Chaplains Handbook and Prayerbook

Chaplains Hand Book
by Peter Hammond
FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP
PO Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town
South Africa
www.frontline.org.za

Chaplains Hand Book
by Peter Hammond
Permission is hereby granted to any mission, church, magazine
or other periodical to reprint, or quote from,
any portion of this book, so long as two conditions are met:
(I) the passage must be reprinted, or quoted, in context, in full, word for word;
(2)full acknowledgement must be given in the following words:
This article is taken from
the Frontline Fellowship Chaplains Hand Book,
by Peter Hammond.
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible,
New King James Version,
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
used with permission
Copyright ©2017 by Peter Hammood
ISBN 978-0-9946971-3-4
Published by:
FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP
PO Box 74 Newlands
7725 Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: +(27-21) 689-4480
Fax: +(27-21) 685-5884
admin@frontline.org.za
www.frontline.org.za

Introduction
As a chaplain, you have many serious and solemn duties and responsibilities.
This Hand Book, which includes the supplementary Chaplains Prayer
Book, is designed to assist and empower you to carry out your duties
more effectively.
As a chaplain you are responsible for the spiritual well being of all in
your unit. In the army, the chaplain is to be the pastor of the soldiers,
non-commissioned officers and the officers, of all ranks. In the police, a
chaplain is to care for all the officers and constables. In a prison, a prison
chaplain is to care not only for the prisoners, but also for the wardens.
Hospital chaplains are responsible for the spiritual care of the patients,
and also of the medical staff. In addition, chaplains are frequently called
upon to care for the families and relatives of those they are primarily
responsible for.
Chaplains are of course responsible to the government officials under
whom they serve. Chaplains have a dual responsibility, to the church and
to the state. The state is a minister of justice answerable to Almighty God,
the King of kings and Lord of lords. Chaplains are also ministers of the
Church, which is a minister of grace under our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus
Christ.
In all these duties, your authority is grounded in Scripture, your
responsibilities are clearly shown in Scripture and the Holy Bible is your
most important equipment.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction,for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who will Judge the living and the dead at His appearing and
His Kingdom: Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season.
Convince, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and teaching. "
2 Timothy 3:16- 4:2
Dr. Peter Hammond
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Chaplains Hand Book
ContentsPage
Introductioni
Guidelines for Church Services 2
Prayers of Confession 3
The Nicene Creed 6
The Apostles’ Creed 7
Church Service 8
Prayers of Intercession 9
The General Supplication 13
Morning Prayer 16
The Apostles Creed 17
The Lord's Prayer 17
Funeral Service 19
Dedication Service (for Young Children) 24
Baptism Service (for Adults and Responsible Children) 28
Benedictions30
The Creed of Athanasius 31
The Art of Preaching 33
Motives for Missions 36
Evangelism45
Leading People to Christ 49
The Roman Road 50
The Gospel in John 51
The ABC’s of Salvation 51
Evangelism Explosion 52
The Facts of the Faith
The Adventure of Discipleship
55
59
What is a Christian? 60
Principles for Discipleship 63
Biblical Character 65
Suffering67
The Testimony of the Twelve Apostles 69
The Suffering of Christ 72
War in the Bible 74
All Out War 79
Spiritual Warfare 81
Called to Conquest 83
Hatred of Evil 84
Praying Against Evil 85
Verses of Victory 87
Standing Orders from our Commanding Officer 88
A Time For War 89
God’s Army
The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion
91
92
The Westminster Confession 103
Evangelising in the War Zones 133
Teaching that Transforms 135

Guidelines for Church
Services
"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will
judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach
the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke,
exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2 Timothy 4: 1-2
Chaplains are to seek to maintain a high standard of Bible teaching,
inspiring Christian concern for the suffering, the weak and the needy and
missionary vision for the unreached. We need to give suitable priority to
both education and evangelism, to work and worship, to moral issues
and missionary outreach, in spiritual zeal and social concerns. We
need to be committed to working for Biblical Reformation and praying for
Revival. This includes praying for justice according to the Psalms.
Suggested Order of Service
CALL TO WORSHIP Open the service with a suitable Scripture (e.g.: 1
Chronicles 16:8-12; 16:23-29; 16:31-36; Psalm l; 2; 8; 22:27-31; 24; 27:1-
4;29: 12;46: 1-4; 47; 63:1-5; 95; 96; 97; 98:1-2; 99:l-5;100; 101; 112; 113;
117;121; 122; 125; 127; 134; 146; 149;Revelation 4; 5:6-13).
CALL TO WORSHIP
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His Name; make known His
deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing Psalms to Him; Talk of all
His wondrous works! Glory in His holy Name; Let the hearts of those
rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek
His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth." 1 Chronicles 16: 8-12
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation
from day to day.Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among
all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is also
to be feared above all gods.For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the
Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and
gladness are in His place. Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Give
to the Lord glory and strength.Give to the Lord the glory due His Name..."
1 Chronicles 16:23-2 9
"Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among
the nations, 'The Lord reigns.' Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;Let the
field rejoice, and all that is in it. Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice
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before the Lord,For He is coming to judge the earth. Oh, give thanks to
the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. And say, 'Save
us, O God of our salvation;Gather us together, and deliver us from the
Gentiles, To give thanks to Your holy Name,To triumph in Your praise.'
Blessed be the Lord God of IsraelFrom everlasting to everlasting!"
1 Chronicles 16:31-36
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It
is He Who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the
sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and
into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His Name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to
all generations. " Psalm 100
Opening PRAYER of worship, adoration and praise
Hymn
READING of some aspect of the Law of God (e.g.: Exodus 20:1-17;
Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 27:15-26; 28:1-25, 58-63; 30:15-20;
Joshua 1:6-9; Matthew 5:3-12; 7:21-27; Mark 10:19; Luke 6:20-26, 46-
49; 9:23-26; Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:1-21; Philippians 4:4-8; Colossians
3:1-23;Revelation 20: 1 1-15;21:7-8).
PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
Exhortations to Repentance:
The Scriptures urge us to acknowledge our wickedness before Almighty
God our Heavenly Father and to confess our many sins to Him, that they
may be forgiven through His infinite goodness and mercy in Jesus Christ
our Lord.
"We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and
rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither
have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your Name to our
kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land."
Daniel 9:5, 6
"For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. "
Psalm 51:3
"Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities." Psalm 51:9
"Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no one
living is righteous." Psalm 143:2
3

Guidelines for Church Service
"So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And
He relents from doing harm. " Joel 2: 13
"To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled
against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in
His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets."
Daniel 9:9, 10
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in
us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins,
and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8,9
Chaplain:
We should always humbly admit our sins before God, but especially when
we meet together to give thanks for the great benefits we have received
from Him, to praise and worship Him, to hear His holy Word and to ask
what is necessary for our bodies and souls. Therefore let us come before
the throne of our gracious God and pray together:
Congregation:
Almighty and most merciful Father;
we have strayed from Your ways like lost sheep,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
We have followed our own ways and our own desires
and we have neglected and broken Your holy Laws.
Have mercy on us Lord.
Restore those who repent and confess their sins according
to Your promises declared in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, merciful Father, for His sake, that hereafter
we may live righteous and obedient lives,
to the glory of Your holy Name. Amen.
Chaplain:
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
does not desire the death of a sinner, but rather that
he should turn from his wickedness and live.
He has given authority and commandment to His
ministers to declare to His people that He pardons
and forgives the sins of all who truly repent and
believe His Holy Gospel.
Therefore, let us ask Him to grant us true
repentance and His Holy Spirit, that we may please
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Him now, and that the rest of our life may be pure
and holy so that at the last we may come to His
eternal joy through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Congregation:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, we confess that we
have failed You in our thoughts and words and deeds.
Because we are sinners by nature we have strayed
from Your ways and not only have we done wrong
but we have failed to do right. Lord, You alone can
forgive sin. Have mercy on us, pardon our sins and
help us to serve You not only with our lips, but with
our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Responsive Reading and Prayer:
Lord, remember not our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers;
punish us not for our sins. Spare Your people whom You have redeemed
with Your precious blood. Spare us good Lord.
From all evil and harm, from sin, from the cunning attacks of the devil;
and from everlasting condemnation. Lord deliver us.
From all spiritual blindness; from pride, vanity and hypocrisy; from envy,
hatred, malice and all uncharitableness. Lord deliver us.
From sexual and all other deadly sin; and from the deceits of the world,
The flesh, and the devil. Lord deliver us.
From fire and storm, drought and flood, from epidemic and famine, from
strife and violence, from bombs and bullets, from rebellion and violence
and from dying suddenly and unprepared. Lord deliver us.
From all false doctrine, heresy and schism; from hardness of heart and
contempt of Your Word and Commandments. Lord deliver us.
In all times of misery, in all times of prosperity, in the hour of death and
on the day of judgement. Lord deliver us.
By the mystery of Your holy Incarnation; by Your holy birth, life and
obedience to the Law. Lord deliver us.
By Your agony and anguish, by Your cross and suffering, by Your precious
death and Atonement, by Your glorious Resurrection and Ascension and
by the coming of the Holy Spirit. Lord deliver us.
STATEMENT OF FAITH (e.g.:The Apostles Creed, The Nicene Creed,
The Athanasian Creed, or excerpts from the Thirty Nine Articles, or the
Westminster Confession of Faith, or any other suitable historical, Biblical
Confession of Faith)
5

THE NICENE CREED
Let us stand and recite our common Faith. What do we believe?
I believe in one God, the Father, Almighty,
maker of Heaven and earth
and of all that is, seen and unseen.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds,
God, from God; Light, from Light;
True God, from True God; begotten not made,
of one substance with the Father.
Through Him all things were made,
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven,
Was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For us He was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered, died and was buried.
On the third day He rose again, in accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead
And His Kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son together He is worshipped and glorified.
He spoke through the prophets.
I believe in Christ's holy universal and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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THE APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of Heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, He died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into Heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God,
the Father Almighty;
from there He shall come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
Christ's holy universal Church,
the fellowship of Christians,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
NOTICES of upcoming events, outreaches, items for prayer and testimonies of
answered prayer.
(If an Offering is to be taken up, it can also be taken up at this time.)
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
(including for members of the unit in need, commanders, persecuted Christians,
church and civil leaders and imprecatory prayers against the wicked where
appropriate.)
SCRIPTURE READING(S)
HYMN
SERMON
HYMN
BENEDICTION
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Church Service
The Chaplain reads a Psalm and greets the congregation.
He announces the first Hymn.
After the Hymn has been sung, while the congregation remains standing, he
reads one or more of these, or other suitable verses from the Bible, followed by
the exhortation.
"We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly
and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your
judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets,
who spoke in Your Name to our kings and our princes, to our
fathers and all the people of the land." Daniel 9:5-6
"For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before
me." Psalm 51:3
"Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities." Psalm 51:9
"Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight
no one living is righteous." Psalm 143:2
"So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord
your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of
great kindness; And He relents from doing harm." Joel 2:13
"To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we
have rebelled against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the
Lord our God, to walk in His Laws, which He set before us by His
servants the prophets." Daniel 9:9, 10
"The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent,
and believe in the Gospel." Mark 1:15
"I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have
sinned against Heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy
to be called your son." Luke 15:18, 19
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8, 9
Exhortation
The Scriptures urge us to acknowledge our wickedness before Almighty
God our heavenly Father and to confess our many sins to Him, that they
may be forgiven through His infinite goodness and mercy in Jesus Christ
our Lord.
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We should always humbly admit our sins before God, but especially when
we meet together to give thanks for the great benefits we have received
from Him, to praise and worship Him, to hear His holy Word and to ask
what is necessary for our bodies and souls. Therefore let us come before
the throne of our gracious God and say together:
General Confession said together:
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from Your ways like lost sheep,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
We have followed our own ways and our own desires
and we have neglected and broken Your holy Laws.
Have mercy on us Lord.
Restore us who repent and confess our sins
according to Your promises declared in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, merciful Father, for His sake, that hereafter
we may live righteous and obedient lives
to the glory of Your holy Name. Amen.
Assurance of forgiveness said by the Chaplain standing:
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, does not desire the death
of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live.
He has given authority and commandment to His ministers to declare to
His people that He pardons and forgives the sins of all who truly repent
and believe His holy Gospel.
Therefore, let us ask Him to grant us true repentance and His Holy
Spirit, that we may please Him now, and that the rest of our lives be pure
and holy - so that at the last we may come to His eternal joy through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer said together:
Our Father,which art in Heaven.
hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
in earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation.
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
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Church Service
The Chaplain can then lead the congregation in a time of intercession,
using two or three of the following prayers:
Prayer for our Land
Almighty,everlasting God, bless our land, its rulers and people. Grant
that all of us may live in obedience to Your Word and follow after
truth, righteousness and justice. Lord, give peace in our time, peace
with justice, and with lasting freedom - to the glory of Your holy Name
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for all in need
Almighty,merciful Father, You have told us not to think of ourselves
only, but to remember the needs of others. We pray for all in want or
need, for the sick in body or mind,for the poor and lonely,for those in
distress and despair and for all who have strayed from Your way. Merciful
Lord, deliver them, strengthen and restore their faith, bless and help
them through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In time of disaster
Heavenly Father; we thank you for the reminder that power belongs to
God and not to man. Look in mercy on Your people, forgive our sins and
give relief to all those suffering from the disaster of...
Grant also healing and restoration to Your wonderful creation to the
praise of your great Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A general intercession
God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly implore You
for all people everywhere, that You would be pleased to make Your ways
known to them, Your saving power to all nations.
Especially we pray for Christ's holy Church, that it may be so guided and
governed by Your Spirit, that all who call themselves Christians may be
led by the Word of God and hold to the Faith in unity of spirit, in the
bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
Finally,we commend to Your Fatherly goodness all those who are in any
way afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body or circumstances, especially
those known to us, or for whom our prayers are asked, that it may please
You to comfort and deliver them, according to their different needs,
giving them patience in their sufferings, and a blessed end to all their
troubles.
All this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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A general thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we Your unworthy servants give You
most humble and hearty thanks, for all Your goodness and loving kindness
to us and to all men. We bless You for our creation, preservation, and all
the blessings of this life. But above all for Your immeasurable love in the
redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace,
and for the hope of glory. Give us, we pray,such a deep sense of all your
mercies, that we may be truly thankful and praise You not only with our
lips, but with our lives, by giving ourselves to Your service, and by walking
before You in holiness and righteousness all our days. Through Jesus
Christ, our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit be all honour and
glory forever and ever. Amen.
For the Church
Almighty God, the great Shepherd of Your people, bless those who are
called to the ministry of Your Word and the congregations to whom they
minister. Fill them with the love of Your Truth and clothe them with
holiness. Give grace to our bishops, pastors and chaplains, and all other
ministers, that their lives and teaching will witness to Your true and living
Word through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the extension of Christ's Kingdom
God of all the nations of the earth, we pray to You to remember the
multitude of men and women who, though created in Your image are
ignorant of Your love and salvation. Grant that by the witness of those
missionaries and evangelists who serve our Lord Jesus Christ, that
wherever they minister Your Word, perishing souls may be saved, the
church revived, and the Name of our Saviour magnified. In Christ's Name
we ask it. Amen.
For protection
Almighty God we look to You for protection. Protect us from bombs,
landmines, artillery and other weapons of the enemy. Keep us alert. Guide
our footsteps. Keep us sensitive to Your still small voice. May You cause the
enemies' weapons to misfire and their bombs to miss their targets or fall to
explode. May their pilots fall sick, may their Antonovs and Migs develop
engine failure. May they get lost. May Every weapon formed against us fail
to have effect. Protect us we pray. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
For victory in battle
Lord God,Almighty,You are the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Grant
us steadfast hearts to love, trust and obey You. Strengthen us that we may
serve Your cause and people with courage and resilience. Be merciful to
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Church Service
us. Forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Make us
quick and accurate. Guide our hands and feet. Make us alert to danger and
swift to respond. Help us to work effectively together -for we pray all this
in and through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for help
Lighten our darkness Lord we pray,and in Your great mercy defend us
from all perils and danger of this night, for the love of Your only Son, our
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for those in authority
Almighty God, who rules over the nations of the world, we commend
to Your merciful care the people of this land, that being guided by Your
providence we may dwell secure in Your peace. Grant to our leaders and to
all in authority,wisdom and strength to understand Your Word and to do
Your will. Fill them with the love of truth, justice and righteousness, that
they may serve Your people faithfully -to Your honour and glory: through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for clergy and people
Almighty and everlasting God send down your gracious Holy Spirit on
our bishop, pastors, chaplains and other ministers and all congregations
of our church. That they may truly please You, refresh, protect and bless
them continually,to the honour of our Advocate and Mediator Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, who has given us grace at this time with one accord to
make our common supplications to You; and has promised that when two
or three are gathered together in Your Name You will grant their requests;
fulfil now Lord the desires and petitions of Your servants, as may be most
expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of Your truth,
and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.
For ourselves
Go before us Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favour, and
grant us Your constant help, that in all our works, begun, continued and
ended in You we may glorify Your holy Name, and by Your mercy receive
everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At end of day
Be present, merciful God and protect us through the hours of this night,
that we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting
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world, many rest on your eternal changelessness, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
The Grace said together
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.
The General Supplication or Litany - Responsive Prayer
For Mercy
God the Father, Creator of all,
have mercy on us sinners.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us sinners.
God the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son
have mercy on us sinners.
Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity,three Persons and one God,
have mercy on us sinners. Amen.
For Deliverance
Lord, remember not our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers;
punish us not for our sins, spare Your people whom You have redeemed
with Your precious blood and be not angry with us forever.
Spare us good Lord.
From all evil and harm, from sin, from the cunning attacks of the devil;
from Your wrath and from everlasting condemnation,
good Lord deliver us.
From all spiritual blindness; from pride, vanity and hypocrisy; from envy,
hatred, malice and all uncharitableness,
good Lord deliver us.
From sexual and all other deadly sin; and from the deceits of the world,the
flesh, and the devil,
good Lord deliver us.
From fire and storm, drought and flood, from pestilence and famine, from
strife and violence, from bombs and landmines, from rebellion and war
and from dying suddenly and unready,
good Lord deliver us.
From all false doctrine, heresy and schism; from hardness of heart and
contempt of Your Word and commandments,
good Lord deliver us.
In all times of misery, in all times of plenty, in the hour of death and on
the Day of Judgment,
good Lord deliver us.
By the mystery of Your holy Incarnation; by Your holy birth, by Your
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circumcision and obedience to the Law; by Your baptism, fasting, and
temptation,
good Lord deliver us.
By Your agony and anguish, by Your Cross and suffering, by Your precious
death and burial, by Your glorious Resurrection and Ascension and by the
coming of the Holy Spirit,
good Lord deliver us. Amen.
For Help
Lord God we sinners ask you to hear us and to rule and direct Your holy
Church in the right way.
Hear us good Lord.
Enlighten all bishops and other ministers with true knowledge and
understanding of Your Word and let their preaching and life clearly show it.
Hear us good Lord.
Grant wisdom and strength to our leaders and all in authority, and that
they may first seek Your honour and glory.
Hear us good Lord.
Give grace to the judges and magistrates to discern the truth and give
right judgement.
Hear us good Lord.
Help us to love and revere You, to hear and receive Your Word, to live by
it, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Hear us good Lord.
Bring to the truth all who have gone wrong, or been deceived,strengthen
those who stand firm in the Faith, encourage the faint hearted, lift the
fallen, and finally beat down satan under our feet.
Hear us good Lord.
Help and undertake for all in danger,or any kind of suffering or persecution,
need, or trouble, the poor,the hungry and the homeless; protect all who
travel by land, water, or air and have pity on all prisoners.
Hear us good Lord.
Bless the widows and fatherless children, all women in childbirth, all who are
sick, all young children and the aged, the lonely and all who fear and despair.
Hear us good Lord.
Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers and turn their hearts.
Hear us good Lord.
Grant us true repentance; forgive our sins, indifference and ignorance,
and fill us with Your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to Your holy
Word.
Hear us good Lord.
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Protect the earth, and all your creatures, grant us plentiful harvests and
make us truly thankful for all you provide.
Hear us good Lord. Amen.
Closing prayers
Son of God we ask You to hear us.
Son of God we ask You to hear us.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,
grant us Your peace.
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord deal not with us according to our sins,
Nor reward us according to our wickedness.
Lord we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us of the great
works that You did in their days and in the old times before them.
Lord arise, help and deliver us for Your honour.
Glory to God, Father,Son and Holy Spirit
as in the beginning so now and for ever .Amen.
Then follow:
The announcements.
Scripture Readings
The Hymn before the sermon.
*The Sermon
The closing Hymn (during which the collection may be taken).
The blessing/benediction.
Blessing/Benediction:
"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon
you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you
and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
or
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that
we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be
glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and
ever." Ephesians 3:20, 21
Amen
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Church Service
Morning Prayer
The Chaplain welcomes the congregation.
He announces the first Hymn.
After the hymn has been sung he reads one or more of the following (or other
suitable) verses from the Bible:
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24
"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His
people, and has raised up a Horn of Salvation for us in the house of His
servant David." Luke 1:68, 69
"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His
Glory." Isaiah 6:3
"You are worthy, O Lord,to receive glory and honor and power; For
You created all things, and by Your Will they exist and were created."
