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TheBelgicConfessionofFaith(1561)

ThisReformedconfessionwaspreparedin1561byGuydeBres(c.1523-1567),whowaslatermartyred,andothers,andthenslightlyrevisedbyFrancisJunius(1545-1602)ofBourges.FirstwritteninFrench,itwassoontranslatedintoDutchandLatin.TheSynodofDort(1618-1619)madearevisionbutdidnotchangethedoctrine.Itcoversthespectrum

oftheologicaltopics.

TableofContents

ArticleIThereisOnlyOneGodArticleIIByWhatMeansGodisMadeKnownuntoUsArticleIIITheWrittenWordofGodArticleIVCanonicalBooksoftheHolyScriptureArticleVWhencetheHolyScripturesDeriveTheirDignityandAuthorityArticleVITheDifferencebetweentheCanonicalandApocryphalBooksArticleVIITheSufficiencyoftheHolyScripturestobetheOnlyRuleofFaithArticleVIIIGodisOneinEssence,YetDistinguishedinThreePersonsArticleIXTheProofoftheForegoingArticleoftheTrinityofPersonsinOneGodArticleXJesusChristisTrueandEternalGodArticleXITheHolySpiritisTrueandEternalGodArticleXIITheCreationofAllThings,EspeciallytheAngelsArticleXIIITheProvidenceofGodandHisGovernmentofAllThingsArticleXIVTheCreationandFallofMan,andHisIncapacitytoPerformWhatisTrulyGoodArticleXVOriginalSinArticleXVIEternalElectionArticleXVIITheRecoveryofFallenManArticleXVIIITheIncarnationofJesusChristArticleXIXTheUnionandDistinctionoftheTwoNaturesinthePerson

ofChristArticleXXGodHasManifestedHisJusticeandMercyinChristArticleXXITheSatisfactionofChrist,OurOnlyHighPriest,forUsArticleXXIIOurJustificationThroughFaithinJesusChristArticleXXIIIWhereinOurJustificationbeforeGodConsistsArticleXXIVMansSanctificationandGoodWorksArticleXXVTheAbolishingoftheCeremonialLawArticleXXVIChristsIntercessionArticleXXVIITheCatholicChristianChurchArticleXXVIIIEveryOneisBoundtoJoinHimselftotheTrueChurchArticleXXIXTheMarksoftheTrueChurch,andWhereinitDiffersfromtheFalseChurchArticleXXXTheGovernmentoftheChurchanditsOfficersArticleXXXITheMinisters,EldersandDeaconsArticleXXXIITheOrderandDisciplineoftheChurchArticleXXXIIITheSacramentsArticleXXXIVHolyBaptismArticleXXXVTheHolySupperofOurLordJesusChristArticleXXXVITheMagistracy(CivilGovernment)ArticleXXXVIITheLastJudgment

ArticleI.ThereIsOnlyOneGod

Weallbelievewiththeheartandconfesswiththemouththatthereisoneonly simple and spiritual Being, which we call God; and that He iseternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, almighty,perfectlywise,just,good,andtheoverflowingfountainofallgood.

ArticleII.ByWhatMeansGodIsMadeKnownuntoUs

We knowHim by twomeans: First, by the creation, preservation, andgovernmentof theuniverse;which isbeforeoureyesas amost elegantbook,wherein all creatures, great and small, are as somanycharactersleadingustoseeclearlytheinvisiblethingsofGod,evenhiseverlastingpower and divinity", as the apostle Paul says (Rom. 1:20). All whichthings are sufficient to convince men and leave them without excuse.

Second,HemakesHimselfmoreclearlyandfullyknowntousbyHisholyanddivineWord, that is tosay,as faras isnecessary forus toknowinthislife,toHisgloryandoursalvation.

ArticleIII.TheWrittenWordofGod

WeconfessthatthisWordofGodwasnotsentnordeliveredbythewillofman,butthat"menspakefromGod,beingmovedbytheHolySpirit",astheapostlePetersays;andthatafterwardsGod,fromaspecialcarewhichHehasforusandoursalvation,commandedHisservants,theprophetsand apostles, to commitHis revealedword towriting; andHeHimselfwrotewithHis own finger the two tables of the law. Thereforewe callsuchwritingsholyanddivineScriptures.

ArticleIV.CanonicalBooksoftheHolyScripture

WebelievethattheHolyScripturesarecontainedintwobooks,namely,the Old and the New Testament, which are canonical, against whichnothingcanbealleged.ThesearethusnamedintheChurchofGod.

The books of the Old Testament are the five books of Moses, to wit:Genesis,Exodus,Leviticus,Numbers,Deuteronomy;thebookofJoshua,Judges,Ruth,thetwobooksofSamuel,thetwooftheKings,twobooksofthe Chronicles, [commonly called Paralipomenon, the first of] Ezra,Nehemiah, Esther; Job, the Psalms [of David], the three books ofSolomon,namely,theProverbs,Ecclesiastes,andtheSongofSongs;thefour great prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, {Lamentations,} Ezekiel, andDaniel; and the twelve lesser prophets, namely, Hosea, Joel, Amos,Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai,Zechariah,andMalachi.

Those of theNewTestament are the four evangelists, towit:Matthew,Mark,Luke,andJohn; theActsof theApostles; the thirteenepistles oftheapostlePaul,namely,onetotheRomans,twototheCorinthians,onetotheGalatians,onetotheEphesians,onetothePhilippians,onetotheColossians,twototheThessalonians,twotoTimothy,onetoTitus,onetoPhilemon;Hebrews;thesevenepistlesoftheotherapostles,namely,oneofJames,twoofPeter,threeofJohn,oneofJude;andtheRevelationof

theapostleJohn.

ArticleV.WhencetheHolyScripturesDeriveTheirDignityandAuthority

Wereceiveallthesebooks,andtheseonly,asholyandcanonical,fortheregulation, foundation, andconfirmationofour faith;believingwithoutanydoubtallthingscontainedinthem,notsomuchbecausetheChurchreceivesandapprovesthemassuch,butmoreespeciallybecausetheHolySpiritwitnesses inourhearts that theyare fromGod,andalsobecausetheycarrytheevidencethereofinthemselves.Fortheveryblindareabletoperceivethatthethingsforetoldinthemarebeingfulfilled.

