(1)  Eph. 4:6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Deut.  6:4   Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
1 Tim. 2:5   For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 Cor. 8:6   But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

(2)  John. 4:24   God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(3)  Isa. 40:28   Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

(4)  Rom. 11:33   O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

(5)  Rom. 1:20   For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

(6)  Mal. 3:6    For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

(7)  Isa. 44:6   Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

(8)  1 Tim. 1:7   Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

(9)  Jer. 12:1   Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

(10)  Matt.  19:17   And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

(11)  Jas. 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.   
1 Chron. 29:10   Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
1 Chron. 29:11   Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
1 Chron. 29:12   Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

ARTICLE 2. 
By what means God is made known unto us

We know him by two means; first, by the creation, preservation and government of the universe;(1) which is before our eyes as a most elegant book, wherein all creatures, great and small, are as so many characters leading us to contemplate the invisible things of God, namely His power and divinity, as the apostle Paul says, Rom. 1:20. All which things are sufficient to convince men, and leave them without excuse. Secondly, he makes himself more clearly fully known to us by his holy and divine Word,(2) that is to say, as far as is necessary for us to know in this life, to his glory and our salvation.

(1)  Psa  19:2   Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Eph  4:6   One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

(2)  Psa  19:8   The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.
1 Cor  12:6   And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

ARTICLE 3.
Of the written Word of God

We confess that this Word of God was not sent, nor delivered by the will of man, but that holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, as the apostle Peter says (1). And that afterwards God, from a special care, which he has for us and our salvation, commanded his servants, the prophets (2) and apostles (3), to commit his revealed word to writing; and he himself wrote with his own finger, the two tables of the law(4). Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.

We believe that the Holy Scriptures are contained in two books, namely, the Old and New Testament, which are canonical, against which nothing can be alleged. These are thus named in the Church of God. The books of the Old Testament are, the five books of Moses, viz.: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; the books of Joshua, Ruth, Judges, the two books of Samuel, the two of the Kings, two books of the Chronicles, commonly called Paralipomenon, the first of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, the Psalms of David, the three books of Solomon, namely, the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs; the four great prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel; and the twelve lesser prophets, namely, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Those of the New Testament are the four evangelists, viz.: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the Acts of the Apostles; the fourteen epistles of the apostle Paul, viz.: one to the Romans, two to the Corinthians, one to the Galatians, one to the Ephesians, one to the Philippians, one to the Colossians, two to the Thessalonians, two to Timothy, one to Titus, one to Philemon, and one to the Hebrews; the seven epistles of the other apostles, namely, one of James, two of Peter, three of John, one of Jude; and the Revelation of the apostle John.

ARTICLE 5. 
From whence the Holy Scriptures derive their dignity and authority.

We receive all these books, and these only, as holy and canonical, for the regulation, foundation, and conformation of our faith; believing without any doubt, all things contained in them, not so much because the Church receives and approves them as such, but more especially because the Holy Ghost witnesses in our hearts, that they are from God, whereof they carry the evidence in themselves. For the very blind are able to perceive that the things foretold in them are fulfilling.

ARTICLE 6. 
The difference between the canonical and apocryphal books

We distinguish those sacred books from the apocryphal, viz.: the third book of Esdras, the books of Tobias, Judith, Wisdom, Jesus Syrach, Baruch, the appendix to the book of Esther, the Song of the three Children in the Furnace, the history of Susannah, of Bell and the Dragon, the prayer of Manasses, and the two books of the Maccabees. All of which the Church may read and take instruction from, so far as they agree with the canonical books; but they are far from having such power and efficacy, as that we may from their testimony confirm any point of faith, or of the Christian religion; much less detract from the authority of the other sacred books.

ARTICLE 7. 
The sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures, to be the only rule of faith.

We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe, unto salvation, is sufficiently taught 
therein (1). For, since the whole manner of worship, which God requires of us, is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise (2) than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures: nay, though it were an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul says (3). For, since it is forbidden, to add unto or take away anything from the word of 
God (4), it does thereby evidently appear, that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects. Neither do we consider of equal value any writing of men, however holy these men may have been, with those divine Scriptures (5), nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God (6), for the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars (7), and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore, we reject with all our hearts, whatsoever does not agree with this infallible rule (8), which the apostles have taught us, saying, Try the spirits whether they are of God (9). Likewise, if there come any unto you; and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house (10).

ARTICLE 8. 
That God is one in Essence, yet nevertheless distinguished in three Persons

According to this truth and this Word of God, we believe in one only God, who is the one single essence (1), in which are three persons (2), really, truly, and eternally distinct, according to their incommunicable properties; namely, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost (3). The Father is the cause, origin and beginning of all things visible and invisible (4); the Son is the word (5), wisdom (6), and image of the Father (7); the Holy Ghost is the eternal power and might (8), proceeding from the Father and the Son (9). Nevertheless God is not by this distinction divided into three, since the Holy Scriptures teach us, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, have each his personality, distinguished by their properties; but in such wise that these three persons are but one only God. Hence then, it is evident, that the Father is not the Son, nor the Son the Father, and likewise the Holy Ghost is neither the Father nor the Son. Nevertheless these persons thus distinguished are not divided, nor intermixed: for the Father has not assumed the flesh, nor has the Holy Ghost, but the Son only (10). The Father has never been without his Son, or without his Holy Ghost. For they are all three coeternal and co-essential. There is neither first nor last: for they are all three one, in truth, in power, in goodness, and in mercy.