Revelation 4:11
The Chaplain says:
We have come here to take part in the worship of God;
to confess our sins to Him and to ask for His forgiveness; to thank Him for
making us and protecting us; to praise Him for His love and mercy; to hear
from His holy Word, and to pray for our needs and the needs of others.
But, first, let us confess our sins and pray together:
Almighty God, heavenly Father,we confess that we have sinned
against You, in our thoughts, words, and deeds and in what we
have left undone. Lord have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and
help us that we may serve You better and please You more through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Chaplain: Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, does not wish
the death of a sinner,but that he should turn from sin and trust in Christ.
God's Word declares that He forgives the sins of all Who truly repent and
believe the Gospel. God gave His Son Jesus Christ to die that we could be
forgiven and have everlasting life through Him. Let us therefore worship
God saying:
Congregation: Lord, we worship You for Your wonderful plan of
salvation and Your great love that while we were lost sinners
Christ died for us to give us eternal life.
Chaplain: Glory be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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Congregation: As it was in the beginning, so now and for ever.
Chaplain: Let us stand as we recite our common Faith in the words of:
The Apostles Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of Heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, He died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into Heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From there He shall come to Judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
Christ's holy universal Church;
the fellowship of Christians,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Chaplain says:
Let us pray The Lord's Prayer together:
Our Father,which art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
In earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
the power,and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for our Land
Almighty, everlasting God, bless our land, our leaders and people. Grant
that all of us may live in obedience to Your Word and follow after truth,
righteousness and justice. Lord, give peace -with justice and freedom -in our
time, to the glory of Your holy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Church Service
Prayer for our Church
Heavenly Father, You have called us to be living members of Christ's
holy Church. Bless the fellowship of the churches, its bishops, pastors,
chaplains and other ministers and those in responsible positions. Grant
to all who belong to Your Church sure faith in Your holy Word and lives
obedient to it. May we always serve You and each other in prayer and love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for all in need
Almighty,merciful Father, You have told us not to think of ourselves only,
but to remember the needs of others. We pray for all in want or need, for
the sick in body or mind,for the poor and lonely, for those in distress and
despair and for all who have strayed from Your way. Merciful Lord, deliver
them, strengthen and restore their faith, bless and help them through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then follows:
The Scripture readings.
*Bible message.
A closing Hymn.
The blessing.
The Grace:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all for ever more. Amen.
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Funeral Service
The Chaplain begins the service saying:
Listen to God's Word.
The Lord Jesus Christ said:
"I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, though he
may die, he shall live." John 11:25
The Apostle Paul wrote:
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David
1. The Lord is my Shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
2. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His Name's sake.
4. Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death.
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
5. You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.
Other appropriate Psalms that could be read include: Psalm 103; 130; 139.
At the burial of a child, passages from Lamentations 3:22-26; 3:31-33;
John 6.37-40; 1John 3:1-2 and Psalm 23 could be read.
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Funeral Service
The Chaplain shall lead the congregation in prayer:
At the Burial of an Adult
O God, who by the glorious Resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ
destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that
Your servant (name), being raised with Him, may know the strength of
His presence, and rejoice in His eternal glory; who with You and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Or
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf
of Your servant (name), and grant him an entrance into Your heavenly
land of light and joy, in the fellowship of Your saints; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Or
O God of grace and glory,we remember before you this day our brother
(sister) (name). We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends,
to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In Your
boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in
death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue
our course on earth, until, by Your call, we are reunited with those who
have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the Burial of a Child
O God, whose beloved Son took children into His arms and blessed them:
Give us grace to entrust (name) to your never failing care and love, and
bring us all to Your Heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.
The Chaplain may add the following prayer:
Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: deal
graciously with (name) in their grief. Surround them with your love, that
they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your
goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Scripture readings can be read from any of the the following:
From the Old Testament
Isaiah 25:6-9 (He will swallow up death for ever)
Isaiah 61:1-3 (To comfort those who mourn).
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Lamentations3:22-26, 31-33 (The Lord is good to those who wait for Him).
Job 19:21-27a (I know that my Redeemer lives).
Appropriate Psalms: are also: 42:1 -7 ,46,90:1-12 , 121, 130, 139:1-11.
From the New Testament
Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39 (The glory that shall be revealed).
1Corinthians 15:20:26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 (The resurrection body).
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9 (Things that are unseen are eternal).
1 John 3:1-2 (We shall be like Him).
Revelation 7:9-17 (God will wipe away every tear).
Revelation 21:2-7 (Behold, I make all things new).
The Gospel
John 5:24-27 (He who believes has everlasting life).
John 6:37-40 (All that the Father gives Me will come to Me).
John 10:11-16 (I am the Good Shepherd).
John 11:21-27 (I am the Resurrection and the Life).
John 14:1-6 (In My Father's house are many rooms).
At the end of the Scripture readings the Reader says:
This is the Word of God.
The Chaplain should then lead the congregation in prayer:
For our brother (sister) (name), let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ Who
said, "I am the Resurrection and the Life."
Lord, You consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us
who mourn for (name), and dry the tears of those who weep.
Hear us, Lord.
You wept at the grave of Lazarus, Your friend; comfort us now in our
sorrow.
Hear us, Lord.
You raised the dead to life; give to our brother (sister) eternal life.
Hear us Lord.
You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our brother (sister)
to the joys of Heaven.
Hear us Lord.
Our brother (sister) was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy
Spirit; give him fellowship with all Your saints.
Hear us Lord.
He was nourished with Your Body and Blood in the Eucharist; grant him a
place at the table in Your heavenly Kingdom.
Hear us Lord.
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Funeral Service
Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother (sister); let our Faith
be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
*Then follows the sermon
Thereafter one or more of the following prayers may be offered:
Our loving heavenly Father,You did not spare Your beloved only Son our
Lord Jesus Christ, but gave Him to redeem us by His death on the Cross;
comfort and support those who mourn here before You, let them not
doubt Your love but bring them through their sorrow to a fuller knowledge
of Your divine wisdom and purpose and that all things work for the good
of those who love You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, Your heart went out to the widow of Nain who had
lost her only son and You restored him to her; You were deeply moved
by the grief of those who mourned over Lazarus death and You wept and
restored him to life; have compassion on Your servants in their loss and
grief. Be to them a very present help in trouble, give them eyes of faith
that they may see that the eternal God is their refuge and that underneath
are the everlasting arms; we ask it in Your Name. Amen.
Lord, merciful Father, You have promised not to break a bruised reed and
You do not despise any one crushed by sorrow; most mercifully answer
our prayers for those who are bruised and distressed; calm the storm and
scatter the clouds, that they may praise and bless You, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Grace- said together:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all ever more. Amen.
The first part of the service concludes here. Then follows the Committal
or burial.
The chaplain says:
Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes
up, and is cut down like a flower; he disappears like a shadow and does not
stay. In the midst of life we are in death.
To whom can we turn for help but to You Lord God, most holy,most
mighty?
Although You are justly angered by our sins, deliver us not to the terror
of eternal death. Hear our prayers most merciful God for Jesus Christ's
sake. Amen.
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Almighty God our heavenly Father,with you are the souls of all who have
died in the Faith of Christ, here we commit the body of our dear brother
earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, in the Name of our Lord Jesus
Christ Who will transform our lowly bodies, that they may be like His
glorious body, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under
His control. Amen.
"Everyone the Father gives to Me will come to Me;
I will never turn away anyone who believes in Me."
He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life to our
mortal bodies through His indwelling Spirit.
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest
in hope.
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of
joy,and in Your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Then, while earth is cast upon the coffin, the Chaplain says these Words:
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our
Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother (sister)
(name), and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to
ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make
His face to shine upon him and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up His
countenance upon him and give him peace. Amen.
Suitable Hymns for Funeral Services
"A Mighty Fortress is our God"
"Abide with Me"
"All Glory Be to God on High"
"All People That on Earth Do Dwell"
"Be Thou My Vision"
"Breathe on Me, Breath of God"
"Cast Thy Burden on the Lord"
"Christ the Lord Is Risen Again"
"Faith of Our Fathers"
"For All the Saints"
"Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken"
"God Moves in a Mysterious Way''
"God of Grace and God of Glory''
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"
"I know That My Redeemer Lives"
"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"
"O God, Our Help in Ages Past"
"The Church's One Foundation"
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Funeral Service
The Benediction
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ,
the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
Covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working
in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight; through Jesus Christ, to
Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Dedication Service (for young children)
Our Lord Jesus Christ said:
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such
is the Kingdom of God." Mark 10:14
The Apostle Peter said:
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the Name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is to you and to your children..." Acts 2:38, 39
Moses said:
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your
heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk
of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when
you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Then the Chaplain says:
Christian friends, seeing that everyone is born with a sinful nature and
because our Saviour said that no one can enter God's Kingdom unless he
is born again from above, let us together earnestly pray to God our Father,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, that He will mercifully grant this child
that which by nature he (or she) cannot have; that he (or she) may be born
of the Holy Spirit and be made a living member of Christ's holy Church.
Let us pray together:
Almighty and everlasting God, as you saved Noah and his family in
the Ark from perishing in the judgement of the flood, we pray You,
in Your infinite mercy,to look graciously upon this child, wash him
(or her) and sanctify him (or her) with the Holy Spirit, that he (or
she), delivered from Your righteous anger may be received into the
ark of Christ's Church, and grant that firm in faith, joyful through
hope, and rooted in love, he (or she) may so pass over the waves of
this troubled world, that finally he (or she) may come to the land of
everlasting life, there to reign with You for ever and ever,through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hear the Word of God as it is written in the tenth chapter of Mark's
Gospel, beginning at verse thirteen:
"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them;
but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus
saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, 'Let the little
children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom
of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom
of God as a little child will by no means enter it.' And He took them up
in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."
You have heard in this reading from God's Word that Jesus gladly received
the children of God's people, that He commended them, that He rebuked
those that kept them from Him, that He openly showed His love for them,
when He embraced them in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed
them. We need therefore not doubt, but confidently believe, that He will
receive this child which we bring to Him in prayer; that He will embrace
him (or her) with the arms of His mercy; that He will give him (or her) the
blessing of eternal life and make him(or her) a partaker of His everlasting
Kingdom. Therefore, let us give thanks to God, and say together:
Almighty and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give You humble
thanks that you have called us to the knowledge of your grace and to faith
in You. Increase this knowledge and confirm this Faith in us more and
more. Give Your Holy Spirit to this child that he (or she) may be born again
and be made an heir of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and for
ever. Amen.
The Chaplain says to the parents and godparents:
Christian friends, you have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ will
graciously receive this child, deliver him (or her) from his(or her) sins,fill
him(or her) with the Holy Spirit and give him (or her) the Kingdom of
Heaven and everlasting life.
Our Lord has promised to answer prayers which we offer in His Name, and
this promise He will surely keep. For your part you must live in conformity
with your prayers by setting this child the example of Christian lives and
Christian homes. You must continue in your prayers for him(or her) in the
years ahead and instruct him (or her) in the Word of God and Christian
faith and hope. Will you do this?
Answer: By God's grace, we will.
Chaplain: This child, for his(or her) part, must also faithfully promise by
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Funeral Service
you today dedicating yourselves to bringing this child up in the Faith,
until he (or she) comes of age to take the promise for himself (or herself),
that he (or she) will renounce the devil and all his works, firmly believe
God's holy Word and Obediently keep His commandments.
I ask therefore:
Do you in the name of this child renounce the devil and all his works, the
greed and deceit of the world, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that
you will not follow them or be led by them?
Answer: I renounce them all.
Chaplain: Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth? And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son our Lord? And that
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary; that He
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; that He
went down into hell, and also rose again the third day; that He ascended
into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and
from there will come again at the end of the world, to judge the living and
the dead? Do you believe in Christ's holy universal Church; the fellowship
of Christians; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and
everlasting life after death?
Answer: All this I firmly believe.
Chaplain: Will you dedicate this child to our Lord Jesus Christ?
Answer: This is our desire.
Chaplain: Will you then obediently teach God's holy Word and
commandments to this child so that he (or she) may love and serve Him
faithfully all his(or her) life?
Answer: I will.
Chaplain: Merciful God, grant that the old nature in this child may be so
buried that the new man may be raised up in him (or her.)
Congregation: Amen.
Chaplain: Grant that all sinful desires may die in him or her and that all
things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him (or her.)
Congregation: Amen.
Chaplain: Grant that he (or she) who is here dedicated to you may be
granted heavenly grace and be everlastingly rewarded, through Your
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mercy,blessed Lord God Who governs all things for ever and ever.
Congregation: Amen.
The Chaplain takes the child and asks the parents his (or her) name. He
first names it and then dedicates the child to God:
I dedicate you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
We receive this child in to the congregation of Christ's Church and sign
him(or her) with the sign of the cross (here the minister makes a cross on the
child's forehead) to show that he (or she) will not be ashamed to confess the
faith of Christ crucified and fight bravely against sin, the world and the
devil and continue to be Christ's faithful follower and servant till his (or
her) life's end. Amen.
Let us pray together
We give you heartfelt thanks, most merciful Father that you hear our
prayers made in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ to regenerate this
child with Your Holy Spirit, to receive him(or her) for Your own child by
adoption and to include him (or her) in Your holy Church. We pray that
he (or she) may die to sin and live to righteousness , being crucified with
Christ and raised with Him, and that with the rest of Christ's holy Church,
he (or she) may inherit Your everlasting Kingdom, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, your Son Jesus shared at Nazareth
the life of a godly home; may this child be brought up in the training and
instruction of the Lord. Bless every family here. Help parents to teach the
knowledge of Your Word and righteousness . Help children to respond
with love and obedience . May our homes be blessed with Your presence,
and filled with faith, hope and love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Grace said together:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, evermore Amen.
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Baptism Service
(Adults and Responsible children)
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean;
I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will
take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of
flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My
statutes, and you will keep My Judgments and do them."
Ezekiel 36:25-27
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the Name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the
Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to
all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
Acts 2:38, 39
The Chaplain says:
God's Word tells us that everyone is born with a sinful nature, that all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said that no one can naturally enter the Kingdom of
Heaven, but must be born again. Baptism is the external and visible sign
of the new birth, of the washing away of sin and of becoming a member
of God's family. But, it is of no effect without the inward and spiritual
work of the Holy Spirit who first brings us to repentance and then to trust
in the perfect sacrifice for sins made on the cross by our Saviour Jesus
Christ. Therefore, let us pray that God will graciously grant our brother(s)
(and sisters(s)) who have come here for baptism that which by their sinful
nature they cannot have, that they may be born of the Holy Spirit and
made living members of Christ's holy Church. Amen.
Chaplain: Almighty God, heavenly Father, You sent Your Son into the world
to save sinners, by living a life of perfect obedience to Your holy Law, by
suffering and dying upon the cross, by rising from the dead and ascending
into Heaven; mercifully grant to these Your servants, who have come to
baptism, to be cleansed from their sins, born again to everlasting life, and
that they may be filled with Your Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Then follows:
The Scripture Readings (e.g. 1 Corinthians 10:1-6; Romans 6:1-4; and
Mark 1:4-11) should now be read.
*Sermon
Hymn
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Chaplain: Brothers and sisters in Christ, in the presence of God and this
congregation do you renounce the devil and all his works, the deceit of the
world and the sinful desires of the flesh so that you will not follow them
or be led by them?
Answer: I renounce them all.
Chaplain: Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven
and earth?
Answer: I do believe in Him.
Chaplain: Do you believe in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord? He was
conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He
descended into hell and on the third day He rose again. He ascended into
Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He
will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Answer: I do.
Chaplain: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit, Christ's holy universal
Church, the fellowship of Christians, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body and the life everlasting?
Answer: All this I firmly believe.
Chaplain: Will you then obediently keep God's holy Word and
commandments and serve Him faithfully all your life?
Answer: I will.
Chaplain: May our merciful God grant that your old nature may be buried
and that the new nature will grow in its place.
Congregation: Amen.
Chaplain: Grant that your sinful desires may die and Christian values live
in their place.
Congregation: Amen.
Chaplain: Grant that you may have strength and endurance to win the
victory over the devil, the world and your sinful nature.
Congregation: Amen.
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Baptism Service
The Chaplain baptises them in water saying:
Chaplain: . ..I baptise you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We receive you into the congregation of Christ's Church and sign you with
the sign of the cross (here the minister makes a cross on their foreheads) to
show that you will not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified
and to fight bravely under His Name against sin, the world, and the devil,
and to continue as Christ's faithful soldier and servant to your life's end.
Amen.
Chaplain: Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank You that You hear our prayers made in the
Name of Your Son Jesus Christ for these our brothers (or sisters) who
according to Your Word have been baptised in Your Name; that they
might receive new birth by your Holy Spirit, become Your own children by
adoption, and living members of your holy Church. Grant that they may
die to sin and live to righteousness, being crucified with Christ and raised
with Him, and that they,with the rest of your children may inherit Your
eternal Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Benediction:
To God's gracious mercy and protection we commit you. The Lord bless
and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious to
you. The Lord give you peace both now and for ever. Amen.
"Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to
God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion
and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24 - 25
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Corinthians 13: 14
"May the Lord Himself, Who is our source of peace, give you peace at
all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the
dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the
everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His
will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus
Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
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The Creed of Athanasius
The Athanasian Creed composed between AD 381-428, based on the
work of St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria AD 329-373, affirms
and defines the fundamental Christian doctrine of God the Holy Trinity.
1. Whoever will be saved: before all things it is necessary that he hold the
Holy Christian Faith.
2. Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled: without
doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
3. And the Holy Christian Faith is this: that we worship one God in
Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity;
4. Neither confounding the Persons: nor dividing the Substance.
5. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son; and another
of the Holy Spirit.
6. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is all
one: the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal.
7. Such as the Father is, such is the Son; and such is the Holy Spirit.
8. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate; and the Holy Spirit uncreate.
9. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible; and the
Holy Spirit incomprehensible.
10. The Father eternal, the Son eternal; and the Holy Spirit eternal.
11. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal.
12. As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three untreated;
but one untreated and one incomprehensible.
13. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty; and the Holy
Spirit Almighty.
14. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty.
15. So the Father is God, the Son is God: and the Holy Spirit is God.
16. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God.
17. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord; and the Holy Spirit Lord.
18. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord.
19. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity: to acknowledge
every Person by Himself to be God and Lord;
20. So we are forbidden by the Holy Christian Faith: to say there be three
Gods or three Lords.
21. The Father is made of none: neither created nor begotten.
22. The Son is of the Father alone: not made, nor created, but begotten.
23. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor
created, nor begotten, but proceeding.
24. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one
Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.
25. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another: none is greater, or
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less than another;
26. But the whole three Persons are co-eternal together: and coequal.
27. So that in all things, as is aforesaid: the Unity in Trinity, and the
Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.
28. He therefore that will be saved: must thus think of the Trinity.
29. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation: that he also
believes rightly in the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
30. For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess: that our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man.
31. God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds: and
Man, of the Substance of His mother, born in the world;
32. Perfect God, and perfect Man: of a reasonable soul and human flesh
subsisting;
33. Equal to the Father, as touching His Godhead: and inferior to the
Father, as touching His Manhood.
34. Who although He be God and Man: yet He is not two, but one Christ;
35. One; not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh: but by taking of
the Manhood into God;
36. One altogether; not by confusion of substance: but by unity of Person.
37. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man: so God and Man is
one Christ;
38. Who suffered for our salvation: descended into hell, rose again the
third day from the dead.
39. He ascended into Heaven, He sits on the right hand of the Father,
God Almighty: from where He shall come to judge the living and the
dead.
40. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies; and shall
give account for their own works.
41. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting: and they
that have done evil into everlasting fire.
42. This is the Faith of Christ's Holy Universal Church: which except a
man believes faithfully, he cannot be saved.
Glory to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
as in the beginning so now and forever. Amen.
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The Art of Preaching
INTRODUCTION
We all need to learn how to preach/speak in public. The ability to
communicate or teach is a gift that needs cultivating and practice. Most
important, we each need a relationship/experience with the Holy Spirit
(Acts 1:8) to equip us for service.
A. BIBLICAL BASIS (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 4:2)
There is a distinct difference between:
Preaching, Proclaiming, Teaching, Testimony, Instructing,
Evangelising, Witnessing, and each has their time and place in a
chaplain's life.
B. THREE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PREACHING
1. Have something Worthwhile, Important and Relevant to say.
2. Explain and illustrate what you say.
3. Know how to start and how (and when) to finish.
C. WHERE DO I GET MY MESSAGES FROM?
1. Directly from the Word of God, the Bible (Jeremiah 1:9, 17; 2:2;
2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
2. As Truths we know to be appropriate for the occasion (Acts 20:
18-35).
3. As Lessons which we know our audience needs to know (2 Timothy
4:2).
4. Systematic Bible Study of Topics, Books, People, Miracles,
Parables, Doctrines.
5. A vibrant Relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
6. The Renewing of our Minds by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2).
7. Understanding Vital Truths.
8. Genuine Knowledge of our Listeners' Needs (insights into a
truth and how it relates to life experiences from daily relationships).