Article VI. The Difference Between the Canonical andApocryphalBooks

Wedistinguishthosesacredbooksfromtheapocryphal,viz:thethirdandfourthbooksofEsdras,thebooksofTobit,Judith,Wisdom,JesusSirach,Baruch, the Appendix to the book of Esther, the Song of the ThreeChildrenintheFurnace,theHistoryofSusannah,ofBelandtheDragon,thePrayerofManasseh,andthetwobooksoftheMaccabees.AllofwhichtheChurchmayreadandtakeinstructionfrom,sofarastheyagreewiththecanonicalbooks;buttheyarefarfromhavingsuchpowerandefficacythat wemay from their testimony confirm any point of faith or of theChristian religion; much less may they be used to detract from theauthorityoftheother,thatis,thesacredbooks.

Article VII. The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures to Be theOnlyRuleofFaith

Webelieve that thoseHolyScriptures fullycontain thewillofGod,andthatwhatsoevermanoughttobelieveuntosalvationissufficientlytaughttherein.ForsincethewholemannerofworshipwhichGodrequiresofusiswritteninthematlarge,itisunlawfulforanyone,thoughanapostle,toteachotherwisethanwearenowtaughtintheHolyScriptures:"nay,thoughitwereanangelfromheaven",astheapostlePaulsays.Forsinceitisforbiddento"adduntoortakeawayanythingfromtheWordofGod",itdoestherebyevidentlyappearthatthedoctrinethereofismostperfect

andcompleteinallrespects.

Neithermayweconsideranywritingsofmen,howeverholy thesemenmayhavebeen,ofequalvaluewiththosedivineScriptures,noroughtwetoconsidercustom,orthegreatmultitude,orantiquity,orsuccessionoftimesandpersons,orcouncils,decreesorstatutes,asofequalvaluewiththe truth of God, since the truth is above all; "for all men are ofthemselves liars, andmore vain than vanity itself". Thereforewe rejectwithallourheartswhatsoeverdoesnotagreewiththisinfalliblerule,astheapostleshavetaughtus,saying,"Provethespirits,whethertheyareofGod". Likewise: "If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not thisteaching,receivehimnotintoyourhouse."

ArticleVIII.GodIsOneinEssence,YetDistinguishedinThreePersons

AccordingtothistruthandthisWordofGod,webelieveinoneonlyGod,who is the one single essence, inwhich are three persons, really, truly,and eternally distinct according to their incommunicable properties;namely, theFather,and theSon,and theHolySpirit.TheFather is thecause,origin,andbeginningofallthingsvisibleandinvisible;theSonistheword,wisdom,andimageoftheFather;theHolySpiritistheeternalpowerandmight,proceedingfromtheFatherandtheSon.Nevertheless,Godisnotbythisdistinctiondividedintothree,sincetheHolyScripturesteachusthattheFather,andtheSon,andtheHolySpirithaveeachHispersonality,distinguishedbyTheirproperties;butinsuchwisethatthesethreepersonsarebutoneonlyGod.

Hence,then,itisevidentthattheFatherisnottheSon,northeSontheFather, and likewise theHoly Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son.Nevertheless, these persons thus distinguished are not divided, norintermixed; for theFatherhasnot assumed the flesh,norhas theHolySpirit,buttheSononly.TheFatherhasneverbeenwithoutHisSon,orwithout His Holy Spirit. For They are all three co-eternal and co-essential. There is neither first nor last; for They are all three one, intruth,inpower,ingoodness,andinmercy.

ArticleIX.TheProofoftheForegoingArticleoftheTrinityof

PersonsinOneGod

AllthisweknowaswellfromthetestimoniesofHolyWritasfromtheiroperations,andchieflybythosewefeel inourselves.ThetestimoniesoftheHolyScripturesthatteachustobelievethisHolyTrinityarewrittenin many places of the Old Testament, which are not so necessary toenumerateastochoosethemoutwithdiscretionandjudgment.

In Genesis, chap. 1:26, 27, God says: "Let usmakeman in our image,after our likeness", etc. "AndGod createdman in his own image,maleandfemalecreatedhethem."AndGen.3:22,"Behold,themanisbecomeasoneofus".Fromthissaying,Letusmakemaninourimage,itappearsthattherearemorepersonsthanoneintheGodhead;andwhenHesays,Godcreated,Hesignifiestheunity.Itistrue,Hedoesnotsayhowmanypersonsthereare,butthatwhichappearstoussomewhatobscureintheOldTestamentisveryplainintheNew.ForwhenourLordwasbaptizedinJordan,thevoiceoftheFatherwasheard,saying,"ThisismybelovedSon";theSonwasseeninthewater,andtheHolySpiritappearedintheshapeofadove.ThisformisalsoinstitutedbyChristinthebaptismofallbelievers: "Make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into thenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit".IntheGospelofLuketheangelGabrielthusaddressedMary,themotherofourLord:"TheHolySpiritshallcomeuponthee,andthepoweroftheMostHighshall overshadow thee;wherefore also theholy thingwhich is begottenshall be called theSonofGod".Likewise: "Thegraceof theLordJesusChrist, and the love ofGod, and the communion of theHoly Spirit, bewithyouall".And(A.V.):"Therearethreethatbearrecordinheaven,theFather,theWord,andtheHolyGhost:andthesethreeareone."

Inalltheseplaceswearefullytaughtthattherearethreepersonsinoneonlydivineessence.Andalthoughthisdoctrinefarsurpassesallhumanunderstanding,neverthelesswenowbelieve itbymeansof theWordofGod, but expect hereafter to enjoy the perfect knowledge and benefitthereofinheaven.

Moreover,wemustobservetheparticularofficesandoperationsofthesethreepersonstowardsus.TheFatheriscalledourCreator,byHispower;theSonisourSaviorandRedeemer,byHisblood;theHolySpiritisour

Sanctifier,byHisdwellinginourhearts.

This doctrine of the Holy Trinity has always been affirmed andmaintainedbythetrueChurchsincethetimeoftheapostlestothisveryday against the Jews, Mohammedans, and some false Christians andheretics,asMarcion,Manes,Praxeas,Sabellius,Samosatenus,Arius,andsuch like, who have been justly condemned by the orthodox fathers.Therefore,inthispoint,wedowillinglyreceivethethreecreeds,namely,that of the Apostles, of Nicea, and of Athanasius; likewise that which,conformablethereunto,isagreeduponbytheancientfathers.

ArticleX.JesusChristIsTrueandEternalGod

Webelieve that JesusChrist according toHis divinenature is the onlybegottenSonofGod,begottenfrometernity,notmade,norcreated(forthenHewould be a creature), but co-essential and co-eternalwith theFather,"theveryimageofhissubstanceandtheeffulgenceofhisglory",equaluntoHiminallthings.HeistheSonofGod,notonlyfromthetimethatHeassumedournaturebut fromall eternity, as these testimonies,when compared together, teach us. Moses says that God created theworld;andSt.JohnsaysthatallthingsweremadebythatWordwhichhecallsGod.TheapostlesaysthatGodmadetheworldbyHisSon;likewise,that God created all things by Jesus Christ. Therefore it must needsfollowthatHewhoiscalledGod,theWord,theSon,andJesusChrist,didexist at that time when all things were created by Him. Therefore theprophetMicahsays:"Hisgoingsfortharefromofold,fromeverlasting".Andtheapostle:"Hehathneitherbeginningofdaysnorendoflife".Hetherefore is that true, eternal, and almighty God whom we invoke,worship,andserve.

