The Revised Catechism2025 0631 by Evangelical Methodist Church

THE REVISED CATECHISM OF THE EVANGELICAL METHODIST CHURCH

The 25 Articles of Religion proposed by John Wesley at the first conference of Methodists are the official Creed of the Evangelical Methodist Church. These articles do not replace the historic Christian Creeds (see Appendix C) but build on them. They are the sacred embodiment of the communal history of the Evangelical Methodist Church, and they define what we believe it means to be a Christian within the Wesleyan-Methodist tradition.

For John Wesley, true religion was an evangelical, Bible-centric Christianity. He adapted the 39 Articles of Religion from the Anglican Church, omitting or modifying those he believed went beyond the basic tenets of biblical Christianity. In this regard, it is just as fascinating to take note of what Wesley did not include as it is to consider what he did.

Ultimately, Wesley and the original Methodists settled on 25 Articles. Later, the EMC found it necessary to add a 26th Article on the doctrine of Perfect Love, for clarification of this doctrine in the stream of historic Methodism Together, we consider these doctrines to be the twenty-six most essential elements of Christian belief and how the Faith is best expressed in the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition.

One of the responsibilities of the General Board of Christian Education is to curate and develop the best possible resources for the EMC. So, several years ago when we reviewed our catechism, we determined that it needed updating to ensure that it remained a useful tool for discipling our people in the twenty-first century. As a part of this discussion, we considered the content of our catechism, its structure and the ways in which it was disseminated

Regarding its content, we reflected on the educational approach used and how it could be improved. Historically, a catechism focuses on rote learning, providing a series of questions with corresponding answers to be memorized. In some cases, these answers would be accompanied by proof texts for referencing the biblical sources of the answers What we have endeavored to do in the Revised Catechism is to innovate this approach, focusing instead on critical engagement with the Holy Scripture, rather than memorizing a series of theological answers.

Regarding its structure, we have divided the Revised Catechism into four sections: Those articles dealing with the Nature of God, those dealing with the Word of God, those dealing with the Purposes of God, and those dealing with the Plan of God. Within each section, we have chosen to show each Article as it appears in the EMC Discipline, adapted from Wesley’s 25 Articles of Religion. An explanation of the Article in more contemporary language follows each of these entries Then, there are corresponding scriptures to guide personal study, an array of access points to aid you in further engagement, and finally, questions adapted from Wesley’s own adaptation of the shorter Westminster Catechism in 1750 (see Appendix B) Following the Revised Catechism is a Glossary of key theological terms and several Appendices, including Wesley’s original 25 Articles of Religion, his 1750 Catechism, and a small selection of other historical writings.

While every aspect of the approach we have taken with the Revised Catechism is innovative, the inclusion of Access Points is particularly exciting The Access Points are intentionally differentiated across multiple learning styles and learning levels. So, while not every access point will be helpful for every person, it creates a dynamic responsiveness that draws the learner in deeper at each stage of learning In this way, the Revised Catechism will not only serve as a tool for new Christians exploring the Faith and for families seeking to train their children in the way they should go, but it will also act as a tool for continued discipleship.

Regarding its dissemination, the Revised Catechism was conceived of as a living document. Our doctrines cannot change, nor should they, but the way in which we communicate and learn is always changing. So, in order to make certain that the dynamic responsiveness we developed in the structure continued into the future, we focused on a model of dissemination that prioritized quick revision and expansion. Thus, while the Revised Catechism can be purchased in print form, it can also be viewed online, downloaded as a PDF, or interacted with online

We sincerely hope that when you finish this study, you will find that instead of simply having more information about the EMC, you will have acquired the tools to develop a Biblical Worldview, and above all else, a greater passion for God and His People. So, while you can certainly go through this study alone, you are highly encouraged to work on it with a group. Furthermore, whether you study the material individually or with a group, you should make every effort to discuss it with your pastor and/or other church leadership. Finally, we ask that you share with us your experience of using the Revised Catechism, and most importantly, if you found new ways to access and communicate the ideas with in

Grace and Peace to you all.

SECTION ONE: THE NATURE OF GOD

In this first section of the Catechism, we will examine Articles 1-4 of our Statement of Faith in the Discipline. These Articles seek to clarify our understanding of the Nature of God, which is generally divided into the essential and the economic. The essential nature of God pertains to the substance of what God is and how He acts as God It is here that we find a strong distinction between Christianity and Pantheism, which views God as impersonal and intertwined with creation, and between Christianity and Polytheism, which reduces the transcendent to a more easily comprehensible pantheon of deities. The economic nature of God pertains to who God is and why He acts as He does.

Of the two, the Holy Scripture is far less concerned with explaining the positive ontological reality of how God exists and far more concerned with showing the way God relates to Himself, His creation, and, above all else, Humanity. It is essential to keep this in mind, because while the observation of Nature and Human experience may allow us to grasp some aspects of God’s existence and character, some things lie outside of our ability to observe. If God had not revealed Himself to us, we would have been trapped in the darkness of that ignorance, unable to know Him, love Him, or live life as He intended.

DISC 21 / ARTICLE 1 — Of Faith in the Holy Trinity

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead, there are three persons of one substance, power, and eternity the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

We believe God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign Ruler of all that exists. He is distinct from, and in no way reliant upon, that which He creates God feels, thinks, wills, desires, sees, communicates, sympathizes, and cares. God is absolutely perfect, and thus wholly complete unto Himself. He is holy, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. He is perfect in wisdom, righteousness, and justice, yet His equally perfect mercy and grace temper His justice. He is ultimately the source of happiness for all creation, as God is light, love, and life.

The Holy Scriptures do not use the word trinity anywhere in the text. Yet the biblical writers assert that this one God has chosen to reveal Himself to us as a triunity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost in older translations). This unity in mystery is everywhere in the Holy Scriptures.

Often, we decide something is unreasonable because of our assumptions, rather than because of the logic of the thing itself. The logic of the Trinity works, once we accept the first premise that God has infinite qualitative distinction from His creation. Therefore, He cannot be known or understood outside of His self-revelation.

The fact that this is difficult for us to make sense of does not make it unreasonable. It simply highlights the limitations of human beings to comprehend phenomena outside of our limited experiences As such, care must be taken when we are trying to explain the Trinity

We must not exaggerate the distinctions between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit so much that their separation results in thinking of them as three distinct gods. Nor can we reduce their distinctions so that we think of God as taking on three different forms over the course of Creation history. There is no one, and there is no thing, that is comparable to the LORD our God.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 1:1-2:25

Exodus 3:1-22 / Exodus 33:1-34:35

Leviticus 19:1-18

Deuteronomy 6:1-25 (cf. Matthew 22:34-40)

Isaiah 40:1-31 / Isaiah 45:1-10

Nehemiah 9:1-38

Matthew 3:13-17 / Matthew 28:18-20

Acts 17:22-34

Ephesians 1:1-23 / Ephesians 3:14-4:6

Hebrew 1:1-14

1 John 5:1-12

Revelation 4:1-11 / Revelations 19:1-21:27

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 4-6.)

In your own words, what is it that makes the LORD, God?

If God is not Human, then why do we use masculine titles and pronouns when we speak about Him?

If there is only one God, why do we say He is three persons?

Why is it necessary for God to be all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present?

How does the fact that God is wholly complete unto Himself allow Him to be the source of truth, love, and life?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2 and 4.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. In The Beginning: The Creation Of The World. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/in-the-beginning]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? There’s No Evidence God Exists? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/theresno-evidence-god-exists]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Do You Have To Choose Between Science And Religion? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/do-you-have-to-choose-between-science-and-religion]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. God. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/god-video/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The LORD. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/yhwh-lord/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Holiness. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/holiness/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The Character Of God. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/character-ofgod/]

➢ LEVEL 1: C.S. Lewis Doodle. CS Lewis on the Three-Personal God / BBC Talk 19, Mere Christianity, Bk 4, Chapter 2. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKYMji4vr9E]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Eternity, Psalm 90:2. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-ofjohn-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-54-on-eternity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Omnipresence of God, Jeremiah 23:24. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-111-on-the-omnipresence-of-god/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Trinity, 1 John 5:7. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-ofjohn-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-55-on-the-trinity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Unity of the Divine Being, Mark 12:32 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-114-the-unity-of-the-divine-being/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Wisdom of God’s Divine Counsels, Romans 11:33. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-68-the-wisdom-ofgods-counsels/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on What Is Man, Psalm 8:3-4. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-103-what-is-man/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Divine Providence, Luke 12:7. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-67-on-divine-providence/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press (2022). [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-i-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-i-part-2/]

➢ LEVEL 3: One For Israel. A Jewish Defense of the Trinity [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7D2djAnAbI&t=358s]

➢ LEVEL 3: Ruslan. Michael Heiser on the Trinity in the Old Testament [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgcTmvvr6I8]

➢ LEVEL 3: Ruslan. Jonathan Pageau on the Eastern Orthodox view of the Trinity [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7-vmVTr3I8]

DISC 22 / ARTICLE 2 Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man

The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin; so that two whole and perfect natures that is to say, the Godhead and manhood were joined together in one person; never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God and very man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.

As the WORD of God incarnate, Jesus is, and has always been, the “Face of God”. He reveals to us the fullness of who God is and represents Him to creation. His life and ministry are one of the most well-documented and established facts of ancient history.

Only Jesus, being fully Divine and fully Human, could reconcile lost Humanity with God through His self-limiting incarnation, crucifixion, death, bodily resurrection, and ascension into heaven, where He is seated at the Father's right hand. This is why He is called the Messiah or Christ, literally “the Anointed One”, because there is only one God and Savior. There is only one way to Him, Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us?

Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Psalm 2:1-12

Isaiah 9:1-7 (cf. Isaiah 43:1-11)

Matthew 1:1-2:23 / Luke 1:1-2:40 (cf. 2 Samuel 7:1-17)

Matthew 26:1-28:20 (cf. Psalm 22:1-31 and Daniel 7:13-14)

John 1:1-34 (cf. Exodus 33:18-23) / John 3:1-21 / John 14:1-21 / John 17:1-5 / John 20:24-29

Acts 1:1-14

Romans 5:1-21 (cf. Isaiah 53:1-12)

Galatians 4:1-7

Philippians 2:5-11

Colossians 2:9-15

Hebrews 1:1-2:18

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 18-23.)

Why is Jesus called the Christ?

How did the Son of God, being fully God, become fully Human as well?

For what purpose did God the Son become the incarnate Christ?

How is God’s justice an expression of His love?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 1, 3, 7, 8, 13, 20, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The First Christmas Gift: Jesus Is Born. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/the-first-christmas-gift]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The Beloved Son: Jesus Is Baptized. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/the-beloved-son]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The Donkey And The King: The Triumphal Entry. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/the-donkey-and-the-king]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. It Is Finished: Jesus is Crucified. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/itis-finished]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Did Jesus Really Exist? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/did-jesus-reallyexist]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Is Jesus God? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/is-jesus-god]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Why Would God Punish Jesus For My Sins? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/why-would-god-punish-jesus-for-my-sins]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The Angel Of The Lord. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/angel-lord/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Messiah [https://bibleproject.com/videos/messiah/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Heaven and Earth: Jesus' Mission to Restore What was Lost. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/heaven-and-earth/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Lord our Righteousness, Jeremiah 23:6. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-20-the-lord-our-righteousness/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Knowing Christ After The Flesh, 2 Corinthians 5:16 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-117-on-knowingchrist-after-the-flesh/]

DISC 23 / ARTICLE 3 Of the Resurrection of Christ

Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again His body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until He return to judge all men at the last day.

The physical resurrection of Jesus is the highest evidence that God keeps His promises and can be trusted to continue doing so. As Jesus ascended into heaven, He will return in power and glory This hope inspires us as

Christians to strive for holiness, missionary witness, and sacrificial service, thereby fulfilling Christ’s commission to His Church.

For God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ, who will return to finish His redemptive task. This will be the ultimate end of everything, ushering in the new heavens and new earth. However, the exact day and hour when this event will occur is unknown. As such, it is the Church’s responsibility to be prepared, knowing that this moment could happen at any time.