Sensitivity and relevance to listeners' needs.
ALL PREACHING MUST BE CLEAR. RELEVANT AND SCRIPTURAL.
D. HOW DO I PREPARE MY MESSAGES
1. Choose your SUBJECT and topic carefully and prayerfully in the
light of your AIM.
2. Define your THEME clearly.
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The Art of Preaching
3. Collect all the necessary MATERIALS and find all relevant
SCRIPTURES.
4. Discover SOURCES and resources for material. Be well read. Do
your homework.
5. Develop and THINK over the theme.
6. VALUE TEST it: is it Important?
Relevant?
Appropriate to that group?
7. QUALITY CONTROL:
Are the Facts correct?
Are the Principles sound?
Is the argument Clear?
Is the progression Logical?
Are the Illustrations suitable?
Are the sentences Clear, Complete and Concise?
Will it be Interesting and easy to listen to?
8. Make an OUTLINE: Title:
Scripture text:
Theme:
Aim:
Introduction:
Headings:
Conclusion:
9. In any service, aim for a spirit of worship, edification
(encouragement, correction, warning, or instruction), intercession
and participation/fellowship. Aim for RESULTS. Motivate
people to action! Inspire, inform and involve; educate and enlist;
motivate and mobilise your listeners to repent of their sins, to
trust in Christ and to obey God's Law in Scripture.
E. COMMUNICATING IDEAS
1. HO HUM? (Wake me up). Start a fire in your first sentence.
2. WHY BRING THAT UP? (Relevance).
3. FOR INSTANCE? (Example and evidence).
4. SO WHAT? (What can I do about it?)
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F. LAWS OF COMMUNICATION
1. Listeners like STORIES.
2. Listeners like EXAMPLES (especially from the lives or lips of
famous people).
3. Listeners like VISUAL AIDS (like Jeremiah's or Ezekiel's).
4. Listeners like CLEAR STRUCTURE and order/progression.
5. Listeners like STATISTICS - IF DRAMATISED.
6. Listeners like examples that make HISTORY COME ALIVE.
7. Listeners like speakers who keep to their TIME LIMIT.
G. CONCLUSIONS are to Sum Up, to Clarify and to Conclude
(Never to introduce new material!)
H. BASIC GUIDELINES FOR ALL PREACHING
• Stand up to be seen!
• Speak up to be heard!
• Shut up to be appreciated!
Your personal appearance, cleanliness, neatness and clothing are an
important part of your message. Your posture, gestures, eye contact,
facial expressions and tone of voice can enhance or undermine your
message.
Beware of wasted words and never wafile! (Well, ah, like, urn, ah, you
know!)
Never preach without prayer. Do not preach in your prayers!
Be natural.
Identify with your audience. Respect the integrity of your audience
(do not insult them).
Back up your message with your life.
" Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you
may know how you ought to answer each one." Colossians 4:6
"Preach the Word!" 2 Timothy 4:2
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MOTIVES FOR MISSIONS
Wrong Motives and False Calls
Because of human depravity, even the best of us can do some of the finest
ministry with mixed Motives.
You must not wait for your motives to be 100% pure before launching out
into missions - or you will never get there. But once in the mission field
you can expect God to thoroughly purify your motives.
Those who go to the mission field for predominantly wrong motives can
cause a lot of grief - to themselves and those around them. These are some
examples of wrong reasons for involvement in missions:
1. The desire to escape problems at home or work - boredom, job
dissatisfaction, in-law problems, etc. ("Escaping" to the mission field
does not work because you tend to take your problems with you.)
2. The desire to impress other people. Missionary children who feel
obligated to follow in their parent's footsteps. Fear of disappointing
college teachers, pastor, or church friends. A desire to be more holy
and dedicated than one's peers. (God's Will is more important than
what people think of you.)
3. The desire to prove something to yourself. (The mission field is
not the place to go for an ego trip).
4. The desire to earn favour with God. A "salvation by works" mentality.
5. Feelings of guilt and pity for being better off than the "downtrodden
masses" who have been "exploited and oppressed."
6. Emotionalism. Human emotions are God-given, and essential, but
emotion is not a good enough basis for a call.
What is Holding You Back?
1. Are you in debt? You must pay it off!
2. Are you getting too much education?
3. Are you falling in love with someone who is not committed to missions?
4. Are your parents opposed to your going?
5. Are you worried about your safety?
6. Are you afraid of failing?
7. Are you afraid of dirt, disease and discomfort?
8. Are you worried about your children?
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The greatest hindrance to missionary work is self. Self that refuses
to sacrifice. Self that refuses to give. Self that refuses to go. "Go ye
therefore..."
Why Many Resist the Call to Missions
1. The Myth of the Super-Spiritual Missionary
Unrealistic estimation of the spiritual qualifications required. (Missionaries
are ordinary Christians who face the same struggles and infirmities as
other Christians, yet are responding to the Great Commission).
2. The Burden of Deputation
The hard work of promoting missions, recruiting prayer supporters,
inspiring others into missions and getting one's home church involved is
essential but daunting.
3. The Reluctance to Make a Life Time Commitment
The most efficient expenditure of resources is career commitment. Yet
the existentialism of the "now generation" militates against long-term
commitment. We need to be committed for life to do God's Will and be
flexible as to where and how God may direct us to accomplish it.
4. The Reticence to Learn another Language
The negative experiences of many in foreign language classes at school
discourage them from attempting to learn how to communicate the
Gospel in the field though a foreign language. (Yet there are many mission
fields where English, French, or Portuguese is needed.) Actually, language
learning in the field while communicating the Gospel is a far more
enjoyable and workable experience.
5. The Fear of Failure
Many fear that they might fail to raise enough support, or fail to adjust
to a new culture, or fail to learn a new language. The fear of a tough,
demanding, dangerous, or difficult job in unfamiliar surroundings. The
fear of the unknown deters many from launching out in obedience and
faith. "Nothing ventured - nothing gained." (Example of John Mark – failed
and deserted Paul but later returned, repented and recovered to become
an assistant to Paul and Peter and author of the Gospel of Mark.) There
is a general lack of direction and commitment. A paralysing passivity and
inertia. "Look at the Fields" John 4:35. Commitment and obedience will
open up God's blessings.
Why Many Who Respond to the Call are Sidetracked
1. Love and Marriage
Many prospective missionaries get sidetracked by marrying someone who
is not willing to be a missionary.
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Motives for Missions
2. Parental Opposition
The tension between honouring our parents and obeying the Lord
(Matthew 10:37).
3. Financial Debts
Good intentions crippled by unwise choices and enslaving debt.
But Christ must come first.
Why Should the Heathen be Evangelised?
1. The Bible is True
"for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God
spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
2 Timothy 3:16
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of
God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also
for the Greek." Romans 1:16
2. All Mankind is Lost
"As it is written: 'There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who
understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned
aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does
good, no, not one'. 'Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues
they have practiced deceit'; 'The poison of asps is under their lips';
'Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness'. Their 'feet are swift to
shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of
peace they have not known'. 'There is no fear of God before their eyes.'
Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are
under the Law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world
may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the Law no
flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the Law is the knowledge of
sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed,
being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness
of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For
there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God," Romans 3:10-23
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe
is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the
only begotten Son of God." John 3:18
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3. Death is Inevitable
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the
Judgement" Hebrews 9:27
4. Judgement is Certain
"because He has appointed a Day on which He will Judge the world
in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given
assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:31
"For as many as have sinned without Law will also perish without Law,
and as many as have sinned in the Law will be Judged by the Law (for
not the hearers of the Law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of
the Law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the Law,
by nature do the things in the Law, these, although not having the
Law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the Law written
in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between
themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the Day
when God will Judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to
my Gospel." Romans 2:12-16
5. Hell is Real
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the
way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."
Matthew 7:13
"And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the
righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:46
"Then I saw a great white Throne and Him who sat on it, from whose
face the earth and the Heaven fled away. And there was found no place
for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God,
and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the
Book of Life. And the dead were Judged according to their works, by
the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead
who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were
in them. And they were Judged, each one according to his works. Then
Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into
the lake of fire." Revelation 20:11-15
6. There is Only One God
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all,
who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:5-6
"Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God,
and there is no other." Isaiah 45:22
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Motives for Missions
7. God Loves the Whole World
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who
desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
1 Timothy 2:3- 4
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
8. The Whole World Belongs to God
"The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who
dwell therein." Psalm 24:1
"If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its
fullness." Psalm 50:12
9. The Nations are the Inheritance of the Messiah
"I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, 'you are My
Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the
nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your
possession.'" Psalm 2:7- 8
"A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your
people Israel." Luke 2:32
"For to which of the angels did He ever say: 'You are My Son, today I
have begotten You'? And again: 'I will be to Him a Father, and He shall
be to Me a Son'?" Hebrews 1:5
10. Jesus Died for All Mankind
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold!
The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29
"All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For
the Kingdom is the Lord's, and He rules over the nations. All the
prosperous of the earth shall eat and worship; all those who go down
to the dust shall bow before Him, even he who cannot keep himself
alive. A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to
the next generation, they will come and declare His righteousness to a
people who will be born, that He has done this." Psalm 22:27-31
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only
but also for the whole world." 1 John 2:2
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11. Jesus Saves
"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come
to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for
them." Hebrews 7:25
"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."
1 Timothy 1:15
"Then they said to the woman, 'Now we believe, not because of what
you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is
indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world'." John 4:42
12. Jesus is The Only Way to God
"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the
Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all." 1 Timothy 2:5-6
"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."
1 Timothy 1:15
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one
comes to the Father except through Me'." John 14:6
13. There is No Salvation Outside of Jesus
"If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this
is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes
in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe
God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that
God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given
us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he
who does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:9-12
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other Name under
Heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
14. Jesus Left Us an Example
"But He said to them, 'Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach
there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.'" Mark 1:38
"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their
synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every
sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the
multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they
were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."
Matthew 9:35-36
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Motives for Missions
"but He said to them, 'I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other
cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.'" Luke 4:43
"So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me,
I also send you.'" John 20:21
15. Jesus Commands Us
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been
given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples
of all the nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of
the age.' Amen." Matthew 28:18-20
"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to
every creature.'" Mark 16:15
"and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His
Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47
"So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me,
I also send you.'" John 20:21
16. The Love of Christ Compels Us
"So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to
you not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you
had become dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:8
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all
your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 'This is the
first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love
your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater
than these." Mark 12:30-31
"For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if
One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live
should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them
and rose again." 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
17. The Lord is Worthy of All Praise, Worship and Honour
"saying with a loud voice: 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive
power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and
blessing!' And every creature which is in Heaven and on the earth and
under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them,
I heard saying: 'Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him
who sits on the Throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!'"
Revelation 5:12-13
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Chaplains Handbook
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His Name; make known His
deeds among the peoples! Declare His glory among the nations, His
wonders among all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be
praised; He is also to be feared above all gods. 1 Chronicles 16:8, 24-25
18. The Holy Spirit Impels Us
"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of Judgement." John 16:8
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8
19. The Prophecies Must be Fulfilled
"And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a
witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14
"After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which
no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues,
standing before the Throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white
robes, with palm branches in their hands." Revelation 7:9
20. To Speed His Return
"And the Gospel must first be preached to all the nations." Mark 13:10
"looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God, because of
which the Heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements
will melt with fervent heat?" 2 Peter 3:12
21. God's Will Must be Done
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for
theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:10
"Be still, and know that I am God; will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,
but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but
that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
22. The Need is Great
"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the
labourers are few.'" Matthew 9:37
23. The Opportunities are Unprecedented
"Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the
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harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields,
for they are already white for harvest!" John 4:35
24. Our Personal Responsibility
"When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no
warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save
his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I
will require at your hand." Ezekiel 3:18
"For if I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is
laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel!"
1 Corinthians 9:16
"For 'whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.' How then
shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall
they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they
hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are
sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach
the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'"
Romans 10:13-15
"May Your ways be known on earth, Your Salvation among all nations.
May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You."
Psalm 67:2-3
CHRIST HIMSELF
Once it was the blessing, now it is Lord;
Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, now the giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone.
Once it was painful trying - now it is perfect trust;
Once a half salvation - now the uttermost.
Once it was ceaseless holding - now He holds me fast;
Once it was constant drifting - now my anchor's cast.
Once it was busy planning - now it is trusting prayer;
Once it was anxious worrying - now He has the care.
Once it was what I wanted - now what Jesus says,
Once it was constant asking - now it is ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working - His it hence shall be.
Once I tried to use Him - now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted - now the Mighty One.
Once it was for self I laboured - now for Him alone.
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Evangelism
DEFINITIONS OF EVANGELISM
"Evangelism, in the strict sense, is proclaiming the Good News of salvation
to men with a view to their conversion to Christ and incorporation in His
Church" - Michael Green, Evangelism in the Early Church.
"The Mission of the Church is to so incarnate itself in the world that the Gospel
of Christ is effectively communicated by word and deed toward the end that
all men and women become faithful disciples of Christ and responsible
members of His Church." - Peter Wagner, Frontiers in Missionary Strategy.
"According to the New Testament, evangelism is just preaching the Gospel, the
Evangel. It is a work of communication in which Christians make themselves
mouthpieces of God's message of mercy to sinners. The way to tell whether in
fact you are evangelizing or not is to ask whether conversions are known to
have resulted from your witness. It is to ask whether you are faithfully making
known the Gospel message." - J. I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of
God.
"Evangelism is the proclamation of the Gospel of the crucified and risen
Christ, the only redeemer of men, according to the Scriptures, with the
purpose of persuading condemned and lost sinners to put their trust in God
by receiving and accepting Christ as Lord in every calling of life and in the
fellowship of His Church, looking forward to the day of His coming Glory." -
Stanly Mooneyham, Berlin World Congress of Evangelism.
"Evangelism is the bringing of persons to Christ as Saviour and Lord
that they may share His eternal life. Here is the heart of the matter. There
must be a personal encounter with Christ. For on this relationship to God in
Christ depends the eternal destiny of man. This and this alone is the purpose of
evangelism." Samuel Moffett, Korea.
"Personal evangelism is definite prayer and personal effort to bring a
fellow sinner to accept Jesus Christ as His Saviour and to follow Him as his
Lord." Roger Voke, SouthAfrica.
"To evangelise is to present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy
Spirit that men come to put their faith in God through Him, to accept Him as
their Saviour and to serve Him as their King in the fellowship of His Church." -
Archbishop William Temple.
Evangelism is the passing on of Good News. It is bringing someone face to
face with the claims and commands of Jesus Christ.
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Evangelism
The Four Essentials of Evangelism
1. The only foundation laid is the foundation of PRAYER.
(Acts 4:31; Colossians 4:2-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).
2. The only Authority relied on is THE WORD OF GOD.
(Isaiah 55:11; Romans 1:16; 10:17; 2Timothy3:16-17).
3. The only power trusted is the power of THE HOLY SPIRIT.
(Romans 15:18-19, 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Acts 1:8).
4. The only Saviour proclaimed is THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
(Acts 4:12; 8:5, 35; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 12:2).
The Characteristics of an Evangelistic Message
1. It Must be SIMPLE
Do not preach over people's heads. It must be clear. Easy to understand.
Easy to remember.
2. It Must be SCRIPTURAL
The Word of God is our source, authority and power. Preach Biblebased
messages.
3. It Must be SUITABLE
Relevant and applicable to the situation, times and thought patterns
of the audience.
4. It Should be SERIOUS
Humour is a useful tool but it should not be improperly used.
The Gospel is a serious matter. Eternal destinies are at stake. There are
heartbroken people out there.
5. It Should be STIRRING
Not artificial or forced but presented with conviction, warmth and
concern. Either put fire into your sermons or put your sermons into
the fire.
6. It Should be SPECIFIC
Demand a decision. Preach for a verdict. Require a response. Be specific
and clear as to what the Gospel is and what it requires.
"Preach as a dying man to dying men,"
Preach as though this was the last message you will preach and the last
message your hearers will ever hear. Make your message count - for
eternity.
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New Testament Evangelism
The early Church's advantages included: a common (lingua franca -
Greek) language, Roman peace and good roads.
Their difficulties included: there were so few of them (120 to start with);
they had no learning, no organisation, (no printing presses, radio stations,
films, tapes, etc., obviously). They had to contend with tremendous racial
barriers, class structures, religious pluralism, extreme decadence in
society, political suspicion (and persecution later) from Rome, and general
cynicism of Pagan society.
Yet they succeeded in conquering the Roman Empire because: they
lived their message and were transformed by it; their dedication
and willingness led them to obey no matter what the cost; their
obvious love for one another; their enthusiasm and joyful sense of
discovery; their endurance; their concern for non-Christians, their
priorities of ''prayer and the Word", were evidence of the overflowing, life
changing, character transforming power of the Spirit.
They exercised an every-member-ministry; they had shared
leadership, dynamic, fresh and varied worship, they emphasised
teaching and obedience to God's revealed Word.
The Message of New Testament Evangelism
1. They preached a PERSON. Their message was Christ centred,
emphasising His death and glorious Resurrection.
2. They proclaimed a GIFT - the gift of forgiveness, of the Holy Spirit, of
adoption and reconciliation with God.
3. They looked for a RESPONSE - repentance, Faith in Christ, and
baptism.
4. The INCARNATION. "God has become man." Historic and unique event.
5. FORGIVENESS of sins. Striking at the heart of our problems.
6. The CROSS. God has acted. The Lord Jesus has been crucified. He is
our Atonement, guilt-bearer and expiation of our sins.
7. The RESURRECTION. Christ Jesus is alive. He is Lord and reigning
on High.
8. The evangelist preaches CHRIST. A person - not a system. An
experience of vital relationship to Christ is needed.
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Evangelism
Evangelistic preaching must always centre upon:
1. The person and character of Jesus Christ as God incarnate.
2. The Teaching of Jesus Christ on God, life, the Kingdom and eternal
destiny
3. The Death of Jesus Christ as the Atonement for sin.
4. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is our living Lord.
New Testament Methods of Evangelism
Every member evangelism (Jude 23; 1Thess. 1:8; Acts 8:1, 4).
Spontaneous, natural, continuous, joyful sharing of the Gospel.
They worked from where they were (Jerusalem) outwards, in ever widening
ripples (Acts 1:8).
They concentrated on those who were most responsive - the "God fearing
fringe". (e.g. Acts 10; 13, etc.).
They ran a lot of home meetings (Acts 17:5; 18:7; 21:8; 12:12; 20:7; 2:46;
5:42;28:17; 16:32; 10:22) informal, relaxed gatherings for fellowship,
prayer, communion, follow-up, evangelism, etc.
They often held discussions on neutral ground (Acts 3; 22; 28).
They wrote and used the Scriptures and literature.
They engaged in missionary journeys (e.g. Acts 13-14; 16-20, etc.).
They relied on personal conversations.
"Then He said to them, 'Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.'"
Matthew 4:19
"He who sows with tears shall reap with joy." Psalm. 126:5
"Go therefore and make disciples." Matthew 28:19
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Chaplains Handbook
Leading People to Christ
1. God is Sovereign. He rules our lives. We cannot accomplish anything
of eternal value except that He chooses to work through us. (Ephesians
2:8-10)
2. We are commanded to witness (Acts 1:8).
3. As in agriculture, the more seeds we sow the more we will reap.
Not everyone you encounter will want to hear the Gospel. You need to
witness to many in order to win a few (2 Corinthians 9:6).
4. Make your witness early. Let people know you are different and why
you are different. If we dilute the Gospel message, or seem embarrassed
about presenting the claims of Christ, then it diminishes the perceived
value of a relationship with the Lord Jesus. (Luke 9:26)
5. Do not wait until you feel right or ready. Usually people spend too
much time evaluating their feelings instead of doing their duty. Accept
that you will probably feel awkward and nervous about your first
witnessing. Plunge into the new challenge! (2 Timothy 1:7).
6. Every relationship and interaction is an opportunity for
witness (John 4: 10-26).
7. Plan, prepare, select and rehearse. Make an appointment to discuss
our relationship to God. Choose a quiet place where you can speak
without interruptions. Be punctual. Open with prayer. Use an open
Bible.
8. One way you could explain the way of salvation is through the Roman
Road. Mark these verses in your Bible so that you can easily find and
explain them.
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The Roman Road
1. "As it is written: 'There is none righteous, not not one.'"
Romans 3:10
2. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23
3. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
4. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were
still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
5. "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your
heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
6. "For 'whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.'"
Romans 10:13
7. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,
which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you
may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of
God." Romans 12:1-2
8. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5:1
9. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in
Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
10. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit." Romans 15:13
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Chaplains Handbook
The Gospel in John
John 1:11-12; 3:16-17; 3:36; 1:29; 3:3,5; 3:16; 4:24; 7:37-38; 8:12; 8:32,
36; 10:9-11: 11:25-26; 14:6; 20:31.
The 3-S's
Ensure that you clearly explain sin, salvation and the Saviour.
• We must admit our sin.
• We must acknowledge that our sins have separated us from God.
• We must submit to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
The ABC's of Salvation
A. ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER
Acknowledge your sin. Repent and confess your sins to God.