ArticleXI.TheHolySpiritIsTrueandEternalGod

Webelieveandconfessalso that theHolySpirit frometernityproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSon;andthereforeneitherismade,created,norbegotten,butonlyproceedsfromboth;whoinorderisthethirdpersonoftheHolyTrinity;ofoneandthesameessence,majesty,andglorywiththeFatherandtheSon;andthereforeisthetrueandeternalGod,astheHolyScripturesteachus.

ArticleXII.TheCreationofAllThings,EspeciallytheAngels

WebelievethattheFatherbytheWord,thatis,byHisSon,hascreatedofnothing the heaven, the earth, and all creatures, when it seemed gooduntoHim;givinguntoeverycreatureitsbeing,shape,form,andseveralofficestoserveitsCreator;thatHealsostillupholdsandgovernsthembyHiseternalprovidenceandinfinitepowerfortheserviceofmankind,totheendthatmanmayservehisGod.

Healsocreatedtheangelsgood, tobeHismessengersand toserveHiselect;someofwhomarefallenfromthatexcellencyinwhichGodcreatedthemintoeverlastingperdition,andtheothershavebythegraceofGodremainedsteadfastandcontinuedintheirfirststate.Thedevilsandevilspirits are so depraved that they are enemies of God and every goodthing; to the utmost of their power asmurderers watching to ruin theChurch and every member thereof, and by their wicked stratagems todestroy all; and are, therefore, by their own wickedness adjudged toeternaldamnation,dailyexpectingtheirhorribletorments.

ThereforewerejectandabhortheerroroftheSadducees,whodenytheexistenceofspiritsandangels;andalsothatoftheManichees,whoassertthatthedevilshavetheiroriginofthemselves,andthattheyarewickedoftheirownnature,withouthavingbeencorrupted.

ArticleXIII.TheProvidenceofGodandHisGovernmentofAllThings

WebelievethatthesamegoodGod,afterHehadcreatedall things,didnotforsakethemorgivethemuptofortuneorchance,butthatHerulesandgovernsthemaccordingtoHisholywill,sothatnothinghappensinthis world without His appointment; nevertheless, God neither is theAuthorofnorcanbechargedwiththesinswhicharecommitted.ForHispower and goodness are so great and incomprehensible thatHe ordersandexecutesHisworkinthemostexcellentandjustmanner,eventhenwhen devils and wicked men act unjustly. And as to what He doessurpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire intofartherthanourcapacitywilladmitof;butwiththegreatesthumilityandreverenceadoretherighteousjudgmentsofGod,whicharehidfromus,

contenting ourselves that we are pupils of Christ, to learn only thosethingswhichHehas revealed tous inHisWord,without transgressingtheselimits.

This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taughttherebythatnothingcanbefallusbychance,butbythedirectionofourmostgraciousandheavenlyFather;whowatchesoveruswithapaternalcare,keepingallcreaturessounderHispowerthat"notahairofourhead(fortheyareallnumbered),norasparrowcanfalltothegroundwithoutthewill of our Father", inwhomwe do entirely trust; being persuadedthatHe so restrains thedevil andall our enemies thatwithoutHiswillandpermissiontheycannothurtus.

Andthereforewerejectthatdamnableerrorof theEpicureans,whosaythatGodregardsnothingbutleavesallthingstochance.

ArticleXIV.TheCreationandFallofMan,andHisIncapacitytoPerformWhatIsTrulyGood

WebelievethatGodcreatedmanoutofthedustoftheearth,andmadeandformedhimafterHisownimageandlikeness,good,righteous,andholy,capableinallthingstowillagreeablytothewillofGod.Butbeinginhonor, he understood it not, neither knew his excellency, but wilfullysubjectedhimselftosinandconsequentlytodeathandthecurse,givingeartothewordsofthedevil.Forthecommandmentoflife,whichhehadreceived, he transgressed; andby sin separatedhimself fromGod,whowas his true life; having corruptedhiswhole nature;whereby hemadehimself liable to corporal and spiritual death. And being thus becomewicked,perverse,andcorruptinallhisways,hehaslostallhisexcellentgiftswhichhehad received fromGod, and retainedonly small remainsthereof,which,however,aresufficient to leavemanwithoutexcuse; forall the light which is in us is changed into darkness, as the Scripturesteach us, saying: "The light shineth in the darkness, and the darknessapprehendeditnot";whereSt.Johncallsmendarkness.

Thereforewerejectallthatistaughtrepugnanttothisconcerningthefreewill ofman, sinceman is but a slave to sin, and "can receive nothing,except it have been given him fromheaven". Forwhomay presume to

boastthatheofhimselfcandoanygood,sinceChristsays:"Nomancancometome,excepttheFatherthatsentmedrawhim"?Whowillgloryinhis own will, who understands that "the mind of the flesh is enmityagainstGod"?Whocanspeakofhisknowledge, since "thenaturalmanreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod"?Inshort,whodaressuggestany thought, since he knows that "we are not sufficient of ourselves toaccountanythingasofourselves,butthatoursufficiencyisofGod"?Andthereforewhattheapostlesaysoughtjustlytobeheldsureandfirm,that"Godworkethinusbothtowillandtowork,forhisgoodpleasure".Forthere is no understanding nor will conformable to the divineunderstandingandwill butwhatChristhaswrought inman;whichHeteachesus,whenHesays:"Apartfrommeyecandonothing".

ArticleXV.OriginalSin

We believe that through the disobedience of Adam original sin isextendedtoallmankind;whichisacorruptionofthewholenatureandahereditary disease, wherewith even infants in theirmother's womb areinfected, andwhichproduces inmanall sorts of sin, being inhimas arootthereof,andthereforeissovileandabominableinthesightofGodthatitissufficienttocondemnallmankind.Norisitaltogetherabolishedorwhollyeradicatedevenbyregeneration;sincesinalways issues forthfromthiswoefulsource,aswater froma fountain;notwithstandingit isnotimputedtothechildrenofGoduntocondemnation,butbyHisgraceandmercyisforgiventhem.Notthattheyshouldrestsecurelyinsin,butthat a sense of this corruption should make believers often to sigh,desiringtobedeliveredfromthisbodyofdeath.