While the exact moment when Jesus will return is unknown, certain things are known to us. The Day of the Lord’s appearing will be preceded by the rise of many false prophets, wars, and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of Christians, and many giving themselves over to the pleasures of this world. However, even with this, Jesus has promised that the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world before His return

Finally, on the last Day, all Humanity will stand before the throne of God and be judged by Him. The faithful will receive eternal life and be welcomed into His Kingdom The wicked will receive eternal death and be cast into the lake of fire.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Matthew 25:1-46 (cf. Daniel 7:9-14 / Daniel 12:1-4 / Revelation 14:1-20 / Revelation 20:1-15)

John 5:17-47

Matthew 28:1-20 / Luke 24:1-53 / John 20:1-21:25

Acts 1:1-2:47

Romans 8:1-39

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 (Cf. Psalm 16:1-11)

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 24, 25, and 33.)

Why does the Apostle Paul say that our entire Faith hinges on the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ?

How does Christ's resurrection change those who put their faith in Him and call on His name?

Why should we care about these doctrines if the final judgment holds no threat for Christians?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 7, 8, 9, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App for Kids. A Happy Sunday: The Empty Tomb. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/a-happy-sunday]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. A Forever Promise: A New Heavens And A New Earth. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/a-forever-promise]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Is The Resurrection Based On Pagan Myths? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/is-the-resurrection-based-on-pagan-myths]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Did Jesus Really Rise From The Dead? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/did-jesus-rise-from-the-dead]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Is The Resurrection Based On Pagan Myths? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/is-the-resurrection-based-on-pagan-myths]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Was The Resurrection Of Jesus Faked? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/was-the-resurrection-of-jesus-faked]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Is Hell Real? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/is-hell-real]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The Gospel of the Kingdom. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/gospel-kingdom/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The Day Of The Lord. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/day-of-the-lord/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:35. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-137-on-the-resurrection-of-the-dead/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Great Assize, Romans 14:10. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-15-the-great-assize/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Hell, Mark 9:48. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-johnwesley-1872-edition/sermon-73-of-hell/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Mystery Of Iniquity, 2 Thessalonians 2:7. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-61-the-mystery-of-iniquity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The General Spread Of The Gospel, Isaiah 11:9. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-63-the-generalspread-of-the-gospel/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The End of Christ’s Coming, 1 John 3:8. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-64-the-new-creation/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Gary Habermas. On the Resurrection, Vol 1. Evidences. B&H Academic (2024) and On the Resurrection, Vol 2. Refutations. B&H Academic (2024) and On the Resurrection, Vol 3. Scholarly Perspectives. B&H Academic (2025).

DISC 24 / ARTICLE 4 — Of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

The Holy Spirit, (also known as the Holy Ghost in older translations), is the third person of the Trinity and is just as much God as the Father and the Son He is not the personification of the power of God As the breath of life, He is the active agent of God’s power in Creation. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is ever-present and active in the affairs of Humanity.

As we will examine in the next section, it is the Holy Spirit who guided the writing of the Holy Scriptures, and He guides us as we read them, so that we might understand God’s words to us, His purposes for us, and His plan for creation. He opens our eyes and ears that we might see and hear, glorifying Jesus and drawing us to the Father. He enlivens our conscience, convicting us of sin He regenerates those who repent and place their faith in Jesus, transforming their lives from the inside out. He sanctifies and empowers all Christians for godly living and service.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 1:1-31 (cf. Job 33:1-33)

Psalm 143:1-12

Isaiah 59:1-21

Ezekiel 36:16-37:14

Matthew 28:1-20

John 3:1-36

John 13:1-17:26

Acts 1:1-26 / Acts 2:1-47 / Acts 5:1-42

Romans 8:1-39

1 Corinthians 12:1-31

Galatians 5:1-26

Ephesians 5:1-21

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Why do we teach that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and not just the energy force of the universe?

The word “spirit” translates literally as “wind” or “breath”. How does this help us understand the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the lives of those who place their trust in Christ and call on His name?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes: Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 1, 8, 9, 10, 24, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. God’s Wonderful Gift. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/godswonderful-gift]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Who Is the Holy Spirit? [https://bibleproject.com/guides/holy-spirit]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Temple. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/temple/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:17. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-141-on-the-holy-spirit/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Working Out Your Own Salvation, Philippians 2:12-13 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-85-on-working-outour-own-salvation/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Ruslan. Father Josiah Trenham on the Filioque Controversy from an Orthodox Perspective. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VauGPwzVOYY]

SECTION ONE: SUMMARY QUESTIONS

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about Section One. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

How are the 4 Articles of Faith in this section connected?

How do these 4 Articles of Faith in this section form the basis for the rest of our doctrine?

Reflect on everything you have learned studying these Articles of Faith. How do these doctrines affect the way we love God and others? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Do you have any new questions from your study of this Article of Faith? Note them here so you can discuss them with your pastor / group leader.

SECTION TWO: THE WORD OF GOD

In this second section of the Catechism, we will examine Articles 5-6 of our Statement of Faith in the Discipline. These 2 Articles address the Word of God and how God reveals Himself to His creation. From the outset, one of the primary things to keep in mind is that our doctrines of the Word of God are intended to show how the JudeoChristian texts, most commonly referred to as the Old and New Testaments, are both the writings of humans about God and their relationship with Him, while also being the revealed words of God inspired by the Holy Spirit In this way, the Holy Scripture itself is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ incarnation, for in the writing of the text, the divine and the human meet, neither one superseding the other, but rather cooperating in a way that enhances both

This unique synergy of revelation and relationship distinguishes the Christian bible from all other religious texts, focusing primarily on telling the story of God and His People rather than outlining a list of rules for religious observance. This, of course, creates a measure of difficulty, because a cursory reading will often lead to the assumption of contradictions that are not, in fact, there. Thus, we teach that proper study requires a commitment to a Holy Spirit-guided process of considering the Holy Scriptures in their historic, literary, and grammatical contexts, as we investigate, meditate on, and apply them to our lives.

DISC 25 / ARTICLE 5 — Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation

The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scriptures, we do understand those canonical books of the Old and New Testaments, of whose authority was never any doubt in the church.

The names of the Canonical Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra, The Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher, Cantica, or Song of Solomon, Four prophets the Greater, Twelve prophets the less. All the books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive and account canonical

As the revealed words of God through His People, as the Holy Spirit inspired them to write, the Bible has absolute authority in all matters of faith and practice. We believe that it is entirely trustworthy and accurate, without contradiction or error in the original texts, and kept by the providential hand of the Holy Spirit, who guides the work of God’s people from generation to generation. For the written words of God are the living Word through which the Holy Spirit continues to illuminate, instruct, convict, regenerate, and sanctify, as we commit ourselves to the responsible study of it.

We affirm that the Old and New Testaments tell one story of God and His Creation across multiple historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. Together, this diversity weaves into a single metanarrative that claims to be the exclusive explanation of all that is real, true, good, and beautiful This consistency was one of the primary tests for authenticity, and it is still an essential protection against false teaching.

We affirm that the canon of Holy Scripture was not arbitrarily chosen by the Roman Catholic Church under Constantine, or even the Ante-Nicene Church Fathers. Instead, the early Christians recognized and codified those writings that had already received the endorsement of history. These were the writings that the majority of the Christian Community had come to think of as authentically breathed out by the Holy Spirit, as God’s Holy Word, as accurate and authoritative

We acknowledge that there were other writings, collectively known as the Apocrypha, which were not accepted into the canon for various reasons. Some were considered authentic in their authorship and valuable in their own right, but they were not regarded as having been inspired by the Holy Spirit; therefore, they did not rise to the level of Holy Scripture. Others were considered to have dubious authorship and were shunned as attempts at outright deception. While the use of apocryphal texts for personal study is not forbidden, it should be undertaken cautiously

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Deuteronomy 4:1-14 / Deuteronomy 29:29-30:20

Psalm 1:1-6 / (Cf. Ps 119:1-176 / Proverbs 8:1-36 / Proverbs 9:10 / Nehemiah 8:1-8)

Matthew 5:17-20 (cf. Luke 16:19-31)

Romans 1:1-2:29 1 Timothy 4:1-16 / 1 Timothy 6:1-21 2 Timothy 2:1-3:17

James 1:1-27

2 Peter 1:1-21

Revelation 22:6-21

Why do we say that God has revealed Himself in the Holy Scriptures?

Why are the concepts of Revelation and Inerrancy necessarily bound together?

What should we do when we come across apparent contradictions in the Bible?

How does the Holy Scripture help us to know God, love Him, and live fully alive through Him?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 6, 7, and 14.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. God’s Good News. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/gods-goodnews]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Who Wrote The Bible? (2025). [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/whowrote-the-bible]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Are the Gospels Reliable? (2025). [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/arethe-gospels-reliable]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Who Chose The Books Of The Bible? (2025). [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/who-chose-the-books-of-the-bible]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Has The Bible Been Corrupted? (2025). [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/has-the-bible-been-corrupted]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Which Bible Translation Is Best? (2025). [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/which-bible-translation-is-best]

➢ LEVEL 1: Bible Project. How To Read The Bible (2025). [https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/how-toread-the-bible/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Righteousness Of Faith, Romans 10:5-8. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-6-the-righteousness-of-faith/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Imperfection Of Human Knowledge, 1 Corinthians 13:9 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-69-the-imperfectionof-human-knowledge/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Case Of Reason Impartially Considered, 1 Corinthians 14:20 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-70-the-case-ofreason-impartially-considered/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Conscience, 2 Corinthians 1:12. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-105-on-conscience/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Discoveries Of Faith, Hebrews 11:1. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-110-on-discoveries-of-faith/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Faith, Hebrews 11:1. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-ofjohn-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-122-on-faith/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Faith, Hebrews 11:6. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-ofjohn-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-106-on-faith/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. An Address to the Clergy (1756). [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/an-address-tothe-clergy/]

➢ LEVEL 2: Apologetics Canada. Can I Trust the Bible? (2024). [https://www.wesleyhuff.com/can-i-trust-the-bible]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press (2022). [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-vi-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-vi-part-2/] [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-vi-part-3/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Wesley Huff. Apologetics and World Religions Videos (2025).

[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi3Emd5KCgRzOMl1djC_5YpYheog_I9OA&si=qoIN3jX8XB22GLpx].

DISC 26 / ARTICLE 6 — Of the Old Testament

The Old Testament is not contrary to the New; for both in the Old and New Testaments everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being God and man. Wherefore they are not to be heard who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof necessity to be received in any Commonwealth; yet, notwithstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral

Jesus Christ has inaugurated the New Covenant, which is the central focus of the New Testament. Therefore we are no longer obligated to observe the Mosaic Covenant of Sinai. However, as we have already seen, the Old and New Testaments tell a unified story of God and His creation across multiple historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. Together, this diversity weaves into a single metanarrative that claims to be the exclusive explanation of all that is real, true, good, and beautiful.

Within this hermeneutical framework, we understand that the Old Testament foreshadows the New and the New Testament fulfills the Old. So, just as the Civil laws of the biblical Nation-state of Israel, as commanded by Moses, do not apply to us because we are not members of that Nation-state, the Sacrificial rituals and other Ceremonial laws are no longer binding expressions of the Faith because Christ has satisfied the requirements of the Mosaic Law. However, because the two testaments form one metanarrative, the fact that we are no longer bound to certain civil, ceremonial, or sacrificial codes does not mean that those sections of the Holy Scripture cease to have value.

Jesus asserted that all the Holy Scripture was fixed on loving God and loving our neighbor. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us not to slander, ignore, or remove any part of the Holy Scripture, but rather to seek to understand and to teach the whole counsel of God. As such, understanding and integrating the principles that undergird the civil, ceremonial, and moral commands into our thinking is still key to living the life God intended for us.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Exodus 19:1-20:21

Deuteronomy 11:1-32 (cf. Psalm 78:1-8 / Micah 6:1-8)

Matthew 5:1-7:29

Luke 24:13-49

Romans 10:1-21

Galatians 3:1-29 (cf. Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 34-78.)