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth
is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. "
1 John 1:8,9
B. BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED FOR SINNERS
"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the
unrighteous, to bring you to God. " 1 Peter 3:18
C. COMMIT YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
D. DEDICATE YOURSELF TO BEING A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer
your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God which is
your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1
Follow Up
After presenting the Gospel message we must draw back and give the
person a chance to think over what we have said. Keep the channels
of communication open by not being forceful and pushing them to make
a decision. Motivate them without manipulating them!
Do not despise honest scepticism. Help sincere seekers to find peace with
God. Do not rush the process. You may only be a link in the witness chain.
Once a person has prayed and made a commitment to Christ get him
involved in regular Bible study, prayer, fellowship and worship.
Encourage him to tell others about what God has done in his life.
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Evangelism Explosion
1. Every Christian is a Witness.
2. Pastors must train their members to Evangelise.
3. The best training is On-the-Job.
The 5 Laws of Persuasion in John 4
1. Attention. "Will you give Me a drink?" Jesus began where she was and
got her attention.
2. Interest. "If you knew the gift of God and Who it is that asks you for a
drink, you would have asked. . . living water:" Now she was interested.
3. Desire. "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever
drinks the water I give him will never thirst. . . a spring of water welling up
to eternal life." Now she ardently desired what Jesus was offering.
4. Conviction of Sin. (Truthfulness of claims). "Go, call your husband....
you have had five husbands." He put His finger on her situation. She
tried to divert the conversation and avoid the issue. "Our fathers
worshipped on this mountain but.. "
5. Commitment. Jesus used her digression to pull her back to the main
subject and confronted her with the decision she must make: "God is
Spirit, and His worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth... I who
speak to you am He!"
Now the woman at the well was confronted by the Living Word of God.
She had to either submit to Him or reject Him.
Springboards to evangelism: the meaning of people's names ("Grace'',
"Timothy", "Christopher", etc.), Special events: Christmas and Easter and
their significance, the Seasons as symbolic of our spiritual condition, news
headlines, etc. Witnessing should be a way of life, not a programme.
First find out their backgrounds and beliefs.
Three Questions:
1. If you were to die today, do you know where you would go?
2. If you were to die and stand before God and He were to ask you
'Why should I let you into My Heaven?' What would you say?
3. If God was to judge you on the basis of His Ten Commandments
- would you be innocent or guilty?
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The Gospel Outline
Chaplains Handbook
a. GRACE
1. Heaven is a free gift. (Romans 6:23)
2. It is not earned or deserved. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
b. MAN
a. Is a sinner. (Romans 3:23)
b. Cannot save himself. (Matthew 5:48)
c. GOD
a. Is merciful - therefore He doesn't want to punish us. (Joel 2:13)
b. Is just - therefore He must punish sin. (Nahum 1:3)
d. CHRIST
a. Who He is - the infinite God-Man. (John 1:1, 14)
b. What He did - He died on the Cross and rose from the dead to pay
the penalty for our sins and to purchase a place in Heaven for us,
which He offers as a gift. (1 Corinthians 15:35)
e. FAITH
1. What it is not - mere intellectual assent. (James 2:19)
2. What it is - trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. (Acts
16:31)
The Commitment
a. The Qualifying question: "Does this make sense to you? "
b. The Commitment question: "Would you like to receive the gift of eternal
life? "
c. The Clarification of Commitment: "Let me explain this more clearly . . ."
d. The Prayer of Commitment.
e. The Assurance of salvation.
The Immediate Follow up
a. Welcome to the family of God!
b. Provide booklet/literature
c. The means of growth: 1. Bible Study
2. Prayer
3. Worship
4. Fellowship
5. Witness
d. Make appointment for him to attend the next chaplain's service.
e. Closing Prayer
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Evangelism Explosion
Some general guidelines:
• Do not intimidate people.
• Do not give the reference when you quote Scripture (but know where
it is if asked).
• Do quote just the relevant portion of the verse.
• Do ask your prospect's opinion and listen respectfully to his views.
• Do start where the person is - do not assume that he knows much
about the Bible.
• Do not ask misleading questions.
• Do not criticise other churches or Christians.
• Do not be too intense - smile; do not make the person feel they're
being pinned down.
• Do ensure that your grooming, cleanliness, neatness and clothing is
modest and God-honouring and not distracting.
• Do not feel you need to secure a commitment. High pressure tactics
are to be avoided.
• Do make your exit pleasant - even if the Gospel is rejected.
• He may still be wrestling with the Gospel challenge.
(Source: Adapted from Evangelism Explosion by Dr. D. James Kennedy)
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The Bible is the Word of God
Chaplains Handbook
The Facts of the Faith
The Bible itself teaches its divine origin and authority:
• "No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation." 2 Peter 1:20
• All Scripture was written as "Holy men of God spoke as they were
moved by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21
• "God Spoke . . . by the prophets . . . and by His Son." Hebrews 1.1-2
• The Word of God, once given and written, is exact in all details down
to each letter and stroke of the pen. Matthew 5:18
• "The Scripture cannot be broken. " John 10:35
• "The Word of the Lord endures forever" 1 Peter 1:25
• The Gospel accounts are based on careful research, historical facts and
eyewitness testimonies:
"just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers
of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had
perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you
an orderly account, ... that you may know the certainty of those things
in which you were instructed." Luke 1:2-4
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we
have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have
handled, concerning the Word of life - the life was manifested, and we have
seen, and bear witness ... that which we have seen and heard we declare
to you." 1 John 1:1-3
The Bible presents itself as God's revealed Word. On almost every page we
find "The Lord said. . . ", "God spoke.. .", "The Word of the Lord came. . ." The
Apostles believed that they were speaking under the inspiration of The
Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4; 15:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 4:15; 2 Peter
3:2; Galatians 1:6-12, Revelation 22:18, 19). Jesus regarded the Old
Testament as the Authoritative Word of God (Matthew 4:4; Mark
14:27; Matthew 19:4; Mark 7:11-13; John 10:34, 35; Luke 24:25-27, 44).
Jesus also taught that His Words had a unique power and life (John 6:63;
15:3), that they would not pass away (Mark 13:31) and that they must be
heard and obeyed (Matthew 5:17-48; 7:24; John 8:31-38; 14:23).
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The Facts of the Faith
We cannot accept the authority of Jesus without a the authority of the
Old Testament which He lived, taught, appealed to and fulfilled. We also
have to recognise that Jesus deliberately chose and trained certain men
to be His Apostles (Luke 5:27; 6:12-16; John 17:6) and gave them a special
anointing with the Holy Spirit (John 20:2 1; Acts 1:8), promising them
the Holy Spirit to guide their teaching (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13). This
compels one to also accept the authority of the New Testament.
We can also appeal to fulfilled prophecy, archaeological discoveries,
manuscript evidence and historical records to support these internal
evidences to the accuracy and uniqueness of the Bible.
Most powerfully, however, we can point to the unique impact of the
Bible on millions of lives throughout the centuries and on our own as
well. Some sceptics may not believe that the Bible is the Word of God, but
they are choosing to ignore a lot of accumulative evidence to do this.
Jesus is The Only Way to God
The Bible teaches that there is only one way of salvation:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all ..." 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Our Lord Jesus Himself declared that there is only one way to God:
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to
the Father except through Me'" John 14:6
This has been the Apostolic Message from the very beginning:
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other Name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved. " Acts 4: 12
Jesus is God in Human Form
The first disciples of Christ, being Hebrews, had the highest regard for the
Old Testament Scriptures. It was the Word of God. Yet it was definitely
incomplete: it spoke of a day when God would judge the earth; of a
king from David's line whose kingdom would never end. It spoke of all
the families of mankind being blessed by Abraham's seed. It spoke of a
prophet like Moses arising from among the people, whose teaching would
be unparalleled. It spoke of a Servant of the Lord, whose death would
atone for the sins of the people, of one who would make a New Covenant
between God and men; one who would put the Spirit of the Lord into
the hearts of men so that they could know God personally and have their
sins wiped out. It spoke of a stone, despised by the builders, which would
become the keystone. It spoke of one like a Son of Man, who would receive
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Chaplains Handbook
authority, honour and royal power so that people of all nations, races
and languages would serve Him. It spoke of a priest like the legendary
Melchizedek, whom the Almighty would call Lord and welcome to His
throne. It spoke of a coming Messiah, who would be born of the tribe of
Judah, from David's line, in Bethlehem. He would be despised and rejected
by the very people He came to rescue. He would die among wicked men
and His tomb would be supplied by a rich man. Yet, He would live again,
forever, and the Lord's purpose would succeed through Him.
All of this was fulfilled by Jesus! Not some, or much of it. All of it!
Prophecies made by many prophets over a thousand years and more were
all fulfilled by one historical person. And what mighty prophecies
they were too!
1. In the Old Testament, Yahweh is the only Saviour there is -
"I, even I, am the Lord and besides Me there is no Saviour"
Isaiah 43: 11
"... And there is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior;
There is none besides Me." Isaiah 45:21
Yet in the New Testament, Jesus is hailed as "Our Great God and
Saviour, Jesus Christ." Titus 2: 13
His very Name, Jesus, means "Yahweh saves"
"You shall call His Name Jesus, because He will save His people
from their sins." Matthew 1:21
Both God's role and His Name as Saviour are attributed to Jesus in the
New Testament. Jesus claimed the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:7-10;
Luke 7:48) and He is seen as the Saviour of sinners (John 3:17, Acts
4:12; Galatians 1:4; Hebrews. 9:26). He raised the dead (Mark 5:35-
43; Luke 7.11-17, 22; John 11) and He gives eternal life to all who now
believe in Him (Mark 10:21; John 3:16; 5:24; 1 John 5:11, 12).
2. In the Old Testament Yahweh alone is the Judge (Daniel 7:9,10;
Psalm 99; Deuteronomy 32). Yet Jesus claimed this uniquely Divine
function in the New Testament (Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:22-30).
" For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that
each one may receive the things done in the body, according to
what he has done, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10
3. That Yahweh alone is the Creator of all things is basic to the
Old Testament (Genesis l; Psalm 33:6-9; Isaiah 42:5). Yet the New
Testament reveals that through Jesus all things came into being (John
1:1-3; Hebrews. 1:2; 1 John 1:1), and that Jesus is the Sustainer and
Upholder of all things (Matthew 28: 18; 1 Corinthians 8:6).
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The Facts of the Faith
4. Yahweh alone is worthy of worship, and to worship any other
being than the Lord God would be the worst and most fundamental
of all sins (Exodus 20.3-6; Deuteronomy 6:4-15). Yet prayers are
addressed to Christ (Acts 7:59; 9:13, 1 Corinthians 16:22; Revelation
22-20); Doxologies are ascribed to Him (Romans 9:5; 2 Timothy 4:18;
2 Peter 3:18, Revelation 1:5,6); Old Testament worship passages are
transferred from Yahweh to Christ (e.g. Isaiah 8:13-15 in Romans
9.33; 1 Peter 2:7-9; 3:15). The disciples worshipped Jesus (Matthew
28:17; Luke 24:52), and when Thomas said to Him: "My Lord and my
God!" (John 20:28), far from rebuking him, Jesus merely suggested
that he should have believed earlier. The book of Revelation also
presents the most unambiguous assertion of Deity when it records
the great worship of Christ in heaven "Worthy is the Lamb, who was
slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and
honour and glory and blessing!" Revelation 5:12
5. Even the Name of Yahweh is ascribed to Christ. When the Old
Testament was translated into Greek in the 2nd Century B.C. the Sacred
Name of God, YHWH, usually rendered Yahweh, was translated into
the Greek word Kyrios (Lord), There are about 7000 instances of this
in the Septuagint, so when this exalted Name is attributed directly to
Christ (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:11, etc.), it is a
clear statement of Christ's Deity. The confession "Jesus is Lord" tells
it all. Certainly the title "Lord of Lords" (1 Timothy 6: 15; Revelation
17:14; 19:16) cannot be interpreted any other way than that Jesus is
God incarnate. There are also many occasions where the New Testament
applies Old Testament passages concerning Yahweh directly to Jesus
- e.g. Psalm 110:1 in Acts 2:34, 35; Romans 8:38; Hebrews 10:12, 13;
1 Peter 3:22; Isaiah 6:10 in John 12:41; Isaiah 45:23 in Philippians
2:9-11; Joel 2:32 in Romans 10:13 and Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8).
A supreme example of this is John the Baptist's ministry to "Prepare
the way for the Lord (Yahweh)" Matthew 3:3, which is a direct quote
from Isaiah 40:3, which unmistakably refers to God Himself. Of great
significance is Jesus' self designations as the I AM (John 6:35;8:12,
24, 58; 11:25; 14;6; 15:1, 5 18:5). This is a deliberate identification
with God's revelation of Himself in Exodus 3:14 as "I AM".
All this is conclusive and the accumulative proof of all these evidences of
the Deity of Christ is overwhelming. Yet even further proof could be sought
in the Resurrection (Romans 1:4). The atheists have yet to explain away
the hard historical facts of The empty tomb, The eyewitness accounts
of those hundreds who saw Christ alive again (1 Corinthians 15:4-8), The
transformation of the disciples and even the existence of the Church
(represented by over two million church buildings and over 2 billion members).
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Chaplains Handbook
The very Names of Jesus (Yahweh Saves), Messiah (God's Anointed
One), Son of Man (the Lord and Judge of all revealed in Daniel 7:13, 14),
Emmanuel (God with us), and The Son of God, point to His Deity. His
uniquely perfect and sinless life, and His teaching - which are unsurpassed
in authority, clarity, insight and power - all this can only support the
Biblical claims for the Deity of Christ.
It is upon this solid foundation of accumulative evidence that the Church
of Christ based its great ecumenical creed of Nicea:
"We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father;
only begotten, that is of the substance of the Father; God of God, Light of Light,
true God of true God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father;
through Whom all things were made, things in heaven and things on the earth;
who for us men and for our salvation came down and was made flesh and
became man, suffered and rose on the third day, ascended into the heavens, is
coming to Judge the living and the dead."
What does this mean for us?
The glorious truth of the Incarnation is that God has made Himself
known personally, specifically and fully by taking our human nature unto
Himself, by coming amongst us as a particular man, yet without ceasing
to be the infinite, transcendent and eternal God.
God has in Christ taken upon Himself the responsibility and penalty for
the sins of the world, God has borne the brunt of suffering and evil by
subjecting Himself to its cruelty and horror. The Incarnation reveals the
reality and depth and costly nature of His Love, Holiness, Justice and
Mercy.
Jesus is the Eternal Son of God, who became incarnate to reveal God to
us and to reconcile us to Himself. He is the second person of the Trinity,
God revealed in human form. Jesus is God, and so we have a full and final
revelation and redemption in and through Him.
The Adventure of Discipleship (Romans 12:1-2)
Salvation - "Brothers"
* Come to Christ - Repentance and Faith
Repentance involves: Contrition - a change of heart
Conviction - a change of mind
Conversion - a change of life
Dedication - "Present your bodies a living sacrifice"
* Go for Christ - Sacrifice and service
missions and evangelism
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The Facts of the Faith
Worship is not so much what we say as what we do. Worship is more than
words and songs - it's our whole life. It involves wholehearted sacrifice
and service (Mark 12:30-31).
Separation - "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world"
* Set apart for Christ - separated from sin and sanctified - holiness
- spiritual health - holy lifestyle.
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the
seat of the scornful" Psalm 1:1
Transformation - "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind"
* Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-20)
The Battle for the mind (Colossians 2:8)
Bible-based Christ-centred Spirit-led
"But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law he
meditates day and night" Psalm 1:2
Reformation - "Then you will be able to test and approve what God's
Will is - His good pleasing and perfect Will"
* Applying God's Word to all areas of life: economic, social,
education, civil, judicial, moral, ethical, entertainment, arts and
sciences (2 Chronicles 14 & 15; Isaiah 33:22, Matthew 28:19).
What is a Christian?
The Bible teaches us that a Christian is:
1. A SAINT 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 13:12
Be Holy - set apart for the exclusive use of God.
2. A FREE MAN 1 John 3:8; Ephesians 1:7; Galatians 1:4; Hebrews 2:14, 15
The Word of God is the truth (John 17:17) that sets us free (John
8:32) and a Christian is one who has surrendered to the Word of God
(James I :21-25) and received the freedom that God gives (John 8:36).
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made
us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Galatians 5:1 (see also Ezekiel 34:27)
3. A SERVANT Matthew 20:26-28; Mark 9:35; John 13:15; Luke 17:10
Jesus came to serve to serve God and to serve others. We are to follow
His example and be concerned above all else with serving God and
meeting the needs of others (1 John 3:18). (See also: Matthew
25:34-40; Luke 12:47, 48; 1 Corinthians 15:58).
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4. An ATHLETE
Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Do spiritual exercises (1
Timothy 4:7, 8). Rid yourself of all unnecessary weight. Free yourself
of all known sin, throw aside every encumbrance and run with
determination and endurance (Hebrews 12:1). Obey the rules (2
Tim 2:5). Run to win, submit to strict discipline, run straight, harden
your body, control your movements (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Run your
best, run the full distance (2 Timothy 4:7).
5. A SOLDIER 2 Timothy 2:3,4
We have a spiritual enemy to fight (Ephesians 6:12,13). We have a
spiritual war to win (Romans 13:12,14). We have spiritual weapons
that are powerful to the destroying of strongholds, to destroying false
arguments, and to pulling down every proud obstacle raised against
the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:35).
Therefore: Be disciplined (2 Timothy 2:4): Be motivated (Acts
20:24): Be obedient (1 Tim 6:14); Be prepared (Ephesians 6:10-12);
Be alert (1 Peter 5:8,9); and Use the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians
6:17), the Word of God (Hebrews 4: 12); to spread the truth that sets
people free (John 8:32); fight evil (Romans 12:21); resist the devil
(James 4:7); bind the powers of evil (Matthew 1:29; 18:18); enforce
the victory of the Cross (Colossians 2:15); attack the strongholds
of the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:4); storm the gates of hell (Matthew
18:19); set prisoners free (Isaiah 61:1); win the victory in Jesus'
Name (1 Corinthians 15:57).
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us." Romans 8:37
6. A WORKER Matthew 20:16
As workers for the Lord (Col 3:23) we are to always do our best
(2 Timothy 2:15) and everything we do is to be done in Love (1
Corinthians 6:14). "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing
that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (see
also Hebrews 5:10,11 and Matthew 6:33).
7. A VESSEL 2 Corinthians 4:7
Don't be polluted with wrong thoughts and wrong desires (Colossians
3:8). Don't be empty (Ephesians 3:17 19). Be filled with the Holy
Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). (Galatians 5:22 and Matthew 5:8).
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8. A DISCIPLE
A disciple is one who gives up everything (Luke 14:33); denies
himself (Matthew 16:24); takes up his cross (Mark 8:34) and
follows the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21). It is a life characterised
by dedication to the Word of God (John 8:31) and love for the people
of God (John 8:34).
9. A PILGRIM
People with a call, people of persistence, travellers seeking after the
best that God has for them, people with a vision who proclaim their
faith (Hebrews 11). Strangers to this world, (1 Peter 2: 11) refugees (1
Peter 1:1), foreigners. You do not belong to the world (John 15:18,19)
and are just passing through. You belong to a heavenly country and as
pilgrims you must press on towards it, forsaking the world. Don't look
back. Never turn back (Hebrews 11:13-16). Look for something far
better (Jeremiah 29:13).
10. A FARMER Matthew 2 1:28-32
As a Christian you are like a farmer in God's vineyard (Matthew 20:1).
You must sow (John 4:37) the seed of the Gospel (Mark 4:14) which
will accomplish (Isaiah 55:11) the task of salvation (Romans 1:16). We
must plough up the hard ground and water the soil with much prayer
(1 Corinthians 3:8) and reap the harvest (John 4:38).
Remember that the person who sows few seeds will have a small crop;
the one who sows many seeds will have a large crop (2 Corinthians
9:6). (see also Proverbs 10:5 and Matthew 9:37-38)
11. The SALT OF THE EARTH Matt 5:13; Luke 14:34,35
Salt preserves - we should preserve that which is holy and good and
right.
Salt heals - we should heal the broken-hearted with encouragement,
comfort, love and prayer.
Salt melts - we should melt the cold hearts of sinners with the warmth
of our love and the enthusiasm of our faith.
Salt creates thirst - we should make sinners thirst after the spiritual
life in Jesus - The Living Waters.
12. The LIGHT FOR THE WORLD
Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12)
Jesus is in the believer (Colossians 1:27)
We are now light for the world (Matt 5: 14-16).
So SHINE for Jesus!
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PRINCIPLES FOR DISCIPLESHIP
"... All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go therefore and
make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things
that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
Age." Matthew 28:18-20
A Great Claim:
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and
on earth."
(The Lordship of Christ in all areas of life.)
A Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations"
(The whole Church taking the whole Gospel to
the whole world.)
A Great Command:
A Great Promise:
"teaching them to observe all things that
I have commanded you"
"and lo, I am with you always, even to the
end of the Age."
"... commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
2 Timothy 2:2
Discipleship is not complete until the disciple is discipling. A disciple is a
learner. Discipleship is the process of following the Lord in relationships of
accountability with other believers. It involves discovering and practising
what it means to follow Christ.