All this we know, as well from the testimonies of holy writ, as from their operations, and chiefly by those we feel in ourselves. The testimonies of the Holy Scriptures, that teach us to believe this Holy Trinity are written in many places of the Old Testament, which are not so necessary to enumerate, as to choose them out with discretion and judgment. In Genesis, chap. 1:26, 27, God says: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, etc (1). So God created man in his own image, male and female created he them. And Gen. 3:22. Behold the man is become as one of us (2). From this saying, let us make man in our image, it appears that there are more persons than one in the Godhead; and when he says, God created, he signifies the unity. It is true he does not say how many persons there are, but that, which appears to us somewhat obscure in the Old Testament, is very plain in the New. For when our Lord was baptized in Jordan (3), the voice of the Father was heard, saying, This is my beloved Son: the Son was seen in the water, and the Holy Ghost appeared in the shape of a dove. This form is also instituted by Christ in the baptism of all believers. Baptize all nations, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (4). In the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel thus addressed Mary, the mother of our Lord, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee, therefore also that holy thing, which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God (5): likewise, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you (6). And there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one (7). In all which places we are fully taught, that there are three persons in one only divine essence. And although this doctrine far surpasses all human understanding, nevertheless, we now believe it by means of the Word of God, but expect hereafter to enjoy the perfect knowledge and benefit thereof in Heaven (8). Moreover, we must observe the particular offices and operations of these three persons towards us. The Father is called our Creator, by his power (9); the Son is our Savior and Redeemer, by his blood (10); the Holy Ghost is our Sanctifier, by his dwelling in our hearts (11). This doctrine of the Holy Trinity, has always been defended and maintained by the true Church, since the time of the apostles, to this very day, against the Jews, Mohammedans, and some false Christians and heretics, as Marcion, Manes, Praxeas, Sabellius, Samosatenus, Arius, and such like, who have been justly condemned by the orthodox fathers. Therefore, in this point, we do willingly receive the three creeds, namely, that of the Apostles, of Nice, and of Athanasius: likewise that, which, conformable thereunto, is agreed upon by the ancient fathers.

We believe that God created man out of the dust of the earth, and made and formed him after his own image and likeness (1), good, righteous, and holy, capable in all things to will, agreeably to the will of God (2). But being in honor, he understood it not, neither knew his excellency (3), but willfully subjected himself to sin, and consequently to death, and the curse, giving ear to the words of the devil (4). For the commandment of life, which he had received (5), he transgressed; and by sin separated himself from God (6, who was his true life, having corrupted his whole nature (7); whereby he made himself liable to corporal and spiritual death (8). And being thus become wicked, perverse, and corrupt in all his ways, he has lost all his excellent gifts, which he had received from God (9), and only retained a few remains thereof (10), which, however, are sufficient to leave man without excuse (11); for all the light which is in us is changed into darkness (12), as the Scriptures teach us, saying: The light shines in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not (13): where St. John calls men darkness. Therefore we reject all that is taught repugnant to this, concerning the free will of man, since man is but a slave to sin (14), and has nothing of himself, unless it is given from heaven (15). For who may presume to boast, that he of himself can do any good, since Christ says, No man can come to me, except the Father, which hath sent me, draw him (16)? Who will glory in his own will, who understands, that to be carnally minded is enmity against 
God (17)? Who can speak of his knowledge, since the natural man receives not the things of the spirit of God (18)? In short, who dare suggest any thought, since he knows that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but that our sufficiency is of God (19)? And therefore what the apostle says ought justly to be held sure and firm, that God worked in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure (20). For there is no will nor understanding, conformable to the divine will and understanding, but that Christ has wrought in man; which he teaches us, when he says, Without me ye can do nothing (21).

(1) Gen. 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Eccl. 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Eph. 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(2) Gen. 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Eph. 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(3) Psa. 49:20  Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.  
Isa. 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

(4)Gen. 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Gen. 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

(5) Gen. 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Gen. 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

(6)Isa. 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

(7)Eph. 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

(8) Rom. 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Gen. 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Gen. 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

(9)Rom. 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

(10) Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

(11) Rom. 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom. 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

(12)Eph. 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Matt. 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

(13) John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(14) Isa. 26:12  LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
Psa. 94:11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom. 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Rom. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

(15) John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Isa. 26:12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

(16)John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

(17) Rom. 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

(18) 1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Psa 94:11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

(19) 2 Cor. 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

(20) Phil. 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

(21) John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

ARTICLE 15. 
Of Original Sin

We believe that, through the disobedience of Adam, original sin is extended to all mankind (1); which is a corruption of the whole nature, and a hereditary disease, wherewith infants themselves are infected even in their mother's womb (2), and which produces in man all sorts of sin, being in him as a root thereof (3); and therefore is so vile and abominable in the sight of God, that it is sufficient to condemn all mankind (4). Nor is it by any means abolished or done away by baptism; since sin always issues forth from this woeful source, as water from a fountain; notwithstanding it is not imputed to the children of God unto condemnation, but by his grace and mercy is forgiven them. Not that they should rest securely in sin, but that a sense of this corruption should make believers often to sigh, desiring to be delivered from this body of death (5). Wherefore we reject the error of the Pelagians, who assert that sin proceeds only from imitation.

(1)Rom.5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Rom.5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Psa. 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Rom. 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Gen. 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.

(2) Isa. 48:8 Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
Rom.5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

(3) Gal. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Rom. 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
Rom. 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
Rom. 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Rom. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom. 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

(4) Eph. 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph. 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

(5) Rom. 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom. 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

ARTICLE 16. 
Of Eternal Election

We believe that all the posterity of Adam being thus fallen into perdition and ruin, by the sin of our first parents, God then did manifest himself such as he is; that is to say, merciful and just (1): Merciful, since he delivers and preserves from this perdition all, whom he, in his eternal and unchangeable counsel of mere goodness, has elected in Christ Jesus our Lord, without any respect to their works (2): Just, in leaving others in the fall and perdition wherein they have involved themselves (3).

(1) Rom. 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Rom. 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom. 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom. 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

(2) Rom. 9: 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom. 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Rom. 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph. 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Psa. 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Deut 32:8 When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
1 Sam. 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
Psa. 115:5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Mal. 1:2  I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,
2 Tim. 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Rom. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom. 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Rom. 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Rom. 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom. 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Eph. 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Tit. 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Tit. 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Tim 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
1 Pet. 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

(3) Rom. 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Rom. 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
2 Tim. 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

ARTICLE 17. 
Of the Recovery of Fallen Man

We believe that our most gracious God, in his admirable wisdom and goodness, seeing that man had thus thrown himself into temporal and eternal death, and made himself wholly miserable, was pleased to seek and comfort him, when he trembling (1) fled from his presence, promising him that he would give his Son, who should be made of a woman, to bruise the head of the serpent, and would make him happy (2).

