WCF 26 - Our Wonderful Communion

WCF 26- Our Wonderful Communion

Chapter 26:
Of the Communion of Saints

26:1 All saints that are united to Jesus Christ their Head by His Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory (Joh_1:16; Rom_6:5, Rom_6:6; Eph_2:5, Eph_2:6; Eph_3:16-19; Phi_3:10; 2Ti_2:12; 1Jo_1:3): and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other’s gifts and graces (1Co_3:21-23; 1Co_12:7; Eph_4:15, Eph_4:16; Col_2:19), 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 (Rom_1:11, Rom_1:12, Rom_1:14; Gal_6:10; 1Th_5:11, 1Th_5:14; 1Jo_3:16-18).

26:2 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 (Isa_2:3; Act_2:42, Act_2:46; 1Co_11:20; Heb_10:24, Heb_10:25); 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 (Act_2:44, Act_2:45; Act_11:29, Act_11:30; 2 Cor 8:1-9:15; 1Jo_3:17).

26:3 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 (Psa_45:7 with Heb_1:8, Heb_1:9; Isa_42:8; 1Co_8:6; Col_1:18, Col_1:19; 1Ti_6:15, 1Ti_6:16). 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 (Exo_20:15; Act_5:4; Eph_4:28).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. Believers Have A Vital Union Wirh Christ In His Work Of Mediation (WCF 26.1)

B. WE Also Have Communion With One Another In The Gifts And Graces (WCF 26.1)

C. This Communion Entails Certain Mutual Duties And Obligations Among Believers (WCF 26.2)

D. We Do Not Become Divine Or Equal With Christ In This Communion (WCF 26.3)

E. The Right Of Private Property Is Upheld And Not Destroyed In Any Manner In This Communion (WCF 26.3)