christ is for a complete restoration of the church which was established on the

More information

The Essentials Of Our Faith

The Essentials Of Our Faith The Essentials Of Our Faith Session XIII December 5, 2010 A Summary: The Practical Importance Of A Dispensational Interpretation Of The Word Of God God has placed a calling upon Riverwood Bible Church

More information

THEOLOGICAL PRESUPPOSITIONS

THEOLOGICAL PRESUPPOSITIONS S E S S I O N S I X THEOLOGICAL PRESUPPOSITIONS Session Objectives: By the end of this session, the student should... 1) Recognize the theological implications of "salvation as a free gift." 2) Understand

More information

SOLA SPRIPTURA (Mark 7:5-8)

SOLA SPRIPTURA (Mark 7:5-8) SOLA SPRIPTURA (Mark 7:5-8) INTRODUCTION In April 1521 Martin Luther, a monk of the Augustinian order in Wittenberg, Germany, was summoned to appear before Charles V, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire,

More information

THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME :

THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME : THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME : THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LORD S SUPPER FREQUENTLY OBSERVED IN CHRIST S CHURCH REV. CHARLES R. BIGGS The Importance of the Lord s Supper Frequently Observed in Christ s Church

More information

CONSTITUTION GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, INC. ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

CONSTITUTION GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, INC. ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA TABLE OF CONTENTS PREAMBLE... 2 ARTICLE I NAME AND LOCATION... 2 ARTICLE II PURPOSE (unalterable)... 2 ARTICLE III DOCTRINAL STANDARD (unalterable)... 3 ARTICLE IV SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP... 3 ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP...

More information

Ridgway, Colorado Website: Facebook: Presbyterian Church (USA) Basic Beliefs

Ridgway, Colorado Website:  Facebook:  Presbyterian Church (USA) Basic Beliefs Ridgway, Colorado Website: www.ucsjridgway.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ucsjridgway We are affiliated with: Presbyterian Church (USA), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ

More information

THE CREEDAL IMPERATIVE: A REVIEW

THE CREEDAL IMPERATIVE: A REVIEW THE CREEDAL IMPERATIVE: A REVIEW By Colin D. Lundstrom A term paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Divinity in Reformed Baptist Seminary November 15, 2015

More information

The Reformed and Post-Reformation Creeds and Councils

The Reformed and Post-Reformation Creeds and Councils RPM Volume 16, Number 17, April 20 to April 26, 2014 The Reformed and Post-Reformation Creeds and Councils By Charles R. Biggs Many Thanks to William Barker, Daryl Hart, and Clair Davis for their lectures

More information

Give Me the Bible Lesson 1

Give Me the Bible Lesson 1 Lesson 1 WHAT IS THE BIBLE? God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed

More information

Small group questions

Small group questions Small group questions Matthew 26:26-30 A communion in need of clarifying Leaders if the questions make no sense or you don t know the answer please contact the preacher! 1. Why is it important to stop

More information

WEAKNESSES IN THE MODERN EVANGELICAL CONCEPT OF JUSTIFICATION

WEAKNESSES IN THE MODERN EVANGELICAL CONCEPT OF JUSTIFICATION WEAKNESSES IN THE MODERN EVANGELICAL CONCEPT OF JUSTIFICATION JOHN T. DYCK The doctrine of justification is essential to a good understanding of the gospel. Job s question requires careful consideration

More information

Section A- Statement of Faith

Section A- Statement of Faith Constitution of Eternity Christian Fellowship as of 05/08/06 updated 1/16/2019 Section A- Statement of Faith We believe: 1. In Jesus Christ as risen Lord, Savior, and Son of God as stated in the historic

More information

Here We Stand: The Five Sola s

Here We Stand: The Five Sola s Here We Stand: The Five Sola s INTRODUCTION Ø A brief review of the Reformation begins Ø Through men like Philip Melanchton, Martin Bucer, Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin reformed churches emerge in essentially

More information

Introduction. As it is natural for water to run down hill, so it is natural for a Christian to grow in

Introduction. As it is natural for water to run down hill, so it is natural for a Christian to grow in The Believers Need for the Church and the Communion of the Saints: A Modern Application of Octavius Winslow s Work Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul Introduction As it is natural