Wherefore we reject the error of the Pelagians, who assert that sinproceedsonlyfromimitation.

ArticleXVI.EternalElection

Webelievethat,alltheposterityofAdambeingthusfallenintoperditionandruinby the sinofour firstparents,God thendidmanifestHimselfsuchasHeis;thatistosay,mercifulandjust:merciful,sinceHedeliversand preserves from this perdition all whom He in His eternal andunchangeable counselofmeregoodnesshaselected inChristJesusour

Lord,withoutanyrespecttotheirworks;just,inleavingothersinthefallandperditionwhereintheyhaveinvolvedthemselves.

ArticleXVII.TheRecoveryofFallenMan

We believe that ourmost gracious God, in His admirable wisdom andgoodness, seeing that man had thus thrown himself into physical andspiritualdeathandmadehimselfwhollymiserable,waspleased to seekandcomforthim,whenhetremblingfledfromHispresence,promisinghimthatHewouldgiveHisSon(whowouldbe"bornofawoman")"tobruisetheheadoftheserpent"andtomakehimblessed.

ArticleXVIII.TheIncarnationofJesusChrist

Weconfess,therefore,thatGodhasfulfilledthepromisewhichHemadetothefathersbythemouthofHisholyprophets,whenHesentintotheworld,atthetimeappointedbyHim,Hisownonly-begottenandeternalSon,who "took uponHim the form of a servant and became like untoman",reallyassumingthetruehumannaturewithallitsinfirmities,sinexcepted;beingconceivedinthewomboftheblessedvirginMarybythepower of the Holy Spirit without themeans of man; and did not onlyassumehumannatureastothebody,butalsoatruehumansoul,thatHemightbearealman.Forsincethesoulwaslostaswellasthebody,itwasnecessarythatHeshouldtakebothuponHim,tosaveboth.

Thereforeweconfess(inoppositiontotheheresyoftheAnabaptists,whodeny that Christ assumed human flesh of His mother) that Christ"partookofthefleshandbloodofthechildren";thatHeisa"fruitoftheloinsofDavidaftertheflesh;bornoftheseedofDavidaccordingtotheflesh;afruitofthewombofMary;bornofawoman;abranchofDavid;ashoot of the root of Jesse; sprung from the tribe of Judah"; descendedfromtheJewsaccordingtotheflesh;oftheseedofAbraham,since(A.V.)"he took on him the seed of Abraham", and "was made like unto hisbrethren in all things, sin excepted"; so that in truth He is ourIMMANUEL,thatistosay,"Godwithus".

ArticleXIX.TheUnionandDistinctionof theTwoNatures inthePersonofChrist

Webelieve thatby this conception thepersonof theSon is inseparablyunitedandconnectedwiththehumannature;so that therearenot twoSons of God, nor two persons, but two natures united in one singleperson;yeteachnatureretainsitsowndistinctproperties.As, then,thedivinenaturehasalwaysremaineduncreated,withoutbeginningofdaysorendoflife,fillingheavenandearth,soalsohasthehumannaturenotlost its properties but remained a creature, having beginning of days,beingafinitenature,andretainingallthepropertiesofarealbody.Andthough He has by His resurrection given immortality to the same,nevertheless He has not changed the reality of His human nature;forasmuchasoursalvationandresurrectionalsodependontherealityofHisbody.Butthesetwonaturesaresocloselyunitedinonepersonthatthey were not separated even by His death. Therefore that which He,whendying,commendedintothehandsofHisFather,wasarealhumanspirit,departing fromHisbody.But in themeantime thedivinenaturealwaysremainedunitedwiththehuman,evenwhenHelayinthegrave;andtheGodheaddidnotceasetobeinHim,anymorethanitdidwhenHewasaninfant,thoughitdidnotsoclearlymanifestitselfforawhile.WhereforeweconfessthatHeisveryGodandveryman:veryGodbyHispowertoconquerdeath;andverymanthatHemightdieforusaccordingtotheinfirmityofHisflesh.

Article XX. God Has Manifested His Justice and Mercy inChrist

WebelievethatGod,whoisperfectlymercifulandjust,sentHisSontoassume thatnature inwhich thedisobediencewas committed, tomakesatisfactioninthesame,andtobearthepunishmentofsinbyHismostbitter passion and death. God therefore manifested His justice againstHis Son when He laid our iniquities upon Him, and poured forth Hismercyandgoodnessonus,whowereguiltyandworthyofdamnation,outofmere andperfect love, givingHisSonuntodeath forus, and raisingHimforourjustification,thatthroughHimwemightobtainimmortalityandlifeeternal.

ArticleXXI.TheSatisfactionofChrist,OurOnlyHighPriest,forUs

WebelievethatJesusChristisordainedwithanoathtobeaneverlastingHighPriest, after the order ofMelchizedek; and thatHehaspresentedHimselfinourbehalfbeforetheFather,toappeaseHiswrathbyHisfullsatisfaction,byofferingHimselfonthetreeofthecross,andpouringoutHispreciousbloodtopurgeawayoursins,astheprophetshadforetold.Foritiswritten:"Hewaswoundedforourtransgressions,hewasbruisedforouriniquities;thechastisementofourpeacewasuponhim;andwithhis stripes we are healed. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, andnumberedwiththetransgressors";andcondemnedbyPontiusPilateasamalefactor, though he had first declared Him innocent. Therefore, He"restoredthatwhichhetooknotaway,andsuffered,therighteousfortheunrighteous", as well in His body as in His soul, feeling the terriblepunishment which our sins had merited; insomuch that "his sweatbecameasitweregreatdropsofbloodfallingdownupontheground".Hecalled out: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" and hassufferedallthisfortheremissionofoursins.

WhereforewejustlysaywiththeapostlePaulthatweknownothing"saveJesusChrist, andhimcrucified;we countall thingsbut lossand refusefor theexcellencyof theknowledgeofChristJesusourLord", inwhosewoundswefindallmannerofconsolation.Neitherisitnecessarytoseekor invent any other means of being reconciled to God than this onlysacrifice,onceoffered,bywhichhe"hathperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified".ThisisalsothereasonwhyHewascalledbytheangelofGod,JESUS,thatistosay,SAVIOR,becauseHewould"savehispeoplefromtheirsins".

ArticleXXII.OurJustificationThroughFaithinJesusChrist

Webelieve that, to attain the trueknowledgeof this greatmystery, theHolySpiritkindlesinourheartsanuprightfaith,whichembracesJesusChrist with all His merits, appropriates Him, and seeks nothing morebesidesHim. For itmust needs follow, either that all thingswhich arerequisite to our salvation are not in JesusChrist, or if all things are inHim, that then those who possess Jesus Christ through faith havecompletesalvationinHim.Therefore,foranytoassertthatChristisnotsufficient,butthatsomethingmoreisrequiredbesidesHim,wouldbetoogrossablasphemy; forhence itwould follow thatChristwasbuthalf a

Savior.

