1689 21.2

21.2. Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

God alone is Lord of the Conscience, and hath left it free from the Doctrines and Commandments of men, which are in any thing contrary to his Word, or not contained in it. So that to Believe such Doctrines, or obey such Commands out of Conscience, is to betray true liberty of Conscience; and the requiring of an implicit Faith, and absolute and blind Obedience, is to destroy Liberty of Conscience, and Reason also.

Proof texts

• James 4:12 — [12] There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
• Romans 14:4 — [4] Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
• Acts 4:19, 29 — [19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, [29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,
• 1 Corinthians 7:23 — [23] You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.
• Matthew 15:9 — [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
• Colossians 2:20, 22, 23 — [20] If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations — [22] (referring to things that all perish as they are used) — according to human precepts and teachings? [23] These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
• 1 Corinthians 3:5 — [5] What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.
• 2 Corinthians 1:24 — [24] Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited James 4:12 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 8 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WCF 20.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 20.2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 20.1 · WCF 20.2 · WCF 20.3 · WCF 20.4 · SD 21.1 · SD 21.2 · SD 21.3