More information

CONSTITUTION Adopted: May 20, 2018

CONSTITUTION Adopted: May 20, 2018 RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH 765 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601-1513 CONSTITUTION Adopted: May 20, 2018 PREAMBLE It is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that His disciples should live

More information

Summary Statement of Belief - Introduction

Summary Statement of Belief - Introduction Summary Statement of Belief - Introduction Covenant Christian School is more than just a School. It s a community of people staff, students, parents, exstudents, grandparents, friends, and even connected

More information

The Church of the New Testament. A Study on The Church of The New Testament By: Sergio Luna

The Church of the New Testament. A Study on The Church of The New Testament By: Sergio Luna The Church of the New Testament Introduction It is very important that each one of us have the opportunity to analyze the scriptures to come to a biblical conclusion and not a human one. (Acts 17:11) There

More information

Copy of Assessment: The Reformation Begins

Copy of Assessment: The Reformation Begins Name Date Mastering the Content Copy of Assessment: The Reformation Begins Select the letter next to the best answer. 1. How did Renaissance humanists contribute to the weakening of the Roman Catholic

More information

KNOW YOUR CHURCH HISTORY (12) The Reformation Church ( ) From Calvin to Calvinism

KNOW YOUR CHURCH HISTORY (12) The Reformation Church ( ) From Calvin to Calvinism A. Introduction KNOW YOUR CHURCH HISTORY (12) The Reformation Church (1517-1648) From Calvin to Calvinism 1. As the Word of God was unleashed, a true church faithful to the Gospel emerged out of the Medieval

More information

THE SPECIAL OFFICES IN THE CHURCH. ELDERS and DEACONS

THE SPECIAL OFFICES IN THE CHURCH. ELDERS and DEACONS THE SPECIAL OFFICES IN THE CHURCH ELDERS and DEACONS TOPICS: #1 Desiring to be an Office-bearer #2 Preparing to be an Office-bearer #3 What the Special Offices are #4 The Elder and his Work #5 The Deacon

More information

Should we change the Westminster Confession of Faith?

Should we change the Westminster Confession of Faith? Should we change the Westminster Confession of Faith? Every now and then in the life of Presbyterian churches the idea crosses people's minds that it would be a good thing to change the Westminster Confession

More information

Systematic Theology Introduction to Systematic Theology

Systematic Theology Introduction to Systematic Theology SHBC Sunday School Systematic Theology: Part 1, Week 1 February 16, 2014 Systematic Theology Introduction to Systematic Theology What is systematic theology? Why should Christians study it? How should

More information

A Plea for the Absolution in the Reformed Churches

A Plea for the Absolution in the Reformed Churches A Plea for the Absolution in the Reformed Churches 33 A Plea for the Absolution in the Reformed Churches AT first sight the title of this article may appear strange to some readers. In the thought and

More information

NINETY-FIVE THESES FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY INTRODUCTION

NINETY-FIVE THESES FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther shared Ninety-Five Theses with the world. It was reported that he nailed the Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, as a way to

More information

The Journey to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts:

The Journey to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: The Journey to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: There are different kinds of gifts, but they all come from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are God s gift to believers. You do not have to work for them,

More information

TWO PRIESTHOODS TWO DIVISIONS OR GRAND HEADS THREE GRAND ORDERS OF PRIESTHOOD

TWO PRIESTHOODS TWO DIVISIONS OR GRAND HEADS THREE GRAND ORDERS OF PRIESTHOOD ONE PRIESTHOOD THE MELCHIZEDEK Priesthood is: 1. (In the eternal sense): The power by which the worlds were made, etc. 2. (To us): The power and authority of God delegated to man on earth to act in all

More information

METHODISM. The History Of Methodism

METHODISM. The History Of Methodism METHODISM The History Of Methodism The beginning of Methodism is traced to one particular individual - John Wesley. He was born about 1703, and died at the age of 88 in 1791. He received his higher education

More information

Lumen Gentium Part I: Mystery and Communion/Session III

Lumen Gentium Part I: Mystery and Communion/Session III REQUIRED PRE-READING The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council committed the Church to furthering the cause of ecumenism in order to work towards Christian unity. The following is excerpted from Vatican II,