ThereforewejustlysaywithPaul,thatwe"arejustifiedbyfaithalone",or"by faithapart fromworks".However, tospeakmoreclearly,wedonotmeanthatfaithitselfjustifiesus,foritisonlyaninstrumentwithwhichweembraceChristourrighteousness.ButJesusChrist,imputingtousallHismerits,andsomanyholyworkswhichHehasdoneforusandinourstead, isour righteousness.And faith is an instrument that keepsus incommunionwithHiminallHisbenefits,which,whentheybecomeours,aremorethansufficienttoacquitusofoursins.

ArticleXXIII.WhereinOurJustificationBeforeGodConsists

We believe that our salvation consists in the remission of our sins forJesus Christ's sake, and that therein our righteousness before God isimplied;asDavidandPaulteachus,declaringthistobetheblessednessofmanthat"Godimputesrighteousnesstohimapart fromworks".Andthesameapostle says thatweare "justified freelybyhis grace, throughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus".

Andthereforewealwaysholdfastthisfoundation,ascribingalltheglorytoGod,humblingourselvesbeforeHim,andacknowledgingourselvestobe such as we really are, without presuming to trust in anything inourselves,orinanymeritofours,relyingandrestingupontheobedienceofChrist crucified alone,whichbecomesourswhenwebelieve inHim.This issufficienttocoverallour iniquities,andtogiveusconfidence inapproaching to God; freeing the conscience of fear, terror, and dread,withoutfollowingtheexampleofourfirstfather,Adam,who,trembling,attempted to cover himself with fig-leaves. And, verily, if we shouldappearbeforeGod,relyingonourselvesoronanyothercreature,thoughever so little, we should, alas! be consumed. And therefore every onemust pray with David: "O Jehovah, enter not into judgment with thyservant:forinthysightnomanlivingisrighteous."

ArticleXXIV.Man'sSanctificationandGoodWorks

Webelieve that this true faith,beingwrought inmanby thehearingoftheWordofGodandtheoperationoftheHolySpirit,sanctifieshimand

makeshimanewman, causinghim to live anew life, and freeinghimfromthebondageof sin.Therefore it is so far frombeing true that thisjustifying faithmakesmen remiss in a pious and holy life, that on thecontrarywithoutittheywouldneverdoanythingoutoflovetoGod,butonlyoutofself-loveorfearofdamnation.Thereforeitisimpossiblethatthis holy faith can be unfruitful inman; forwe do not speak of a vainfaith, but of such a faith which is called in Scripture a "faith workingthrough love", which excitesman to the practice of those works whichGodhascommandedinHisWord.

Theseworks,as theyproceed fromthegoodrootof faith,aregoodandacceptableinthesightofGod,forasmuchastheyareallsanctifiedbyHisgrace.Neverthelesstheyareofnoaccounttowardsourjustification,foritisbyfaithinChristthatwearejustified,evenbeforewedogoodworks;otherwisetheycouldnotbegoodworks,anymorethanthefruitofatreecanbegoodbeforethetreeitselfisgood.

Thereforewedogoodworks,butnottomeritbythem(forwhatcanwemerit?);nay,weareindebtedtoGodforthegoodworkswedo,andnotHetous,sinceitisHewho"workethinusbothtowillandtowork,forhisgoodpleasure".Letusthereforeattendtowhatiswritten:"Whenyeshall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We areunprofitableservants;wehavedonethatwhichitwasourdutytodo."Inthemeantime we do not deny that God rewards good works, but it isthroughHisgracethatHecrownsHisgifts.

Moreover,thoughwedogoodworks,wedonotfoundoursalvationuponthem;forwecandonoworkbutwhatispollutedbyourflesh,andalsopunishable; and although we could perform such works, still theremembrance of one sin is sufficient to make God reject them. Thus,then, we would always be in doubt, tossed to and fro without anycertainty, and our poor consciences would be continually vexed if theyreliednotonthemeritsofthesufferinganddeathofourSavior.

ArticleXXV.TheAbolishingoftheCeremonialLaw

We believe that the ceremonies and symbols of the law ceased at thecomingofChrist,andthatalltheshadowsareaccomplished;sothatthe

use of them must be abolished among Christians; yet the truth andsubstance of them remain with us in Jesus Christ, in whom they havetheircompletion.Inthemeantimewestillusethetestimoniestakenoutof the lawand theprophets toconfirmus in thedoctrineof thegospel,andtoregulateourlifeinallhonorablenesstothegloryofGod,accordingtoHiswill.

ArticleXXVI.Christ'sIntercession

WebelievethatwehavenoaccessuntoGodbutalonethroughtheonlyMediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous; who thereforebecameman,havingunitedinonepersonthedivineandhumannatures,thatwemenmighthaveaccesstothedivineMajesty,whichaccesswouldotherwisebebarredagainstus.ButthisMediator,whomtheFatherhasappointed betweenHim and us, ought in nowise to affright us byHismajesty,orcauseustoseekanotheraccordingtoourfancy.Forthereisnocreature,eitherinheavenoronearth,wholovesusmorethanJesusChrist;who,though"existingintheformofGod",yet"emptiedhimself,being made in the likeness of men and of a servant for us, and in allthings was made like unto his brethren". If, then, we should seek foranother mediator who would be favorably inclined towards us, whomcouldwefindwholovedusmorethanHewholaiddownHislifeforus,even"whilewewerehisenemies"?Andifweseekforonewhohaspowerandmajesty,whoistherethathassomuchofbothasHe"whositsattherighthandofGodandtowhomhathbeengivenallauthority inheavenandonearth"?AndwhowillsoonerbeheardthantheownwellbelovedSonofGod?

Therefore itwasonly throughdistrust that thispracticeofdishonoring,instead of honoring, the saints was introduced, doing that which theynever have done nor required, but have on the contrary steadfastlyrejected according to their bounden duty, as appears by their writings.Neithermustwepleadhereourunworthiness;forthemeaningisnotthatweshouldofferourprayerstoGodonthegroundofourownworthiness,butonlyonthegroundoftheexcellencyandworthinessoftheLordJesusChrist,whoserighteousnessisbecomeoursbyfaith.