(1) Gen. 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Gen. 3:9  And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Gen. 3:19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Isa. 65:1  I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
Isa. 65:2  I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;

(2)Heb. 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Gen. 22:18  And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Isa. 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
John 7:42  Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
2 Tim. 2:8  Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Heb. 7:14  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Gen. 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Gal. 4:4  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

ARTICLE 18. 
Of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ

We confess, therefore, that God did fulfill the promise, which he made to the fathers, by the mouth of his holy prophets (1), when he sent into the world, at the time appointed by him, his own, only-begotten and eternal Son, who took upon him the form of a servant, and became like unto man (2), really assuming the true human nature, with all its infirmities, sin excepted (3), being conceived in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Ghost, without the means of man (4), and did not only assume human nature as to the body, but also a true human soul (5), that he might be a real man. For since the soul was lost as well as the body, it was necessary that he should take both upon him, to save both. Therefore we confess (in opposition to the heresy of the Anabaptists, who deny that Christ assumed human flesh of his mother) that Christ is become a partaker of the flesh and blood of the children (6); that he is a fruit of the loins of David after the 
flesh (7); made of the seed of David according to the flesh (8); a fruit of the womb of the Virgin Mary (9), made of a woman (10), a branch of David (11); a shoot of the root of Jesse (12); sprung from the tribe of Judah (13); descended from the Jews according to the flesh(14); of the seed of Abraham, since he took on him the seed of Abraham (15), and became like unto his brethren in all things, sin excepted (16), so that in truth he is our Immanuel, that is to say, God with us (17).

(1) Isa. 11:1  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Luke 1:55  As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Gen. 26:4  And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
2 Sam. 7:12  And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
Psa. 132:11  The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Acts 13:23  Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

(2) 1 Tim. 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 Tim. 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Phil. 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

(3) Heb. 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb. 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb. 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

(4) Luke 1:31  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 1:34  Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Luke 1:35  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

(5) Matt. 26:38  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
John 12:27  Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

(6) Heb. 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

(7) Acts 2:30  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

(8) Psa. 132:11  The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Rom. 1:3  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

(9) Luke 1:42  And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

(10) Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

(11) Jer. 33:15  In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

(12) Isa. 11:1  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

(13) Heb. 7:14  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

(14) Rom. 9:4  Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

(15) Gen. 22:18  And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
2 Sam. 7:12  And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
Matt. 1:1  The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Gal. 3:16   Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

(16) Heb. 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb. 2:16  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Heb. 2:17  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

(17) Isa 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matt. 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

ARTICLE 19. 
Of the union and distinction of the two Natures in the person of Christ.

We believe that by this conception, the person of the Son is inseparably united and connected with the human nature; so that there are not two Sons of God, nor two persons, but two natures united in one single person: yet, that each nature retains its own distinct properties. As then the divine nature has always remained untreated, without beginning of days or end of life (1), filling heaven and earth: so also has the human nature not lost its properties, but remained a creature, having beginning of days, being a finite nature, and retaining all the properties of a real body (2). And though he has by his resurrection given immortality to the same, nevertheless he has not changed the reality of his human nature; forasmuch as our salvation and resurrection also depend on the reality of his body. But these two natures are so closely united in one person, that they were not separated even by his death. Therefore that which he, when dying, commended into the hands of his Father, was a real human spirit, departing from his body (3). But in the meantime the divine nature always remained united with the human, even when he lay in the grave. And the Godhead did not cease to be in him, any more than it did when he was an infant, though it did not so clearly manifest itself for a while. Wherefore we confess, that he is very God, and very Man: very God by his power to conquer death; and very man that he might die for us according to the infirmity of his flesh.

(1) Heb. 7:3  Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

(2) 1 Cor. 15:13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
1 Cor. 15:21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Phil. 3:21  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Matt. 26:11  For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
Acts 1:2  Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Acts 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 3:21   Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Luke 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
John 20:25  The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
John 20: 27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

(3) Luke 23:46  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Matt. 27:50  Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

ARTICLE 20. 
That God has manifested his justice and mercy in Christ

We believe that God, who is perfectly merciful and just, sent his Son to assume that nature, in which the disobedience was committed, to make satisfaction in the same, and to bear the punishment of sin by his most bitter passion and death (1). God therefore manifested his justice against his Son, when he laid our iniquities (2) upon him; and poured forth his mercy and goodness on us, who were guilty and worthy of damnation, out of mere and perfect love, giving his Son unto death for us, and raising him for our justification (3), that through him we might obtain immortality and life eternal.

(1) Heb. 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Rom. 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom. 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom. 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

(2) Isa. 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
John 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
1 John 4:9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

(3) Rom. 4:25   Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
 

ARTICLE 21. 
Of the satisfaction of Christ, our only High Priest, for us.

We believe that Jesus Christ is ordained with an oath to be an everlasting High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek (1); and that he has presented himself in our behalf before the Father, to appease his wrath by his full satisfaction (2), by offering himself on the tree of the cross, and pouring out his precious blood to purge away our sins; as the prophets had foretold. For it is written: He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and numbered with the transgressors (3), and condemned by Pontius Pilate as a malefactor, though he had first declared him innocent (4). Therefore: he restored that which he took not away (5), and suffered, the just for the 
unjust (6), as well in his body as in his soul, feeling the terrible punishment which our sins had merited; insomuch that his sweat became like unto drops of blood falling on the ground (7). He called out, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me (8)? and has suffered all this for the remission of our sins. Wherefore we justly say with the apostle Paul: that we know nothing, but Jesus Christ, and him crucified (9); we count all things but loss and dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord (10), in whose wounds we find all manner of consolation. Neither is it necessary to seek or invent any other means of being reconciled to God, than this only sacrifice, once offered, by which believers are made perfect forever (11). This is also the reason why he was called by the angel of God, Jesus, that is to say, Savior, because he should save his people from their sins (12).

(1) Psa. 110:4  The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Heb. 5:10  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

(2) Col. 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Rom. 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom. 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Col. 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Heb. 2:17  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Heb. 9:14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Rom. 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom. 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
John 15:3  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Acts 2:24  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Acts 13:28   And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 Tim. 2:6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

(3) Isa. 53:5  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa. 53:7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Isa. 53:12  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

(4) Luke 23:22  And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
Luke 23:24  And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
Acts 13:28  And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
Psa. 22:16  For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
John 18:38  
Psa. 69:5  O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
1 Pet. 3:18  Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

(5) Psa. 69:5  O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.

