1689 22.6
1689 London Baptist Confession
22.6. Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
Neither Prayer, nor any other part of Religious worship, is now under the Gospel tied unto, or made more acceptable by, any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshipped every where in Spirit, and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself, so more solemnly in the publick Assemblies, which are not carelessely, nor wilfuly, to be neglected, or forsaken, when God by his word, or providence calleth thereunto.
Proof texts
- John 4:21 — [21] Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.
- Malachi 1:11 — [11] For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.
- 1 Timothy 2:8 — [8] I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
- Acts 10:2 — [2] a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.
- Matthew 6:11 — [11] Give us this day our daily bread,
- Psalms 55:17 — [17] Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.
- Matthew 6:6 — [6] But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
- Hebrews 10:25 — [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
- Acts 2:42 — [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited John 4:21 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WCF 21.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- SD 22.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?