Thereforetheapostle,toremovethisfoolishfear,orratherdistrust,from

us, rightly says that Jesus Christ "in all things wasmade like unto hisbrethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest, tomakepropitiationforthesinsofthepeople.For inthathehimselfhathsufferedbeingtempted,heisabletosuccorthemthataretempted".AndfurthertoencourageustogotoHim,hesays:"Havingthenagreathighpriest,whohathpassedthroughtheheavens,JesustheSonofGod,letushold fast our confession. Forwe have not a high priest that cannot betouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities;butonethathathbeeninallpointstemptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin.Letusthereforedrawnearwithboldnessuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayreceivemercy,andmay find grace to help us in time of need." The same apostle says:"HavingboldnesstoenterintotheholyplacebythebloodofJesus,letusdraw near with a true heart in fullness of faith", etc. Likewise: Christ"hathhispriesthoodunchangeable;whereforealsohe is able to save totheuttermostthemthatdrawnearuntoGodthroughhim,seeingheeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem."

Whatmore can be required? sinceChristHimself says: "I am theway,andthetruth,andthelife:noonecomethuntotheFather,butbyme."To what purpose should we, then, seek another advocate, since it haspleasedGodtogiveusHisownSonasanAdvocate?Letusnot forsakeHimtotakeanother,orrathertoseekafteranother,withouteverbeingable to findhim; forGodwell knew,whenHegaveHim tous, thatweweresinners.

Therefore,accordingtothecommandofChrist,wecallupontheheavenlyFather throughJesusChristouronlyMediator, asweare taught in theLord'sPrayer; being assured thatwhateverwe ask of theFather inHisNamewillbegrantedus.

ArticleXXVII.TheCatholicChristianChurch

WebelieveandprofessonecatholicoruniversalChurch,whichisaholycongregation of trueChristian believers, all expecting their salvation inJesus Christ, being washed by His blood, sanctified and sealed by theHolySpirit.

ThisChurchhasbeenfromthebeginningoftheworld,andwillbetothe

end thereof; which is evident from this that Christ is an eternal King,whichwithoutsubjectsHecannotbe.AndthisholyChurchispreservedor supported by God against the rage of the whole world; though itsometimes forawhileappearsverysmall,and in theeyesofmentobereduced to nothing; as during the perilous reign of Ahab the LordreserveduntoHimseventhousandmenwhohadnotbowedtheirkneestoBaal.

Furthermore, this holy Church is not confined, bound, or limited to acertainplaceortocertainpersons,but isspreadanddispersedoverthewhole world; and yet is joined and united with heart and will, by thepoweroffaith,inoneandthesameSpirit.

ArticleXXVIII.EveryOneIsBoundtoJoinHimselftotheTrueChurch

Webelieve,sincethisholycongregationisanassemblyofthosewhoaresaved, and outside of it there is no salvation, that no person ofwhatsoever state or condition he may be, ought to withdraw from it,contenttobebyhimself;butthatallmenareindutyboundtojoinandunitethemselveswithit;maintainingtheunityoftheChurch;submittingthemselves to the doctrine and discipline thereof; bowing their necksundertheyokeofJesusChrist;andasmutualmembersofthesamebody,servingtotheedificationofthebrethren,accordingtothetalentsGodhasgiventhem.

And that thismaybe themoreeffectuallyobserved, it is thedutyof allbelievers,accordingtotheWordofGod,toseparatethemselvesfromallthosewho do not belong to the Church, and to join themselves to thiscongregation, wheresoever God has established it, even though themagistratesandedictsofprinceswereagainstit,yea,thoughtheyshouldsufferdeathoranyothercorporalpunishment.Thereforeall thosewhoseparate themselves from the same or do not join themselves to it actcontrarytotheordinanceofGod.

ArticleXXIX. TheMarks of theTrueChurch, andWherein itDiffersfromtheFalseChurch

WebelievethatweoughtdiligentlyandcircumspectlytodiscernfromtheWord ofGodwhich is the trueChurch, since all sectswhich are in theworldassume to themselves thenameof theChurch.Butwe speaknothereofhypocrites,whoaremixed in theChurchwith thegood, yetarenotoftheChurch,thoughexternally init;butwesaythatthebodyandcommunionofthetrueChurchmustbedistinguishedfromallsectsthatcallthemselvestheChurch.

The marks by which the true Church is known are these: If the puredoctrine of the gospel is preached therein; if it maintains the pureadministration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ; if churchdiscipline is exercised in chastening of sin; in short, if all things aremanagedaccordingtothepureWordofGod,allthingscontrarytheretorejected,andJesusChristacknowledgedastheonlyHeadoftheChurch.HerebythetrueChurchmaycertainlybeknown,fromwhichnomanhasarighttoseparatehimself.

With respect to those who are members of the Church, they may beknown by themarks of Christians; namely, by faith, and when, havingreceived Jesus Christ the only Savior, they avoid sin, follow afterrighteousness,lovethetrueGodandtheirneighbor,neitherturnasidetotherightorleft,andcrucifythefleshwiththeworksthereof.Butthis isnottobeunderstoodasiftheredidnotremaininthemgreatinfirmities;but they fight against them through the Spirit all the days of their life,continually taking their refuge in the blood, death, passion, andobedienceofourLordJesusChrist,inwhomtheyhaveremissionofsins,throughfaithinHim.

AsforthefalseChurch,itascribesmorepowerandauthoritytoitselfanditsordinancesthantotheWordofGod,andwillnotsubmititselftotheyokeofChrist.NeitherdoesitadministerthesacramentsasappointedbyChristinHisWord,butaddstoandtakesfromthem,asitthinksproper;itreliesmoreuponmenthanuponChrist;andpersecutesthosewholiveholily according to the Word of God and rebuke it for its errors,covetousness,andidolatry.

ThesetwoChurchesareeasilyknownanddistinguishedfromeachother.

ArticleXXX.TheGovernmentoftheChurchanditsOffices

WebelievethatthistrueChurchmustbegovernedbythatspiritualpolitywhichourLordhas taughtus inHisWord;namely, that theremustbeministers or pastors to preach theWord of God and to administer thesacraments; also elders and deacons, who, together with the pastors,formthecounciloftheChurch;thatbythesemeansthetruereligionmaybe preserved, and the true doctrine everywhere propagated, likewisetransgressorschastenedandrestrainedbyspiritualmeans;alsothatthepoor and distressedmay be relieved and comforted, according to theirnecessities.By thesemeanseverythingwillbe carriedon in theChurchwithgoodorderanddecency,whenfaithfulmenarechosen,accordingtotheruleprescribedbySt.PaulinhisEpistletoTimothy.