"He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
John 8:12
"If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed." John 8:31
"My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27
"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant
will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour." John 12:26
"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My
disciples." John 15:8
"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My
disciple." Luke 14:33
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'" Matthew 16:24
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Principles for Discipleship
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one
another." John 13:35
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that you should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21
"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for
honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."
2 Timothy 2:21
PRAYER
Prayer Praise
We speak to God
(2 wings)
(2 arms)
Responsibilty to
believers
Responsibility to
unbelievers
FELLOWSHIP WORSHIP EVANGELISM
God speaks to us
BIBLE
OT & NT
(2 legs)
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Biblical Character
We must be sober, watchful and alert.
We must watch over: ourselves (Deuteronomy 4:15-23, Exodus 34:12)
our relationships (Exodus 34:12)
our hearts (Proverbs 4:23)
our lips (Psalm 141:3)
our paths (Proverbs 4:26)
We are to be alert to: the call of Christ (Ephesians 5: 14-17)
the judgement of Christ (Micah 7:7)
the coming of Christ (Matthew 24:42-44)
spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12-18)
the snares of our enemy (1 Peter 5:8)
"Therefore let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober."
1 Thessalonians 5:6
STEADFASTNESS
We must be steadfast, faithful and unwavering.
We must stand firm: in the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:25)
in the midst of suffering (1 Peter 5:9)
in the face of false teaching (Hebrews 13:9)
in times of trial (James 1: 12)
We are to be steadfast: in good works (Galatians 6:9)
in enduring love (Hosea 6:4)
in moral conduct (Philippians 1:27)
in absolute loyalty to God (Proverbs 24:21)
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in
vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58
COURAGE
We must be courageous, fearless and brave.
We are called to: be fearless in the Lord (Isaiah 12:2)
trust in God's Power (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
trust in God's Will (Psalm 139:13-19)
trust in God's presence (Psalm 118:6)
be brave in the face of our enemies (Deuteronomy 3 1:6)
be brave in the midst of punishment (Job 5:17-24)
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be brave for the sake of God's people (2 Samuel 10:12)
be brave in all our service (1 Chronicles 28:20)
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and
of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
STRENGTH
We must be dynamic, stalwart and strong.
We are called to be strong in Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) The Gospel comes
in power (1 Thessalonians 1:5) Salvation comes in power (Romans 1:16).
Every believer should receive power from above (Luke 24:49) Believers are
empowered for evangelism (Acts 1:8).
Christ has promised us the strength of His might (Ephesians 1:9).
We are able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians
4: 13).
"He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might He increases
strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall
utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They
shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31
LOVE
We must be kind-hearted, loving and unselfish.
We are to love: strangers and refugees (Deuteronomy 10:19)
our neighbours (Leviticus 19:18)
our enemies (Matthew 5:44)
our brethren (1 Peter 3:8)
We are to: live in love (Ephesians 5:1-12)
abound in love (Philippians 1:9)
encourage one another in love (Hebrews 10:24-25)
be an example of love (1 Timothy 4:12)
"Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labour of love, and
patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and
Father" 1 Thessalonians 1:3
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Suffering
"You therefore must endure HARDSHIP as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ." 2 Timothy 2:3
"Yes, and ALL who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer
persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12
"We are HARD-PRESSED on every side, yet not crushed; we are
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck
down, but not destroyed" 2 Corinthians 4.8,9
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" 1 Peter 2:21
What is the Purpose of Suffering in the Christian Life?
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have
been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being
much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may
be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
1 Peter1:6,7
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that
the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its
perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
James 1:2-4
"Blessed is the man who ENDURES temptation; for when he has been approved,
he will receive the CROWN of life which the Lord has promised to those who
LOVE Him" James 1:12
"and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed
we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
Romans 8:17
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as
though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you
partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be
glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4: 12-13
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
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SUFFERING PURIFIES us and PREPARES us for special service. All of
God's great men knew great suffering while God PURGED and PREPARED
them for His service. Joseph experienced 12 years in slavery and prison
before becoming governor of Egypt. Moses was 40 years in the desert before
becoming the deliverer of Israel. David was an outlaw and a fugitive for years
before becoming King of Israel. The Bible is full of examples of great men of
faith enduring suffering for the Lord. There is no short cut to maturity.
Realistic preaching is always encouraging. One does not strengthen people
by telling them what they want to hear. Fairy tales and fantasies about
endless blessings is not only cruelly false, but destructively self indulgent.
Comfort softens us, but hardship strengthens us. Wealth often breeds
selfishness and greed, but suffering can encourage sharing and love.
The Apostles Testimony
Many may consider teaching on suffering to be negative. It is not
negative. To teach on suffering is to recognise the reality of everyday life.
To recognise that suffering is inevitable is not discouraging at all. Notice
what sort of message the apostles of the early church taught:
"Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue
in the faith, and saying, 'WE MUST THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS
ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.'" Acts 14:22
What was the experience of Christians in the early Church?
The Apostle Paul, that great "Apostle of Faith'', wrote about some of his
experiences:
"I am more: in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in
prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I
received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods;
once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I
have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles,
in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea,
in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness
often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness -
besides the other things. . . " 2 Corinthians 11:23-33
It is always a privilege to suffer for Jesus. The suffering is temporary, but
the Glory is eternal.
Note the testimony of the Apostles who, rather than claim comfort, safety
and luxury at home, chose rather to suffer for Christ whilst obeying the
Great Commission:
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THe Testimony of the
Twelve Apostles
"…These who have turned the world upside down have come here
too." Acts 17:6
Peter
Simon, whom the Lord Jesus renamed Peter, was born in Bethsaida,
in Galilee. He was a fisherman, the son of Jonah. His brother, Andrew
brought him to the Lord. It was Peter who preached so powerfully on the
Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, winning over 3,000 to Christ. After being
imprisoned several times in Jerusalem, Peter and his wife ministered in
Babylon, from where he wrote his first Epistle (1 Peter). While ministering
in Rome, John Mark (the writer of the Gospel of Mark), served as his
translator. Mark wrote his Gospel under the apostolic authority of Peter,
who was eyewitness to much of what was recorded. The emperor Nero
personally condemned the Apostle Peter to death in AD68. Peter insisted
that he was not worthy to be crucified in the same manner as His Lord and
was thus crucified upside down. Before he met his death at the hands of
the Romans, he converted his jailers, Processus and Martinianus, and 47
others in the prison, to the Lord.
Andrew
Andrew was the first of the Apostles to follow Jesus. Throughout the
Gospels we see him bringing people to the Lord, including the little boy
with the five loaves and two fish. After the Day of Pentecost, Andrew
engaged in widespread missions to the Caucasian Mountains, (present
day Georgia), to the Scythians on the Caspian Sea, to Byzantium (which
is present day Turkey), to Greece, to Thrace and Macedonia. Church
historian Eusebius records that Andrew preached to the Scythians,
Sogdians and the Saxons. In Patros he was martyred, crucified on an X
shaped cross which today is know as the St. Andrews cross. The governor
of the Edessenes, Ageas, attempted to force all Christians to sacrifice to
the Roman idols. Andrew publically confronted him and was condemned
to death. Andrew declared: "I would not have preached the honour and
glory of the cross if I feared the death of the Cross." Andrew was martyred
30 November AD80. Four countries claim Andrew as their patron Saint:
Russia, Greece, Germany and Scotland. 30 November is St. Andrews Day.
The St. Andrews cross is the national flag of Scotland.
John
The Apostle John was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman of Galilee. His
mother, Salome, was the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. John, his
brother James, and the Apostles Peter and Andrew, were all partners in
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a fishing business prior to their calls by the Lord. John's brother, James,
was the first of the Apostles to die, John was the last. All of the Apostles
except John, met a violent death. However, John lived a martyr’s life. The
Lord Jesus entrusted His mother Mary to the care of John. John founded
churches throughout Asia, wrote the Book of Revelation, the Gospel
according to John and 1, 2 and 3 John.
James
James, the elder brother of the Apostle John, was the first Apostle to
suffer martyrdom. By order of King Herod Agrippa, James was beheaded
in Jerusalem in AD44.
Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector before being called by the Lord. He was a
gifted writer, and perhaps the best educated of the Apostles. He is the
writer of the Gospel according to Matthew. He undertook missions to
Persia, Egypt and Ethiopia where he was martyred for Christ.
Philip
After the Ascension of Christ, Philip travelled into Scythia (in what is
today Southern Russia) and ministered there for 20 years. Philip is also
believed to have ministered as far as Gaul (present day France). After this
he ministered in Asia Minor (what is today, Turkey), where, in Hierapolis,
he was used of the Lord to heal the wife of the Roman proconsul. For this
he was crucified.
Bartholomew
The Apostle Bartholomew ministered through Asia Minor, including in
Hierapolis, Laodicea, and Colosse, in Armenia and in India. In AD68,
Bartholomew was martyred in Albanopolis, (now Derbend in Azerbaijan),
after he converted the king of Armenia to Christianity. The king's pagan
brother murdered Bartholomew in retaliation.
Thomas
Thomas Didymas (the twin) was a fisherman from Galilee. After the
Ascension, Thomas went as missionary to Babylon where he established
the first Christian churches there. Thereafter he ministered in Persia
and India, winning many converts. The Bar Thomas Church endures in
India to this day. He was martyred in Mylapore (what today is a suburb of
Madras), on 21 December.
James the Younger
James, (the son of Alpheus) was the brother of Matthew and the son of
Mary, (the wife of Cleophas another follower of the Lord). James came
from Capernaum. He established the churches in Syria. For preaching
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Christ, he was thrown down from the Temple by the scribes and pharisees
and then stoned to death, in Jerusalem.
Jude (Thaddeus)
The Apostle Jude took the Gospel to Armenia where he established the
church in Edessa. Armenia became one of the first Christian kingdoms.
Later he evangelised in Syria and Persia. Jude was martyred in Kara
Kalisa, near the Caspian Sea, 40 miles from Tabriz (in what is today Iran).
Simon
Simon the Zealot ministered throughout North Africa, including in the
great city of Carthage. He planted the Gospel in Spain and ministered in
Britain where he was martyred 10 May, 61AD in Caistor, Lincolnshire.
Matthias
Matthias was chosen as an Apostle to replace the traitor Judas. Matthias
evangelised in Armenia and the Ukraine, planting churches in Colchis and
Sebastopol. He was martyred in Adjure, in what is today Georgia, in the
Caucasian Mountains.
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is
to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice
to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His
glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12
"For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example that you should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:21
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The Sufferings of Christ
"CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED FOR US, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE. . ."
1 Peter 2:21
Jesus was misunderstood, slandered, falsely accused and lied about:
"For they said, 'He is out of His mind.'" Mark 3:21
"The people answered and said, 'You have a demon.'" John 7:20
"Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and
sinners!" Matthew 11:19
"We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to
pay taxes to Caesar... He stirs up the people, teaching throughout
all Judea." Luke 23:2,5
Jesus was hated and betrayed:
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it
hated you." John 15:18
"Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death."
John 11:53
"But Jesus said to him, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man
with a kiss?'"' Luke 22:48
Jesus was forsaken by His friends:
"From that time many of His disciples went back and walked
with Him no more." John 6:66
"Then they all forsook Him and fled." Mark 14:50
Jesus was unjustly arrested, illegally tried and wrongly condemned:
"Then Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have you come out, as
against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me?'" Mark 14:48
"Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony
against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. For many
bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not
agree." Mark 14:55, 56
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"Pilate. . . said to them... 'I have found no fault in this Man
concerning those things of which you accuse Him; no, neither did
Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving
of death has been done by Him. I will therefore chastise Him and
release Him'" Luke 23:13-16
"But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify
Him!" John 19:15
Jesus was mocked, beaten, whipped, insulted, slapped and crucified.
"Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to
beat Him." Mark 14:65
"Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt."
Luke 23:11
"Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged
Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified." Matthew 27:26
"And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their
heads." Matthew 27:39
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War in the Bible
"Now these are the nations which the Lord left,
that He might test Israel by them, that is, all
who had not known any of the wars in Canaan
(this was only so that the generations of the
children of Israel might be taught to know war,
at least those who had not formerly known it.)"
God's strategy for complacency is to train His people through conflict.
Taught to trust God in battle to be purged, purified and prepared as
soldiers of Christ.
Exodus 15:3, 4"
Exodus 17:8-16
"The Lord is a man of war; The Lord is His Name.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into
the sea."
Victory over the Amalekites by prayer and the
sword.
Deuteronomy 20: 1-4 "When you go out to battle ... do not be afraid,
and do not tremble or be terrified because of
them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with
you. .."
Joshua 6:1-5
Judges 5:16-18;23
Judges 6 & 7
God guided the Israelites to victory over Jericho.
Deborah's song of victory rebuked those who failed
to fight for freedom. "Why did you sit among the
sheepfolds? ... 'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of
the Lord,'Curse its inhabitants bitterly, because
they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the
help of the Lord against the mighty.'"
God directed Gideon to defeat the Midianites and
rescue Israel from their power.
1 Samuel 11 The Spirit of God led Saul and Israel to rescue the
people of Jabesh Gilead.
1 Samuel 14:6, 23 The Lord rescued Israel from the Philistines by the
faith, courage and initiative of Jonathan.
1 Samuel 15:2-3 The Lord commanded Saul to utterly destroy the
Amalekites.
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1 Samuel 17:45-47 David was enabled by the Lord to defeat Goliath.
2 Samuel 5:19-20 David sought the Lord's will and was guided to
attack the Philistines.
Psalms
Psalm 18:39-48
Many of the Psalms are prayers to God for
guidance in war, or hymns of thanksgiving to
the Lord for victory in battle.
"For You have armed me with strength for the
battleYou have subdued under me those who
rose up against me. You have also given me the
necks of my enemies, so that I destroyed those
who hated me... You have made me the head
of the nations ... The Lord lives! Blessed be my
Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. It
is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples
under me; He delivers me from my enemies."
In the Bible wars were ordained as a means of restraining evil, judging
wickedness, purging sin and purifying God's people.
When God's people rebelled against His Law then God allowed them to be
defeated and enslaved, or exiled, by the Midianites, Philistines, Assyrians,
Babylonians, Romans or others.
Deuteronomy 28:1,7 " If you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your
God , to observe carefully all His commandments
... the Lord your God will set you high above all
nations of the earth."
(Cf: Leviticus 26:7-8; Joshua 1:5)
Leviticus 26:14-17 "But ... if you despise My statutes, or if your soul
abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform
all My commandments...you shall be defeated by
your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign
over you. " (cf: Deuteronomy 28:25; 43)
The Scriptures reveal God as a God of war as well as a God of peace, because
God is primarily a God of justice.
Jeremiah 21: 12 "Execute judgment in the morning; And deliver
him who is plundered out of the hand of the
oppresor, lest My fury go forth like fire and burn
so that no one can quench it, because of the evil
of your doings...."
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On certain occasions God has not only permitted war but has commanded
it. In the Bible military defence against aggressor nations is given the
same status as capital punishment for murderers.
Proverbs 21:15 "It is a joy for the just to do justice, but
destruction will come to the workers of
iniquity."
Many Men of God Have Been Soldiers
Much of the Bible is written by soldiers and for soldiers.
JOSHUA was a mighty man of God and a mighty soldier commanding the
Israelite army in the battle with the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16), and in
the conquest of the promised land (Joshua).
King DAVID was "a man after God's own heart," and the writer of much of
the Psalms as well as a great soldier (1 Samuel 17:45, 47; 18:5; 7; 2 Samuel
5:17-25;8:1-14; 10:12; 12:26-29). Hence David was able to say:
"Blessed be the Lord my Rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle.
My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My high tower and my deliverer,
My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,
Who subdues my people under me." Psalm 144:1,2
ABRAHAM resorted to military action to rescue Lot from the four
heathen kings (Genesis 14:11-16).
DEBORAH and BARAK were led by the Lord to defeat Sisera and the
Canaanite armies (Judges 4:14,15),
GIDEON was commanded by God to defeat the Midianites and rescue
Israel from their power (Judges 6:14, 15).
God gave SAMSON the power to defeat the Philistines and keep Israel
safe for twenty years (Judges 14:19; 15:14, 15,20; 16:28-30).
The four CENTURIONS (Roman officers) mentioned in the New
Testament are all commended in one way or another (Luke 7:9; 23:47;
Acts 19:2: 27:43). The Centurion at Capernaum was praised for his faith.
Cornelius and the Italian Regiment of the Roman Army had the great
honour of being the first Gentiles to be baptised by the Holy Spirit into
the body of Christ.
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Throughout the Bible the work and calling of soldiers are frequently
mentioned, yet never with any suggestion that it could be, in and of itself,
dishonourable or unchristian. John the Baptist, in answering the soldiers'
question of what they were to do, never suggested that they should leave
the army. He merely replied, "Don't extort money and do not accuse
people falsely .Be content with your pay." Luke 3:14. He told them how
to be good soldiers.
The Christian life is often likened to many acceptable and honourable
occupations, such as that of a farmer, athlete, worker, citizen, pilgrim
and soldier (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3, 4; Ephesians 6:11-17). Many
of the aspects of a soldier's life are commended such as: self-sacrifice,
discipline and loyalty.
"What About Turning the Other Cheek?"
Jesus said: "If someone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your
left cheek too." Matthew 5:39. Let us not say more than what Jesus said.
What He did NOT say was, "if someone stabs you in the one cheek let
him stab you in the heart too!"; neither did Jesus suggest that if someone
rapes your sister let him attack your mother too. Nor did Jesus demand
that if the Arabs bomb Nairobi we should let them bomb Lusaka as well.
These ridiculous things Jesus emphatically never taught! Yet that is how
some pacifists are misinterpreting these verses.
Jesus said, "If someone slaps you..." Let us not suggest more than what our
Lord taught. Don't fight over an insult. Don't kill to preserve your pride.
Don't retaliate just because of an insult. A slap can hardly be interpreted
as a threat of bodily harm or fatal injury. A slap represents an insult.
Matthew 5:39 was never meant to abolish national defence or self defence.
It was never given that cowards could quote it as an excuse for not doing
their duty in protecting their family. For the man who believes that God's
commands of the Old Testament (which allow capital punishment for
murderers and military defence for nations) could be abolished by the
coming of our Lord, Jesus said:
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not
come to destroy but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17
"What About Loving Your Enemies?"
To "love your enemies", Matthew 5:44, is a Christian obligation. So is to
love your brother, to honour your parents, and to love your neighbour.
Surely my priority must be to defend my family and neighbour against
any aggressor - be it a criminal, terrorist or foreign invader.
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And I was never commanded to love God's enemies, who persecute His
Church. Nor was I commanded to love my country's enemies. Personal
vengeance and jealousies are forbidden. My enemies I must forgive. But
my family must be protected, my country must be defended, and my
neighbours must be saved from aggression and violence.
I have personally taken the Gospel to marxist terrorists, Muslim Jihadists
and to communist soldiers, over the border. But when they cross the
border and threaten my neighbours, I must do my duty and take up arms
to stop them.
I will do everything in my power to bring the Word of God and the
Gospel of Christ to the enemies of my land and Faith. I will endeavour to
bring as many as possible to repentance from sin and to faith in Christ.
But when called up to serve my country, I will do my utmost to protect
my fellow citizens from all foreign aggression or terrorism. Those who
refuse to repent of their sins and turn away from the ways of terror,
intimidation, fear and hate - those who endanger the lives of the innocent
and defenceless - I will fight, kill or capture.
Of course, any captured or wounded enemy will receive prompt
medical care, humane treatment and the Gospel. That is Christian love
demonstrated in a practical and balanced way.
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All Out War
The Bible makes it clear that the Christian life is real, serious warfare.
Weapons are issued (2 Corinthians 10:4); Strategies are formulated (Luke
14:26- 33); Espionage is exposed (Acts 20:29-30); Commissions are given
(Matthew 28:19-20); Battle cries are sounded (Ezekiel 33:3-9); Opponents
are disarmed (Colossians 2:15); Captives are taken (2 Corinthians 10:5);
Prisoners are freed (Isaiah 51:14); and Victories are won (1 Corinthians
15:57).
We cannot have victory without a battle. We need to look beyond our
problems to God's solutions, beyond our needs to God's provisions. I have
the power to face all circumstances through Christ who strengthens me
(Philippians 4:3). If God be for me who can be against me? (Romans 8:31).
We are more than conquerors through Christ Who loves us (Romans 8:37).
There is no sin so great but that God's Grace is greater still. There is no
problem so large but that God's answer is greater still. There is no enemy
so strong but that Jesus is stronger still.
"He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
1 John 4:4
"Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Who will stand
up for Me against the workers of iniquity?" Psalm 94:16
We are Christians. People with a message - a message of life and death.
We are soldiers of Christ engaged in a spiritual world war. Let us wake up
to the urgency of a world going to hell and a spiritual emergency in the
Church. Truth is at stake as humanistic unchristian philosophies creep
into the churches and sweep through the land. Newspapers, films, tapes,
videos, books, T.V. programmes and UNESCO textbooks are all too often
promoting unBiblical standards and anti-Christian ideologies.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in
God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and
every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:4, 5
If we love the Lord then we must obey Him (John 14:15). If we love the
lost then we must tell them the truth of the Scriptures:
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the
judgment." Hebrews 9:27
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All Out War
"I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."