How does Jesus summarize the Law & Commandments of God in Matthew 22:33-40?

Since Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, in what ways is His character revealed in the teachings of the Old Testament?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 1, 5, 7, and 14.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. A Test In The Desert: Jesus Is Tempted. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/a-test-in-the-desert]

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? Is the Bible Still Relevant? [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/is-the-biblestill-relevant]

➢ LEVEL 1: Bible Project. The Mountain Of God. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/the-mountain/]

➢ LEVEL 1: Bible Project. The Law. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/law/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Sacrifice And Atonement. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/sacrifice-andatonement/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The SHEMA. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/shema/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The Sabbath. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/sabbath-video/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Law Established Through Faith: Discourse One, Romans 3:31. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-35-the-lawestablished-through-faith-discourse-one/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Law Established Through Faith: Discourse Two, Romans 3:31 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-36-the-lawestablished-through-faith-discourse-two/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Original Nature And Proper Use Of The Law, Romans 7:12 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-34-the-originalnature-property-and-use-of-the-law/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. An Address to the Clergy (1756). [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/an-address-tothe-clergy/]

➢ LEVEL 3: One For Israel 7 Principles For Interpreting The Scriptures from a Messianic Jewish Perspective. [https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/exegesis/]. [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-vii/].

SECTION TWO: SUMMARY QUESTIONS

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned in Section Two. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

How are the 2 Articles of Faith in this section connected?

How do these 2 Articles of Faith in this section form the basis for the rest of our doctrine?

Reflect on everything you have learned studying these Articles of Faith. How does this doctrine affect the way we love God and others? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Do you have any new questions arising from studying these Articles of Faith? Note them here to discuss them with your pastor / group leader.

SECTION THREE: THE PURPOSES OF GOD

In this third section of the Catechism, we will examine Articles 7-12 and 26 of our Statement of Faith in the Discipline. These 6 Articles address the Purposes of God and how His design manifests in us as His Image Bearers for Creation. From the outset, one of the primary things to keep in mind is that our doctrines of the Purposes of God begin with Creation and Humanity in their present state. Looking both forward and backward simultaneously, they seek to show how our Heavenly Father is on a mission to restore His original design, which was lost with Adam’s transgression in the Garden of Eden, through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

Furthermore, in this section, you will notice that the attempts to differentiate Anglicanism, and for John Wesley, Methodism, from the doctrines of Roman Catholicism begin to take greater precedence than previously. You will find, as you go through this section, that there are some doctrines that, on their face, are so far removed from contemporary practice as to almost seem irrelevant. This is not entirely true, but to help you understand why they do, in fact, remain relevant, we have attempted to demonstrate how these Articles fit into their historical context while also being interconnected with the other Articles

DISC 27 / ARTICLE 7 Of Original or Birth Sin

Original Sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually.

God created Humanity, male and female, as His Image and in His Likeness to be His covenant partners in ruling over Creation. Thus, they were created in a state of knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, collaborating with God in the administration of His will. At this time, God entered into a Covenant of Life with Adam as the Head of all Humanity, forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil.

Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own wills, fell from this grace-filled state of innocence when Adam transgressed, breaking the fellowship they intimately shared with the Lord. This first transgression, historically referred to as the Original Sin, brought the curse of Death upon Creation, corrupting all of Humanity and all of Nature. Moreover, it inaugurated the second death for Humanity so that those who choose a life in rebellion against God will, by virtue of their own choice, spend eternity alienated from Him after their earthly life has ended.

In addition to explaining the consequences of the curse on their lives from this point forward, God exiled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. From that day forward, all Humanity has been born into Sin (i.e. Original Sin) and inclined to live in rebellion against God (i.e. Actual Sin) This is why there is evil and suffering in the world, and without God, Humanity will continue to choose Death over Life.

Only through Christ can the bondage to sin be broken and the sinful nature be transformed into righteousness Eternal life cannot be earned through any form of human effort, not through good works, intellectual assent, or the power of the will. Nor has God arbitrarily selected certain individuals for salvation and others for damnation before the creation of the world, as Calvinism teaches.

(See the explanation for Article 8 for the notes on what the Pelagians taught.)

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 1:26-3:24

Psalm 51:1-19 (cf. Jeremiah 17:1-13)

Ecclesiastes 12:1-14

John 3:1-21 (cf. Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23, John 6:22-71)

John 3:22-36 (cf. 1 John 2:15-17)

John 8:12-59 (cf. James 3:1-4:12)

Romans 3:9-31 / Romans 5:12-6:23

2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Ephesians 2:1-10

Hebrews 11:1-12:29

1 Peter 1:1-25 / 2 Peter 1:1-11

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 7-17.)

What distinguishes Humanity from all of God’s other creations?

What was it that God wanted Humanity to do and not do?

What does the fact that the first sin was the choice not to trust God teach us about the nature of all Sin?

Why did Adam’s sin affect all of Humanity that followed?

How does God reverse the effects of Original Sin?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 20, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The First Sin. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/the-first-sin]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. God’s Amazing Promise. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/godsamazing-promise]

➢ LEVEL 1: Bible Project. The Image Of God. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/image-of-god/]

➢ LEVEL 1: Bible Project. The Covenants. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/covenants/]

➢ LEVEL 1: Bible Project. Exile. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/exile/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Son Of Man [https://bibleproject.com/videos/son-of-man/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on God's Approbation Of His Works, Genesis 1:31. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-56-gods-approbation-of-his-works/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on What Is Man, Psalm 8:4. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermonsof-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-109-what-is-man/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Fall Of Man, Genesis 3:19. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-57-on-the-fall-of-man/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Original Sin, Genesis 6:5. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermonsof-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-44-original-sin/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Heavenly Treasure In Earthen Vessels, 2 Corinthians 4:7 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-124-the-heavenlytreasure-in-earthen-vessels/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Living Without God, Ephesians 2:12. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-125-on-living-without-god/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Hell, Mark 9:48. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-johnwesley-1872-edition/sermon-73-of-hell/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on God’s Love To Fallen Men, Romans 5:15. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-59-gods-love-to-fallen-man/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The General Deliverance, Romans 8:19-22. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-60-the-general-deliverance/]

➢ LEVEL 3: St. Augustine. City of God, Book 13. [https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/120113.htm].

DISC 28 / ARTICLE 8 — Of Free Will

The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and works, to faith, and calling upon God; wherefore we have no power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God without the grace of God by Christ enabling us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will.

God's prevenient grace, literally “the grace that goes before”, is freely bestowed upon all Humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit, enabling people to know God, trust Him, and turn from a life of rebellion and sin to a life of obedience and righteousness through Jesus Christ Even after conversion, an individual remains free and is therefore fully responsible before God for the life they choose to live, whether they walk in the Spirit or fulfill the desires of the flesh. Thus, the Holy Scripture asserts the reality of apostasy, which results from rejecting Jesus Christ, the only hope for salvation.

There is a footnote to this article in the Discipline. It reads, “This article clearly rejects Pelagianism and explains how God enables Humanity to choose Him.” The reason for this is that within the Western Christian theological tradition, the debate between Augustine and Pelagius laid the groundwork for the historic teaching of the church on this subject.

Augustine taught that the transgression of Adam placed all Humanity under a universal condemnation because of his status as the Covenant Head of Humanity and caused all people thereafter to be born depraved of our original righteousness Conversely, Pelagius taught that while we need to be forgiven for our individual sins, there is no universal condemnation due to Adam. Furthermore, he taught that Adam’s sin did not have any effect on human nature, but rather that we learn to commit sin from the examples we see in the world around us. According to Pelagius, Jesus’ life and death are sufficient as an example for us to follow so that we may learn how to choose to live righteous lives through the exercise of our free will.

Thus, this Article was drafted to both distance the Methodists’ teaching from Pelagius and the Calvinists. From the Calvinists, in that it asserts each individual’s freedom to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and choose to repent and have faith, in contrast to the Calvinist doctrines of unconditional election and irresistible grace From the Pelagians in that it asserts that this freedom is not derived from the individual themselves, but rather from the ability the Holy Spirit gives according to the grace of God.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Deuteronomy 29:29-30:20 (cf. Psalm 1:1-6)

Proverbs 1:1-3:35

Isaiah 1:1-20

Jeremiah 17:1-14

Ezekiel 18:1-32 / Ezekiel 33:11-20

Matthew 5:1-7:29 / Matthew 15:1-20 / Matthew 16:13-28 / Matthew 23:1-39

Luke 8:1-21 (cf. Matthew 13:1-23)

John 3:1-36 / John 6:22-71

Hebrews 3:1-19

2 Peter 2:1-22 (cf. 2 John 1:4-11 / Jude 1:17-23)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

What about Sin makes it impossible for Humanity to know and trust God, much less earn His approval through their works?

What is needed for Humanity to exercise faith and call upon the Name of the LORD?

If human reason alone cannot convert the Sinner or make him Righteous, why does God ask us to reason with Him?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 20, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. Let My People Go. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/let-my-peoplego]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Sin, Transgression, And Iniquity. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/badwords/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Deceitfulness Of The Human Heart, Jeremiah 17:9. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-123-thedeceitfulness-of-the-human-heart/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Awake Thou That Sleepest, Ephesians 5:14. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-3-awake-thou-that-sleepest/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Predestination, Romans 8:29-30. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-58-on-predestination/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Free Grace, Romans 8:32. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-128-free-grace/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On God’s Vineyard, Isaiah 5:4. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-107-on-gods-vineyard/]

DISC 29 / ARTICLE 9 Of the Justification of Man

We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings: whereof, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.

Through God's Holy Spirit, His prevenient grace encourages and enables us to turn to Him. This grace is God's free and unmerited gift; it cannot be earned in any way. Prevenient grace enables us to repent, call on God, and have faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior Our faith is the means through which God, by His grace, unites us to Christ, justifying and sanctifying us.

Repentance is the godly sorrow for sin we feel when the convicting work of the Holy Spirit has broken through our pride. It involves sensing our guilt before God and voluntarily turning away from sin, no longer being conformed to the image of this World but being fully transformed and renewed as the image of Christ. It further includes the full confession of sins to God and the making of restitution where possible.

Justification is the gracious judicial act of God, acquitting the repentant sinner of their guilt. Justification is based on the perfect atonement of Jesus Christ, made on the cross, and not on any merit of our own through our good

works God grants full pardon of guilt, release from the penalty of sins committed, and complete acceptance as righteous before Him

Sanctification is the immediate fruit of justification, beginning the moment a new Christian is justified. God sanctifies us, declares us holy, purifies us from sin, sets us apart for His service, and empowers us to carry out His purposes for our lives. Thus, we understand that while our works cannot save us, they are nonetheless the natural and direct result of true faith and the process of transformation that accompanies the renewing of our minds as we walk out our Salvation with reverence and awe of God’s love and grace

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Exodus 19:1-20:21 (cf. Leviticus 19:1-37 / Numbers 6:22-27 / Deuteronomy 10:12-22 / Deuteronomy 30:1-20)

Psalm 103:1-22

Isaiah 57:15-21

Jeremiah 31:1-40 (cf. Ezekiel 36:22-37:14)

Matthew 3:1-12 (cf. James 2:14-26)

Luke 19:1-10 / Luke 23:26-43

Romans 1:1-17 / Romans 3:1-31 / Romans 4:1-25 / Romans 5:1-21

Galatians 2:11-21

Ephesians 2:1-22

Titus 3:1-11

Hebrews 11:1-12:29

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 26-32.)

How do justification and sanctification work hand in hand?

If we are justified and sanctified through our faith in Christ alone, then how do we take part in this?

