BC 7.5
Belgic Confession
7.5. The Officers of the Church
We believe that ministers of the Word of God, elders, and deacons ought to be chosen to their offices by a legitimate election of the church, with prayer in the name of the Lord, and in good order, as the Word of God teaches. So all must be careful not to push themselves forward improperly, but must wait for God's call, so that they may be assured of their calling and be certain that they are chosen by the Lord. As for the ministers of the Word, they all have the same power and authority, no matter where they may be, since they are all servants of Jesus Christ, the only universal bishop, and the only head of the church. Moreover, to keep God's holy order from being violated or despised, we say that everyone ought, as much as possible, to hold the ministers of the Word and elders of the church in special esteem, because of the work they do, and be at peace with them, without grumbling, quarreling, or fighting.
Proof texts
- Acts 1:23-24 — [23] And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. [24] And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen
- Acts 6:2-3 — [2] And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. [3] Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
- Acts 13:2 — [2] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
- 1 Cor. 12:28 — [28] And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
- 1 Tim. 4:14 — [14] Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
- 1 Tim. 5:22 — [22] Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
- Heb. 5:4 — [4] And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
- 2 Cor. 5:20 — [20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
- 1 Pet. 5:1-4 — [1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; [3] not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
- Matt. 23:8, 10 — [8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. [10] Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.
- Eph. 1:22 — [22] And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
- Eph. 5:23 — [23] For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
- 1 Thess. 5:12-13 — [12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
- 1 Tim. 5:17 — [17] Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
- Heb. 13:17 — [17] Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Acts 1:23-24 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 15 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- HC Q54 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q55 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?