Of Communion of Saints

All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their head by his Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory.^a And being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other’s gifts and graces;^b and are obliged to the performance of such duties, publick and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.^c

Scripture proofs

a

John 1:3. Eph. 3:16-19. John 1:16. Eph. 2:5,6. Phil. 3:10. Rom. 6:5,6. 2 Tim. 2:12.

b

Eph. 4:15,16. 1 Cor. 12:7. 1 Cor. 3:21-23. Col. 2:19.

c

1 Thess. 5:11,14. Rom. 1:11,12,14. 1 John 3:16-18. Gal. 6:10.

§ WCF 26.1

Saints, by profession, are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;^d as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.^e

Scripture proofs

d

Heb. 10:24,25. Acts 2:42,46. Isa. 2:3. 1 Cor. 11:20.

e

Acts 2:44,45. 1 John 3:17. 2 Cor. 8-9. Acts 11:29,30.

§ WCF 26.2

This communion which the saints have with Christ doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his Godhead, or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous.^f Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.^g

Scripture proofs

f

Col. 1:18,19. 1 Cor. 8:6. Isa. 42:8. 1 Tim. 6:15,16. Ps. 45:7 with Heb. 1:8,9.

g

Exod. 20:15. Eph. 4:28. Acts 5:4.

§ WCF 26.3