How do justification and sanctification together lead to the assurance of Salvation, which the Article calls a ”Comfort”?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 20, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The King And The Kingdom. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/theking-and-the-kingdom]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. Through The Roof: Jesus Heals A Paralytic. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/through-the-roof]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. Demons Destroyed: Jesus Casts Out Evil Spirits. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/demons-destroyed]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. Time To Get Up: Jesus Heals A Girl. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/time-to-get-up]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. A Royal Priesthood. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/the-royal-priest/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The New Birth, John 3:7. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermonsof-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-45-the-new-birth/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Marks Of The New Birth, John 3:8. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-18-the-marks-of-the-new-birth/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Way To The Kingdom, Mark 1:15. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-7-the-way-to-the-kingdom/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Self-Denial, Luke 9:23. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-ofjohn-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-48-self-denial/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Scriptural Christianity, Acts 4:31. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-4-scriptural-christianity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Justification By Faith, Romans 4:5. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-5-justification-by-faith/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Salvation By Faith, Ephesians 2:8. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-1-salvation-by-faith/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The First Fruits Of The Spirit, Romans 8:1. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-8-the-first-fruits-of-the-spirit/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Witness Of The Spirit, Romans 8:16 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-10-the-witness-of-the-spirit-discourse-one/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Repentance Of Believers, Mark 1:15. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-14-the-repentance-of-believers/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press (2022). [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xi-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xi-part-2/] .

DISC 46 / ARTICLE 26—Perfect Love

Perfect love is that renewal of our fallen nature by the Holy Spirit, received through faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood of atonement cleanseth from all sin; whereby we are not only delivered from the guilt of sin, but are washed from its pollution, saved from its power, and are enabled, through grace, to love God with all our hearts and to walk in His holy commandments blameless.

The EMC added this Article to Wesley’s original 25 to ensure this essential doctrine of holiness was preserved in accordance with Wesley’s emphasis and teaching. As such, it is found in the Discipline, at the end of the Articles. However, since our purpose here is to show the continuity of our Articles, we decided to cover it following Article 9 on justification, with its joint emphasis on initial sanctification.

In John Wesley’s day, he taught that every Christian should yearn to be entirely sanctified from sin and fully devoted to God, through the unhindered presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as we surrender completely to Him Wesley called this state of holiness and righteousness “Christian Perfection”. He taught that it was obtainable in this life by faith, both gradually and instantaneously.

As time has passed and language has evolved, the term “Christian perfection” has often been misunderstood. In Wesley’s usage, it was never meant to imply perfect performance; in fact, the whole idea of performing stands in stark contrast to Wesley’s teaching. Instead, the intent was to convey that God calls us to love Him and others, perfectly and completely, with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is also important to note that while Wesley taught that this state of perfect love was attainable in this life, he did not believe that this grace would automatically deliver Christians from temptation, infirmities, ignorance, or mistakes, because these are the shared experiences of all people so long as they live in this life.

The EMC accepts Wesley’s Sermons, Wesley’s Notes on the New Testament, Wesley’s Journal, and Wesley’s A Plain Account of Christian Perfection as the best doctrinal interpretation.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Isaiah 1:1-31 / Isaiah 58:1-14

Matthew 22:34-40 (cf. Deuteronomy 6:1-25)

Luke 10:25-37 (cf. Matthew 5:43-48)

John 15:1-12 / John 17:1-26

Romans 8:1-39

2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Galatians 5:13-26

Colossians 3:1-17

Hebrews 10:1-39

James 1:19-27

1 Peter 1:13-25 / 1 Peter 2:1-10

1 John 2:1-11

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

How is love perfected in us by faith?

What kind of fruit is produced in our lives when love is perfected in us by faith?

How does love, being perfected by faith, help us fulfill our purpose of being God’s image and covenant partners?

Historically, this doctrine was often referred to as “Entire Sanctification” or “Christian Perfection”. How does “Perfect Love” help to express this biblical teaching more clearly?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Love In The Bible. [https://bibleproject.com/guides/love-in-the-bible/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The SHEMA. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/shema/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Free Grace, Romans 8:32. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-128-free-grace/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Circumcision Of The Heart, Romans 2:29. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-17-the-circumcision-of-the-heart/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Christian Perfection, Philippians 3:12. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-40-christian-perfection/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Perfection, Hebrews 6:1. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermonsof-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-76-on-perfection/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Causes Of The Inefficacy Of Christianity, Jeremiah 8:22. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-116-causes-of-theinefficacy-of-christianity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Good Steward, Luke 16:2. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-51-the-good-steward/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Spirit Of Bondage And Of Adoption, Romans 8:15. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-9-the-spirit-ofbondage-and-of-adoption/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The More Excellent Way, 1 Corinthians 12:31. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-89-the-more-excellent-way/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. A Plain Account of Christian Perfection (1777). [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/aplain-account-of-christian-perfection/]

DISC 30 / ARTICLE 10 — Of Good Works

Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God’s judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be evidently known as a tree is discerned by its fruit.

This article was written as a supplement to Article Nine to protect against an understanding of faith that rejects the need for holiness. This appears to have arisen from a misunderstanding of the Apostle Paul’s teaching that salvation is achieved through grace by faith alone, eschewing any good deed as a form of self-righteousness. This article asserts that while we love because God loved us first, as we abide in the Lord, the Spirit-filled life becomes clear because of the continual fruit of Righteousness that is produced in and through our lives

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us?

Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Psalm 1:1-6

Psalm 37:1-40

Matthew 5:1-7:29

John 15:1-27

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 (cf. Ephesians 2:8-10)

Titus 3:1-11

James 1:1-2:26

1 Peter 2:11-20

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

What does it mean that good works are “the fruit of faith”?

How is justification and sanctification by faith alone a source of assurance that helps us to live righteous lives and do the good work God has prepared for us?

What are the benefits in this life that come from doing the good works God has prepared for us?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 4, 8, 9, 11, 14, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The King And The Kingdom. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/theking-and-the-kingdom]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Justice. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/justice/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Difference Between Walking By Faith And Walking By Sight, 2 Corinthians 5:7. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-113-thedifference-between-walking-by-sight-and-walking-by-faith/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on A Call To Backsliders, Psalm 77:7-8. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-86-a-call-to-backsliders/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Public Diversions, Amos 3:6. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-140-on-public-diversions/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Visiting The Sick, Matthew 25:36. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-98-on-visiting-the-sick/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Reward Of The Righteous, Matthew 25:34. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-98-on-visiting-the-sick/]

DISC 31 / ARTICLE 11 Of Works of Supererogation

Voluntary works, besides, over and above God’s commandments, which are called works of supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety. For by them men do declare that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that is commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

The Roman Catholic doctrine of Supererogation, which literally means “more than is asked for” or “more than is required”, is rooted in the teachings of Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas taught that some actions, such as heroic acts of self-sacrifice or extraordinary acts of charity, while being morally superior, are not required by God. Therefore, not choosing to do these things is not a sin; however, choosing to do them will be rewarded by God as going above and beyond our regular Christian duties.

Not only is there little to no support for this doctrine in the writings of the Ante-Nicene Church Fathers, but it was also criticized by the Protestant Reformers as having no biblical basis. We are all called to be perfect as God is perfect So, while there are matters of conscience that must be discerned by individuals in their specific situations, in no way should this be used to justify serving God with less than whole-hearted obedience. We should always choose the highest good whenever we are called upon to do so

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us?

Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Luke 17:1-10

John 14:1-24 / John 15:1-27

Acts 15:1-29 (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:6, 12, 26 / Titus 1:10-16)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Why is it dangerous to impose moral imperatives on others when the Holy Scripture does not do so?

How do we discern the right choice in matters of conscience?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 10, 14, 20, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The Way Of The Exile. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/the-way-of-the-exile/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11, Notes on the New Testament [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-st-pauls-first-epistle-to-thecorinthians/#Chapter+XI]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Reformation Of Manners, Psalm 94:16. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-52-the-reformation-of-manners/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On The Education of Children, Proverbs 22:6. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-95-on-the-education-of-children/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on True Christianity, Isaiah 2:21. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-134-true-christianity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on A Caution Against Bigotry, Mark 9:38-39. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-38-a-caution-against-bigotry/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Pleasing All Men, Romans 15:2. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-100-on-pleasing-all-men/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologica. [https://www.newadvent.org/summa/]

DISC 32 / ARTICLE 12 Of Sin after Justification

Not every sin willingly committed after justification is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification: after we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and, by the grace of God, rise again and amend our lives. And, therefore, they are to be condemned who say they can no more sin as long as they live here, or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.

The intention of this article is to refute two theological errors that Christians have perennially struggled with. On the one hand, that no one who is genuinely in Christ ever sins again, and on the other hand, that those who sin after coming to Christ cannot be restored Both errors are misunderstandings of the nature of the New Covenant and are addressed at length in Wesley’s “A Plain Account of Christian Perfection”

This Article asserts that when Christians who have been forgiven of their sins, justified, reconciled, and restored to a proper relationship with God, fall into sin once more, they will find that Jesus is faithful and just. He will guide them into repentance and forgiveness once again through the activity of the Holy Spirit in their lives. If they repent and seek forgiveness, continuing to pursue true holiness through grace by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them, then they will be restored.

Regarding the “Unpardonable Sin” as it relates to this matter. Jesus clearly defines the “Unpardonable Sin” as the rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing an awareness of Christ and the need for repentance This hardening of our own hearts against God's invitation to receive mercy and grace is precisely what makes this sin unforgivable. If someone is seeking forgiveness for sin, then it is proof that they have not committed the unpardonable sin.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Exodus 34:1-14

Psalm 32:1-11 / Psalm 51:1-19 / Psalm 103:1-22

Matthew 12:22-32 / Mark 3:22-30

Romans 7:15-8:39

Hebrews 4:1-16

1 John 1:1-2:6 / 1 John 4:7-19

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Can our sin ever exhaust God’s grace?

How can we be restored when we fall back into sin?

How does the Holy Scripture affirm John Wesley’s teaching in his “Plain Account of Christian Perfection” that absolute sinlessness is impossible in this life?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 4, 8, 9, 20, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. Coming Home: A Father And His Two Sons. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/coming-home]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Sin In Believers, 2 Corinthians 5:17. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-13-on-sin-in-believers/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Grieving The Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:30. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-138-on-grieving-the-holy-spirit/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Trouble And Rest Of Good Men, Job 3:17. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-127-the-trouble-and-rest-of-good-men/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Wilderness State, John 16:22. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-46-the-wilderness-state/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Dissipation, 1 Corinthians 7:35. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-79-on-dissipation/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-82-on-temptation/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Satan’s Devices, 2 Corinthians 2:11. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-42-satans-devices/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Wandering Thoughts, 2 Corinthians 10:5. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-41-wandering-thoughts/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press (2022). [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xvi-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xvi-part-2/]

SECTION THREE: SUMMARY QUESTIONS

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about Section Three. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

How are the 6 Articles of Faith in this section connected?

How do these 6 Articles of Faith in this section form the basis for the rest of our doctrine?

Reflect on everything you have learned studying these Articles of Faith. How does this doctrine affect the way we love God and others? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Do you have any new questions arising from studying these Articles of Faith? Note them here so you can discuss them with your pastor / group leader.

SECTION FOUR: THE PLAN OF GOD

In this fourth section of the Catechism, we will examine Articles 13-25 of our Statement of Faith in the Discipline. These 12 Articles address the Plan of God and how He executes that plan through us in relationship to one another and, ultimately, the rest of Creation Thus, our doctrines of the Plan of God begin with articulating what the Church is and then focus primarily on how the Church conducts itself when gathered.

There is much more that could have been addressed here on the many ways in which the People of God move in step with Him as they carry out His continued mission to reconcile the world to Himself through the Body of Jesus Christ, but that was apparently not what was on the forefront of the minds of those who drafted the original 39 Articles of the Anglican Church Moreover, based on his silence on the matter of Missiology within the original 25 Articles, it appears that John Wesley was likewise content with how Article 22 grants freedom to individual congregations to pursue these things as needed, in their particular local contexts.