More information

THE IMPORTANCE (AND DANGER) OF TRADITION! REFORMATION SUNDAY

THE IMPORTANCE (AND DANGER) OF TRADITION! REFORMATION SUNDAY THE IMPORTANCE (AND DANGER) OF TRADITION! REFORMATION SUNDAY Scripture Lessons: Matthew 15:1-6 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (10/28/18) So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold

More information

TOWARD ENHANCING AN ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP. Introduction

TOWARD ENHANCING AN ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP. Introduction The American Journal of Biblical Theology Volume 18(46). November 12, 2017 Dr. John Olu Adetoyese TOWARD ENHANCING AN ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP Introduction Worship is not an elective for a Christian who has

More information

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE USE OF

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE USE OF ,_....,.,._,..,,~,-"'""'',_...,,._.,.,_,~"""'""""""' ~-""""""'"""""--- ------.-_...,..,~,,...,..1~~-...,.,..,~'-_.~~-v- ~."""""'~-- ~ -~, 1-t --...,...--- -"-...-""""'""""'-'--'"' GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR

More information

Christian Doctrine Study Guide Teacher: Rev. Charles L. Johnson III Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved

Christian Doctrine Study Guide Teacher: Rev. Charles L. Johnson III Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved Christian doctrine is vital to the life and growth of the believer. There are two important facets to the application of Christian doctrine: First, consolidation of spiritual faith, and second, energizing

More information

"THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES" OR "THE LAW OF EXCLUSION" A. Martin Luther argued that the silence of the scriptures was always permissive.

THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES OR THE LAW OF EXCLUSION A. Martin Luther argued that the silence of the scriptures was always permissive. "THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES" OR "THE LAW OF EXCLUSION" INTRODUCTION: 1. This is a very important lesson because most religious people labor under the false impression that a thing in religion is not

More information

Luther looked around at what the church was teaching. And he didn t like what he saw, mainly because he didn t believe that certain practices were

Luther looked around at what the church was teaching. And he didn t like what he saw, mainly because he didn t believe that certain practices were 1 Sola Scriptura Earlier this year Mike, Trey, and I traveled to Prague. And one of the days we walked around this very old city. And right in the center of town was a monument to John Huss, who was martyred

More information

2. Early Calls for Reform

2. Early Calls for Reform 2. Early Calls for Reform By the 1300s, the Church was beginning to lose some of its moral and religious standing. Many Catholics, including clergy, criticized the corruption and abuses in the Church.

More information

TPC Baptismal Liturgy Notes

TPC Baptismal Liturgy Notes TPC Baptismal Liturgy Notes With all the baptisms we ve had lately, I thought it would be good to remind you where our baptismal liturgy (vows, prayers, etc.) for infants comes from. Note that the vows

More information

ROCKDALE COMMUNITY CHURCH

ROCKDALE COMMUNITY CHURCH ROCKDALE COMMUNITY CHURCH Statement of Faith Preface The church is the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). It is the responsibility of every member of the church to contend earnestly for

More information

The Bible Alone. Peter Ditzel

The Bible Alone. Peter Ditzel The Bible Alone Peter Ditzel On October 31, 1517, something happened that changed the world. Do you know what it was? Well, even the man who did it didn t know the effect it would have. On October 31,

More information

CATECHESIS SERIES (An Education in the Catholic Faith) FEATURING CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE HOLY BIBLE AND DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS.

CATECHESIS SERIES (An Education in the Catholic Faith) FEATURING CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE HOLY BIBLE AND DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS. CATECHESIS SERIES (An Education in the Catholic Faith) FEATURING CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE HOLY BIBLE AND DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS. CHURCH LEADERSHIP Catechism of the Catholic Church 100 - The

More information

Statement of Faith. What s behind all this? As you prepare for this session. Where is this going? Sometimes people ask, What does the UCC believe?