ArticleXXXI.TheMinisters,Elders,andDeacons

WebelievethattheministersofGod'sWord,theelders,andthedeaconsoughttobechosentotheirrespectiveofficesbya lawfulelectionbytheChurch,withcallinguponthenameoftheLord,andinthatorderwhichthe Word of God teaches. Therefore every one must take heed not tointrude himself by improper means, but is bound to wait till it shallpleaseGodtocallhim;thathemayhavetestimonyofhiscalling,andbecertainandassuredthatitisoftheLord.

AsfortheministersofGod'sWord,theyhaveequallythesamepowerandauthority wheresoever they are, as they are all ministers of Christ, theonlyuniversalBishopandtheonlyHeadoftheChurch.

Moreover,inorderthatthisholyordinanceofGodmaynotbeviolatedorslighted, we say that every one ought to esteem theministers of God'sWordandtheeldersoftheChurchveryhighlyfortheirwork'ssake,andbeatpeacewiththemwithoutmurmuring,strife,orcontention,asmuchaspossible.

ArticleXXXII.TheOrderandDisciplineoftheChurch

Inthemeantimewebelieve,thoughitisusefulandbeneficialthatthosewho are rulers of theChurch institute and establish certain ordinances

amongthemselvesformaintainingthebodyoftheChurch,yet thattheyought studiously to takecare that theydonotdepart from thosethingswhichChrist,ouronlyMaster,hasinstituted.Andthereforewerejectallhuman inventions, and all laws which man would introduce into theworship of God, thereby to bind and compel the conscience in anymannerwhatever.Thereforeweadmitonlyofthatwhichtendstonourishandpreserveconcordandunity,andtokeepallmeninobediencetoGod.Forthispurpose,excommunicationorchurchdisciplineisrequisite,withallthatpertainstoit,accordingtotheWordofGod.

ArticleXXXIII.TheSacraments

Webelieve that our graciousGod, taking account of our weakness andinfirmities,hasordained the sacraments forus, thereby to seal untousHispromises,andtobepledgesofthegoodwillandgraceofGodtowardsus,andalsotonourishandstrengthenourfaith;whichHehasjoinedtothe Word of the gospel, the better to present to our senses both thatwhichHedeclarestousbyHisWordandthatwhichHeworksinwardlyinourhearts,therebyconfirminginusthesalvationwhichHeimpartstous.Fortheyarevisiblesignsandsealsofaninwardandinvisiblething,bymeans whereof God works in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.Thereforethesignsarenotemptyormeaningless,soastodeceiveus.ForJesus Christ is the true object presented by them, without whom theywouldbeofnomoment.

Moreover,wearesatisfiedwith thenumberof sacramentswhichChristour Lord has instituted, which are two only, namely, the sacrament ofbaptismandtheholysupperofourLordJesusChrist.

ArticleXXXIV.HolyBaptism

WebelieveandconfessthatJesusChrist,whoistheendofthelaw,hasmade an end, by the shedding of His blood, of all other sheddings ofbloodwhichmencouldorwouldmakeasapropitiationorsatisfactionforsin; and that He, having abolished circumcision, which was done withblood,hasinstitutedthesacramentofbaptisminsteadthereof;bywhichwe are received into the Church of God, and separated from all otherpeople and strange religions, thatwemaywhollybelong toHimwhose

markandensignwebear;andwhichservesasatestimonytousthatHewillforeverbeourgraciousGodandFather.

ThereforeHehascommandedallthosewhoareHistobebaptizedwithpurewater,"intothenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit",therebysignifyingtous,thataswaterwashesawaythefilthofthebodywhenpoureduponit,andisseenonthebodyofthebaptizedwhensprinkleduponhim,sodoesthebloodofChristbythepoweroftheHolySpiritinternallysprinklethesoul,cleanseitfromitssins,andregenerateusfromchildrenofwrathuntochildrenofGod.Notthatthisiseffectedbytheexternalwater,butbythesprinklingof thepreciousbloodof theSonofGod;whoisourRedSea,throughwhichwemustpasstoescapethetyrannyofPharaoh,that is, thedevil,andtoenter intothespirituallandofCanaan.

Theministers,therefore,ontheirpartadministerthesacramentandthatwhich is visible, but our Lord gives that which is signified by thesacrament,namely,thegiftsandinvisiblegrace;washing,cleansing,andpurging our souls of all filth andunrighteousness; renewing our heartsandfillingthemwithallcomfort;givinguntousatrueassuranceofHisfatherly goodness; putting on us the newman, and putting off the oldmanwithallhisdeeds.

We believe, therefore, that every man who is earnestly studious ofobtaining life eternal ought to be baptized but once with this onlybaptism,withouteverrepeatingthesame,sincewecannotbeborntwice.Neither does this baptism avail us only at the time when the water ispoureduponusandreceivedbyus,butalsothroughthewholecourseofourlife.

Therefore we detest the error of the Anabaptists, who are not contentwith the one only baptism they have once received, and moreovercondemnthebaptismoftheinfantsofbelievers,whowebelieveoughttobebaptizedandsealedwith thesignof thecovenant,as thechildren inIsrael formerly were circumcised upon the same promises which aremadeuntoourchildren.AndindeedChristshedHisbloodnolessforthewashingofthechildrenofbelieversthanforadultpersons;andthereforethey ought to receive the sign and sacrament of that which Christ has

done for them; as theLord commanded in the law that they should bemadepartakersof the sacramentofChrist's sufferinganddeathshortlyaftertheywereborn,byofferingforthemalamb,whichwasasacramentofJesusChrist.Moreover,whatcircumcisionwastotheJews,baptismisto our children. And for this reason St. Paul calls baptism the"circumcisionofChrist".

ArticleXXXV.TheHolySupperofOurLordJesusChrist

We believe and confess that our Savior Jesus Christ did ordain andinstitutethesacramentof theholysuppertonourishandsupportthosewhom He has already regenerated and incorporated into His family,whichisHisChurch.

Now those who are regenerated have in them a twofold life, the onecorporal and temporal, which they have from the first birth and iscommon to all men; the other, spiritual and heavenly, which is giventhemintheirsecondbirth,whichiseffectedbytheWordofthegospel,inthecommunionofthebodyofChrist;andthislifeisnotcommon,butispeculiartoGod'select.InlikemannerGodhasgivenus,forthesupportof the bodily and earthly life, earthly and common bread, which issubservienttheretoandiscommontoallmen,evenaslifeitself.ButforthesupportofthespiritualandheavenlylifewhichbelievershaveHehassentalivingbread,whichdescendedfromheaven,namely,JesusChrist,whonourishes and strengthens the spiritual life of believerswhen theyeatHim,thatistosay,whentheyappropriateandreceiveHimbyfaithinthespirit.