Once again, in this section, you will notice that the attempts to differentiate Anglicanism, and for John Wesley, Methodism, from the doctrines of Roman Catholicism take greater precedence than previously. Once again, you will find that as you go through this section, there are some doctrines that, on their face, are so far removed from contemporary practice as to almost seem irrelevant. And once again, this is not entirely true; however, to understand why they do, in fact, remain relevant, we have attempted to demonstrate how these Articles fit into their historical context while also being interconnected with the other Articles.

DISC 33 / ARTICLE 13 — Of The Church

The visible church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the sacraments, duly administered, according to Christ’s ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.

The Church, as the word is used in the Holy Scripture, is not a building; it is the People of God. The term is repeatedly used to refer to those whom the LORD has called out of the world and who come together in the LORD’s name. It begins with the Call of Israel as a missionary nation and reaches its fullness in the multi-national and integrated Body of Christ

The Universal Church, also known as the Catholic Church in ancient times, includes all Christians across time and throughout the world who are members of the Family of God, united by their faith in Jesus Christ. However, the experience of this fellowship occurs through the gatherings of Indigenous local church congregations. So, while membership within a local church does not guarantee salvation, there is nothing in the Holy Scripture that can be used to justify the self-isolation of Christians from the fellowship of a local church.

This is why John Wesley described the true Church as those Christians who have been called by the gospel, grafted into Christ through baptism, motivated by love, and united through fellowship; having made Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives, in trust and obedience to Him. Wesley further believed that, just as Israel was uniquely given the liturgy by which God would accept His People’s worship, the Church has inherited this privilege. Thus, a church is truly the Church only if it proclaims the pure word of God and administers the Sacraments according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

To ensure the synthesis of these ideas into our corporate practice of the Faith, the Evangelical Methodist Church adopted chapter 2 of our Constitution (cf. DISC 51-54). Furthermore, to secure the historical and theological roots of Methodism, our Founders saw fit to develop a new and unique hybrid ecclesiastic structure, which they called

Congregational-Connectional, outlined in chapter 3 of our Constitution (cf. DISC 60-64). Finally, the denominational principles that guide us and the key functional points of our denominational structure are outlined in chapters 4-7 of our Constitution (cf. DISC 71-131). While these things are outside of the scope of this Catechism, you are encouraged to explore the way in which they flow from this Article with your local church leadership.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 12:1-9 / Genesis 15:1-21 / Genesis 17:1-27

Exodus 3:1-22 / Exodus 19:1-8

Leviticus 23:1-44

Deuteronomy 4:1-49 / Deuteronomy 18:1-14

Isaiah 2:1-5 / Isaiah 56:1-8

Matthew 16:13-20 / Matthew 18:15-20 / Matthew 28:18-20

Acts 1:1-2:47 / Acts 4:1-37

1 Corinthians 11:18-13:13

Ephesians 2:1-4:16

Colossians 1:1-29

Revelations 7:9-17

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

What is the purpose of the Church?

How does the Apostle Paul’s teaching that the Church is the Body of Christ help us understand why participation in a local church is necessary for those who are members of the universal Church?

How do you discern the difference between a true local church and a false local church?

What are the dangers of not discerning the difference between a true local church and a false local church?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22.

➢ LEVEL 1: What Would You Say? What’s The Point Of Going To Church? (2025). [https://whatwouldyousay.org/videos/whats-the-point-of-going-to-church]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Zeal, Galatians 4:18 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-ofjohn-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-92-on-zeal/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On The Church, Ephesians 4:1-6. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-74-of-the-church/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Catholic Spirit, 2 Kings 10:15. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-39-catholic-spirit/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Attending The Church Service, 1 Samuel 2:17. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-104-on-attending-the-church-service/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Signs Of The Times, Matthew 16:3. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-66-the-signs-of-the-times/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Schism, 1 Corinthians 12:25. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-75-on-schism/]

DISC 34 / ARTICLE 14 — Of Purgatory

The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardon, worshiping, and adoration, as well of images as of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the Word of God.

The Roman Catholic doctrine of Purgatory can be summed up as follows. “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven… This final purification of the elect, is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.” The doctrine of Pardons, also known as Indulgences, sprang from this doctrine as a way of paying the church to reduce one’s time in Purgatory.

The Protestant Reformers railed against these teachings as having no basis in the Holy Scripture Instead, they argued that according to the Holy Scriptures, there are only two options for eternity: the joy of life with Christ or the terror of death and judgment. God loved the world, and so the Father sent the Son so that we might be saved from death, but all those who reject Him are under condemnation already.

The rest of the Article addresses several other perceived errors in Roman Catholic teaching The worship and adoration of images and relics, as well as the invocation of Saints, all fell under the same condemnation from the Protestant Reformers. It is important to note that Roman Catholics dispute these condemnations, arguing that they are misunderstandings and mischaracterizations of their teachings. They claim that there is a distinction between worship and veneration, as well as between invocation and supplication.

However, between the 400s and 800s AD, history seems to indicate a slow drift from using images from the Holy Scripture and history as decorations in church buildings intended to encourage and educate, to the actual veneration of and eventual prayer to these decorations, alongside images and statues of biblical and Church Saints. In 869 AD, the Roman Catholic Church embraced this entirely, while the Eastern Orthodox Church wholly rejected it. Moreover, at the Councils of Trent, held between 1545 and 1563, where many Protestants had hoped this error would be corrected, it was instead affirmed.

In the spirit of the Protestant Reformation, this Article asserts the authority of the Holy Scripture over the traditions of men. It asserts the individual responsibility of every person to settle their eternal destiny while they can. And it asserts that because of Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God without the need for any other intermediaries.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Matthew 25:31-46

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:1-21)

Hebrews 9:1-28

Revelation 20:1-15

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Why does this article assert that the Roman Catholic teachings on purgatory, pardon, worshiping and adoration of images and relics, and prayer to the saints are all wrong?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 20, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon, Human Life A Dream, Psalm 73:20 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-121-human-life-a-dream/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon, On Corrupting The Word Of God, 2 Corinthians 2:17 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-136-on-corruptingthe-word-of-god/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press (2022). [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxii-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxii-part-2/]

➢ LEVEL 3: New Advent: Internet Archive of Catholic Writings Catholic Encyclopedia [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/]

DISC 35 / ARTICLE 15 Of Speaking in the Congregation in Such a Tongue as the People Understand.

It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the primitive church, to have public prayer in the church, or to minister the sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people.

The exclusive use of Latin for the Roman Catholic liturgies made it impossible for most people to understand what was happening when the church gathered for worship This Article was written to assert that all preaching, prayer, and the administration of the Sacraments must be done in a language that the people can understand and that reflects the Indigenous character of the local congregation. While conducting liturgies in Latin is not an issue for the EMC now, it serves as a reminder that where differences in culture and language exist, it is the responsibility of leadership to be sensitive to these differences and accommodate the congregation’s needs to the extent that doing so is proper

Moreover, while this Article was not drafted to address the usage of “Speaking in Tongues” as it is commonly expressed in Pentecostal or Charismatic church worship today, and while John Wesley nowhere wrote of the ceasing of these gifts of the Holy Spirit, this principle of order within congregational gatherings applies to us today in this regard. For unless the gift of tongues edifies the Body when it gathers, then it is a distraction at best, and destructive at worst. Furthermore, it is the consistent testimony of Holy Scripture that any of our traditions and practices that prevent people from being able to fully know God and receive His grace through Christ are contemptible to Him

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 11:1-9

Acts 2:1-11

Romans 10:1-21

1 Corinthians 14:1-40

Why is it the Church's responsibility to conduct its liturgy in a language that people understand?

What is the proper understanding of the gift of tongues and what is its purpose in glorifying God and expanding His Kingdom, according to the Holy Scriptures?

What are the similarities and differences between “Tongues” as described in Acts and 1 Corinthians, compared with the Roman Catholic practice of a Latin-only Mass?

What are some Modern examples of ways that the Church makes it hard for people to understand God’s purpose and plan for Humanity when it gathers for worship and the teaching of the Word?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 8, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 22.

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12-14, Notes on the New Testament. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-st-pauls-first-epistle-to-thecorinthians/]

DISC 36 / ARTICLE 16 Of the Sacraments

Sacraments, ordained of Christ, are not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and God’s good will toward us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him. There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.

Those five, commonly called sacraments that is to say Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction are not to be counted for sacraments of the gospel, being such as have partly grown out of the corrupt following of the apostles, and partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not the like nature of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, because they have not any visible sign of ceremony ordained of God.

The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about; but that we should duly use them. And in such only as we worthily receive the same way have they a wholesome effect or operation; but they that receive them unworthily purchase to themselves condemnation, as St. Paul saith, I Cor. XI. 29.

While the early Ante-Nicene Church Fathers used the word “Sacrament” for almost any action Christians considered sacred, in later Roman Catholic Church writings, the word's meaning drifted toward an increasingly ritualistic usage that gave rise to superstitious mysticism and the error of Ex Opere Operato At the time of the writing of the 39 Articles of the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church taught seven Sacraments for the receiving of God’s grace In addition to the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which have been seen as the signs of one’s entrance into the New Covenant of Jesus Christ since the earliest days of the Christian Church, five others began to take root

The Roman Catholic Sacrament of Confirmation follows Baptism, immediately in the case of an adult, or at a time that is developmentally appropriate for those who were baptized as infants. It is the culmination of the training of an individual (i.e. a Catechumen) in the proper understanding of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (i.e. Catechism), and it opens the door for an individual’s first reception of the Lord’s Supper The Roman Catholic Sacrament of Penance was the official process by which a Christian who had sinned was restored to fellowship with the Church. Penance consisted of priest-guided confession, repentance, and absolution. The Roman Catholic Sacrament of Orders is the setting aside of specific individuals for Ordination to the Ministry. The Roman Catholic Sacrament of Matrimony is the establishment of Covenant Marriage within the blessing of the Church. Finally, the

Roman Catholic Sacrament of Extreme Unction was a part of the Last Rites, whereby a priest would anoint the dying with oil to seal them with God’s pardon and protection in their final hours.

In alignment with the Protestant Reformers, this Article asserts unequivocally that Jesus only ordained (i.e. gave a “visible sign of ceremony...” / gave specific instructions for...) two Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. While the other five practices are beautiful and may be considered sacred in a manner of speaking, they are not Sacraments ordained by Jesus in the Gospels Furthermore, the sacraments themselves do not have the power to grant salvation to the recipient, as salvation is conditional upon one’s faith in Christ and that alone

The Sacraments are outward and visible signs of an inward and invisible grace. Through them, God communicates to us an assurance of our salvation and an extraordinary strengthening power to live the life of holiness that He has commanded However, those who receive the sacraments without faith do so in vain and set themselves on the road of destruction.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us?

Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Matthew 28:16-20

Ephesians 4:1-16

2 Peter 1:1-15

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 82-87.)

What is the difference between something being sacred and the two Sacraments of the New Covenant?

If participation in the Sacraments does not communicate grace directly and automatically (i.e Ex Opere Operato), how then do the Sacraments act as means of grace by which we make our calling and election sure?

How does participation in the Sacraments inform and establish our identity in Christ and His Church?

How do the Sacraments serve the Church? How do they serve the World?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 1, 2, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 22.

➢ LEVEL 3: New Advent: Internet Archive of Catholic Writings Catholic Encyclopedia [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/]

DISC 37 / ARTICLE 17—Of Baptism

Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized, but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be retained in the church.

Baptism was established by Christ’s example and command. It is the Christian’s public identification with Christ proclaimed before God and His Church. Thus, baptism is not just a washing with water; it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s Word in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, it is not the cause of regeneration as some have taught, but a sign that regeneration has taken place in the heart of the one who has trusted in Christ for Salvation. Thus, the mode of baptism, whether sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, is considered a matter of conscience and is left to the individual, in consultation with their pastor, to decide what works best for them within their local church context.