(6) 1 Pet. 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

(7) Luke 22:44  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

(8) Psa. 22:2  O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
Matt. 27:46  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

(9) 1 Cor. 2:2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

(10) Phil. 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

(11) Heb. 9:25  Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
Heb. 9:26   For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb. 10:14  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

(12) Matt. 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Acts 4:21  So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

ARTICLE 22. 
Of Faith in Jesus Christ

We believe that, to attain the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Ghost kindles in our hearts an upright faith, which embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, appropriates him (1), and seeks nothing more besides him (2). For it must needs follow, either that all things, which are requisite to our salvation, are not in Jesus Christ. or if all things are in him, that then those who possess Jesus Christ through faith, have complete salvation in him (3). Therefore, for any to assert, that Christ is not sufficient, but that something more is required besides him, would be too gross a blasphemy: for hence it would follow, that Christ was but half a Savior. Therefore we justly say with Paul, that we are justified by faith alone, or by faith without works (4). However, to speak more clearly, we do not mean, that faith itself justifies us, for it is only an instrument with which we embrace Christ our Righteousness (5). But Jesus Christ, imputing to us all his merits, and so many holy works which he has done for us, and in our stead, is our Righteousness. And faith is an instrument that keeps us in communion with him in all his benefits, which, when become ours, are more than sufficient to acquit us of our sins.

(1) Eph. 3:16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph. 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Psa. 51:13  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Eph. 1:17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Eph. 1:18  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
1 Cor. 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

(2) 1 Cor. 2:2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Acts 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Gal. 2:21  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Jer. 23:6  In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1Cor. 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Jer. 31:10  Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

(3)Matt. 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Rom. 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Rom. 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom. 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

(4) Rom. 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Gal. 2:6  But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
1 Pet. 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Per. 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Rom. 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(5) Jer. 23:6  In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1 Cor. 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
2 Tim. 1:2  To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke 1:77  To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Rom. 3:24   Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom. 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom. 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Psa. 32:1  Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psa. 32:2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Phil. 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Tit. 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
2 Tim. 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

ARTICLE 23. 
Of Justification

We believe that our salvation consists in the remission of our sins for Jesus Christ's sake, sad that therein our righteousness before God is implied: as David and Paul teach us, declaring this to be the happiness of man, that God imputes righteousness to him without works (1). And the same apostle says, that we are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ (2). And therefore we always hold fast this foundation, ascribing all the glory to God (3), humbling ourselves before him, and acknowledging ourselves to be such as we really are, without presuming to trust in any thing in ourselves, or in any merit of ours (4), relying and resting upon the obedience of Christ crucified alone (5), which becomes ours, when we believe in him (6). This is sufficient to cover all our iniquities, and to give us confidence in approving to God (7); freeing the conscience of fear, terror and dread, without following the example of our first father, Adam, who, trembling, attempted to cover himself with fig-leaves (8). And verily if we should appear before God, relying on ourselves, or on any other creature, though ever so little, we should, alas! be consumed (9). And therefore every one must pray with David: O Lord, enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified (10).

(1) Luke 1:77  To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Col. 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Psa. 32:1  Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psa. 32:2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Rom. 4:6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Rom. 4:7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

(2) Rom. 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom. 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Acts 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

(3) Psa. 115:1  Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
1 Cor. 4:7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Rom. 4:2  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

(4) 1 Cor.4:7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Rom. 4:2  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
1 Cor. 1:29  That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1 Cor. 1:31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

(5) Rom. 5:19  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

(6) Heb. 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Heb. 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Eph. 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2 Cor. 5:19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
1 Tim. 2:6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

(7) Rom. 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Eph. 3:12  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
1 John 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

(8) Gen. 3:7  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

(9) Isa. 33:14  The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
Deut. 27:26  Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
James 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

(10) Psa. 130:3  If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Matt. 18:23  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Matt. 18:24  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
Matt. 18:25  But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
Matt. 18:26  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Psa. 143:2  And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Luke 16:15  And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

ARTICLE 24. 
Of man's Sanctification and God Works

We believe that this true faith being wrought in man by the hearing of the Word of God, and the operation of the Holy Ghost (1), does regenerate and make him a new man, causing him to live a new life (2), and freeing him from the bondage of sin (3). Therefore it is so far from being true, that this justifying faith makes men remiss in a pious and holy life (4), that on the contrary without it they would never do anything out of love to God, but only out of self-love or fear of damnation. Therefore it is impossible that this holy faith can be unfruitful in man: for we do not speak of a vain faith (5), but of such a faith, which is called in Scripture, a faith that works by love (6), which excites man to the practice of those works, which God has commended in his Word. Which works, as they proceed from the good root of faith, are good and acceptable in the sight of God, forasmuch as they are all sanctified by his grace: howbeit they are of no account towards our justification (7). For it is by faith in Christ that we are justified, even before we do good works (8); otherwise they could not be good works, any more than the fruit of a tree can be good, before the tree itself is good (9). Therefore we do good works, but not to merit by them, (for what can we merit?) nay, we are beholden to God for the good works we do, and not he to us (10), since it is he that works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure (11). Let us therefore attend to what is written: when ye shall have done all those things which are commended you, say, we are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do (12). In the meantime, we not deny that God rewards our good works, but it is through his grace that he crowns his gifts (13). Moreover, though we do good works, we do not found our salvation upon them (14); for we do no work but what is polluted by our flesh, and also punishable (15); and at though we could perform such works, still the remembrance of one sin is sufficient to make God reject them. Thus then we would always be in doubt, tossed to and fro without any certainty, and our poor consciences continually vexed, if they relied not on the merits of the suffering and death of our Savior (16).