Luke 13:3
"he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of
God abides on him. John 3:36
The priority of our time is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind
and strength (Mark 12:31). This will involve "the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of knowledge." Proverbs 1:7.
"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil." Proverbs 8:13.
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what
is good." Romans 12:9.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21
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Spiritual Warfare
As Christians, we are all spiritual soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3, 4).
The Soldier of Christ is to be: willing (Philippians 1:20).
dedicated (2 Timothy 4:7)
disciplined (2 Timothy 2:4)
motivated (Acts 20:24)
obedient (1 Timothy 6:14)
prepared (Ephesians 6:10-18)
alert (1 Peter 5:8)
We have a spiritual enemy to fight (Ephesians 6:12, 13)
We have a spiritual war to win (Romans 13:12, 14)
We have spiritual weapons: that are powerful to the destroying of strong
holds ,to destroying false arguments, and
to pulling down every proud obstacle raised
against the knowledge of God.
(2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
These are God's Powerful Weapons
1. Forgiveness conquers Evil
(Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20; Colossians 3:13; Luke 17:4;
Proverbs 25:21)
2. Love conquers Hatred
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:16-18; Luke 6:27-36;
John 13:34, 35)
3. Faith conquers Unbelief
(Ephesians 6:16, Romans 10:17; James 2:26; 1 John 5;4;
Hebrews 11:1 1 Thessalonians 5:8)
4. The Holy Spirit conquers the Flesh
(Galatians 5, Romans 8, John 6:63, 1 John 4:4; 2 Corinthians 3:17)
5. The Word of God - the sword of the Spirit - is the Truth that
sets us free.
(Hebrews 4:12; Matt 10:34; Ephesians 6:17; John 8:32; John 15:3;
John 17:17).
6. The Power of the Blood of Jesus conquers Sin
(1 John 1:7; Revelation 12:11)
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7. The Angelic Powers protect us
(Acts 12:7: Psalm 91:11)
8. Prayer changes things
(Acts 4:31; Acts 12:5, 11; Daniel 9:3-19; John 17)
9. Praise conquers Defeat
(Joshua 6:20; 1 Kings 18:36-39)
10. The Name of Jesus gives Victory
(Luke 24:47-49; John 16:23, 24; 16:18; Colossians 3:17)
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing
that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
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Called to Conquest
The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it.
Matthew 28:18-20 The Church is to disciple the nations.
Colossians 1:15-20 Jesus is Lord of all areas of life.
Matthew 5:13-16
Daniel 7:14
Daniel 7:27
Isaiah 11:9
Christians are to confront, transform and lead the
world (Genesis 1:27-28).
The Kingdom and authority of Christ is over all
nations (Revelation 11:15).
The people of God are to rule over all the earth.
The land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the seas are full of water (Isaiah 45:22).
Isaiah 2:2-4 Many nations will come to God (Revelation 7-9).
Psalm 2
Psalm 22:27-31
Daniel 2:34-45
Matthew 24:14
The nations plan rebellion and plot together against
the Lord, but God will break them and subdue the
whole earth under His rule (Matthew 16:18).
All nations will turn to God. He will rule the nations
(Psalm 67; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 86:9-10).
God's Kingdom will destroy and conquer all previous
empires and last forever (Haggai 2:7; Zephaniah 2:11;
Zechariah 14:9).
The Gospel will be preached throughout all the world
as a witness to all mankind (Malachi 1:11;
Revelation 5:9-10).
1 John 5:4 Every child of God is able to defeat the world
(John 16:33).
1 John 4:4 Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the
World (Ephesians 6:10-12).
James 4:7
Revelation 12:11
Romans 8:37
Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee
from you (1 John 3:8).
Our brothers won the victory by the blood of
the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed,
and they were willing to give up their lives and die.
We are more than conquerors through Christ
(1 Corinthians 15:57).
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Hatred of Evil
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is
good." Romans 12:9
"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil." Proverbs 8:13
"These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to
Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to
evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among
brethren." Proverbs 6:16-19
"Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every
false way." Psalms 119:104
"You rebuke the proud - the cursed, who stray from Your
commandments." Psalms 119:21
"Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked, who forsake
Your law." Psalm 119:53
"I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law." Psalm 119:113
"Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good."
Romans 12:21
"Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for
Me against the workers of iniquity?" Psalm 94:16
David, the shepherd king, was a man after God's own heart and the
Psalms contain many of his heartfelt prayers and songs of praise to God.
The Psalms flow with vibrant worship and love for God. The Psalms were
the prayer book of our Lord Jesus and of the early Church.
The Psalmists' love for nature comes through clearly. But most of all, the
Psalms are full of a love for God's Law - for His Word. The Psalmists were
jealous for the glory and honour of God. They hated evil and wanted justice
to be done. We too must share the Psalmists' hatred of evil, their love
for God's Law and their reverent and holy respect for God's holiness.
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts." Isaiah 6:3
"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, and who
will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me.'" Isaiah 6:8
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Praying Against Evil
The Psalms are alive with a burning devotion to God, a refreshing
appreciation of God's holiness, a zealous enthusiasm for God's Word and
an intense hatred of evil. The soldier/shepherd/king/Psalmist David was
"a man after His own heart" 1 Samuel 13:14. We need to learn to fear
and respect and love God as David did. And "The fear of the Lord is to
hate evil." Proverbs 8:13
"Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have
rebelled against You." Psalm 5:10
"Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish
the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds. My defense
is of God, Who saves the upright in heart. God is a just judge, and God
is angry with the wicked every day. If he does not turn back, He will
sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready ... Behold,
the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings
forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the
ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head... I
will praise the Lord according to His righteousness." Psalm 7:9-17
"The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget
God." Psalm 9:17
"O Lord, punish those wicked men! Remember those who are
suffering." Psalm 10:12
"Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; Seek out his wickedness
until You find none." Psalm 10:15
"The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; He shall wash
his feet in the blood of the wicked, so that men will say, '... Surely He is
God who judges in the earth.'"Psalm 58:10, 11
"Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, o Lord our shield
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips. Let them even be
taken in their pride, and for the cursing and lying which they speak.
Consume them in wrath... And let them know that God rules in Jacob
to the ends of the earth. " Psalm 59:11-13
"But God will wound the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of the
one who still goes on in his trespasses." Psalm 68:21
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Can we say, with the Psalmist, that we too are always praying against evil?
How can evil be increasing if we are really resisting evil? Compromise
and apathy, half-heartedness and a lukewarm response to God's Word is
weakening us to accept evil instead of opposing it.
The Lord Jesus has given His people, the Church, the keys of the Kingdom
of Heaven; whatever we bind, limit or restrict, will be bound. Whatever
we loose, release or disseminate will be loosed (Matthew 16:19). Those
people who submit to God and who trust in Christ have the power and
authority to resist evil (James 4:7), oppose what is wrong (1 John 4:4) and
extend God's Kingdom (Matthew 28: 19) by prayer and practice, in faith
and action.
God is great and whoever is submitted to God's Word can say:
"For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a
wall...For who is God, except the Lord?...It is God who arms me with
strength... He teaches my hands to make war... For You have armed
me with strength for the battle...The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted." Psalm 18:29-46
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Verses of Victory
"Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. "
Psalm 3:8
"Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down
our enemies." Psalm 108:13
"Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ!" 1 Corinthians 15:57
"He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
" And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word
of their testimony and they did not love their lives to the death."
Revelation 12:11
"He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God
and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable,
murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall
have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which
is the second death." Revelation 21: 7-8
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Standing Orders from
our Commanding Officer
"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this
life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."
2 Timothy 2:3-4
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no
more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear
Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to
you, fear Him!" Luke 12:4, 5
"Have faith in God." Mark 11:22
"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your
neighbour as yourself.'" Luke 10:27
"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21
"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do
according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you;
do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may
prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from
your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may
observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will
make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have
I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid,
nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:7-9
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A Time for War
As the Bible says, there is a time for war.
"To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;...
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Soldier's Testimony
Many Christians can testify of how God has protected them in combat
situations. History and the Bible record many occasions when God has led
His people to battle, strengthened them in defeat and led them to victory.
"I will love You,
O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock
and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength,
in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn
of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord,
who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
The pangs of death surrounded me,
And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears....
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He sent from above,
He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my support.
He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;
According to the cleanness of my hands
He has recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
And have not wickedly departed from my God.
For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.....
He teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze...
I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them;
Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed....
For You have armed me with strength for the battle;
You have subdued under me those who rose up against me...
The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted....
You also lift me up... You have delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your Name." Psalm 18
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God's Army
"Like a strong people
set in battle array.
Before them the people writhe in pain;
All faces are drained of color.
They run like mighty men,
They climb the wall like men of war;
Every one marches in formation,
And they do not break ranks.
They do not push one another;
Every one marches in his own column.
Though they lunge between the weapons,
They are not cut down.
They run to and fro in the city,
They run on the wall;
They climb into the houses,
They enter at the windows like a thief.
The earth quakes before them,
The heavens tremble;
The sun and moon grow dark,
And the stars diminish their brightness.
THE LORD GIVES VOICE BEFORE HIS ARMY,
FOR HIS CAMP IS VERY GREAT;
FOR STRONG IS THE ONE WHO EXECUTES HIS WORD.
For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible;
Who can endure it?"
Now, therefore, says the Lord,
'Turn to Me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."' Joel 2:5-12
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The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion
The foundational statement of true doctrine and worship upon which
all Episcopal churches were established. Originally agreed upon by the
Archbishops, Bishops, and the whole clergy of the Church of England, in
London 1562.
Subjects of the Articles
1. The Holy Trinity
2. Of the Word or Son of God
3. Christ's Descent into Hell
4. Of the Resurrection of Christ
5. The Holy Spirit
6. The Sufficiency of Holy Scripture for Our Salvation
7. The Old Testament
8. The Three Creeds
9. Original Sin
10. Free will
11. Justification
12. Good Works
13. Works before Justification
14. Works of Supererogation
15. Christ Alone Without Sin
16. Sin after Baptism
17. Predestination and Election
18. Salvation in Christ alone
19. The Church
20. Authority of the Church
21. Authority of General Councils
22. Purgatory
23. Ministryin The Congregation
24. The Language of Public Worship
25. The Sacraments
26. The Unworthiness of Ministers
27. Baptism
28. The Lord's Supper
29. The Participation of Unbelievers
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30. Communion in Both Kinds
31. The One Offering of Christ Finished on The Cross
32. Marriage of Presbyters
33. Excommunicated Persons
34. The Traditions of The Church
35. The Homilies
36. The Consecration of Bischops and Ministers
37. Civil Magistrates
38. Private Property
39. Oath-taking
1. The Holy Trinity
There is only one living and true God. His existence is everlasting, without
beginning or end. As a spiritual being, not limited by a body and bodily
members, and free from bodily desires and impulses, His power,wisdom,
and goodness are infinite. He is the Creator and Preserver of all things
whether seen or unseen. In the unity of this one true God there are three
Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Who are one in being,
power and eternity.
2. Of the Word or Son of God
The Son, who is the Word of the Father (John. 1:1), is the Son of the Father
from everlasting to everlasting. He is truly and eternally God, one with
the Father in being. He took our human nature to Himself in the womb of
the Virgin Mary,so that two full and perfect natures,
His divine and our human nature, were united in the one person of the
incarnate Son, never to be divided. There is therefore one Christ who is
truly God and truly man, and who truly suffered, was crucified, died and
was buried. By Christ's sacrifice of Himself, not only for original guilt but
also for all actual sins of men, God was reconciling the world to Himself
(2 Corinthians. 5:19).
3. Christ's Descent into Hell
As Christ died for us and was buried, so also it is to be believed that He
went down into hell.
4. Of The Resurrection of Christ
Christ truly rose again from the dead. His was a bodily Resurrection, with
flesh, bones and all things that belong to the perfection of our human
nature. His Ascension was a bodily ascension into heaven, where He is
now enthroned until the last day,when He will return to Judge all men.
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The Thirty-Nine Arlicle of Religion
5. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son is one in being,
majesty and glory with the Father and the Son, and thus is truly and
eternally God.
6. The Sufficiency of Holy Scripture for Our Salvation
Holy Scripture sets forth everything that is necessary for our salvation.
Consequently, nobody should be required to believe as an article of the
Christian faith, or to regard as necessary for salvation, anything that is
not found in Scripture or that cannot be proved from Scripture. By the
term Holy Scripture we mean the canonical books of the Old and New
Testaments, namely:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges,
Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah,
Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah,
Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah,
Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah,
Malachi. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians,
Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1
and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and
3 John, Jude, Revelation. The books known as the Apocrypha are read
by the Church, as Jerome said, because of the examples they provide of
heroic lives and faithful conduct; but the Church does not use these books
to establish any doctrine.
7. The Old Testament
The Old Testament is not contrary to the New Testament. In the Old
as well as in the New Testament, everlasting life is offered to mankind
through Christ; for Christ, who is both God and man, is the only Mediator
between God and man. Therefore we must not pay attention to any who
say that in the Old Testament the patriarchs and others were limited in
their expectation to transitory promises.
Although the ceremonies and rites of the Law which God gave through
Moses are not binding on Christians, and the civil precepts of the Law are not
essential for the organisation of any state or commonwealth, yet no Christian
at all is free from obedience to the commandments known as moral.
8. The Three Creeds
The three creeds, namely the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and
what is commonly called the Apostles' Creed, should be received and
believed without reservation, because they may be proved from Holy
Scripture.
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9. Original Sin
Original sin does not consist in imitating the sin of Adam (as the Pelagians
wrongly teach), but is the fault and corruption of the nature with which
all the descendants of Adam are born. It is due to original sin that we
have departed very far from the original righteousness in which we were
created, and are naturally inclined to evil, with the result that there is a
constant war between the flesh and the spirit.
Accordingly in every person born into this world, original sin is deserving
of God's wrath and condemnation. This infection of our nature remains
even in those who in Christ are reborn. Because of it the desire of the
flesh is not submissive to the Law of God. True though it is that there is
no condemnation awaiting those who believe and are baptised, yet the
Apostle asserts that all ungodly desires are in themselves sinful.
10. Free Will
Since the fall of Adam man's state is such that he is unable, by his own
natural strength and good works, to turn and dispose himself to believe
and call upon God. Consequently,we have no power of our own to do good
works that are pleasing and acceptable to God, unless the grace of God is
first given through Christ, so that we may have a good will, and that same
grace continues at work within us to maintain that good will.
11. Justification
It is not because of any good works or deservings on our part, but only
by faith which rests on the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
that we are accounted righteous before God. Therefore the doctrine of our
justification by faith alone is most edifying and full of strength and comfort.
12. Good Works
Although good works, which are the fruits of faith and follow after our
justification, cannot put away our sins, and are subject to the severity of
God's judgement, yet, inasmuch as they are done in Christ and for His
sake, they are pleasing and acceptable to God; for they spring necessarily
from a true and vital faith, and are indeed the evidence of a vital faith, just
as a tree is recognised by its fruit.
13. Works before Justification
Works that are done before receiving the grace of Christ and the indwelling
of his Spirit are not pleasing to God, because they do not spring from
faith in Jesus Christ; nor is it true (as some say) that they render us fit to
receive grace or are deserving of grace. On the contrary, the fact that such
works are not done as God has willed and commanded them to be done
can only mean that they have the nature of sin.
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14. Works of Supererogation
Works which are supposedly done voluntarily beyond and in excess of what
is required by God's commandments (known as works of supererogation)
cannot be taught without self-centred arrogance and irreverence; for it
is claimed that persons who perform such works render to God not only
as much as it is their duty to render, but actually do for God more than is
of bounden duty required; whereas Christ plainly stated, "When you have
done all that is commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants'." (Luke 17:10).
15. Christ Alone Without Sin
As our true fellow man Christ was like us in all respects, with the exception
only of sin, from which He was completely free, both in His flesh and in
His spirit. He came into the world to be the Lamb without spot or blemish,
and by His once-for-all sacrifice of Himself to take away the sins of the
world as the One in whom, as St John says, there was no sin (John 1:29;
1John 3:5). But all the rest of us, even though we have been baptised and
born again in Christ, continue to offend in many things; and "if we say we
have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us". (1 John 1:8).
16. Sin After Baptism
Not every serious sin committed after our baptism is an unpardonable sin
against the Holy Spirit. Therefore persons who fall into sin after baptism
should be encouraged to repent. After we have received the Holy Spirit
it is possible for us to turn away from the grace we have experienced and
to fall into sin, and it is possible for us who have fallen to rise again and
amend our lives by the grace of God.
Therefore persons who say that they cannot sin any more as long as they
continue in this life (claiming to have attained sinless perfection), or who
deny any opportunity of forgiveness to those who truly repent, are to be
condemned.
17. Predestination and Election
Predestination to life belongs to God's everlasting purpose. By this is
meant that before the foundation of the world, it is His unchangeable
decree, in accordance with His secret counsel to deliver from the curse
and damnation those whom He has chosen in Christ, and to bring them
by Him to everlasting salvation, as vessels of His mercy (Romans 9:21).
Therefore, those on whom such an excellent blessing of God is bestowed
are called according to God's purpose by the Holy Spirit working in them
in God's good time; through grace they obey this calling and are freely
justified by God; they become the sons of God by adoption (Romans 3:24;
8:150; they are conformed to the image of His only Son Jesus Christ; they
lead holy lives that are given to good works to the glory of God; and at last,
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by God's mercy, they attain to everlasting bliss (Romans 8:29f; Ephesians
2:8-10).
The reverent consideration of our predestination and election in Christ
is full of sweet, pleasant and unspeakable strength and comfort to godly
persons, who feel the working in themselves of the Spirit of Christ,
mortifying the works of the flesh and their earthly passions and drawing
their thoughts upward to high and heavenly realities. This teaching is
welcome to us both because it strongly establishes and confirms our
assurance of eternal salvation to be enjoyed through Christ and also
because it kindles in us a fervent love to God. For unregenerate persons,
however, who are moved by idle curiosity and who do not have the
Spirit of Christ, to be constantly confronted with the doctrine of God's
predestination is dangerous and disastrous, since the devil uses it to drive
them either to despair or to abandon themselves to immoral and ungodly
living, which is no less perilous than despair.
Furthermore, we must accept God's promises in the way in which they are
ordinarily presented to us in Holy Scripture, and in all that we do the will
of God is to be followed precisely as it is revealed to us in the Word of God.
18. Salvation in Christ Alone
They are to be condemned as false teachers who assert that persons Will
be saved no matter what beliefs they hold or what sect they belong to,
provided they sincerely lead their lives according to those beliefs and to
the light of nature; for Holy Scripture insists that it is only by the Name of
Jesus Christ that we may be saved (Acts 4:12).
19. The Church
The visible Church of Christ is a gathering of believing people in which
the pure Word of God is preached and the sacraments are ministered
with due order and discipline as ordained by Christ. Together with other
churches, the Church of Rome has erred, not only in matters of conduct
and ceremonial but also in matters of doctrine.
20. The Authority of the Church
The Church has power to prescribe rites and ceremonies and has authority
in theological controversies; but it is not lawful for the Church to prescribe
anything that is contrary to God's written Word, or to expound one
passage of Scripture in such a way that it disagrees with another. Therefore,
although the Church is a witness and a guardian of Holy Scripture, yet it
is not open to it to prescribe anything contrary to Scripture, or to enforce
anything not found in Scripture to be believed as necessary to salvation.
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21. The Authority of General Councils
General Councils may err when they meet, and sometimes have erred,
even in issues of theological importance - for such councils are composed
of men, not all of whom may be governed by the Spirit and the Word
of God. Therefore, nothing declared by such councils as necessary for
salvation has binding power or authority unless it is plainly taught in
Holy Scripture.
22. Purgatory
The Romish teaching about purgatory, pardons, the worship and adoration
of images and relics, and also the practice of praying to saints, is a futile
deception, which, far from being grounded in Scripture, is repugnant to
the Word of God.
23. Ministering in The Congregation
No man is permitted to take upon himself the office of public preaching or
ministration of the sacraments before he has been called and appointed
to fulfil this office. Those persons should be accepted as lawfully called
and appointed who have been selected and called to this work by men
entrusted with public authority in the Church to call and send ministers
into the Lord's vineyard.
24. The Language of Public Worship
It is plainly incompatible with the Word of God and with the custom of the
primitive Church to conduct public worship or to minister the sacraments
in the Church in a language the people do not understand.
25. The Sacraments
The sacraments prescribed by Christ are badges and tokens of our
profession as Christians, and, more particularly,they are trustworthy
witnesses and effectual signs of God's grace and good will to us. By them
God works invisibly in us, both arousing and also strengthening and
confirming our faith in Him.
Christ our Lord has ordained two Gospel sacraments, namely Baptism
and the Lord's Supper.
The five that are commonly called sacraments, namely,confirmation,
penance, ordination, matrimony,and extreme unction are not to be
received as sacraments of the Gospel, since they have in part developed
from a false understanding of apostolic practice and in part represent
states of life allowed in the Scriptures. Moreover, because they have no
visible sign or ceremony commanded by God, they do not belong in the
same category as the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
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The sacraments were not appointed by Christ to be a public spectacle or
to be paraded for adoration, but to be used with due discipline. They have
a beneficial effect or working only in those who receive them worthily;
whereas those who receive them unworthily bring Condemnation on
themselves, as St Paul teaches (1 Corinthians 11:27).