Statement of Faith. What s behind all this? As you prepare for this session. Where is this going? Sometimes people ask, What does the UCC believe? Statement of Faith What s behind all this? Sometimes people ask, What does the UCC believe? The answer to the question is a bit messier than you might imagine. While other denominations, like Presbyterians,

More information

The Sufficiency of Scripture (Part 1)

The Sufficiency of Scripture (Part 1) The Sufficiency of Scripture (Part 1) Rocky Wyatt January 8, 2017 SECTION 1 Bibliology & Old Testament Survey Review: The Attributes of Scripture The Attributes of Scripture Authority Clarity (Perspicuity)

More information

This is certainly a strange text for the lectionary to hand down to us for World

This is certainly a strange text for the lectionary to hand down to us for World First Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 1.10-18 Second Scripture Reading Mark 10:2-16 This is certainly a strange text for the lectionary to hand down to us for World Communion Sunday. Our Gospel lesson

More information

Free Downloads Presbyterian Creeds: A Guide To The Book Of Confessions

Free Downloads Presbyterian Creeds: A Guide To The Book Of Confessions Free Downloads Presbyterian Creeds: A Guide To The Book Of Confessions This book provides clergy, laity, and students with a thorough introduction to their faith as set forth in the Book of Confessions.

More information

Descended into Hell Lesson 5

Descended into Hell Lesson 5 Descended into Hell Opening Prayer Psalm 68:18-22 18 You have gone up on high and led captivity captive; you have received gifts even from your enemies, * that the LORD God might dwell among them. 19 Blessed

More information

Lesson 4 The Reformers Doctrine of Scripture and Religious Authority

Lesson 4 The Reformers Doctrine of Scripture and Religious Authority Basic Doctrine The Bible Page 11 of 6 Lesson 4 The Reformers Doctrine of Scripture and Religious Authority (adapted from a work by Sam Storms @ www.enjoyinggodministries.com ) 1. Sola Scriptura The concept

More information

Series: 1 Corinthians Title: The Wisdom and Pleasure of God Text: 1 Cor 1: 21 Date: July 2, 2015 Place: SGBC, New Jersey

Series: 1 Corinthians Title: The Wisdom and Pleasure of God Text: 1 Cor 1: 21 Date: July 2, 2015 Place: SGBC, New Jersey Series: 1 Corinthians Title: The Wisdom and Pleasure of God Text: 1 Cor 1: 21 Date: July 2, 2015 Place: SGBC, New Jersey Our subject is The Wisdom and Pleasure of God. 1 Corinthians 1: 21: For after that

More information

desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. The Local Church and the Words of the Apostles www.aubeacon.com Introduction: Local churches exist through the delivered words of the apostles. A. Jesus during His ministry chose apostles that would execute

More information

Baptism What is the origin of Baptism? If Jesus was sinless, why was He baptized?

Baptism What is the origin of Baptism? If Jesus was sinless, why was He baptized? Baptism Baptism means immersion. As spiritual birth, it is the first sacrament. It is the doorway into the life of Christ and the Church. It is also the doorway to the other sacraments. It is the entrance

More information

PILGRIM LUTHERAN BRETHREN CHURCH

PILGRIM LUTHERAN BRETHREN CHURCH PILGRIM LUTHERAN BRETHREN CHURCH 9514 Johnnycake Ridge Road Mentor, Ohio 44060 (440) 255-9403 (440) 255-2748 Email - pilgrimlbc@gmail.com Website -www.pilgrim-lutheran-brethren.com CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

More information

OUTLINE STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES

OUTLINE STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES OUTLINE STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES by George P. Pardington, Ph.D. Copyright 1916 CHAPTER NINE ECCLESIOLOGY TOPIC ONE: THE IDEA OF THE CHURCH The fundamental New Testament idea of the Church is brought

More information

Post tenebras lux After darkness, light

Post tenebras lux After darkness, light Page 1 AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION Post tenebras lux After darkness, light October 31, 1517 Reformation Day October 31, 2017 500 th Anniversary PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON 1. Provide an understanding

More information

The Holy See FIDEI DEPOSITUM APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION

The Holy See FIDEI DEPOSITUM APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION The Holy See APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION FIDEI DEPOSITUM ON THE PUBLICATION OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PREPARED FOLLOWING THE SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL To my Venerable Brothers the Cardinals,

More information

What Did It Once Mean to Be a Lutheran?

What Did It Once Mean to Be a Lutheran? What Did It Once Mean to Be a Lutheran? What does it mean to be a Lutheran today? For most people, I suppose, it means that a person is a member active or inactive of a church that includes the word "Lutheran"

More information

FIRST (SCOTS) SERMONS HOW ARE WE BEING REFORMED?

