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12. The Third Confession
Third Confession Drawn up at Dort, at a certain peace convention on the 21st of April, 1632, being a statement of the chief articles of our general Christian faith, as the same are taught and practiced throughout in our church. I. Of God and the Creation of All Things Since we find it testified that without faith it is impossible…
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11. The Second Confession
Second Confession Also drawn up at Amsterdam, on the 7th of October, 1630, called: Confession of Faith, and the principal articles of the Christian doctrine. [Not divided into separate articles, except the articles of belief in God, and the manner of life in the church.] We believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth, that there is one only,…
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10. The First Confession
First Confession Drawn up at Amsterdam, the 27th of September, 1627, called Scriptural Instruction, concerning who the people are, on whom the peace of God rests, and,how they are bound to peace and unity; given in answer to the following several questions, of which the first is: What are the fundamental and unmistakable marks by which the children of God…
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9. The Apostles’ Creed
To give evidence, then, of the faith professed by us, we declare, that we believe in our heart, and confess with our mouth: The Apostles’ Creed 1. I believe in one God, the Father, the almighty Creator of heaven and earth; 2. And in Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son, our Lord; 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and…
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8. Of Doctrinal Succession
Succession of Doctrine Here the words of Tertullian are applicable. He says: "The Christian church is called apostolic not just because of the succession of persons, but on account of the kinship of doctrine, since she holds the doctrine of the apostles." Lib. de praescript, etc. This doctrine everyone who boasts ["Let no man glory in men," says Paul, I…
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7. Of Personal Succession
Personal Succession As a great building, house, or castle, can be considered, firstly, with regard to it as a whole, and, secondly, with respect to its different parts, so also the whole church of Christ can properly be considered: firstly, in the whole or in general, as comprising all the congregations in the whole world, which have in common the…