26. The Unworthiness of Ministers
Although in the visible Church there is always a mingling of evil with
good, and at times evil persons hold the chief positions in the ministry
of the Word and sacraments, yet, because they do so not in their own
but in Christ's Name and perform their ministry by His commission and
authority,we may avail ourselves of their ministry both in hearing the
Word of God and in receiving the sacraments.
The effect of Christ's ordinance is not taken away by their wickedness,
nor is the grace of God's gifts diminished in the case of those who receive
the sacraments rightly and by faith; for,although ministered by evil men,
these are effectual on account of Christ's institution and promise.
Nevertheless, it belongs to the discipline of the Church that evil ministers
should be investigated and that they should be accused by those who have
knowledge of their offences, and, further,that on being found guilty,they
should by just judgement be deposed.
27. Baptism
Baptism is a sign of the Faith we profess and a mark that differentiates
Christian persons from those who are unbaptised; and it is also a sign of
regeneration or new birth by which, as by an instrument, those who receive
baptism rightly are grafted into the Church, the promises of forgiveness
of sin and of our adoption to be the sons of God are visibly signified and
sealed, and faith is confirmed and grace increased by virtue of prayer
to God. The baptism of young children is under all circumstances to be
retained in the Church as a practice fully agreeable with the institution of
Christ.
28. The Lord's Supper
The supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians
ought to have among themselves for each other,but is especially a
sacrament of our redemption by Christ's death. Accordingly,for those
who rightly,worthily,and with faith receive it the bread that is broken is
a partaking of the body of Christ and the cup of blessing is a partaking of
the blood of Christ (1Corinthians 10:16).
Transubstantiation (the teaching that the substance of the bread and
wine is changed into the actual flesh and blood of Christ) in the supper
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of the Lord cannot be proved by Holy Scripture, but is repugnant to the
plain words of Scripture, overthrows the nature of a sacrament, and has
given rise to many superstitions. In the Lord's supper the body of Christ is
given, taken and eaten only in a heavenly or spiritual manner,and faith is
the means by which the body of Christ is received and eaten in the supper.
The sacrament of the Lord's supper was not commanded by Christ to be
reserved, carried about, lifted up or worshipped.
29. The Participation of Unbelievers
Though wicked persons, and all in whom a vital faith is absent, physically
and visibly press the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ with
their teeth (as Saint Augustine says), yet in no sense are they partakers
of Christ; on the contrary,they eat and drink the sign or sacrament of so
great a reality to their own condemnation.
30. Communion in Both Kinds
The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the laity,for both parts of the
Lord's sacrament, the wine as well as the bread, ought by Christ's ordinance
and commandment to be ministered alike to all Christian persons.
31. The One Offering of Christ Finished on The Cross
Christ's offering of Himself on the Cross, once for all, is the perfect
redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole
world, both original and actual, and there is no other satisfaction for sin,
but that alone. Therefore the sacrifices of masses, in which it is commonly
said that the priest offers Christ for the living and the dead, to obtain
the remission of their punishment or guilt, are blasphemous fables and
dangerous deceits.
32. The Marriage of Presbyters
Bishops, presbyters and deacons are not commanded by God's Law to take
vows of celibacy or to abstain from marriage; therefore it is lawful for
them, as for all other Christian persons, to marry at their own discretion,
where they judge that it serves better to godliness for them to do so.
33. Excommunicated Persons
Any person who by open denunciation of the Church is rightly cut off
from the unity of the Church and excommunicated ought to be treated
by the whole company of the faithful as a heathen and a traitor,until such
time as he is reconciled by penitence and received back into the Church by
a judge with authority to do so (cf. Matthew 18:17).
34. The Traditions of The Church
It is not necessary that traditions and ceremonies should be uniform
and identical in every place; for these have at all times been diversified,
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and they may be changed to accord with the diversities of countries,
times, and human customs, provided that nothing be ordained contrary
to God's Word. Anyone who by his private judgement willingly and
deliberately breaks the traditions and ceremonies of the Church which are
not repugnant to the Word of God, and are appointed and approved by
common authority, ought to be openly rebuked (so that others may fear
to follow his example) as one who offends against the common order of
the Church, undermines authority,and wounds the consciences of weak
fellow Christians.
Every particular or national church has authority to prescribe, change and
abolish ceremonies or rites of the Church which have been ordered only
by human authority,providing all things are done for edification.
35. The Homilies
The two books of Homilies, which were set forth in the times of Edward
VI and Elizabeth I respectively, contain godly and wholesome teaching.
36. The Consecration of Bishops and Ministers
The form of consecration of archbishops and bishops and the ordering
of priests and deacons, set forth in the time of Edward VI, contain all
things necessary for such consecration and ordering and nothing that of
itself is superstitious and ungodly. Therefore anyone who is consecrated
or ordained according to these rites we declare to be rightly,orderly and
lawfully consecrated and ordained.
37. Civil Magistrates
We do not give to our princes or rulers the right to minister either God's
Word or the sacraments. The only prerogative which we recognise as
having been given by God himself in Holy Scripture to all godly rulers is
that they should rule all states and classes committed to their charge by
God, whether ecclesiastical or secular, and restrain with the civil sword
stubborn persons and evildoers.
The Bishop of Rome has no jurisdiction in this realm. Christians may be
punished by the laws of the realm with death for heinous and grievous
offences. It is lawful for Christian men to carry weapons and serve inwars
at the command of the civil ruler.
38. Private Property
The wealth and possessions of Christians are not common to all nor is
their right and title to own private property to be questioned.
Nevertheless, every person ought to give liberally and according to his
ability from the things he possesses to the poor.
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39. Oath-Taking
While we acknowledge that vain and rash swearing is forbidden to
Christians by our Lord Jesus Christ and by St James (Matthew 5:34-37;
James 5:12),we judge that our Christian religion does not prohibit us
from swearing an oath when it is required by the magistrate in the cause
of good faith and charity, providing it is done according to the prophet's
teaching injustice, judgement and truth.
The WESTMINSTER STANDARDS
In 1643, during a time of political turmoil, military conflict and threats to
religious freedom, the English Parliament called upon 121 "learned, Godly
and judicious" pastors, teachers and Theologians, to meet at Westminster
Abby to provide considered guidance on issues of Faith and conduct,
doctrine and devotion, applying the Lordship of Christ to all areas of life.
The Westminster Assembly produced what has been described as the finest,
most Biblical description and definition of Christian life, faith and practise.
The Westminster Confession, The Larger Catechism and The Shorter
Catechism, have been adopted as the standards for most Reformed Churches.
The Westminster Confession was adopted by Act of the English Parliament
in 1648 and by the Scottish Parliament in 1649.
The Westminster Standards have been adopted, with minor modifications,
by the Congregational Churches in the form of The Savoy Declaration (1658),
by the Baptists, in the London Confession of Faith (1689), and others.
The Westminster Catechism is built on the earlier Reformation Heidelberg
Catechism, of 1563, which along with The Belgic Confession and The Canons
of Dort form the Three Forms of Unity of the Dutch Reformed Churches.
The Westminster Standards present succinct summaries of the Faith that
are thoroughly and consistently Biblical. The Westminster Catechism has
guided pastors and Sunday School teachers for over three centuries as an
excellent teaching tool to encourage students to ask critical questions and
to seek the truth from the Scripture as our ultimate authority. It is the
duty of the Church to clearly define, defend, proclaim and teach the whole
counsel of God to a world of doubt and confusion.
"As far as I am able to judge, the Christian world, since the days of the Apostles,
had never a synod of more excellent divines than the Westminster Assembly."
Rev. Richard Baxter
"The Westminster Standards …are the richest and most precise and best guarded
statement ever penned… and of all that must be safeguarded if Evangelical
Faith is to persist in the world." Dr. B.B. Warfield
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The
Westminster
Confession of
Faith
CHAPTER I
Of the Holy Scripture.
I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence,
do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men
inexcusable; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and
of his will, which is necessary unto salvation: therefore it pleased the Lord,
at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare
that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for the better preserving
and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and
comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice
of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which
maketh the holy scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of
God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.
II. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are
now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testaments, which are
these:
Of the Old Testament
Of the New Testament
All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.
III. The Books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine
inspiration, are no part of the canon of the scripture; and therefore are of
no authority in the Church of God, nor to be anyother wise approved, or
made use of, than other human writings.
IV. The authority of the holy scripture, for which it ought to be believed
and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but
wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; and therefore it
is to be received, because it is the word of God.
V. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to
an high and reverend esteem of the holy scripture, and the heavenliness
of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the
consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory
to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the
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many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof,
are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the word
of God; yet notwithstanding our full persuasion and assurance of the
infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of
the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the word in our hearts.
VI. The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his
own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down
in scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced
from scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether
by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we
acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary
for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the word;
and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God,
and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies,
which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence,
according to the general rules of the word, which are always to be observed.
VII. All things in scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike
clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed,
and observed, for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened
in some place of scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the
unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient
understanding of them.
VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of
the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the
time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being
Genesis
II Chronicles Daniel
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
I Samuel
II Samuel
I Kings
II Kings
I Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
The Song of Songs
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
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immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence
The Gospels
according to
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
The Acts of the
Apostles
Paul's Epistles to
the Romans
the Corinthians I
the Corinthians II
the Galatians
the Ephesians
the Philippians
the Colossians
the Thessalonians I
the Thessalonians II
Timothy I
Timothy II
Titus
Philemon
The Epistles to
the Hebrews
The Epistle of
James
The first and second
Epistles of
Peter
The first and second
and third Epistles of
John
The Epistle
of Jude
The Revelation
of John
kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as in all controversies
of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them. But because these
original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right
unto and interest in the scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of
God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into
the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that the word
of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable
manner, and, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, may have
hope.
IX. The infallible rule of interpretation of scripture is the scripture itself;
and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of
any scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and
known by other places that speak more clearly.
X. The supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to
be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers,
doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose
sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in
the scripture.
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CHAPTER II
Of God, and of the Holy Trinity.
I. There is but one only living and true God, who is infinite in being and
perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions,
immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise,
most holy, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the
counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory;
most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and
truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that
diligently seek him; and withal most just and terrible in his judgements;
hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.
II. God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of himself; and
is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any
creatures which he hath made, not deriving any glory from them, but only
manifesting his own glory, in, by, unto, and upon them: he is the alone
fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom, are all things;
and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or
upon them, whatsoever himself pleaseth. In his sight all things are open
and manifest; his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon
the creature, so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain. He is most
holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands. To him is
due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship,
service, or obedience, he is pleased to require of them.
III. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance,
power, and eternity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy
Ghost. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son
is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding
from the Father and the Son.
CHAPTER III
Of God’s Eternal Decree
I. God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his
own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet
so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to
the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes
taken away, but rather established.
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II. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all
supposed conditions; yet hath he not decreed any thing because he foresaw
it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.
III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men
and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained
to everlasting death.
IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are
particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain
and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.
V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the
foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable
purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen
in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love,
without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of
them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving
him thereunto; and all to the praise of his glorious grace.
VI. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal
and most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto.
Wherefore they who are elected being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by
Christ; are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit working
in due season; are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power
through faith unto salvation. Neither are any other redeemed by Christ,
effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect
only.
VII. The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable
counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he
pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass
by, and to ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin, to the praise
of his glorious justice.
VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be
handled with special prudence and care, that men attending the will of
God revealed in his word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the
certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election.
So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration
of God, and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation, to all that
sincerely obey the Gospel.
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CHAPTER IV
Of Creation.
I. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation
of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning,
to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein, whether
visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.
II. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and
female, with reasonable and immortal souls, endued with knowledge,
righteousness, and true holiness, after his own image, having the law
of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it; and yet under a
possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will,
which was subject unto change. Beside this law written in their hearts,
they received a command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil; which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with
God, and had dominion over the creatures.
CHAPTER V
Of Providence.
I. God, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and
govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the
least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible
foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to
the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.
II. Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the
first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly; yet, by the
same providence, he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of
second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.
III. God in his ordinary providence maketh use of means, yet is free to
work without, above, and against them, at his pleasure.
IV. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness
of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that it extendeth
itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men, and that
not by a bare permission, but such as hath joined with it a most wise and
powerful bounding, and otherwise ordering and governing of them, in a
manifold dispensation, tohis own holy ends; yet so a the sinfulness thereof
proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God; who, being most
holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.
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V. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, doth oftentimes leave for
a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of
their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto
them the hidden strength of corruption, and deceitfulness of their hearts,
that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close and constant
dependence for their support upon himself, and to make them more watchful
against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends.
VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God as a righteous
judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden, from them he not only
withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their
understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts; but sometimes also
withdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposeth them to such objects
as their corruption makes occasion of sin; and withal, gives them over to
their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan:
whereby it comes to pass, that they harden themselves, even under those
means which God useth for the softening of others.
VII. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures;
so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of his church, and disposeth
all things to the good thereof.
CHAPTER VI
Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof.
I. Our first parents being seduced by the subtlety and temptation of
Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit. This their sin God was pleased,
according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to
order it to his own glory.
II. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness, and communion
with God, and so became dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the faculties
and parts of soul and body.
III. They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed,
and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their
posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation.
IV. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed,
disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do
proceed all actual transgressions.
V. This corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain in those that
are regenerated: and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified,
yet both itself, and all the motions thereof, are truly and properly sin.
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VI. Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of the
righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto, doth, in its own nature,
bring guilt upon the sinner, whereby he is bound over to the wrath of
God, and curse of the law, and so made subject to death, with all miseries
spiritual, temporal, and eternal.
CHAPTER VII
Of God’s Covenant with Man
I. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although
reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they
could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward,
but by some voluntary condescension on God’s part, which he hath been
pleased to express by way of covenant.
II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein
life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition of
perfect and personal obedience.
III. Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant,
the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called the Covenant
of Grace: whereby he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by
Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved; and
promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit,
to make them willing and able to believe.
IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in the scripture by
the name of a Testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the
testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to
it, therein bequeathed.
V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and
in the time of the Gospel: under the law it was administered by promises,
prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and
ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signifying Christ
to come, which were for that time sufficient and efficacious, through the
operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the
promised Messiah, by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal
salvation; and is called the Old Testament.
VI. Under the Gospel, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the
ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of
the word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the
Lord’s Supper; which, though fewer in number, and administered with
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more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in
more fullness, evidence and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both Jews
and Gentiles; and is called the New Testament. There are not therefore
two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under
various dispensations.
CHAPTER VIII
Of Christ the Mediator.
I. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord
Jesus his only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man;
the Prophet, Priest, and King; the Head and Saviour of his Church; the
heir of all things; and Judge of the world: unto whom he did from all
eternity give a people to be his seed, and to be by him in time redeemed,
called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.
II. The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and
eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father, did, when
the fullness of time was come, take upon him man’s nature, with all the
essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin;
being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin
Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures,
the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one
person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is
very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God
and man.
III. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was
sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure; having in
him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the
Father that all fullness should dwell: to the end, that being holy, harmless,
undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he might be thoroughly furnished
to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety. Which office he took not
unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; who put all power
and judgement into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the
same.
IV. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that
he might discharge, he was made under the law and did perfectly fulfil
it; endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul, and most
painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died; was buried, and
remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third
day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with
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which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of
his Father, making intercession; and shall return to judge men and angels
at the end of the world.
V. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself,
which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully
satisfied the justice of his Father; and purchased not only reconciliation,
but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those
whom the Father hath given unto him.
VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ
till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof, were
communicated unto the elect in all ages successively from the beginning
of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein he
was revealed and signified to be the Seed of the woman, which should
bruise the serpent’s head, and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the
world, being yesterday and to-day the same, and for ever.
VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures;
by each nature doing that which is proper to itself: yet, by reason of the
unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in
scripture attributed to the person dominated by the other nature.
VIII. To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, he
doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making
intercession for them; and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the
mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe
and obey; and governing their hearts by his word and Spirit; overcoming
all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such manner
and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable
dispensation.
CHAPTER IX
Of Free Will.
I. God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that it is
neither forced, nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined, to
good or evil.
II. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to
do that which is good and well pleasing to God; but yet mutably, so that
he might fall from it.
III. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will
to any spiritual good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being
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altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own
strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.
IV. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of
grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin, and by his grace
alone enables him freely to will and to do that whichis spiritually good; yet
so as that, by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly
nor only will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil.
V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to do good
alone in the state of glory only.
CHAPTER X
Of Effectual Calling.
I. All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, he
is pleased, in his appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by his
word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by
nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds
spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God; taking away
their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh; renewing
their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is
good; and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ; yet so as they come
most freely, being made willing by his grace.
II. This effectual call is of God’s free and special grace alone, not from
any thing at all foreseen in man; who is altogether passive therein, until,
being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is thereby enabled to
answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it.
III. Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ
through the Spirit, who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth.
So also are all other elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly
called by the ministry of the word.
IV. Others not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of
the word, and may have some common operations of the Spirit, yet they
never truly come unto Christ, and therefore cannot be saved: much less
can men not professing the Christian religion be saved in any other way
whatsoever, be they ever so diligent to frame their lives according to the
light of nature, and the law of that religion they do profess; and to assert
and maintain that they may, is very pernicious, and to be detested.
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CHAPTER XI
Of Justification.
I. Those whom God effectually calleth he also freely justifieth; not by
infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by
accounting and accepting their persons as righteous: not for any thing
wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone: not by
imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical
obedience, to them as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience
and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on him
and his righteousness by faith: which faith they have not of themselves;
it is the gift of God.
II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness,
is the alone instrument of justification; yet it is not alone in the person
justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no
dead faith, but worketh by love.
III. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of
all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full
satisfaction to his Father’s justice in their behalf. Yet, in as much as he
was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction
accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for any thing in them, their
justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice and rich grace
of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.
IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect; and Christ
did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their
justification: nevertheless they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth
in due time actually apply Christ unto them.
V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified: and
although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may
by their sins fall under God’s fatherly displeasure, and not have the light
of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves,
confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.
VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all
these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under
the New Testament.
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CHAPTER XII
Of Adoption.
I. All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son
Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they
are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the
children of God; have His Name put upon them, receive the Spirit of
adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled
to cry, Abba, Father; are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by
him as by a father; yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption,
and inherit the promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation.
CHAPTER XIII
Of Sanctification.
I. They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new
heart and a new spirit created in them, are farther sanctified really and
personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, by his
word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin
is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened
and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in
all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man
shall see the Lord.
II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man, yet imperfect in
this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part:
whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against
the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
III. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may
much prevail, yet, through the continual supply of strength from the
sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome: and so
the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
CHAPTER XIV
Of Saving Faith.
I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of
their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily
wrought by the ministry of the word: bywhich also, and by the administration
of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.
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II. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed
in the word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acteth
differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth;
yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and
embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.
But the principal acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and resting
upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by
virtue of the covenant of grace.
III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and
many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory; growing up in
many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both
the author and finisher of our faith.
CHAPTER XV
Of Repentance unto Life.
I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine whereof is
to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well a that of faith in
Christ.
II. By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but
also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy
nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy
in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins, as to
turn from them all unto God, purposing and endeavouring to walk with
him in all the ways of his commandments.
III. Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for
sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof, which is the act of God’s free grace
in Christ; yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect
pardon without it.
IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation; so there is
no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.
V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance,
but it is every man’s duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins
particularly.
VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God,
praying for the pardon thereof; upon which, and the forsaking of them,
he shall find mercy; so he that scandalizeth his brother, or the church of
Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow
for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended; who are
thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.
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CHAPTER XVI
Of Good Works.
I. Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy word,
and not such as, without the warrant thereof, are devised by men, out of
blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intention.
II. These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are
the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by them believers
manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their
brethren, adorn the profession of the Gospel, stop the mouths of the
adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in
Christ Jesus thereunto; that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may
have the end eternal life.
III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly
from the Spirit of Christ. And that they may be enabled thereunto, besides
the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence
of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good
pleasure: yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not
bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but
they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them.
IV. They who in their obedience attain to the greatest height which is
possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate, and to do
more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty they
are bound to do.
V. We cannot, by our best works merit pardon of sin, or eternal life, at
the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that is between
them and the glory to come, and the infinite distance that is between us
and God, whom by them we can neither profit nor satisfy for the debt of
our former sins; but when we have done all we can, we have done but our
duty, and are unprofitable servants; and because, as they are good, they
proceed from his Spirit; and as they are wrought by us, they are defiled
and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection, that they cannot
endure the severity of God’s judgement.
VI. Yet notwithstanding, the persons of believers being accepted
through Christ, their good works also are accepted in him; not as though
they were in this life wholly unblameable and unreproveable in God’s sight;
but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and reward
that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and
imperfections.
VII.