FIRST (SCOTS) SERMONS HOW ARE WE BEING REFORMED? FIRST (SCOTS) SERMONS HOW ARE WE BEING REFORMED? Scripture Lessons: 2 Chronicles 34:14-21, 29-33; Romans 3:19-28 This sermon was preached by Dr. L. Holton Siegling, Jr. on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at First

More information

The Reformations: A Catholic Perspective. David J. Endres

The Reformations: A Catholic Perspective. David J. Endres The Reformations: A Catholic Perspective David J. Endres Richard John Neuhaus, a celebrated Christian intellectual, addressed a meeting of Lutheran clergy and laity in New York City in 1990. The address

More information

Must We Meet Others for Worship? How important is gathering regularly on Sabbaths?

Must We Meet Others for Worship? How important is gathering regularly on Sabbaths? Must We Meet Others for Worship? How important is gathering regularly on Sabbaths? When Yahweh offered His Covenant with Israel in Exodus 24:1-7, He promised them certain blessings and protection. Israel

More information

THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION 500 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31, 2017

THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION 500 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31, 2017 THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION 500 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 31, 1517 - OCTOBER 31, 2017 The Reformation October 31, 1517 What had happened to the Church that Jesus founded so that it needed a reformation?

More information

IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH First Presbyterian Church 883 Highway 34 Matawan, NJ 07747 Reason for Baptism: Christ's Command Christians of many different kinds of tradition are agreed that the basis and

More information

A. SOME OF THE IDEAS AMONG BRETHREN TO WHICH I REFER ARE AS FOLLOWS.

A. SOME OF THE IDEAS AMONG BRETHREN TO WHICH I REFER ARE AS FOLLOWS. LORD S SUPPER: IN DEFENSE OF OUR PRACTICE Ac.20:7; 1Cor.11:17-34 Ed Dye I. INTRODUCTION 1. When I speak of our practice, I refer to the practice of this local church. 2. Our practice is: a. To make provision

More information

Preamble. Constitution

Preamble. Constitution Preamble WHEREAS, the Apostle Paul sets forth, in 1 Corinthians that all things in the church shall be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40), and WHEREAS, the history of the Christian

More information

Membership and Sign Gifts Policy

Membership and Sign Gifts Policy Membership and Sign Gifts Policy The Elder Board approved this policy on April 20, 1995 Introduction With the rise in emphasis upon the Charismatic Gifts and the challenge from many Christian leaders to

More information

Review of the Book of Confessions: Creeds and Confessions, Ancient and Modern

Review of the Book of Confessions: Creeds and Confessions, Ancient and Modern Review of the Book of Confessions: Creeds and Confessions, Ancient and Modern The Book of Confessions has two purposes for Presbyterian leaders. First, it helps us to interpret the Bible. We are not the

More information

Catechism for Young Children

Catechism for Young Children Doctrinal Catechism Catechism for Young Children An introduction to The Westminster Shorter Catechism Original author unknown edited and enlarged by J.J. Lim Adopted for use in Pilgrim Covenant Church,

More information

Origen. 1 To catechize is to systematically instruct new believers in the faith.

Origen. 1 To catechize is to systematically instruct new believers in the faith. Origen Origen is one of my favorite authors. He was a deep and "out of the box" thinker. He was one of the most revered teachers of his time, but some of his more innovative ideas were condemned by later

More information

Think On These Things

Think On These Things Think On These Things A series of thought provoking articles. By Gene Frost Contents: 1. Scriptures Inspired... 1 2. No Private Interpretation... 2 3. All Truth... 3 4. Verbal Inspiration... 4 5. God s

More information

This article appeared in the June 2006 edition of The Lutheran.

This article appeared in the June 2006 edition of The Lutheran. This article appeared in the June 2006 edition of The Lutheran. Lutheranism 101 Culture or confession? What does it mean to be Lutheran? For many in the ELCA who've grown up Lutheran, religious identity

More information

The Sacraments. A position paper by Justin Dean

The Sacraments. A position paper by Justin Dean The Sacraments A position paper by Justin Dean What is a sacrament? The Latin word Sacramentum was first used by the Romans in the first Century to describe the oath of loyalty soldiers would make to the

More information

Building Your Theology

Building Your Theology Building Your Theology Study Guide LESSON TWO EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY 2013 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org For videos, manuscripts, and other resources, visit Third Millennium Ministries