(1) 1 Pet. 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Rom. 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

(2) 1 Thes. 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Rom.8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
John 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Col. 2:12  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Phil. 1:1  Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Phil. 1:29  For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Eph.2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

(3) Acts 15:9  And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Rom. 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom. 6:22  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Tit. 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
John 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

(4) Tit. 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

(5) Tit. 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
John 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Heb. 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
1 Tim. 1:5  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

(6) 1 Tim. 1:5  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
Gal. 5:6  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Tit. 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

(7) 2 Tim. 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Rom.9:32  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;
Tit. 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

(8) Rom. 4:4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Gen. 4:4  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

(9) Heb. 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Rom. 14:23  And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Gen. 4:4  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
Matt. 7:17  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

(10) 1Cor. 4:7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 
Isa. 26:12  LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
Gal. 3:5  He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
1 Thes. 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

(11) Phil. 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

(12) Luke 17:10  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
 
(13) Matt. 10:42  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Matt. 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Matt. 25:35  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Rev. 3:12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Rev. 3:21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rom. 2:6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Rev. 2:11  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
2 John 8  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Rom. 11:6  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

(14) Eph.2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph. 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(15) Isa. 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

(16) Isa. 28:16  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Rom. 10:11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Hab. 2:4  Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

ARTICLE 25. 
Of the abolishing of the Ceremonial Law

We believe, that the ceremonies and figures of the law ceased at the coming of Christ (1), and that all the shadows are accomplished; so that the use of them must be abolished amongst Christian (2); yet the truth and substance of them remain with us in Jesus Christ, in whom they have their completion. In the meantime, we still use the testimonies taken out of the law and the prophets, to confirm us in the doctrine of the gospel (3), and to regulate our life in all honesty, to the glory of God, according to his will.

(1) Rom. 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(2) Gal. 5:2  Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
Gal. 5:3  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Gal. 5:4  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Gal. 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 
Gal. 4:10  Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Gal. 4:11  I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.
Col. 2:16  Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col. 2:17  Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

(3) 2 Pet. 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

ARTICLE 26. 
Of Christ's Intercession

We believe that we have no access unto God, but alone through the only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous (1), who therefore became man, having united in one person the divine and human natures, that we men might have access to the divine majesty, which access would otherwise be barred against us. But this Mediator, whom the Father has appointed between him and us, ought in no wise to affright us by his majesty, or cause us to seek another according to our infancy (2). For there is no creature either in heaven or on earth who loves us more than Jesus Christ (3); who, though he was in the form of God, yet made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a man, and of a servant for us(4), and was made like unto his brethren in all things. If then we should seek for another Mediator, who would be well affected towards us, whom could we find, who loved us more than he, who laid down his life for us, even when we were his enemies (5)? And if we seek for one who has power and majesty, who is there that has so much of both as he who sits at the right hand of his Father, and who has all power in heaven and on earth (6)? And who will sooner be heard than the own well beloved Son of God? Therefore it was only through distrust that this practice of dishonoring, instead of honoring the saints, was introduced, doing that, which they never have done, nor required, but have on the contrary steadfastly rejected according to their bounden duty, as appears by their writings (7). Neither must we plead here our unworthiness; for the meaning is not that we should offer our prayers to God on the ground of our own worthiness but only on the ground of the excellency and worthiness of the Lord Jesus Christ (8), whose righteousness is become ours by faith. Therefore the apostle, to remove this foolish fear, or rather mistrust from us, justly says, that Jesus Christ was made like unto his brethren in all things, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself has suffered, being tempted (9), he is able to succor them that are tempted; and further to encourage us, he adds, seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (10). The same apostle says, having boldness to enter into the holiest, by the blood of Jesus; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, etc (11). Likewise, Christ has an unchangeable priesthood, wherefore he is able also to same them to the utter most, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for 
them (12). What more can be required? since Christ himself says, I am the way and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by 
me (13). To what purpose should we then seek another advocate (14), since it has pleased God, to give us his own Son as an advocate (15)? Let us not for sake him to take another, or rather to seek after another, without ever being able to find him; for God well knew, when he gave him to us, that we were sinners. Therefore according to the command of Christ, we call upon the heavenly Father through Jesus Christ our own Mediator, as we are taught in the Lord's prayer (16); being assured that whatever we ask of the Father in his name, will be granted us (17).

(1) 1 Tim. 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 John 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Rom. 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

(2) Hos. 13:9  O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.
Jer. 2:13  For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Jer. 2:33  Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.

(3) John 10:11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
1 John 4:10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Rom. 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Eph. 3:19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
  
(4) Phil. 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
  
(5) Rom. 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

(6)Mark.16:19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Col. 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Rom.8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Matt. 11:27  All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Matt. 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
 
(7) Acts. 10:26  But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Acts 14:15  And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

ARTICLE 27. 
Of the Catholic Christian Church

We believe and profess, one catholic or universal Church (1), which is a holy congregation, of true Christian believers, all expecting their salvation in Jesus Christ, being washed by his blood, sanctified and sealed by the Holy Ghost. This Church has been from the beginning of the world, and will be to the end thereof (2); which is evident from this, that Christ is an eternal King, which, without subjects, cannot be (3). And this holy Church is preserved or supported by God, against the rage of the whole world (4); though she sometimes (for a while) appears very small, and in the eyes of men, to be reduced to nothing (5); as during the perilous reign of Ahab, the Lord reserved unto him seven thousand men, who had not bowed their knees to Baal (6). Furthermore, this holy Church is not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or to certain persons, but is spread and dispersed over the whole world; and yet is joined and united with heart and will (7), by the power of faith, in one and the same spirit (8).

(1) Isa. 2:2  And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Psa. 46:5  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
Psa 102:14  For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favor the dust thereof.
Jer. 31:36  If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

(2) Matt. 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2 Sam. 7:16  And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

(3) Luke 1:32  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luke 1:33  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Psa. 89:37  It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
Psa. 89:38  But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.
Psa. 110:2  The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
Psa. 110:3  Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Psa. 110:4  The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
  
(4) Matt. 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
John 16:33  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Gen. 22:17  That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
2 Tim. 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
 
(5) Luke 12:32  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Isa. 1:9  Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
Rev. 12:6  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Rev. 12:14  And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Luke 17:21  Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Matt. 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

(6) Rom. 12:4  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Rom. 11:2  God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,
Rom. 11:4  But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
1 Kings 19:18  Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Isa. 1:9  Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
Rom. 9:29   And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
 
(7) Acts 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

(8) Eph. 4:3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph. 4:4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

ARTICLE 28. 
That every one is bound to join himself to the true Church

We believe, since this holy congregation is an assembly of those who are saved, and that out of it there is no salvation (1), that no person of whatsoever state or condition he may be, ought to withdraw himself, to live in a separate state from it (2); but that all men are in duty bound to join and unite themselves with it; maintaining the unity of the Church (3); submitting themselves to the doctrine and discipline thereof; bowing their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ (4); and as mutual members of the same body (5), serving to the edification of the brethren, according to the talents God has given them. And that this may be the more effectually observed, it is the duty of all believers, according to the word of God, to separate themselves from all those who do not belong to the Church (6), and to join themselves to this congregation, wheresoever God has established it (7), even though the magistrates and edicts of princes were against it, yea, though they should suffer death or any other corporal punishment (8). Therefore all those, who separate themselves from the same, or do not join themselves to it, act contrary to the ordinance of God.