Works done by unregenerate men, although, for the matter of
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them, they may be things which God commands, and of good use both
to themselves and others; yet, because they proceed not from an heart
purified by faith; nor are done in a right manner, according to the word;
nor to a right end, the glory of God; they are therefore sinful, and cannot
please God, or make a man meet to receive grace from God. And yet their
neglect of them is more sinful, and displeasing unto God.
CHAPTER XVII
Of the Perseverance of the Saints.
I. They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and
sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the
state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be
eternally saved.
II. This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will,
but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free
and unchangeable love of God the Father; upon the efficacy of the merit
and intercession of Jesus Christ; the abiding of the Spirit, and of the seed
of God within them; and the nature of the covenant of grace: from all
which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.
III. Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the
world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect
of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins; and for a time
continue therein: whereby they incur God’s displeasure, and grieve his Holy
Spirit; come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts;
have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded; hurt and
scandalize others, and bring temporal judgements upon themselves.
CHAPTER XVIII
Of Assurance of Grace and Salvation.
I. Although hypocrites, and other unregenerate men, may vainly
deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being
in the favour of God and estate of salvation; which hope of theirs shall
perish; yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity,
endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life
be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace, and may rejoice in
the hope of the glory of God; which hope shall never make them ashamed.
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II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion,
grounded upon a fallible hope; but an infallible assurance of faith, founded
upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation, the inward evidence
of those graces unto which these promises are made, the testimony of the
Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of
God: which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed
to the day of redemption.
III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith,
but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties,
before he be partaker of it: yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the
things which are freely given him of God, he may, without extraordinary
revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto. And
therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling
and election sure; that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy
in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and
cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance:
so far is it from inclining men to looseness.
IV. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers
ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in preserving
of it; by falling into some special sin, which woundeth the conscience, and
grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation; by God’s
withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suffering even such as fear
him to walk in darkness, and to have no light: yet are they never utterly
destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the
brethren, that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty, out of which, by
the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may in due time be revived, and
by the which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair.
CHAPTER XIX
Of the Love of God.
I. God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which he bound
him, and all his posterity, to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual
obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon
the breach of it; and endued him with power and ability to keep it.
II. This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness;
and, as such, was delivered by God upon mount Sinai in ten commandments,
and written in two tables; the first four commandments containing our
duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man.
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III. Besides this law, commonly called Moral, God was pleased to give to
the people of Israel, as a church under age, ceremonial laws, containing
several typical ordinances; partly of worship,prefiguring Christ, his
graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and partly holding forth divers
instructions of moral duties. All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated
under the new testament.
IV. To them also, as a body politick, he gave sundry judicial laws, which
expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any other now,
further than the general equity thereof may require.
V. The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justified persons as
others, to the obedience thereof; and that not only in regard of the matter
contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God, the Creator,
who gave it. Neither doth Christ in the Gospel any way dissolve, but much
strengthen this obligation.
VI. Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works,
to be thereby justified or condemned; yet is it of great use to them, as well
as to others; in that, as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God
and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly; discovering
also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives; so a, examining
themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation
for, and hatred against sin; together with a clearer sight of the need they
have of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience. It is likewise of use to
the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin; and the
threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what
afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the
curse thereof threatened in the law. The promises of it, in like manner,
show them God’s approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may
expect upon the performance thereof, although not as due to them by
the law as a covenant of works: so as a man’s doing good, and refraining
from evil, because the law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from the
other, is no evidence of his being under the law, and not under grace.
VII. Neither are the forementioned uses of the law contrary to the
grace of the Gospel, but do sweetly comply with it; the Spirit of Christ
subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheerfully
which the will of God revealed in the law requireth to be done.
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CHAPTER XX
Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience.
I. The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the
Gospel, consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning
wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; and in their being delivered
from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin,
from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave,
and everlasting damnation; as also in their free access to God, and their
yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love,
and willing mind. All which were common also to believers under the law;
but under the new testament, the liberty of Christians is further enlarged
in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish
Church was subjected, and in greater boldness of access to the throne
of grace, and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than
believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.
II. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the
doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary
to his word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship. So that to believe
such doctrines, or to obey such commandments out of conscience, is to
betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith,
and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience,
and reason also.
III. They who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, do practise any sin, or
cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty; which is,
that, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the
Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days
of our life.
IV. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty
which Christ hath purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, but
mutually to uphold and preserve one another; they who, upon pretence of
Christian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of
it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God. And for
their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are
contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity,
whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation; or to the power of
godliness; or such erroneous opinions or practices, as either in their own
nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive
to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the
church; they may lawfully be called to account, and proceeded against by
the censures of the church, and by the power of the civil magistrate.
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CHAPTER XXI
Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath-day
I. The light of nature showeth that there is a God, who hath lordship
and sovereignty over all; is good, and doeth good unto all; and is therefore
to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all
the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable
way of worshipping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited
by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to
the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under
any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the holy
scripture.
II. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost; and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creature: and,
since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other
but of Christ alone.
III. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of religious worship,
is by God required of all men; and, that it may be accepted, it is to be
made in the Name of the Son, by the help of his Spirit, according to his
will, with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and
perseverance; and, if vocal, in a known tongue.
IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men
living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those of
whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.
V. The reading of the scriptures with godly fear; the sound preaching,
and conscionable hearing of the word, in obedience unto God, with
understanding, faith, and reverence: singing of psalms with grace in
the heart; as also the due administration and worthy receiving of the
sacraments instituted by Christ; are all parts of the ordinary religious
worship of God: besides religious oaths and vows, solemn fastings, and
thanksgivings upon special occasions, which are, in their several times
and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner.
VI. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is, now
under the Gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by, any place
in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed: but God is to
be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth; as in private families
daily, and in secret each one by himself; so more solemnly in the public
assemblies, which are not carelessly or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken,
when God, by his word or providence, calleth thereunto.
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VII. As it is of the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of
time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his word, by a positive,
moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men in all ages, he hath
particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath, to be kept holy
unto him: which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of
Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ,
was changed into the first day of the week, which in scripture is called the
Lord’s Day, and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian
Sabbath.
VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after
a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs
beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their
own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and
recreations; but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private
exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.
CHAPTER XXII
Of lawful Oaths and Vows.
I. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein, upon just
occasion, the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what
he asserteth or promiseth; and to judge him according to the truth or
falsehood of what he sweareth.
II. The Name of God only is that by which men ought to swear and
therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence; therefore to swear
vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by
any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred. Yet as, in matters of weight
and moment, an oath is warranted by the word of God under the New
Testament, as well as under the Old; so a lawful oath being imposed by
lawful authority, in such matters, ought to be taken.
III. Whosoever taketh an oath, ought duly to consider the weightiness
of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully
persuaded is the truth. Neither may any man bind himself by each to any
thing but what is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what
he is able and resolved to perform. Yet it is a sin to refuse an oath touching
any thing that is good and just, being imposed by lawful authority.
IV. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words,
without equivocation or mental reservation. It cannot oblige to sin; but in
anything not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a
man’s own hurt; nor is it to be violated, although made to heretics or infidels.
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V. A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath, and ought to
be made with the like religious care, and to be performed with the like
faithfulness.
VI. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone: and that it
may be accepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of faith, and conscience
of duty, in way of thankfulness for mercy received, or for the obtaining
of what we want; whereby we more strictly bind ourselves to necessary
duties, or to other things, so far and so long as they may fitly conduce
thereunto.
VII. No man may vow to do any thing forbidden in the word of God,
or what would hinder any duty therein commanded, or which is not in
his own power, and for the performance whereof he hath no promise or
ability from God. In which respects, Popish monastical vows of perpetual
single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being
degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares,
in which no Christian may entangle himself. [See introductory note.]
CHAPTER XXIII
Of the Civil Magistrate.
I. God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil
magistrates to be under him over the people, for his own glory, and the
public good; and, to this end, hath armed them with the power of the
sword, for the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for
the punishment of evil-doers.
II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate,
when called thereunto: in the managing whereof, as they ought especially
to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of
each commonwealth; so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the
New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions.
III. The civil magistrate may not assume to himself the administration
of the word and sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kingdom
of heaven: yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that
unity and peace be preserved in the church, that the truth of God be
kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all
corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed,
and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed.
For the better effecting whereof, he hath power to call synods, to be
present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be
according to the mind of God.
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IV. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates, to honour their
persons, to pay them tribute and other dues, to obey their lawful
commands, and to be subject to their authority for conscience’ sake.
Infidelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrate’s
just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to
him: from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted; much less hath
the Pope any power of jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over
any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their dominions
or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence
whatsoever.
CHAPTER XXIV
Of Marriage and Divorce.
I. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it
lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to
have more than one husband at the same time.
II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife; for
the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the church with an
holy seed; and for prevention of uncleanness.
III. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry who are able with judgement
to give their consent; yet it is the duty of Christians to marry only in the
Lord. And therefore such as profess the true reformed religion should not
marry with infidels, Papists, or other idolaters: neither should such as are
godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked
in their life, or maintain damnable heresies. [See introductory note.]
IV. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or
affinity forbidden in the word; nor can such incestuous marriages ever be
made lawful by any law of man, or consent of parties, so as those persons
may live together as man and wife. The man may not marry any of his
wife’s kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor the woman of
her husband’s kindred nearer in blood than of her own.
V. Adultery or fornication committed after a contract, being detected
before marriage, giveth just occasion to the innocent party to dissolve
that contract. In the case of adultery after marriage, it is lawful for the
innocent party to sue out a divorce, and, after the divorce, to marry
another, as if the offending party were dead.
VI. Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments,
unduly to put asunder those whom God hath joined together in marriage;
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yet nothing but adultery, or such wilful desertion as can no way be
remedied by the church or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving
the bond of marriage: wherein a public and orderly course of proceeding is
to be observed, and the persons concerned in it not left to their own wills
and discretion in their own case.
CHAPTER XXV
Of the Church.
I. The catholic or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the
whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into
one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the
fullness of him that filleth all in all.
II. The visible church, which is also catholic or universal under the
Gospel, (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of
all these throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with
their children; and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and
family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.
III. Unto this catholic visible church Christ hath given the ministry,
oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the
saints in this life, to the end of the world; and doth by his own presence
and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto.
IV. The catholic church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less
visible. And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or
less pure, according as the doctrine of the Gospel is taught and embraced,
ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less
purely in them.
V. The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and
error; and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ,
but synagogues of Satan. Nevertheless, there shall be always a church on
earth to worship God according to his will.
VI. There is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor
can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that antichrist,
that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church
against Christ, and all that is called God. [See introductory note.]
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CHAPTER XXVI
Of Communion of Saints
I. 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. 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.
II. 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.
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.
III. 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 property which each man hath in his
goods and possessions.
CHAPTER XXVII
Of the Sacraments
I. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace,
immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ and his benefits, and
to confirm our interest in him; as also to put a visible difference between
those that belong unto the church and the rest of the world; and solemnly
to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his word.
II. There is in every sacrament a spiritual relation, or sacramental union,
between the sign and the thing signified; whence it comes to pass, that
the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other.
III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used,
is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a
sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer
it, but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution; which
contains, together with a precept authorising the use thereof, a promise
of benefit to worthy receivers.
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IV. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the
Gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord; neither of
which may be dispensed by any but by a minister of the word, lawfully
ordained.
V. The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual
things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with
those of the New.
CHAPTER XXVIII
Of Baptism
I. Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus
Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptised into the
visible church, but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of
grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, of remission of sins,
and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of
life: which sacrament is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in
his church until the end of the world.
II. The outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith
the party is to be baptised in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the Gospel, lawfully called thereunto.
III. Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism
is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person.
IV. Not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto
Christ, but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be
baptised.
V. Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, yet
grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no
person can be regenerated or saved without it, or that all that are baptised
are undoubtedly regenerated.
VI. The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is
administered; yet notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the
grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by
the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth
unto, according to the counsel of God’s own will, in his appointed time.
VII. The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered to any
person.
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CHAPTER XXIX
Of the Lord’s Supper.
I. Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted the
sacrament of his body and blood, called the Lord’s Supper, to be observed
in his church unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance
of the sacrifice of himself in his death, the sealing all benefits thereof
unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, their
further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto him, and to
be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other,
as members of his mystical body.
II. In this sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real
sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead; but only
a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon
the cross, once for all, and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto
God for the same; so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call
it, is most abominably injurious to Christ’s one only sacrifice, the alone
propitiation for all the sins of the elect. [See introductory note.]
III. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers
to declare his word of institution to the people, to pray, and bless the
elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common
to an holy use; and to take and break the bread, to take the cup, and (they
communicating also themselves) to give both to the communicants; but
to none who are not then present in the congregation.
IV. Private masses, or receiving this sacrament by a priest, or any other,
alone; as likewise the denial of the cup to the people; worshipping the
elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and
the reserving them for any pretended religious use; are all contrary to the
nature of this sacrament, and to the institution of Christ.
V. The outward elements in this sacrament, duly set apart to the uses
ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that truly, yet
sacramentally only, they are sometimes called by the name of the things
they represent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ; albeit, in substance and
nature, they still remain truly and only bread and wine, as they were before.
VI. That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread
and wine into the substance of Christ’s body and blood (commonly called
Transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is
repugnant not to scripture alone, but even to common sense and reason;
overthroweth the nature of the sacrament; and hath been and is the cause
of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross idolatries.
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VII. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements
in this sacrament, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet
not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ
crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ being
then not corporally or carnally in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet
as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance,
as the elements themselves are to their outward senses.
VIII. Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in
this sacrament, yet they receive not the thing signified thereby; but by their
unworthy coming thereunto are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord,
to their own damnation. Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly persons, as
they are unfit to enjoy communion with him, so are they unworthy of
the Lord’s table, and cannot, without great sin against Christ, while they
remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto.
CHAPTER XXX
Of Church Censures
I. 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.
II. To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed,
by virtue whereof they have power respectively to retain and remit sins, to
shut that kingdom against the impenitent, both by the word and censures;
and to open it unto penitent sinners, by the ministry of the Gospel, and
by absolution from censures, as occasion shall require.
III. Church censures are necessary for the reclaiming and gaining
of offending brethren; for deterring of others from the like offences;
for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump; for
vindicating the honour of Christ, and the holy profession of the Gospel;
and for preventing the wrath of God, which might justly fall upon the
church, if they should suffer his covenant, and the seals thereof, to be
profaned by notorious and obstinate offenders.
IV. For the better attaining of these ends, the officers of the church are
to proceed by admonition, suspension from the sacrament of the Lord’s
Supper for a season, and by excommunication from the church, according
to the nature of the crime, and demerit of the person.
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CHAPTER XXXI
Of Synods and Councils.
I. For the better government, and further edification of the church,
there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called Synods or
Councils.
II. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers, and other
fit persons, to consult and advise with about matters of religion; so if
magistrates be open enemies to the church, the ministers of Christ, of
themselves, by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons upon
delegation from their churches, may meet together in such assemblies.
III. It belongeth to synods and councils ministerially to determine
controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules
and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God,
and government of his church; to receive complaints in cases of
maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which
decrees and determinations, if consonant to the word of God, are to be
received with reverence and submission, not only for their agreement
with the word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an
ordinance of God, appointed thereunto in his word.
IV. All synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general
or particular, may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not to be
made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as an help in both.
V. Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that
which is ecclesiastical; and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs, which
concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition, in cases
extraordinary; or by way of advice for satisfaction of conscience, if they be
thereunto required by the civil magistrate.
CHAPTER XXXII
Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead.
I. The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption; but
their souls (which neither die nor sleep), having an immortal subsistence,
immediately return to God who gave them. The souls of the righteous,
being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens,
where they behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full
redemption of their bodies; and the souls of the wicked are cast into
hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the
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judgement of the great day. Besides these two places for souls separated
from their bodies, the scripture acknowledgeth none.
II. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed:
and all the dead shall be raised up with the self-same bodies, and none
other, although with different qualities, which shall be united again to
their souls for ever.
III. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to
dishonour; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honour, and be made
conformable to his own glorious body.
CHAPTER XXXIII
Of the Last Judgement.
I. God hath appointed a day wherein He will judge the world in
righteousness by Jesus Christ, to whom all power and judgement is given
of the Father. In which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged,
but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth shall appear before the
tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds,
and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether
good or evil.
II. The end of God’s appointing this day is for the manifestation of the
glory of his mercy in the eternal salvation of the elect, and of his justice
in the damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient. For
then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fulness
of joy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord: but
the wicked, who know not God, and obey not the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his
power.
III. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall
be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater
consolation of the godly in their adversity; so will he have that day
unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always
watchful, because they known not at what hour the Lord will come; and
may be ever prepared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.
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Evangelising in the War Zones
Frontline Fellowship is a Bible based mission that has pioneered
missionary work into neglected and resistant areas in Africa. Since 1982
Frontline missionaries have travelled many hundreds of thousands of
kilometres by foot, by motorbikes, by dugout canoes, trucks and aircraft
to boldly proclaim the Gospel of repentance and faith in Christ to soldiers,
guerrillas, resistance fighters and civilians on all sides ofmany conflicts in
Africa.
The Founder of Frontline Fellowship, Dr. Peter Hammond, has personally
carried out over 140 missions in the war zones and presented over 15000
sermons and lectures in 36 countries.
In the course of their missionary activities some Frontline missionaries
have been ambushed, come under mortar fire, been strafed by helicopter
gunships, been stabbed, shot at, beaten by mobs, arrested and imprisoned.
Over the years, 18 people involved in Frontline Fellowship outreaches
have been imprisoned in Marxist countries. Yet, by the grace of God, every
one was freed in response to persistent prayer and pressure (Luke 18:1-5).
Assisting Persecuted Churches
Frontline Fellowship has been in the forefront of:
*Pioneering missionary work into war-ravaged Mozambique, Angola
and Sudan;
*Researching neglected areas;
*Opening up "closed areas" and forbidden territories;
*Assisting persecuted Christians and prisoners with Bibles, Christian
literature, hymn books, school textbooks, emergency
relief aid (including tons of medicines, clothes, food, seed
and tools), encouragement and Bible teaching;
*Developing a network of couriers and evangelists to distribute many
tons of Bibles in 100 languages, to suffering Christians;
*Providing in depth leadership training for thousands of pastors,
evangelists and chaplains, teachers, nurses and civil
leaders in neglected areas;
*Speaking up for the persecuted, publishing the sufferings and
testimonies of believers in print, through the Internet and
email, on radio and TV and in hundreds of international
meetings every year.
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Working for Reformation and Revival
Frontline Fellowship is a leading force in leadership training, networking
and co-ordinating a united Christian stand for righteousness and truth.
Frontline Fellowship and its sister ministries, Africa Christian Action, The
Christian Action Network, Literature 4 Africa, The Reformation Society and
Christian Liberty Books, publish over 100 items a year and distribute well
over a million copies of Gospel leaflets, booklets, books and Bibles in up to
100 languages, over 180 tonnes throughout Africa each year.
Together with its related ministries, Frontline Fellowship conducts an
average of 70 seminars, conferences or workshops each year. Through
literature and leadership training, Frontline Fellowship is educating and
enlisting tens of thousands of Christians to "disciple the nations.., teaching
obedience." Hundreds of Bible study and prayer groups have been mobilised
to study, proclaim and obey the Word of God in all areas of life.
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Teaching that Transforms
Frontline Fellowship missionaries have developed a series of life changing
courses to enrich the life of local churches and ministries. These include
the:
Evangelism Workshops
Discipleship Training Course
Biblical Woridview Seminar
Triumph Amidst Tribulation Seminar
God and Government Seminar
Reformation and Revival Seminar
Muslim Evangelism Workshop
Great Commission Course
These courses have been conducted in America, Angola, Congo, Denmark,
Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa,
Sweden, Romania, Albania and Sudan. Participants of these courses have
written the following responses: "Biblically based"; "Refreshing"; "Practical
and relevant"; "a necessity for every Christian"; "All the lectures made me
rethink everything"; "Very professionally presented"; "Very uplifting and
rewarding"; "It was life changing"; "The best course I have ever attended! ";
"Excellent! Worthwhile! Every Christian needs to attend courses like these. "
These and other courses are available by correspondence and online
through the William Carey Bible Institute. www.WilliamCareyBI.com.
Frontline Resources
Frontline Fellowship News is a unique resource, presenting first hand
research reports, photography and testimonies from the frontline. It is a
voice for the persecuted church and an inspiring challenge to prayer and
action, for Reformation, revival and missions. Available online at www.
frontline.org.za and by e-mail: mission@frontline.org.za
www.SermonAudio.com, www.Slideshare.net and www.Soundcloud.com
Special Reports, Country Updates and Information for Intercessors,
Prayer and Praise Updates are available to supporters by email upon request.
Digital Evangelism and Discipleship Resources are available online:
www.Livingstonefellowship.org www.WilliamCareyBI.com
www.Gospeldefenceleague.org www.ReformationSA.org
www.Reform500.org
www.ChristianAction.org.za
www.Livingstone200.org www.IDOP-Africa.org
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