Study Reformed

7.1. The Holy Catholic Church

We believe and confess one single catholic or universal church- a holy congregation and gathering of true Christian believers, awaiting their entire salvation in Jesus Christ, being washed by his blood, and sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This church has existed from the beginning of the world and will last until the end, as appears from the fact that Christ is eternal King who cannot be without subjects. And this holy church is preserved by God against the rage of the whole world, even though for a time it may appear very small to human eyes- as though it were snuffed out. For example, during the very dangerous time of Ahab the Lord preserved for himself seven thousand who did not bend their knees to Baal. (1 Kings 19:18) And so this holy church is not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or certain people. But it is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world, though still joined and united in heart and will, in one and the same Spirit, by the power of faith.

Proof texts

Gen. 22:18 — [18] and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Isa. 49:6 — [6] he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Eph. 2:17-19 — [17] And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. [18] For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. [19] So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Ps. 111:1 — [1] Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
John 10:14, 16 — [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Eph. 4:3-6 — [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Heb. 12:22-23 — [22] But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, [23] and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Joel 2:32 — [32] And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.
Acts 2:21 — [21] And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Eph. 1:13 — [13] In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Eph. 4:30 — [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
2 Sam. 7:16 — [16] And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”
Ps. 89:36 — [36] His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me.
Ps. 110:4 — [4] The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Matt. 28:18, 20 — [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Luke 1:32 — [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
Ps. 46:5 — [5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Matt. 16:18 — [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Isa. 1:9 — [9] If the LORD of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah.
1 Pet. 3:20 — [20] because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
Rev. 11:7 — [7] And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them,
Matt. 23:8 — [8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.
John 4:21-23 — [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. [22] You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. [23] But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
Rom. 10:12-13 — [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. [13] For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Ps. 119:63 — [63] I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
Acts 4:32 — [32] Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.
Eph. 4:4 — [4] There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call —

For discussion

The Assembly cited Gen. 22:18 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
27 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?

Read alongside

HC Q54 · HC Q55

7.2. The Obligations of Church Members

We believe that since this holy assembly and congregation is the gathering of those who are saved and there is no salvation apart from it, people ought not to withdraw from it, content to be by themselves, regardless of their status or condition. But all people are obliged to join and unite with it, keeping the unity of the church by submitting to its instruction and discipline, by bending their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ, and by serving to build up one another, according to the gifts God has given them as members of each other in the same body. And to preserve this unity more effectively, it is the duty of all believers, according to God's Word, to separate themselves from those who do not belong to the church, in order to join this assembly wherever God has established it, even if civil authorities and royal decrees forbid and death and physical punishment result. And so, all who withdraw from the church or do not join it act contrary to God's ordinance.

Proof texts

Matt. 16:18-19 — [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Acts 2:47 — [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Gal. 4:26 — [26] But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
Eph. 5:25-27 — [25] Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, [26] that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Heb. 2:11-12 — [11] For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, [12] saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
Heb. 12:23 — [23] and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
2 Chr. 30:8 — [8] Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD and come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever, and serve the LORD your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you.
John 17:21 — [21] that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Col. 3:15 — [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
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.
Matt. 11:28-30 — [28] Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Eph. 4:12 — [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
1 Cor. 12:7, 27 — [7] To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. [27] Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Eph. 4:16 — [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.
Num. 16:23-26 — [23] And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [24] “Say to the congregation, Get away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” [25] Then Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. [26] And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.”
Isa. 52:11-12 — [11] Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the LORD. [12] For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Acts 2:40 — [40] And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
Rom. 16:17 — [17] I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
Rev. 18:4 — [4] Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;
Ps. 122:1 — [1] I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
Isa. 2:3 — [3] and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Heb. 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 4:19-20 — [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, [20] for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Matt. 16:18-19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
23 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 25.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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 · 1689 26.1

7.3. The Marks of the True Church

We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church- for all sects in the world today claim for themselves the name of "the church." We are not speaking here of the company of hypocrites who are mixed among the good in the church and who nonetheless are not part of it, even though they are physically there. But we are speaking of distinguishing the body and fellowship of the true church from all sects that call themselves "the church." The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; it practices church discipline for correcting faults. In short, it governs itself according to the pure Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it and holding Jesus Christ as the only Head. By these marks one can be assured of recognizing the true church- and no one ought to be separated from it. As for those who can belong to the church, we can recognize them by the distinguishing marks of Christians: namely by faith, and by their fleeing from sin and pursuing righteousness, once they have received the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. They love the true God and their neighbors, without turning to the right or left, and they crucify the flesh and its works. Though great weakness remains in them, they fight against it by the Spirit all the days of their lives, appealing constantly to the blood, suffering, death, and obedience of the Lord Jesus, in whom they have forgiveness of their sins, through faith in him. As for the false church, it assigns more authority to itself and its ordinances than to the Word of God; it does not want to subject itself to the yoke of Christ; it does not administer the sacraments as Christ commanded in his Word; it rather adds to them or subtracts from them as it pleases; it bases itself on humans, more than on Jesus Christ; it persecutes those who live holy lives according to the Word of God and who rebuke it for its faults, greed, and idolatry. These two churches are easy to recognize and thus to distinguish from each other.

