The 1689 London Baptist Confession Of Faith; Read by Eric Kahure

Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints

PARAGRAPH 2

Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;4 as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities;5 which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families,6 or churches,7 yet, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, doth not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.8

4 Heb. 10:24–25, 3:12–13
5 Acts 11:29–30
6 Eph. 6:4
7 1 Cor. 12:14–27
8 Acts 5:4; Eph. 4:28

Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints

PARAGRAPH 1

All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their Head, by His Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with Him, have fellowship in His graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory;1 and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces,2 and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.3

1 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6
2 Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 3:21–23
3 1 Thess. 5:11,14; Rom. 1:12; 1 John 3:17–18; Gal. 6:10

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 15

In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned;29 howbeit these messengers assembled, are not entrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.30

29 Acts 15:2,4,6,22–23,25
30 2 Cor. 1:24; 1 John 4:1

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 14

As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ,27 in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.28

27 Eph. 6:18; Ps. 122:6
28 Rom. 16:1–2; 3 John 8–10

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 13

No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.26

26 Matt. 18:15–17; Eph. 4:2–3

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 12

As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.25

25 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6,14–15

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 11

Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.24

24 Acts 11:19–21; 1 Pet. 4:10–11

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 10

The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in His churches, in the ministry of the word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him;19 it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability,20 so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs;21 and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others;22 and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who has ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.23

19 Acts 6:4; Heb. 13:17
20 1 Tim. 5:17–18; Gal. 6:6–7
21 2 Tim. 2:4
22 1 Tim. 3:2
23 1 Cor. 9:6–14

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 9

The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself;16 and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein;17 and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.18

16 Acts 14:23
17 1 Tim. 4:14
18 Acts 6:3,5–6

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 8

A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which He entrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons.15

15 Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1