1689 27.1

27.1. Of the Communion of the Saints

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; and being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts, and graces; and are obliged to the performance of such duties, publick and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

Proof texts

• 1 John 1:3 — [3] that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
• John 1:16 — [16] For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
• Philippians 3:10 — [10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
• Romans 6:5, 6 — [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
• Ephesians 4:15, 16 — [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
• 1 Corinthians 12:7 — [7] To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
• 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 — [21] So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, [22] whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future — all are yours, [23] and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14 — [11] Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. [14] And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
• Romans 1:12 — [12] that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
• 1 John 3:17, 18 — [17] But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? [18] Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
• Galatians 6:10 — [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 John 1:3 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 11 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WCF 25.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. HC Q54 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 25.1 · HC Q54 · HC Q55 · HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.1 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SD 26.1