The EMC does not recognize infant baptism as efficacious in bringing about salvation for a child simply because the ritual was performed. However, the EMC still allows for infant baptism or dedication. The purpose of this ritual is to express the parents’ commitment to raise their child in the covenant community, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Exodus 30:17-21

Ezekiel 36:22-38

Matthew 3:1-17 / Mark 1:1-11 / Luke 3:1-22 / John 1:19-36

John 3:22-4:3 (cf. Matthew 28:18-20)

Acts 2:37-47 / Acts 8:9-40 / Acts 9:1-19 / Acts 10:34-48 / Acts 16:25-33

Romans 6:1-23

1 Corinthians 12:1-31

1 Peter 3:8-22

If the Sacrament of Baptism is not a prerequisite for Salvation, why do we practice it?

If the Sacrament of Baptism does not wash away original sin (i.e. cause regeneration), how does it act as a sign and seal of being Born Again?

Why do we allow the baptism of infants and children before they are old enough to choose it for themselves?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes: Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 2, 4, 8, 13, 16, 22, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. A Treatise on Baptism (1756). [https://holyjoys.org/treatise-baptism/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press (2022). [https://northamanglican.com/an-exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxvii-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/an-exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxvii-part-2/]

DISC 38 / ARTICLE 18 Of the Lord's Supper

The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another, but rather is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death: insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith, receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ.

Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a sacrament, and have given occasion to many superstitions.

The body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten, in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith.

The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was not by Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped.

The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, or the Eucharist, is a celebration in which Christians remember the price God paid for Humanity’s redemption. That price was the broken body and shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, who reconciled lost Humanity with God the Father through His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. This Sacrament is practiced in remembrance of Christ until He returns.

While the danger of superstitious mysticism is ever present with the Sacraments, so is the danger of casual irreverence. Thus, the EMC teaches that the Lord's Supper is more than just a ritual, a memorial, or a symbol; it is all these things and yet more than just these things. While the EMC rejects transubstantiation, we do believe that Christ is present with the elements in the Sacrament. Therefore, there is a special kind of grace in the reception of them.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Exodus 12:1-28 (cf. Genesis 22:1-19 / John 8:48-59)

John 6:22-63

Matthew 26:17-30 / Mark 14:12-26 / Luke 22:7-20

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 / 1 Corinthians 10:1-22)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader. (*Adapted from Wesley’s Catechism questions 90-91.)

If the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is not a prerequisite for Salvation, why do we practice it?

How does the fact that the ordaining of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper happened at the Feast of Passover help us understand what the Lord’s Supper is?

Why is the Lord’s Supper often referred to as Communion?

Why does the Apostle Paul connect a disciple’s relationship with the Body of Christ to a warning about taking part in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 4, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. A Good-bye Meal: The Last Supper. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/a-goodbye-meal]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Means of Grace, Malichai 3:7 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-16-the-means-of-grace/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Duty Of Constant Communion, Luke 22:19 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-101-the-duty-of-constant-communion/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press (2022). [https://northamanglican.com/exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxviii-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/an-exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxviii-part-2/]

DISC 39 / ARTICLE 19 Of Both Kinds

The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay people; for both the parts of the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike.

At the time of the writing of the 39 Articles of the Anglican Church, it was a common practice in the Roman Catholic Church for people only to be allowed to receive the bread and not the wine when celebrating the Lord’s Supper. The Roman Catholic Church enacted this practice to keep the “Blood of Christ” from being tainted or spilled by the people. The practice, however, also furthered the dangerous thinking of Christians that the Clergy were more holy than the laity by virtue of their separation from the everyday affairs of life.

This Article was written to assert and clarify that both elements are for all of Christ's people, clergy and laity alike. Furthermore, this is a reminder that while some are called to positions of authority, that role does not make them greater in the Kingdom of God, for the greatest is the servant of all However, this should not be misconstrued to mean that the Sacraments may not be denied, when necessary, such as in cases of Church Discipline

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us?

Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Matthew 26:17-30

Matthew 18:15-20 / 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 / 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Matthew 23:1-39 (cf. Jeremiah 23:1-40)

Mark 10:35-45 / 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-3)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Why do we reject the Roman Catholic teaching that the laity can be denied the Cup of Christ in the Lord’s Supper?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 13, 15, 16, 18, and 22.

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Almost Christian, Acts 26:28. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-2-the-almost-christian/]

DISC 40 / ARTICLE 20 Of the One Oblation of Christ, Finished Upon the Cross

The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit.

The Roman Catholic doctrine of Transubstantiation teaches that when a priest blesses the Bread and the Wine before the reception of the Lord’s Supper, then the Bread and the Wine literally become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is the assertion of the Roman Catholic Church today that this means that Christ was sacrificed once in history and forever in mystery However, the Protestant Reformers all rejected Transubstantiation as a superstitious practice which could only be understood as the perpetual sacrificing of the Lord for the remission of our sins.

As such, this Article was drafted to affirm that when Jesus Christ died on the cross, He did so as the perfect and sufficient sacrifice He provided atonement for all sin for all time. His sacrifice need never be repeated, nor can it be added to through any other work. Jesus accomplished salvation once and for all, and His vicarious death is the only basis for it

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Romans 5:1-21 (cf. Matthew 5:17-18 / John 19:28-30 / 1 Timothy 2:1-8)

Hebrews 7:22-28 / Hebrews 9:1-28 / Hebrews 10:1-39

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Why do we reject the Roman Catholic teaching of Transubstantiation?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

DISC 41 / ARTICLE 21 Of the Marriage of Ministers

The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God's law either to vow the estate of single life or to abstain from marriage; therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to godliness.

Since the Roman Catholic Church taught that the clergy could not marry, the Anglican Church, and later John Wesley, among many others, found that it was necessary to remind people that the Holy Scripture does not prohibit ministers from marrying and having children. This Article was written to affirm this, while also asserting the necessity of wisdom in this life choice. As with all those who desire to have God's will done in and through their lives, a minister must be intentional about choosing a spouse who will truly be their partner in the pursuit of holiness and ministry.

Choosing a spouse is and will always be one of the most important decisions people make in their lives, for its consequences have a multi-generational impact. Furthermore, according to the Apostle Paul, marriage holds a sacred place as a representation of God’s love and ways This is first seen in the relationship between spouses, and then in the relationships they have with their children. As such, the Apostle Paul asserts that it is better to remain unmarried, as he himself was at the time of his missionary work, than to violate these holy responsibilities to one’s family in the pursuit of the Ministry.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 2:4-25 (cf. Genesis 1:26-31 / Matthew 19:1-12 / Ephesians 5:22-6:4)

1 Corinthians 7:1-40 (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 / 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

1Timothy 3:1-16 (cf. Titus 1:5-16)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Why was it important to reject the obligation of celibacy for those called to the Ministry?

What are the advantages of celibacy, which are therefore the disadvantages of marriage, according to the Holy Scriptures?

What are the advantages of marriage, which are therefore the disadvantages of celibacy, according to the Holy Scriptures?

In what ways do the advantages and disadvantages of celibacy and marriage uniquely affect those called to the Ministry?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 8, 13, 22, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on 1 Timothy 3. Notes on the New Testament. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-st-pauls-first-epistle-totimothy/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Nature of Enthusiasm, Acts 26:24 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-37-the-nature-of-enthusiasm/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Family Religion, Joshua 24:15. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-94-on-family-religion/]

DISC 42 / ARTICLE 22—Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches

It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men’s manners, so that nothing be ordained against God’s word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely, doth openly speak against the rites and ceremonies of the church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the work of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the church, and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren.

Every particular church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification.

Embedded in this Article is the missiological pulse of God’s heart God’s desire is for all people to know Him, love Him, and live fully alive in and through Him. To do this, He was willing to lay aside all of His Divine privileges and become a Man. It is this same ethos of self-limitation and mission that informs this Article.

The Article asserts that while the doctrines of the Church are based on the Holy Scripture and must not change, the local church's traditions and practices (i.e. “Rites and Ceremonies”) must be flexible so that they can meet each congregation's needs. The stated concern of this Article is the flexibility of the local church’s liturgy, so long as it includes the essential elements of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, the reading and expounding of the Holy Scriptures, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The historical context of this concern was that churches in different geographical locations needed to have the freedom to fulfill their calling to be the Body of Christ, unhindered by the traditions and practices of other churches.

Unfortunately, doing this has not always been easy. Often, throughout Church History, we can find examples of where the Church has erred, either in its emphasis on Doctrinal Orthodoxy or in its emphasis on Missional Orthopraxy. To be healthy and thriving, a local church must have both in harmony with one another.

The goal is to remain faithful to the revealed Word of God, while also actively removing any obstacles that might prevent people from hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ A lack of fidelity to God’s missional heartbeat will result in spiritual deadness, a form of godliness without substance. However, a lack of fidelity to the revealed Word of God will result in the accommodation of cultural ideas that will lead to syncretism, sabotaging both orthodoxy and orthopraxy

Therefore, while the local church has the freedom to adapt its practices, this is not a general license or permission for every individual to do as they see fit. All changes must be aligned with the Holy Scripture and in harmony with the Discipline They must be prayerfully considered by the leadership responsible for the local church, in consultation with the Superintendents when necessary, and have been discerned to have been prompted by the Holy Spirit. This process of checks and balances is intended to ensure the unity of the Body, for the edification of the saints and fidelity to Christ's mission, in the spirit of holiness

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (cf. Jeremiah 29:4-7)

Luke 14:15-24 (cf. Matthew 22:1-14 / Matthew 23:1-15)

Acts 15:1-35 (cf. Galatians 2:1-10)

Romans 14:1-23 (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:18-27 / Philippians 2:1-18)

1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40 (cf. Galatians 5:13-16)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

How do we discern between what a local church can change and what it cannot?

What are the dangers for local churches that are trying to adapt to the local culture?

Why is it so hard for Churches to remain faithful to the Holy Scriptures while also adapting to culture?

How should a local church go about exploring and pursuing an effective mission strategy in its cultural context?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. Everybody Is Welcome: Peter‘s Vision and Cornelius. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/everybodys-welcome]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. Journeys For Jesus: Paul’s Journeys And Trials. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/journeys-for-jesus]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on Of Former Times, Ecclesiastes 7:10. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-102-of-former-times/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Wisdom Of God’s Counsels, Romans 11:33. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-68-the-wisdom-ofgods-counsels/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Ministerial Office, Hebrews 5:4. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-115-the-ministerial-office/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. The Character of a Methodist (1742) [https://www.crivoice.org/charactermethodist.html]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Journal Entry for June 11, 1739, “All the World is my Parish” [https://ccel.org/ccel/wesley/journal/journal.vi.iii.v.html]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on 1 Timothy 2, Notes on the New Testament [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-st-pauls-first-epistle-totimothy/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Letter to a Roman Catholic (1739). [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-ofjohn-wesley/wesleys-letters-1739/]

➢ LEVEL 3: David Hesselgrave and Edward Rommen. Contextualization: Meanings, Methods, and Models. Baker (1989). [https://archive.org/details/contextualizatio0000hess/mode/2up]

DISC 43 / ARTICLE 23 Of the Rulers of the United States of America

The president, the congress, the general assemblies, the governors, and the councils of state, as the delegates of the people, are the rulers of the United States, according to the division of power made to them by the Constitution of the United States, and by the Constitution of their respective states. And the said states are a sovereign and independent nation, and ought not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction.

*The twenty-third Article of Religion in the Disciplines of all our church in foreign lands shall read: It is the duty of all Christians, and especially of all Christian ministers, to observe and obey the laws and commands of the governing or supreme authority of the country of which they are citizens or subjects, or in which they reside, and to use all laudable means to encourage and enjoin obedience to the powers that be.

From the outset, we must acknowledge that understanding and applying this Article can be difficult. The Christian’s relationship to civil authority has always been complicated, made more so by the fact that some people would like a blanket rule that we must always do as we are told. In contrast, others would like a blanket rule to justify always doing as they themselves see fit. The Holy Scripture, however, never gives us either of these options; instead, it calls us to discernment.

