Confession Library / 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
14 paragraphs
The catholic or universal church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace) may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the head thereof; and is the spouse,…
1 proofs • 1 references
All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; 1 and of such…
2 proofs • 2 references
The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error; 1 and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan; 2 nevertheless Christ always has had, and ever shall have a kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe…
3 proofs • 3 references
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner; 1 neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but i…
2 proofs • 2 references
In the execution of this power wherewith he is so intrusted, the Lord Jesus calls out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father, 1 that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he pr…
3 proofs • 3 references
The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; 1 and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to…
2 proofs • 2 references
To each of these churches thus gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he has given all that power and authority, which is any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline, which he has instituted for them to observe; with commands and rule…
1 proofs • 1 references
A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church so called and gathered, for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execu…
1 proofs • 1 references
The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself; 1 and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with impos…
3 proofs • 3 references
The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches, in the ministry of the word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him; 1 it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them a…
5 proofs • 5 references
Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and c…
1 proofs • 1 references
No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the accoun…
1 proofs • 1 references
As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, 1 in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their stations and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and gr…
2 proofs • 2 references
In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in…
2 proofs • 2 references