Proof texts

Rev. 2:9 — [9] “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Rom. 9:6 — [6] But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,
Gal. 1:8 — [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
1 Tim. 3:15 — [15] if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
Acts 19:3-5 — [3] And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” [4] And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1 Cor. 11:20-29 — [20] When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. [21] For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. [22] What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. [23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. [27] Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. [28] Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Matt. 18:15-17 — [15] “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. [16] But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
1 Cor. 5:4-5, 13 — [4] When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, [5] you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. [13] God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
2 Thess. 3:6, 14 — [6] Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. [14] If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
Titus 3:10 — [10] As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
John 8:47 — [47] Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
John 17:20 — [20] “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Acts 17:11 — [11] Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Eph. 2:20 — [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
Col. 1:23 — [23] if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
1 Tim. 6:3 — [3] If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness,
1 Thess. 5:21 — [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Tim. 6:20 — [20] O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”
Rev. 2:6 — [6] Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
John 10:14 — [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
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.
Col. 1:18 — [18] And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
John 1:12 — [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
1 John 4:2 — [2] By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
Rom. 6:2 — [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Phil. 3:12 — [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
1 John 4:19-21 — [19] We love because he first loved us. [20] If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. [21] And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Gal. 5:24 — [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Rom. 7:15 — [15] For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
Gal. 5:17 — [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Rom. 7:24-25 — [24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
1 John 1:7-9 — [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 4:17-18 — [17] But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” [18] So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
2 Tim. 4:3-4 — [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
2 John 9 — [9] Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
John 16:2 — [2] They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Rev. 2:9 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
36 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 25.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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 · 1689 26.1

7.4. The Government of the Church

We believe that this true church ought to be governed according to the spiritual order that our Lord has taught us in his Word. There should be ministers or pastors to preach the Word of God and administer the sacraments. There should also be elders and deacons, along with the pastors, to make up the council of the church. By this means true religion is preserved; true doctrine is able to take its course; and evil people are corrected spiritually and held in check, so that also the poor and all the afflicted may be helped and comforted according to their need. By this means everything will be done well and in good order in the church, when such persons are elected who are faithful and are chosen according to the rule that Paul gave to Timothy. (1 Tim. 3)

Proof texts

Acts 20:28 — [28] Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Eph. 4:11-12 — [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
1 Tim. 3:15 — [15] if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
Heb. 13:20-21 — [20] Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luke 1:2 — [2] just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,
Luke 10:16 — [16] “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
John 20:23 — [23] If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Rom. 10:14 — [14] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
1 Cor. 4:1 — [1] This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Cor. 5:19-20 — [19] that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. [20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2 Tim. 4:2 — [2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Acts 14:23 — [23] And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Titus 1:5 — [5] This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you —
1 Tim. 3:8-10 — [8] Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
Phil. 1:1 — [1] Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
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.
Acts 6:1-4 — [1] Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. [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. [4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Titus 1:7-9 — [7] For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, [8] but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. [9] He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
1 Cor. 4:2 — [2] Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
1 Tim. 3 — [1] The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. [2] Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, [3] not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. [4] He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, [5] for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? [6] He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. [7] Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. [8] Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. [14] I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, [15] if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. [16] Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Acts 20:28 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
20 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?

Read alongside

HC Q54 · HC Q55 · HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85

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?

Read alongside

HC Q54 · HC Q55 · HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85

7.6. The Order and Discipline of the Church

We also believe that although it is useful and good for those who govern the churches to establish and set up a certain order among themselves for maintaining the body of the church, they ought always to guard against deviating from what Christ, our only Master, has ordained for us. Therefore we reject all human innovations and all laws imposed on us, in our worship of God, which bind and force our consciences in any way. So we accept only what is proper to maintain harmony and unity and to keep all in obedience to God. To that end excommunication, with all it involves, according to the Word of God, is required.

Proof texts

1 Tim. 3:15 — [15] if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
Isa. 29:13 — [13] And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,
Matt. 15:9 — [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
Gal. 5:1 — [1] For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
1 Cor. 14:33 — [33] For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
Matt. 16:19 — [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Matt. 18:15-18 — [15] “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. [16] But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Rom. 16:17 — [17] I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
1 Cor. 5 — [1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. [2] And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. [3] For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. [4] When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, [5] you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. [6] Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? [7] Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. [8] Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [9] I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people — [10] not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. [11] But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler — not even to eat with such a one. [12] For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? [13] God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
1 Tim. 1:20 — [20] among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Tim. 3:15 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
10 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?

Read alongside

HC Q54 · HC Q55 · HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85