(1) 1 Pet. 3:20  Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Joel 2:32  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

(2) Acts 2:40  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Isa. 52:11  Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

(3) Psa. 22:23  Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Eph. 4:3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph. 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Heb. 2:12  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

(4) Psa. 2:10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Psa. 2:11  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Psa. 2:12  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Matt. 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

(5) Eph. 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph. 4:16    From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Cor. 12:12  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

(6) Acts 2:40   And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Isa. 52:11  Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.
2 Cor. 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Rev. 18:4  And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

(7) Matt. 12:30  He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Matt. 24:28  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Isa. 49:22  Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
Rev. 17:14  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

(8) Dan. 3:17  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan. 3:18  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Dan. 6:8  Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Dan. 6:9  Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
Dan. 6:10  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Rev.14:14  And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
Acts. 4:17  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Acts. 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Acts 17:7  Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
Acts 18:13  Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

ARTICLE 29. 
Of the marks of the true Church, and wherein she differs from the false Church

We believe, that we ought diligently and circumspectly to discern from the Word of God which is the true Church, since all sects which are in the world assume to themselves the name of the Church. But we speak not here of hypocrites, who are mixed in the Church with the good, yet are not of the Church, though externally in it (1); but we say that the body and communion of the true Church must be distinguished from all sects, who call themselves the Church. The marks, by which the true Church is known, are these: if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein (2); if she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ (3); if church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin (4): in short, if all things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected (5), and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the 
Church (6). Hereby the true Church may certainly be known from which no man has a right to separate himself. With respect to those, who are members of the Church, they may be known by the marks of Christians: namely, by faith (7); and when they have received Jesus Christ the only Savior (8), they avoid sin, follow after righteousness (9), love the true God and their neighbor, neither turn aside to the right or left, and crucify the flesh with the works thereof (10). But this is not to be understood, as if there did not remain in them great infirmities; but they fight against them through the Spirit, all the days of their life (11), continually taking their refuge in the blood, death, passion and obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ, "in whom they have remission of sins, through faith in him (12)." As for the false Church, she ascribes more power and authority to herself and her ordinances than to the Word of God (13), and will not submit herself to the yoke of Christ (14). Neither does she administer the sacraments as appointed by Christ in his Word, but adds to and takes from them, as she thinks proper; she relies more upon men than upon Christ; and persecutes those, who live holily according to the Word of God (15), and rebuke her for her errors, covetousness, and idolatry (16). These two Churches are easily known and distinguished from each other.

(1) Matt. 13:22  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
2 Tim. 2:18  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
2 Tim. 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Tim. 2:20  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
Rom. 9:6  Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

(2)John 10:27   My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Eph. 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Acts 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts. 17:12  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Col. 1:23  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
John 8:47  He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

(3)Matt. 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Luke 22:19  And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1 Cor. 11:23  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

(4) Matt. 18:15  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Matt. 18:16  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Matt. 18:17  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matt. 18:18  Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
2 Thes. 3:14  And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2 Thes. 3:15  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

(5) Matt. 28:2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Gal. 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal. 1:7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal. 1:8  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

(6) Eph. 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph. 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
John 10:4  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
John 10:5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
John 10:14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Eph. 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
John 17:20  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

(7) Eph. 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
John 17:20  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

(8) 1 John 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

(9) 1 John 3:8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:9  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 John 3:10  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

(10) Rom. 6:2  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Gal. 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

(11) Rom. 7:6  But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Rom. 7:17  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Gal. 5:17   For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

(12) Col. 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

(13) Col. 2:18  Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Col. 2:19  And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

(14) Psa. 2:3  Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

(15) Rev. 12:4  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
John 16:2  They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

(16) Rev. 17:3  So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Rev. 17:4  And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Rev. 17:5  And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

ARTICLE 30. 
Concerning the Government of, and Offices in the Church

We believe, that this true Church must be governed by that spiritual policy which our Lord has taught us in his Word; namely, that there must be ministers or pastors to preach the Word of God, and to administer the sacraments (1); also elders and deacons, who, together with the pastors, form the council of the Church (2): that by these means the true religion may be preserved, and the true doctrine everywhere propagated, likewise transgressors punished and restrained by spiritual means (3): also that the poor and distressed may be relieved and comforted, according to their necessities. By these means everything will be carried on in the Church with good order and decency, when faithful men are chosen, according to the rule prescribed by St. Paul in his Epistle to Timothy (4). 

(1) Eph. 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
1 Cor. 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1 Cor. 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
2 Cor. 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
John 20:23  Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Acts 26:17  Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Acts 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Luke 10:16  He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

(2) Acts 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Acts 14:23  And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

(3) Matt. 18:17  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
1 Cor. 5:4  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Cor. 5:5  To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

(4) 1 Tim. 3:1  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
Tit. 1:5  For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

ARTICLE 31. 
Of the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons

We believe, that the ministers of God's Word (1), and the elders and deacons (2), ought to be chosen to their respective offices by a lawful election by the Church, with calling upon the name of the Lord, and in that order which the Word of God teaches. Therefore every one must take heed, not to intrude himself by indecent means, but is bound to wait till it shall please God to call him (3); that he may have testimony of his calling, and be certain and assured that it is of the Lord. As for the ministers of God's Word, they have equally the same power and authority wheresoever they are, as they are all ministers of Christ (4), the only universal Bishop, and the only Head of the Church (5). Moreover, that this holy ordinance of God may not be violated or slighted, we say that every one ought to esteem the ministers of God's Word, and the elders of the Church, very highly for their work's sake, and be at peace with them without murmuring, strife or contention (6), as much as possible.