More information

The Protestant Reformation Part 2

The Protestant Reformation Part 2 The Protestant Reformation Part 2 Key figures in the Reformation movement after Luther Ulrich Zwingli Switzerland John Calvin Switzerland Thomas Cranmer England William Tyndale England John Knox Scotland

More information

PART THREE: Learning from Our Mother: Creeds, Confessions, and Councils

PART THREE: Learning from Our Mother: Creeds, Confessions, and Councils PART THREE: Learning from Our Mother: Creeds, Confessions, and Councils Questions for Reflection in this Section: 1) How do we seek unity as the Church of Jesus Christ in our confessing Christ together

More information

Yes. Yes Essential Tenets are attached

Yes. Yes Essential Tenets are attached Comparison of basic beliefs and viewpoints of three Presbyterian denominations: Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA), A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO), and the Evangelical Presbyterian

More information

DECLARATION of FAITH. Policy and Position Statements

DECLARATION of FAITH. Policy and Position Statements DECLARATION of FAITH and Policy and Position Statements of The American Association of Lutheran Churches (All policies in this manual were approved and accepted at the National AALC Constituting Convention,

More information

We are Ecclesiastical

We are Ecclesiastical Theological Distinctives Early in the history of the church, it was once stated that in essentials we must be united, in nonessentials we should give room for disagreement, and that in all things we must

More information

The Greatest Commandments Matthew 22: 34-46, by Marshall Zieman, preached at PCOC

The Greatest Commandments Matthew 22: 34-46, by Marshall Zieman, preached at PCOC The Greatest Commandments Matthew 22: 34-46, by Marshall Zieman, preached 10-29-2017 at PCOC Today we think back to that day in 1517 in Wittenberg, Germany, when the Catholic priest, Martin Luther, published

More information

J.J.- Jesu Juva Help me, Jesus

J.J.- Jesu Juva Help me, Jesus October 22, 2017 Sermon for Reformation t-minus 1 St Peter Lutheran Church Bowie, TX Larry Knobloch, Pastor Jude 3 4 1 J.J.- Jesu Juva Help me, Jesus Jude 3 4 (ESV) 3 Beloved, although I was very eager

More information

CONSTITUTION OF ST. TIMOTHY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

CONSTITUTION OF ST. TIMOTHY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION OF ST. TIMOTHY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Approved May 01, 2016 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter... Ecclesiastes 8:6 President of Congregation Vincent Spanel Secretary

More information

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS LAMB OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS LAMB OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE: CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS LAMB OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH Flower Mound, Texas CONSTITUTION Whereas, according to the Word of God, it is the privilege and duty of Christians who are blessed by God in

More information

Sunday, December 31, Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-16; Time of Action: 60 A.D.; Place of Action: Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus from Rome

Sunday, December 31, Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-16; Time of Action: 60 A.D.; Place of Action: Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus from Rome Sunday, December 31, 2017 Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-16; Time of Action: 60 A.D.; Place of Action: Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus from Rome Golden Text: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech

More information

CALVIN'S DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION

CALVIN'S DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION CALVIN'S DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION SINCE our aim in this paper is to describe Calvin's doctrine of justification, we will first of all present an objective account of it as contained in lnstitutio, Lib.

More information

IS IMMERSION NECESSARY FOR BAPTISM? Rev. William Shishko 1

IS IMMERSION NECESSARY FOR BAPTISM? Rev. William Shishko 1 IIIM Magazine Online, Volume 4, Number 28, July 17 to July 24, 2002 IS IMMERSION NECESSARY FOR BAPTISM? Rev. William Shishko 1 You have finally gotten your Baptist friends to join you for worship. Now

More information

Catechism PRACTICE Test

Catechism PRACTICE Test Catechism PRACTICE Test Our catechism test will be based on 77 total points. 24 of those points will be designated to a fill in the blank of the Apostle s Creed (1/2 point for each blank). 14 points will

More information

THE FALLING AWAY, REFORMATION, RESTORATION, AND IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH

THE FALLING AWAY, REFORMATION, RESTORATION, AND IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH A USE YOUR BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE (David D. Bonner) LESSON 6 THE FALLING AWAY, REFORMATION, RESTORATION, AND IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH A. The falling away of the church. 1. Facts about the church. a.

More information