In order that He might represent unto us this spiritual and heavenlybread,ChristhasinstitutedanearthlyandvisiblebreadasasacramentofHisbody,andwineasasacramentofHisblood,totestifybythemuntousthat,ascertainlyaswereceiveandholdthissacrament inourhandsand eat and drink the same with our mouths, by which our life isafterwardsnourished,we also do as certainly receive by faith (whichisthehandandmouthofoursoul) the truebodyandbloodofChristouronlySaviorinoursouls,forthesupportofourspirituallife.

Now, as it is certain and beyond all doubt that Jesus Christ has not

enjoined tous theuseofHis sacraments invain, soHeworks inusallthat He represents to us by these holy signs, though the mannersurpassesourunderstandingandcannotbecomprehendedbyus,astheoperations of theHoly Spirit are hidden and incomprehensible. In themeantimeweerrnotwhenwesaythatwhatiseatenanddrunkbyusisthe proper and natural body and the proper blood of Christ. But themannerofourpartakingofthesameisnotbythemouth,butbythespiritthroughfaith.Thus, then,thoughChristalwayssitsat therighthandofHis Father in the heavens, yet doesHe not therefore cease tomake uspartakers of Himself by faith. This feast is a spiritual table, at whichChrist communicates Himself with all His benefits to us, and gives ustheretoenjoybothHimselfandthemeritsofHissufferingsanddeath:nourishing,strengthening,andcomfortingourpoorcomfortlesssoulsbytheeatingofHisflesh,quickeningandrefreshingthembythedrinkingofHisblood.

Further, though the sacraments are connected with the thing signifiednevertheless both are not received by all men. The ungodly indeedreceivesthesacramenttohiscondemnation,buthedoesnotreceivethetruthofthesacrament,evenasJudasandSimonthesorcererbothindeedreceived thesacramentbutnotChristwhowassignifiedby it,ofwhombelieversonlyaremadepartakers.

Lastly,we receive this holy sacrament in the assembly of the people ofGod, with humility and reverence, keeping up among us a holyremembrance of the death of Christ our Savior, with thanksgiving,making there confession of our faith and of the Christian religion.Thereforenooneought tocome to this tablewithouthavingpreviouslyrightlyexaminedhimself,lestbyeatingofthisbreadanddrinkingofthiscupheeatanddrinkjudgmenttohimself.Inaword,wearemovedbytheuse of this holy sacrament to a fervent love towards God and ourneighbor.

Therefore we reject all mixtures and damnable inventions which menhave added unto and blended with the sacraments, as profanations ofthem;andaffirmthatweoughttorestsatisfiedwiththeordinancewhichChristandHisapostleshavetaughtus,andthatwemustspeakoftheminthesamemannerastheyhavespoken.

ArticleXXXVI.TheMagistracy(CivilGovernment)

WebelievethatourgraciousGod,becauseof thedepravityofmankind,has appointed kings, princes, and magistrates; willing that the worldshould be governed by certain laws and policies; to the end that thedissoluteness of men might be restrained, and all things carried onamong them with good order and decency. For this purpose He hasinvestedthemagistracywith"theswordforthepunishmentofevil-doersandfortheprotectionofthemthatdowell".

Theirofficeisnotonlytohaveregarduntoandwatchforthewelfareofthecivilstate,butalsotoprotectthesacredministry,thatthekingdomofChrist may thus be promoted. They must therefore countenance thepreaching of the Word of the gospel everywhere, that God may behonoredandworshippedbyeveryone,asHecommandsinHisWord.

Moreover,itistheboundendutyofeveryone,ofwhateverstate,quality,or condition he may be, to subject himself to the magistrates; to paytribute,toshowduehonorandrespecttothem,andtoobeytheminallthings which are not repugnant to theWord of God; to supplicate forthemintheirprayersthatGodmayruleandguidetheminalltheirways,and "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness andgravity".

Whereforewedetest theAnabaptistsandotherseditiouspeople,and ingeneralallthosewhorejectthehigherpowersandmagistratesandwouldsubvert justice, introduce community of goods, and confound thatdecencyandgoodorderwhichGodhasestablishedamongmen.

ArticleXXXVII.TheLastJudgment

Finally, we believe, according to the Word of God, when the timeappointedby theLord (which isunknown toall creatures) is comeandthenumberof the elect complete, thatourLordJesusChristwillcomefromheaven,corporallyandvisibly,asHeascended,withgreatgloryandmajestytodeclareHimselfJudgeofthelivingandthedead,burningthisoldworldwithfireandflametocleanseit.

Then allmenwill personally appear before this great Judge, bothmenandwomenandchildren,thathavebeenfromthebeginningoftheworldtotheendthereof,beingsummonedby"thevoiceof thearchangel,andbythesoundofthetrumpofGod".Forallthedeadshallberaisedoutoftheearth,and their souls joinedandunitedwith theirproperbodies inwhichtheyformerlylived.Asforthosewhoshallthenbeliving,theyshallnotdieastheothers,butbechangedinthetwinklingofaneye,andfromcorruptiblebecome incorruptible.Then "thebooks" [(that is to say, theconsciences)]"shallbeopened,andthedead judged"accordingtowhatthey shall have done in thisworld,whether it be good or evil.Nay, allmen"shallgiveaccountofeveryidlewordtheyhavespoken",whichtheworld only counts amusement and jest; and then the secrets andhypocrisyofmenshallbedisclosedandlaidopenbeforeall.

And therefore the consideration of this judgment is justly terrible anddreadfultothewickedandungodly,butmostdesirableandcomfortableto the righteous and elect; because then their full deliverance shall beperfected,andtheretheyshallreceivethefruitsoftheirlaborandtroublewhichtheyhaveborne.Their innocenceshallbeknowntoall,and theyshall see the terriblevengeancewhichGodshall executeon thewicked,who most cruelly persecuted, oppressed, and tormented them in thisworld, and who shall be convicted by the testimony of their ownconsciences,andshallbecomeimmortal,butonlytobetormentedin"theeternalfirewhichispreparedforthedevilandhisangels".

Butonthecontrary,thefaithfulandelectshallbecrownedwithgloryandhonor; and the Son of God will confess their names before God HisFatherandHiselectangels;alltearsshallbewipedfromtheireyes;andtheircausewhichisnowcondemnedbymanyjudgesandmagistratesasheretical and impiouswill thenbeknown tobe thecauseof theSonofGod.Andforagraciousreward,theLordwillcausethemtopossesssuchagloryasneverenteredintotheheartofmantoconceive.

Thereforeweexpectthatgreatdaywithamostardentdesire,totheendthatwemay fully enjoy the promises of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.AMEN."Amen,come,LordJesus."Rev.22:20.