Of the Communion of the Saints

26.1. Of the Communion of the Saints

All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head by His Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His grace, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other’s gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

Proof texts

John 1:3 — [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Eph. 3:16, 17, 18, 19 — [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
John 1:16 — [16] For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
Eph. 2:5, 6 — [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — [6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Phil. 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,
Rom. 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.
2 Tim. 2:12 — [12] if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
Eph. 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 Cor. 12:7 — [7] To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Cor. 3:21, 22, 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.
Col. 2:19 — [19] and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
1 Thess. 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.
Rom. 1:11, 12, 14 — [11] For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — [12] that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. [14] I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
1 John 3:16, 17, 18 — [16] By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. [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.
Gal. 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

The Assembly cited John 1:3 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?
WLC Q65 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WLC Q66 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WLC Q65 · 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

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): This Chapter teaches — 1st. Of the union of Christ and his people. 2d. The fellowship between him and them resulting therefrom. 3d. The union between the true people of Christ growing out of their union with him. 4th. The communion of saints growing out of their union with each other. 5th. The mutual duties of all who profess to be saints with regard to all their fellow-professors. 1st. All saints are united to the Lord Jesus. We need to know what is the foundation and what is the nature of this union, and how it is established. (1.) As to the foundation of the union subsisting between the true believer and the Lord Jesus, the Scriptures teach that it…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): Communion is founded in union. The above sections embrace— First, The union of the saints to Jesus Christ, and their communion with him; Secovdly, The union and communion of real saints with one another; Thirdly, The union of saints by profession, and the communion which they are bound to maintain. 1. All saints are united to Jesus Christ. This is not an essential union, such as subsists between the sacred persons of the Godhead; nor a personal union, such as exists between the divine and human natures in the person of Christ; nor merely a political union, like that between a king and his subjects; nor a mere moral union, like that between two friends. Between Christ and believers there…

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

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?
8 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WLC Q66 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): This Chapter teaches — 1st. Of the union of Christ and his people. 2d. The fellowship between him and them resulting therefrom. 3d. The union between the true people of Christ growing out of their union with him. 4th. The communion of saints growing out of their union with each other. 5th. The mutual duties of all who profess to be saints with regard to all their fellow-professors. 1st. All saints are united to the Lord Jesus. We need to know what is the foundation and what is the nature of this union, and how it is established. (1.) As to the foundation of the union subsisting between the true believer and the Lord Jesus, the Scriptures teach that it…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): Communion is founded in union. The above sections embrace— First, The union of the saints to Jesus Christ, and their communion with him; Secovdly, The union and communion of real saints with one another; Thirdly, The union of saints by profession, and the communion which they are bound to maintain. 1. All saints are united to Jesus Christ. This is not an essential union, such as subsists between the sacred persons of the Godhead; nor a personal union, such as exists between the divine and human natures in the person of Christ; nor merely a political union, like that between a king and his subjects; nor a mere moral union, like that between two friends. Between Christ and believers there…

26.3. Of the Communion of the Saints

This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them, in any wise, partakers of the substance of His Godhead; or to be equal with Christ, in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.

Proof texts

Col. 1:18, 19 — [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. [19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
1 Cor. 8:6 — [6] yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Isa. 42:8 — [8] I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
1 Tim. 6:15, 16 — [15] which he will display at the proper time — he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, [16] who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Ps. 45:7, with Heb. 1:8, 9
Exod. 20:15 — [15] “You shall not steal.
Eph. 4:28 — [28] Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Acts 5:4 — [4] While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Col. 1:18, 19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
8 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WLC Q66 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): This Chapter teaches — 1st. Of the union of Christ and his people. 2d. The fellowship between him and them resulting therefrom. 3d. The union between the true people of Christ growing out of their union with him. 4th. The communion of saints growing out of their union with each other. 5th. The mutual duties of all who profess to be saints with regard to all their fellow-professors. 1st. All saints are united to the Lord Jesus. We need to know what is the foundation and what is the nature of this union, and how it is established. (1.) As to the foundation of the union subsisting between the true believer and the Lord Jesus, the Scriptures teach that it…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): This section guards against two heretical opinions — the one relating to the saints' communion with Christ; the other, to their communion with one another. Certain mystics have employed impious and blasphemous terms in reference to the saints' union and communion with Christ, as if they were deified or christified. They have not scrupled to use the phrases of being " godded in God," and " christed in Christ," and other expressions equally wild. In the beginning of the sixteenth century, the Anabaptists of Germany, among other absurd and dangerous tenets, contended for the necessity of a community of goods among Christians. This doctrine never * M'Crie oi» tha Uuitv of the Church, p. 95. 278 CONFESSION OF FAITH. |^CHAP…