Symbolics 3 The 1689 Baptist Confession [Chapters 21-32] Chapter 27 Of the Communion of the Saints.

Symbolics 3Symbolics 3The 1689 Baptist ConfessionThe 1689 Baptist Confession

[Chapters 21-32][Chapters 21-32]

Chapter 27Chapter 27

Of the Communion of the SaintsOf the Communion of the Saints

Introduction: Reading1 All saints that are united to Jesus Christ,

their head, by his Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

Introduction: Reading2 Saints by profession are bound to maintain

an 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; …

Introduction: Reading2 … which communion, according to the rule

of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families, or churches, yet, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, doth not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.

Introduction: OutlineI. Its Redemptive Foundation—Union with

Christ (par 1a)II. Its General Definition (par 1b)III. Its Specific Expressions (par 2a)IV. Its Necessary Limitation (par 2b)

I. Its Redemptive Foundation—Union with Christ (par 1a)

Communion presupposes union and designates some sort of sharing based on that union.

A synonym is fellowship. This word is used in both paragraphs. The NATO alliance involves communion. The NATO Treaty creates the union on the

basis of which there is communion‑-the sharing of soldiers, ships, and planes.


The communion of the Saints is not merely human, nor is it direct.

Saints hold communion through union with Christ.

Siblings are in union because they share parents.

Thus, their union is indirect. In contrast, the union of husband&wife is direct.


Three preliminary statements will prove helpful.(1) We are one with Christ in the plan of God

(Eph. 1:4; John 17:2, 6). In planning to save us, God gave us to Christ

as our Redeemer.


(2) We are one with Christ before the law of God. Hodge asserts, "Our legal status is determined by his,

and his rights, honors, relations, all are made ours in co-partnership with Him," (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 6:8; 8:17).

(3) We are one with Christ in the life of the Spirit. We share a common spiritual life (Rom. 8:2; 1 Cor.

6:17; 2 Pet. 1:4).


A. Its Realization1. By His Spirit2. By FaithThere is no union with Christ apart from the

indwelling of the Spirit and the exercise of faith (Eph. 3:16, 17; Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18).


B. Its Qualification“… although they are not made thereby one

person with Him," parallels par 3 of the WCF: "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."


B. Its QualificationThis was an important qualification in the 17th

Century. Different sects were interpreting union with

Christ in a mystical, pantheistic sense. It is a necessary distinction today because

religions like the Mormons and New Age movement assert that we may become gods.


B. Its QualificationEven evangelicals speak as if we must lose our

distinct personal identity and passively allow Christ to live His life through us.

The impression is that we must be a limp non-entity and absorbed into the person of Christ.

Union with Christ does not imply that we are deified essentially or personally (1 Cor 8:6).


C. Its ScopeEverything Christ did and everything he now

possesses as the Mediator belongs to us (Eph. 2:4-6; Rom. 4:25; 6:1-6; Col. 3:3, 4).

It is this union which grounds the communion of the saints and which dignifies and constrains it.

If they are one with Christ, then through Christ, they are one with each other (John 15:1-6).

II. Its General Definition (par 1b)A. Its BondTrue love for Christ immediately involves love

for those in communion with Him. You cannot love Christ and not love His body,

His wife, His bride. Besides, His new (and great) commandment is

to love one another (John 13:34, 35). If we love Him, we will certainly keep His

commandments (John 14:15).

II. Its General Definition (par 1b)B. Its BenefitsAs Christ’s members, we exist for Christ & each

other (1 Pet 4:10; Rom 14:7-8; 1 Cor 12:25-27).C. Its ObligationsThe obligations are broad and generic—sharing

the benefit & influence of other's gifts & graces. There is both sharing and obligation (Rom

12:10-13; 1 Thes 5:11, 14; 1 Pet 3:8; 1 John 3:17, 18; Col 6:10; Rom 1:12).

III. Its Specific Expressions (par 2a)A. Their Identity Note the emphasis, "saints by profession." The Confession is dealing with the more formal

expressions of this communion in the visible church.

The duties growing out of our communion with the saints demand faithfulness to be with them, especially at the public gatherings of the church (Heb. 10:24, 25).

G. I. Williamson"fellowship and communion in the worship of God"

is at least in part an outcome of this union....some have argued that they can worship God by themselves, or at least without any commitment to membership in the visible church. Others seem to feel no obligation to loyal and faithful attendance at the services of worship in a particular congregation at its stated times of worship on the Lord's Day....He who is united to Christ is united to other believers. And being united to Christ necessarily entails solemn obligations to them.

III. Its Specific Expressions (par 2a)A. Their Identity Modern philosophy put a premium on being

different, on being your own person, on being independent, original, unique.

Even popular, Christian children's songs sing the praises of being different.

III. Its Specific Expressions (par 2a)A. Their Identity The Bible, while recognizing diversity of gifts

and temperament, emphasizes the need for Christians to think and act alike (Rom. 12:16; Phil. 2:2; 1 Pet. 3:8; 2 Cor. 13:11).

The fear of being "cookie-cutter Christians" has more to do with pop culture than the Bible.

We ought to desire to act in a harmonious and unified way with fellow Christians.

III. Its Specific Expressions (par 2a)B. Their RecipientsCommunion like charity begins at home (1 Tim.

5:8, 16; Eph. 6:4; 1 Cor. 12:27). But it is not to stop there. Note the biblical examples of offerings given to

other churches for the needy (Acts 11:29, 30; 2 Cor. 8, 9; Gal. 2; Rom. 15).

III. Its Specific Expressions (par 2a)B. Their RecipientsIn efforts of the church physically or spiritually

to assist saints in other places the individual Christian does not have the right to stand aloof and unconcerned.

According to one's ability, all believers ought to be interested, concerned participants.

IV. Its Necessary Limitation (par 2b)The Bible teaches that theft is sinful and private

property is sacred (Acts 5:4; Eph 4:28; Exo 20:15).

But two questions must be answered.(1) What about the communion of goods

practiced in Acts 2:44, 4:32? We must distinguish between descriptive and

prescriptive portions of the Bible.The record of Judges is not recommendation.

IV. Its Necessary Limitation (par 2b)(1) What about the communion of goods

practiced in Acts 2:44, 4:32? We must also note carefully the language of

Acts 4:32: “and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.”


practiced in Acts 2:44, 4:32? The force seems to be that they did not insist

on their rights. The right is even implicitly recognized, but not

insisted on.So as with Christian liberty, they gave up the

exercise of their right of private property, but not the liberty itself.


practiced in Acts 2:44, 4:32? Williamson's answer: First, there is no indication that this practice was

commanded of God as normative for believers. Second, there is evidence that the right of private property was recognized by the apostles (Acts 5:4). And finally, this attempt at communal property did not work out satisfactorily even in the apostolic church (Acts 6:1ff.).

IV. Its Necessary Limitation (par 2b)(2) Why this limit? If we are all one, why is our property not

common? Remember the foundation of this communion.We are one in and through Christ. We are not one directly. Our property first belongs to Christ and only

through Him to each other—Our brother's property is his stewardship from Christ.

IV. Its Necessary Limitation (par 2b)(2) Why this limit? Thus, for example, we have no right to

demand of the use of our brother’s car or swimming pool.

Rather, our attitude must be one of humility and thankfulness for all that we receive.

We have no direct claim upon his goods. Over his stewardship from Christ we have no

authority.

Symbolics 3 The 1689 Baptist Confession [Chapters 21-32] Chapter 27 Of the Communion of the Saints.

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Transcript of Symbolics 3 The 1689 Baptist Confession [Chapters 21-32] Chapter 27 Of the Communion of the Saints.