WCF 30.1

30.1. Of Church Censures

The Lord Jesus, as King and Head of His Church, hath therein appointed a government, in the hand of Church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate.

Proof texts

• Isa. 9:6, 7 — [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
• 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.
• 1 Thess. 5:12 — [12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
• Acts 20:17, 28 — [17] Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. [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.
• Heb. 13:7, 17, 24 — [7] Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. [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. [24] Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.
• 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.
• Matt. 28:18, 19, 20 — [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Isa. 9:6, 7 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. HC Q83 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. HC Q84 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · IAR 7.1 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2