(1) 1 Tim. 5:22  Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

(2) Acts 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

(3) Jer. 23:21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
Heb. 5:4  And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Acts 1:23   And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 
Acts 13:2  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

(4) 1 Cor. 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1 Cor. 3:9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
2 Cor. 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Acts 26:16  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Acts 26:17  Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

(5) 1 Pet. 2:25  For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1 Pet. 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Isa. 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Eph. 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Col. 1:18   And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

(6) 1 Thes. 5:12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
1 Thes. 5:13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1 Tim. 5:7  And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
Heb. 13:17   Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

ARTICLE 32. 
Of the Order and Discipline of the Church

In the meantime we believe, though it is useful and beneficial, that those, who are rulers of the Church, institute and establish certain ordinances among themselves for maintaining the body of the Church; yet they ought studiously to take care, that they do not depart from those things which Christ, our only Master, has instituted (1). And therefore, we reject all human inventions, and all laws, which man would introduce into the worship of God, thereby to bind and compel the conscience in any manner whatever (2). Therefore we admit only of that which tends to nourish and preserve concord, and unity, and to keep all men in obedience to God. For this purpose, excommunication or church discipline is requisite, with the several circumstances belonging to it, according to the Word of God (3).

(1) Col. 2:6  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Col. 2:7  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

(2) 1 Cor. 7:23  Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Matt. 15:9  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Isa. 29:13  Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Gal. 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Rom. 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom. 16:18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

(3) Matt. 18:17  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
1 Cor. 5:5  To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Tim. 1:20  Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

ARTICLE 33. 
Of the Sacraments

We believe, that our gracious God, on account of our weakness and infirmities has ordained the sacraments for us, thereby to seal unto us his promises (1), and to be pledges of the good will and grace of God toward us, and also to nourish and strengthen our faith; which he has joined to the Word of the gospel, the better to present to our senses, both that which he signifies to us by his Word, and that which he works inwardly in our hearts, thereby assuring and confirming in us the salvation which he imparts to us. For they are visible signs and seals of an inward and invisible thing, by means whereof God works in us by the power of the Holy Ghost. Therefore the signs are not in vain or insignificant, so as to deceive us. For Jesus Christ is the true object presented by them, without whom they would be of no moment (2). Moreover, we are satisfied with the number of sacraments which Christ our Lord has instituted, which are two only, namely, the sacrament of baptism, and the holy supper of our Lord Jesus Christ (3).

(1) Rom.4:11  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Gen. 9:13  I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
Gen 17:11  And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

(2) Col. 2:11  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Col. 2:17  Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
1 Cor. 5:7  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

(3) Matt.26:36  Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Matt. 28:19   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

ARTICLE 34. 
Of Holy Baptism

We believe and confess that Jesus Christ, who is the end of the law (1), has made an end, by the shedding of his blood, of all other sheddings of blood which men could or would make as a propitiation or satisfaction for sin and that he, having abolished circumcision, which was done with blood has instituted the sacrament of baptism (2) instead thereof; by which we are received into the Church of God, and separated from all other people and strange religions, that we may wholly belong to him, whose ensign and banner we bear: and which serves as a testimony to us, that he will forever be our gracious God and Father. Therefore he has commanded all those, who are his, to be baptized with pure water, "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (3): thereby signifying to us, that as water washes away the filth of the body, when poured upon it, and is seen on the body of the baptized, when sprinkled upon him; so does the blood of Christ, by the power of the Holy Ghost, internally sprinkle the soul, cleanse it from its sins, and regenerate us from children of wrath, unto children of God (4). Not that this is effected by the external water, but by the sprinkling of the precious blood of the Son of God (5); who is our Red Sea, through which we must pass, to escape the tyranny of Pharaoh, that is, the devil, and to enter into the spiritual land of Canaan. Therefore the ministers, on their part, administer the sacrament, and that which is visible (6), but our Lord gives that which is signified by the sacrament, namely, the gifts and invisible grace; washing, cleansing and purging our souls of all filth and unrighteousness (7); renewing our hearts, and filling them with all comfort; giving unto us a true assurance of his fatherly goodness; putting on us the new man, and putting off the old man with all his deeds (8). Therefore we believe, that every man, who is earnestly studious of obtaining life eternal, ought to be but once baptized with this only baptism, without ever repeating the same (9): since we cannot be born twice. Neither does this baptism only avail us, at the time when the water is poured upon us, and received by us but also through the whole course of our life (10); therefore we detest the error of the Anabaptists, who are not content with the one only baptism they have once received, and moreover condemn the baptism of the infants of believers, whom we believe ought to be baptized and sealed with the sign of the covenant (11), as the children in Israel formerly were circumcised (12), upon the same promises which are made unto our children. And indeed Christ shed his blood no less for the washing of the children of the faithful, than for adult persons(13); and therefore they ought to receive the sign and sacrament of that, which Christ has done for them; as the Lord commanded in the law, that they should be made partakers of the sacrament of Christ's suffering and death, shortly after they were born, by offering for them a lamb, which was a sacrament of Jesus Christ (14). Moreover, what circumcision was to the Jews, that baptism is to our children. And for this reason Paul calls baptism the circumcision of Christ (15).

(1) Rom. 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(2) Col. 2:11  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
1 Pet.3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Cor. 10:2  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

(3) Matt. 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

(4) 1 Cor. 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Tit. 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Heb. 9:14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
1 John. 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Rev. 1:6  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

(5) John. 19:34  But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

(6) Matt. 3:11  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
1 Cor. 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1 Cor. 3:7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Rom. 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

(7) Eph. 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Acts 22:16  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1 Pet.3:21  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

(8) Gal. 3:27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
1 Cor. 12:13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Eph. 4:22  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph. 4:23  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph. 4:24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(9) Mark 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Matt. 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Eph. 4:5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Heb. 6:2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

(10) Acts 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

(11) Matt. 19:14  But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
1 Cor. 7:14  For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

(12) Gen. 17:11  And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
Gen. 17:12  And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
 
(13) Col. 2:11  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Col. 2:12  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(14) John 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Lev. 12:6  And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:

(15) Col. 2:11  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
 

ARTICLE 35. 
Of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ

We believe and confess, that our Savior Jesus Christ did ordain and institute the sacrament of the Holy Supper (1), to nourish and support those whom he has already regenerated, and incorporated into his family, which is his Church. Now those, who are regenerated, have in them a twofold life (2), the one corporal and temporal, which they have from the first birth, and is common to all men: the other spiritual and heavenly, which is given them in their second birth (3), which is effected by the word of the gospel (4), in the communion of the body of Christ; and this life is not common, but is peculiar to God's elect (5). In like manner God has given us, for the support of the bodily and earthly life, earthly and common bread, which is subservient thereto, and is common to all men, even to life itself. But for the support of the spiritual and heavenly life, which believers have, he has sent us living bread, which descended from heaven, namely, Jesus Christ (6), who nourishes and strengthens the spiritual life of believers, when they eat him, that is to say, when they apply and receive him by faith in the spirit (7). Christ, that he might represent unto us this spiritual and heavenly bread, has instituted an earthly and visible bread, as a sacrament of his body, and wine as a sacrament of his blood (8), to testify by them unto us, that, as certainly as we receive and hold this sacrament in our hands, and eat and drink the same with our mouths, by which our life is afterwards nourished, we also do as certainly receive by faith (which is the hand and mouth of our soul) the true body and blood of Christ our only Savior in our souls, for the support of our spiritual life (9). Now, as it is certain and beyond all doubt, that, that Jesus Christ has not enjoined to us the use of his sacraments in vain, so he works in us all that he represents to us by these holy signs, though the manner surpasses our understanding, and cannot be comprehended by us, as the operations of the Holy Ghost are hidden and incomprehensible. In the meantime we err not, when we say, that what is eaten and drunk by us is the proper and natural body, and the proper blood of Christ (10). But the manner of our partaking of the same, is not by the mouth, but by the spirit through faith. Thus then, though Christ always sits at the right hand of his Father in the heavens (11), yet does he not therefore cease to make us partakers of himself by faith. This feast is a spiritual table, at which Christ communicates himself with all his benefits to us, and gives us there to enjoy both himself, and the merits of his sufferings and death (12), nourishing, strengthening and comforting our poor comfortless souls by the eating of his flesh, quickening and refreshing them by the drinking of his blood (13). Further, though the sacraments are connected with the thing signified nevertheless both are not received by all men: the ungodly indeed receives the sacrament to his condemnation (14) but he does not receive the truth of the sacrament. As Judas, and Simon the sorcerer, both indeed received the sacrament, but not Christ, who was signified by it, of whom believers only are made partakers. Lastly, we receive this holy sacrament in the assembly of the people of God with humility and reverence (15), keeping up amongst us the death of Christ our Savior, with thanksgiving: making there confession of our faith, and of the Christian religion. Therefore no one ought to come to this table without having previously rightly examined himself; lest by eating of this bread and drinking of this cup, he eat and drink judgment to 
himself (16). In a word, we are excited by the use of this holy sacrament, to a fervent love towards God and our neighbor. Therefore we reject all mixtures and damnable inventions, which men have added unto, and blended with the sacraments, as profanations of them: and affirm that we ought to rest satisfied with the ordinance which Christ and his apostles have taught us, and that we must speak of them in the same manner as they have spoken.

(1) Matt. 26:26  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mark 14:22  And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
Luke 22:19  And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1 Cor. 11:23   For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
1 Cor. 11:24  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1 Cor. 11:25  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
 
(2) John 3:6  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

(3) John 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

(4) John 5:23  That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
John 5:25  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

(5) 1 John 5:12  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
John 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

(6) John 6:32  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
John 6:33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
John 6:51  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

(7) John 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

(8) Mark 6:26  And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

(9) 1 Cor. 10:16  The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1 Cor. 10:17   For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Eph. 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
John 6:35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

(10) John 6:55  For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
John 6:56  He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
1 Cor. 10:16  The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

(11) Acts. 3:21  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Mark 16:19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Matt. 26:11  For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

(12) Matt. 26:26  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Luke 22:19  And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Luke 22:20  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
1 Cor. 10:2  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1 Cor. 10:3  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
1 Cor. 10:4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
 
(13) Isa. 55:2  Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Rom. 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom. 8:23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

(14) 1 Cor. 11:29  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
2 Cor. 6:14  And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
2 Cor. 6:15  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
1 Cor. 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

(15) Acts 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 20:7  And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

(16) 1 Cor. 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 
1 Cor. 11:28  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

ARTICLE 36. 
Of Magistrates

We believe that our gracious God, because of the depravity of mankind, has appointed kings, princes and magistrates (1), willing that the world should be governed by certain laws and policies; to the end that the dissoluteness of men might be restrained and all things carried on among them with good order and decency. For this purpose he has invested the magistracy with the sword, for the punishment of evildoers, and for the protection of them that do well. And their office is, not only to have regard unto, and watch for the welfare of the civil state; but also that they protect the sacred ministry; and thus may remove and prevent all idolatry and false worship (2); that the kingdom of antichrist may be thus destroyed and the kingdom of Christ promoted. They must therefore countenance the preaching of the Word of the gospel everywhere, that God may be honored and worshipped by every one, as he commands in his Word. Moreover, it is the bounden duty of every one, of what state, quality, or condition so ever he may be, to subject himself to the magistrates (3); to pay tribute (4), to show due honor and respect to them, and to obey them in all things which are not repugnant to the Word of God (5); to supplicate for them in their prayers, that God may rule and guide them in all their ways, and that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (6). Wherefore we detest the Anabaptists and other seditious people, and in general all those who reject the higher powers and magistrates, and would subvert justice (7), introduce community of goods, and confound that decency and good order, which God has established among men (8).

(1) Ex. 18:20  And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Rom.13:1  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Prov. 8:15  By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Jer. 21:12  O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
Jer. 22:2  And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:
Jer. 22:3  Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
Psa. 82:1  God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
Psa. 82:6  I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
Psa. 101:2  I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
Deut. 1:15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. 
Deut. 1:16  And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.
Deut. 16:18  Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
Deut. 17:15  Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
Dan. 2:21  And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Dan. 2:37  Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
Dan. 5:18  O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor:

(2) Isa. 49:23  And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
Isa. 49:25  But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
1 Kings 15:12  And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
2 Kings 23:2  And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.
2 Kings 23:3  And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
2 Kings 23:4  And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.

(3) Tit. 3:1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Rom. 13:1  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

(4) Mark 12:17   And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him.
Matt. 17:24  And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

(5) Acts 4:17  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Acts 4:18  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Acts 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Acts 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Hos. 5:11  Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.

(6) Jer. 29:7  And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
1 Tim. 2:1  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1 Tim. 2:2  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

(7) 2 Pet. 2:10  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

(8) Jude 8  Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jude 10  But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

ARTICLE 37. 
Of the Last Judgment