WCF 26.2

26.2. Of the Communion of the Saints

Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God; and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities, and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.

Proof texts

• Heb. 10:24, 25 — [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [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, 46 — [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
• 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.
• 1 Cor. 11:20 — [20] When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.
• Acts 2:44, 45 — [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
• 1 John 3:17 — [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?
• 2 Cor. 8, 9
• Acts 11:29, 30 — [29] So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. [30] And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Heb. 10:24, 25 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. WLC Q66 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. BC 7.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WLC Q66 · BC 7.1 · HC Q54 · HC Q55 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · 1689 26.1 · SD 26.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2