Public Confession of Faith

The form for public confession of faith is very brief. There are several reasons for this.

In the first place public confession of faith is made following an appearance before the consistory, the body of elders, to make confession of faith. The confession of faith before the consistory involves and examination of faith, doctrine and walk. Adult membership in the body of Christ involves the unity of the body in the truth of God's word.

Secondly, this examination has in view the ability of someone to rightly examine themselves in preparation to go to the Lord's supper and that they might rightly discern the Lord's body which is spiritually present to faith in the Lord's supper. At issue is a Scriptural supervision and administration of the Lord's Supper.

Thirdly, While public confession of faith is a joyful event for the individual and the congregation we do not in our worship serves focus on men and their testimony but the word of God and His testimony in Christ. God is the author of saving faith in Christ by his Spirit and he alone is to be glorified in his grace and gifts.

Fourthly, church membership is voluntary and includes also a willingness to receive spiritual admonition and instruction as well as a willingness to submit to church discipline.


	PUBLIC CONFESSION OF FAITH (Before or after the sermon, the minister requests those who intend to make public confession of their faith to arise and to reply to the following questions:) Do you acknowledge the doctrine contained in the Old and New Testaments and in the Articles of the Christian faith and taught here in this Christian Church to be the true and complete doctrine of salvation? Have you resolved by the grace of God to adhere to this doctrine; to reject all heresies repugnant thereto and to lead a new, godly life? Will you submit to church government, and in case you should be delinquent (which may God graciously forbid) to church discipline? Answer. Yes.

	Notes concerning Public Confession of Faith The form for public confession of faith is very brief. There are several reasons for this. In the first place public confession of faith is made following an appearance before the consistory, the body of elders, to make confession of faith. The confession of faith before the consistory involves and examination of faith, doctrine and walk. Adult membership in the body of Christ involves the unity of the body in the truth of God's word. Secondly, this examination has in view the ability of someone to rightly examine themselves in preparation to go to the Lord's supper and that they might rightly discern the Lord's body which is spiritually present to faith in the Lord's supper. At issue is a Scriptural supervision and administration of the Lord's Supper. Thirdly, While public confession of faith is a joyful event for the individual and the congregation we do not in our worship serves focus on men and their testimony but the word of God and His testimony in Christ. God is the author of saving faith in Christ by his Spirit and he alone is to be glorified in his grace and gifts. Fourthly, church membership is voluntary and includes also a willingness to receive spiritual admonition and instruction as well as a willingness to submit to church discipline.