Additionally, this Article is also difficult because, to align it with its original version, which John Wesley drafted for the Methodists in England, the language here describes the elected officials of the United States as “Rulers” . This word choice has sometimes led to confusion, because the governmental structures laid out in the Constitution of the United States of America do not refer to rulers but rather to servants. As such, the use of the word “Ruler“ in this Article should be understood as descriptive and not prescriptive.

The intent of the Article is to affirm that God ultimately establishes civil leadership. The Article is not intended to negate the Constitution’s emphasis on self-governance and the Rule of Law. To the extent that civil leadership is elected to represent the People of the United States, and that observing the laws enacted by them in the due course of their elected offices does not directly conflict with the Word of God, Christians should submit to the authority that God has ordained for His own providential purposes

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 1:26-31

Exodus 18:1-27 (cf. Exodus 1:1-2:10)

John 19:1-11

Acts 5:17-32 / Acts 23:1-5

Romans 13:1-14 (cf. Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17)

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

What is the difference between that which is Righteous and that which is legal?

What is the difference between that which is Sinful and that which is illegal?

What is the difference between that which is Righteous and that which is legal?

Why must we discern between when it is proper to submit to civil authority and when it is not?

How do we discern between when it is proper to submit to civil authority and when it is not?

How should we submit to civil authority when it is ungodly, but not in conflict with the Holy Scripture?

How should we resist civil authority when it is ungodly and in conflict with the Holy Scripture?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 10, 24, and 25.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. A Roaring Rescue: Daniel In The Lion's Den. [https://bibleappforkids.com/bible-stories/a-roaring-rescue]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The Brave And Beautiful Queen. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/the-brave-and-beautiful-queen]

➢ LEVEL 1: John Adams. Letter to Massachusetts Militia, October 11, 1798. [https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Founding Fathers. The Declaration of Independence (1776). [https://www.archives.gov/foundingdocs/declaration-transcript]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Founding Fathers. The Constitution of the United States (1787). [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Founding Fathers. The Bill of Rights (1787). [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-ofrights-transcript]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. The Way Of The Exile. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/the-way-of-the-exile/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on Romans 13, Notes on the New Testament. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-st-pauls-epistle-to-theromans/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on National Sins And Miseries, 2 Samuel 24:17. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-130-national-sins-and-miseries/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Harold Browne. An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Historical and Doctrinal. Legare Street Press, 2022. [https://northamanglican.com/an-exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxxvii-part-1/] [https://northamanglican.com/an-exposition-of-the-thirty-nine-articles-article-xxxvii-part-2/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Samuel Rutherford. Lex Rex: The Law and the King (1644). [https://ia800200.us.archive.org/15/items/lexrexorlawprinc00ruth/lexrexorlawprinc00ruth.pdf]

DISC 44 / ARTICLE 24 Of Christian Men's Goods

The riches and goods of Christians are not common as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as some do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability.

Wealth is always a sensitive subject, which may be why the Bible has more to say about stewardship than almost any other topic. This Article asserts that God entrusts His resources to His People on an individual basis. Therefore, what each person owns belongs to them alone and not to anyone else, including the Church. Any Church that tries to assert a right to an individual’s possessions, their labor, or the fruit of the same, has shown by this that they are focused on building their own kingdom in this world, and are no longer focused on the Kingdom of God that is not of this world

However, God does desire that all Christians be wise stewards of His resources. This means investing and multiplying what we have been entrusted with, caring for our families, and sharing with others as we are able. The accumulation of wealth for its own sake is neither wise nor godly, any more than being wasteful in your spending; but wealth that is the result of wise stewardship, acquired through legal, ethical, and moral means, should be encouraged and celebrated

This economy of grace is the primary way that God chooses to supply for the needs of the ministry of His Church, and through the Church, the needs of the world. God is never lacking in the resources to supply for a need; the Earth is His and all that is within it. Too often, however, His People are lacking in faithfulness, industriousness, and innovation, waiting for someone else to solve the problems that God has already entrusted them with the ability to solve.

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Genesis 14:17-24

Numbers 34:1-29 (cf. Leviticus 25:1-55 / Exodus 22:1-15 / Deuteronomy 15:1-23 / Proverbs 13:22 / Proverbs 19:17 / Proverbs 21:13)

Matthew 6:19-34 / Matthew 19:16-26 / Luke 12:13-48

Matthew 25:14-46

Acts 2:42-47 / Acts 4:32-37 / Acts 5:1-4 (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8)

1 Corinthians 9:1-14 (cf. Galatians 6:6-10 / 1 Timothy 5:17-18)

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 / 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Whose possessions does the local church have a right to?

How does this truth affect how we understand and support the local church with our financial and non-financial resources?

How does this truth affect how we understand and support the ministry of the universal Church with our financial and non-financial resources?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 8, 10, 11, 13, 23, and 26.

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible App For Kids. The Big Picnic: Jesus Feeds 5000. [https://bibleappforkids.com/biblestories/the-big-picnic]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Blessing And Curse [https://bibleproject.com/videos/blessing-and-curse/]

➢ LEVEL 1: The Bible Project. Generosity. [https://bibleproject.com/videos/generosity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on Acts 2 & 4, Notes on the New Testament [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-the-acts-of-the-apostles/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Use of Money, Luke 16:9. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-50-the-use-of-money/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Riches, Matthew 19:24. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermonsof-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-108-on-riches/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Danger Of Riches, 1 Timothy 6:9. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-87-the-danger-of-riches/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On The Danger of Increasing Riches, Psalm 62:10 [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-126-on-the-danger-of-increasing-riches/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on The Important Question, Matthew 16:26. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-84-the-important-question/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Worldly Folly, Luke 12:20. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-119-on-worldly-folly/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Charity, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-91-on-charity/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon On Love, 1 Corinthians 13:3. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermonsof-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-139-on-love/]

➢ LEVEL 3: Kathryn Tanner. Economy of Grace. Fortress Press (2005). [ISBN# 978-0800637743]

➢ LEVEL 3: Kathryn Tanner. Economy of Grace: A Summary. Word and World (2010). [https://wordandworld.luthersem.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/302_Faith_and_Economics/Economy%20of%20Grace.pdf]

➢ LEVEL 3: John Locke. Second Treatise of Government: Original publication 1690. The Project Gutenberg eBooks (2021). [https://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370-h/7370-h.htm]

DISC 45 / ARTICLE 25 Of a Christian Man's Oath

As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James His apostle, so we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment, and truth.

Swearing an oath is just another way of saying that you are making a promise. As such, this Article distinguishes between the haphazard oath swearing that the Holy Scripture commands us not to make and the times when a vow is proper. The vows to follow Christ, to love our spouse in marriage, and to be faithful to our Church in membership are all examples of these appropriate oaths. Likewise, this Article asserts that to vow a solemn oath by promising to tell the truth in a court of law for the sake of justice and mercy, or to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, are both entirely appropriate oaths for Christians

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us?

Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Exodus 20:1-17 (cf. Leviticus 5:4-6 / Numbers 30:1-16 / Psalm 61:1-8)

Numbers 6:1-21 (cf. Acts 18:18-22)

Deuteronomy 17:6-7 / Deuteronomy 19:15-20 (cf. Matthew 18:15-20 / 1 Timothy 5:19)

Joshua 2:1-24 (cf. Micah 6:8 / 1 Thessalonians 5:20)

Matthew 5:33-37 / James 5:12

1 Peter 2:12-17

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

If taking an oath to give testimony is okay, then why does Jesus clearly say not to make a vow in Matthew 5:33-37?

How do we properly discern when to take an oath and when not to?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith?

Notes:

Access Points For Further Engagement.

➢ LEVEL 1: Articles 8, 10, and 23.

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on Hebrews 6, Notes on the New Testament. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-the-epistle-to-the-hebrews/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Commentary on James 5, Notes on the New Testament. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/johnwesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-the-general-epistle-of-st-james/]

➢ LEVEL 2: John Wesley. Sermon on An Israelite Indeed, John 1:47. [https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/thesermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-90-an-israelite-indeed/]

SECTION FOUR: SUMMARY QUESTIONS

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about Section Four. Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

How are the 12 Articles of Faith in this section connected?

How do these 12 Articles of Faith in this section flow from the rest of our doctrine?

Reflect on everything you have learned studying these Articles of Faith. How do these doctrines affect the way we love God and others? Discuss your answers with your pastor / group leader.

Do you have any new questions arising from studying these Articles of Faith? Note them here so you can discuss them with your pastor / group leader.

Absolution

GLOSSARY OF KEY THEOLOGICAL TERMS

In Roman Catholic theology, the formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment, pronounced by a priest in the Sacrament of Penance. Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as a mediatory act between God and man.

Adoration of Images and Relics

The act of reverence or worship directed toward religious images or relics. In the context of Protestant critiques, particularly Article 14, adoration is viewed as idolatrous when it assigns to created objects the devotion due only to God. This practice was increasingly institutionalized in Western Christianity from the 5th to the 9th centuries and formally reaffirmed at the Council of Trent. However, the Roman Catholics argue it is a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of their teachings.

Apocrypha

A group of ancient writings not included in the biblical canon. While some may contain historical or moral insights, they are not considered inspired Holy Scripture and thus lack doctrinal authority.

Apostasy

The deliberate turning away from faith in Christ after having received the knowledge of the truth. Jesus warned of this when He taught that “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” was the only sin for which forgiveness is impossible

Article of Religion

A formal doctrinal statement in a denominational confession. The Evangelical Methodist Church’s Articles function as concise affirmations of key theological positions derived from John Wesley’s adaptation of the Church of England’s 39 Articles.

Atonement

Literally, “to cover”. Describes the act of God to restore our relationship with Him. It is foreshadowed in the sacrificial systems of the Old Testament and ultimately accomplished through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The exact workings of the Atonement have been a subject of debate throughout Church history. One of the main arguments is the scope of the Atonement. In Calvinism, the Atonement is considered Limited, available only to the Elect (see Soteriology, Calvinism). Whereas, in Wesleyanism, the Atonement is considered Unlimited, available to all who will receive it (see Soteriology, Wesleyanism).

Born Again

A phrase used to describe the change that occurs when someone puts their faith in Jesus and starts a new life with God (see Conversion and Faith, Saving).

Catechism

A structured method of religious instruction, typically in question-and-answer format, that is used to teach foundational doctrines of the faith.

Catechism, Wesley’s 1750

A concise instructional tool written by John Wesley for teaching Christian doctrine within Methodist societies, characterized by its clarity, brevity, and traditional catechetical question-and-answer structure (see Appendix B).

Ceremonial Law

Old Testament laws, given through Moses, concerning worship practices, sacrifices, and rituals, which pointed forward to Christ and are no longer binding under the New Covenant.

Christ (Χριστός)

From the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah, meaning “Anointed One.” In Christian theology, it designates Jesus as the divinely appointed Savior and King, the only Mediator between God and humankind.

Church

An English word that literally means “the place where one worships,” used to translate the original Greek word “Ecclesia” (ἐκκλησία), which actually means “the assembling of those called out.” Thus, through common usage, it has come to be used to describe the congregation of those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ. However, when used as a denominational identifier, it can also refer to the organizational institution of that group of congregations

Church, Anglican

Also known as the State Church of England, it was the result of the Protestant Reformation in England in the 16th century. In its inception, the founders sought to create a balance between the older Roman Catholic and newer Protestant theology and traditions. Originally, Methodism was a movement within the Anglican Church.

Church, Authority

The right and responsibility of Church leaders to teach, guide, and protect the Church according to Holy Scripture

Church, Catholic

Catholic is an old word for Universal and is used to signify the totality of those who have become followers of Jesus Christ (see Church, Invisible or Universal). This is not the same as, and should not be confused with, the Roman Catholic Church (see Church, Roman Catholic).

Church, Discipline

Rules and practices that help the Church stay faithful to God’s Word, correct sin lovingly, and guide members in godly living.

Church, Eastern Orthodox

The Eastern Orthodox Church is a branch of Christianity that follows the traditions and teachings of the ancient churches of the Eastern Roman Empire, including Greece, Russia, and other regions. It is characterized by its belief in the authority of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, its liturgical practices (Byzantine Rite), and its decentralized structure of self-governing churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 AD, setting the stage for the later Protestant Reformation in the West Although their doctrine differs from the Western tradition in some respects, their theological influence on Protestantism often emerges in surprising ways.

Church, Evangelical Methodist

Our denomination, rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, is committed to upholding both the doctrinal and missiological legacy of John Wesley.

Church, Invisible or Universal

The true Church, which is made up of all genuine believers in Christ across all nations and generations, is known perfectly only to God, existing outside of time and space. Distinguished from the local church in Article 13, the invisible or universal Church is united by faith, not by visible membership in any single institution.

Church, Local

A congregation of believers gathered in a specific location. While the universal Church includes all Christians, the local church is the visible, tangible expression of the Communion of the Saints

Church, Polity

Polity is the term used to describe the structural organization of a church. There are two main types of polity that the Church has employed over time: Episcopal, which is a top-down structure, and Congregational, which is a bottom-up approach. To address the concerns with both approaches, the Evangelical Methodist Church adopted a hybrid form of church governance called Congregational-Connectional. It combines aspects of congregational

autonomy with broader denominational oversight and connection. This polity aims to maintain both local freedom and doctrinal accountability, distinguishing the EMC from purely congregational or episcopal systems.

Church, Roman Catholic

Considered one of the oldest institutions of the Christian Church, led by the Pope and characterized by its traditions, sacraments, and teachings. It played a central role in Europe's political, social, and cultural life during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, influencing land-based empires and shaping belief systems across the continent. The separation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches in 1054 AD marked the greatest division of the Catholic Church and set the stage for the later Protestant Reformation in the West

Conscience or Moral Discernment

The internal faculty by which individuals discern right from wrong. In Protestant ethics, this is shaped by Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and reason not imposed by unwritten human traditions or "supererogatory" norms.

Conversion

The transitional moment when a person chooses to entrust their life to Jesus and follow Him. (see Born Again and Faith, Saving).

Council of Trent

A key Roman Catholic Council (1545–1563) convened in response to the Protestant Reformation. It reaffirmed the doctrines of Purgatory, indulgences, and the veneration of saints and relics doctrines explicitly rejected in Articles 14 and 15.

Covenant

A promise or agreement, especially between God and people. For example, God made a covenant with His people to be their God if they followed Him.

Covenant, Headship

An Ancient Near Eastern practice commonly seen in the Holy Scripture, whereby an individual is given primary responsibility for carrying out the promises or agreements of a covenant. The actions of the Covenant Head are binding on all those that they represent, and they are responsible likewise for the actions of those they represent before the one with whom they are in covenant. The key biblical examples of this dynamic are seen with Adam and Jesus Christ, whom the Apostle Paul asserts in Romans 5 are both Heads of Humanity; Adam’s Headship leading to Death and Christ’s leading to Life.

Covenant, the New

The divinely instituted relationship of grace, established through Christ’s redemptive work, whereby those who trust in Christ are restored to full membership in God’s Covenant Household. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper serve as signs and seals of participation in this covenant.

Creed

A concise, authoritative summary of core Christian beliefs, often recited in liturgical settings. The Evangelical Methodist Church affirms the traditional historic creeds, the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed, which summarize orthodox Christian belief and are ecumenically affirmed (See Appendix C)

Depravity, Total

The Wesleyan understanding of total depravity affirms that every aspect of human nature is affected and corrupted by sin, making divine grace necessary for salvation. However, when God prepares a person’s heart (see Prevenient Grace), they are capable and responsible to choose to trust Him in faith. This contrasts with the Calvinist view, which uses the phrasing of total depravity but is more akin to Utter Depravity in that it limits God’s

grace to only those whom God elects to regenerate, their faith being a consequence of God’s choice and not a choice made of their own free will (see Soteriology, Calvinism and Soteriology, Wesleyanism).

Discipline

An official book of doctrine, polity, and practice. The Evangelical Methodist Church‘s Disciple is the legally binding collection of its constitution, Articles of Religion, rules of church government, and guidelines for worship and conduct, which connect each of its churches to one another.

Doctrine

A teaching or set of teachings that a Church believes clearly articulates the truth of the Holy Scripture Doctrine may align with the ecumenically accepted Orthodox positions or reflect Heterodox ideas.

Economy Of Grace

A philosophical and theological framework for thinking about Economics broadly, understanding the way in which God distributes blessings and circulates resources in His creation, characterized by freedom of association in cooperative rather than competitive relationships, and focused primarily on philanthropic outcomes rather than pure profit.

Effectual Calling

This aspect of Calvinism is tied to the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. It denotes the idea that when God’s invitation to follow Him is heard, it will be accepted (See Soteriology, Calvinism). This is in contrast to the Wesleyan doctrine of Resistible Grace, which emphasizes the fact that God’s call can, and often is, rejected (see Soteriology, Wesleyanism).

Eschatology

This refers to the set of doctrines related to the Last Days and the end of this present age

Eschatology, The Second Coming (Parousia)

The future, visible return of Jesus Christ in glory to consummate His kingdom, judge the world, and set up the new heaven and new earth.

Evangelical

In this context, referring to a theological emphasis on the authority of Holy Scripture, the necessity of personal conversion, and the centrality of Christ's atoning work. Not to be confused solely with modern political uses of the term.

Faith, Saving

A trusting belief in God and His promises, especially with regard to the Gospel of the Kingdom, which proclaims Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection as the only thing that justifies and sanctifies. It is not mere intellectual assent but a living, active trust that results in transformation and good works.

Federal Headship

A theological concept in which Adam acts as the representative of all Humanity. His sin, therefore, affects all his descendants. Christ is seen as the second Adam, representing redeemed Humanity

Free Will

The ability God gives us to choose to accept or reject His grace and love. According to Wesleyan-Arminian theology, the human will is impaired by the Fall of Adam and incapable of choosing God without prevenient grace. Grace restores the ability to respond freely to God's invitation.

Good Works

Actions that arise from genuine faith and obedience to God, such as helping others, being honest, forgiving others, and serving others. Though they do not earn salvation, they are evidence of a Spirit-transformed life and are pleasing to God (see Righteousness).

Hermeneutic

An interpretive principle for the interpretation of Holy Scripture. The hermeneutic that one uses will determine how to understand and apply God’s words.

Hermeneutic, Christocentric

An interpretive principle that sees Jesus Christ as the central figure of all Holy Scripture, with both the Old Testament foreshadowing Him and the New Testament revealing His ultimate fulfillment of what was foreshadowed

Hermeneutic, Covenantal Unity

An interpretive principle that sees God’s covenants across the Old and New Testaments as unified in purpose and revelation, culminating in the New Covenant in Christ.

Hermeneutic, Historical-Grammatical-Literary

An interpretive principle that pays careful attention to the original historical setting, grammar, and literary context to understand the intended meaning.

Hermeneutic, Progressive Revelation

An interpretive principle that sees God as having revealed Himself gradually over time, with increasing clarity, culminating in Jesus Christ as the fullest revelation.

Hermeneutic, Typology

An interpretive principle that views figures or events in the Old Testament as symbolic foreshadowing or “types" of greater fulfillments in the New Testament, especially in Christ.

Holiness, Scriptural

A hallmark of Wesleyan theology, referring to a life of personal and communal righteousness rooted in Holy Scripture, enabled by grace, and characterized by love for God and others. The Holy Scripture uses the word holiness to refer to God's absolute otherness. However, where it is God’s command to His covenant people to be holy as He is holy, it must be understood within this relationship. Humanity can never be what God is, but as His Image, we can reflect who He is.

Hypostatic Union

The theological doctrine that in the one Person of Jesus Christ, two complete natures divine and human are united without confusion, change, division, or separation. Essential to understanding the Incarnation and atonement.

Illumination of the Holy Spirit

The work of the Holy Spirit in helping believers understand, apply, and be transformed by the truth of Holy Scripture

Immanence

God’s nearness to creation and active involvement in it. It contrasts with Deism and affirms that while God is Transcendent, He is also intimately present through His Spirit and providence.

Imputation

A theological term referring to the accounting of righteousness or sin to a person based on their covenant relationship to either Adam or to Jesus.

Incarnation

The doctrine that the eternal Son of God assumed human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. As fully God and fully man, He reveals God perfectly and mediates salvation to Humanity

Justification

The divine act by which God declares a repentant sinner righteous through faith in Christ alone. It includes the pardon of sin and acceptance into God’s favor, apart from works.

Laity

Non-ordained members of the Church. Article 19 affirms their right to receive both elements of Communion, emphasizing the priesthood of all believers.

Liturgy

A term used to describe an organized structure for congregational worship.

Liturgy, Ceremonial Rites

Religious practices or observances that are not essential to salvation but important to communal worship. Article 22 affirms their adaptability based on context, provided they align with Holy Scripture.

Liturgy, Latin Mass

The traditional liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church is conducted exclusively in Latin. Criticized in Article 15 for being unintelligible to the average worshiper, the Protestant Reformation rejected the Latin Mass for violating the principle of edification through worship that is understandable.

Missiology

Although a relatively new term that first arose in the 19th century to describe the academic study of the history and methodology of Christian missions, Wesley lived out his understanding of the subject. He went everywhere he could, proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel to anyone who would listen, famously calling the entire world his parish. He practiced the works of mercy that Christians are called to in an effort to spread the love of Christ to all people, especially the poor and marginalized.

Omnipotence

The divine attribute describing God’s supreme power, by which He can do all things consistent with His nature. God’s power is not arbitrary but governed by His wisdom, justice, and love.

Omnipresence

The divine attribute that describes God’s presence everywhere in His fullness. Unlike finite beings, God transcends spatial limitations, being fully present in every place at all times.

Omniscience

God’s complete and perfect knowledge, including all things past, present, and future, as well as all possibilities. God's omniscience ensures the trustworthiness of His promises and justice.

Orthodoxy

Acceptance of the historically, ecumenically affirmed doctrines of Christianity.

Pantheism

A worldview that equates God with the universe itself, denying divine transcendence. Christianity rejects pantheism, affirming both God’s Transcendence and His Immanence.

Perfect Love

A Wesleyan term denoting the fullness of love for God and neighbor, made possible by the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. It does not mean moral infallibility but purity of intention and devotion.

Polytheism

Belief in multiple gods, each with finite powers and spheres of influence. Christianity rejects polytheism by affirming the unity of God in three Persons.

Predestination

The doctrine that God, in His wisdom, knows and plans for who will be saved. In Wesleyanism, this does not mean that God has created some individuals for the purpose of condemnation, for God desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Instead, it is an acknowledgment that in His Transcendence, God is the uncaused cause of all things (see Soteriology, Calvinism and Soteriology, Wesleyanism)

Prevenient Grace

The doctrine that God extends a grace to all people that "goes before" conversion, enabling a person to seek God. Unlike Calvinism’s doctrine of Irresistible Grace, Prevenient Grace can be resisted, thus preserving genuine human freedom (see Soteriology, Calvinism and Soteriology, Wesleyanism)

Protestant Reformation

A 16th-century movement aimed at reforming corrupt practices and doctrines within the Roman Catholic Church. It emphasized Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Gratia (Grace alone), Sola Fide (Faith alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (God’s Glory alone).

Purgatory

A Roman Catholic doctrine describing a postmortem state of purification for souls destined for heaven but still needing to be cleansed of venial sin or temporal punishment. Rejected in Article 14 as lacking scriptural warrant and being “repugnant to the Word of God.”

Relics

Physical objects associated with saints or biblical figures are often venerated within Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions. The Protestant Reformation condemned the veneration of relics as superstitious and contrary to true Christian worship (see Veneration).

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The actual and literal raising of Jesus bodily, from the dead, establishing His decisive victory over sin, death, and Satan. It is the guarantee of the Christian’s future resurrection and the cornerstone of Christian hope.

Revelation, Divine

God’s act of making Himself and His will known to Humanity, primarily through Holy Scripture and Jesus Christ.

Righteousness

From an ancient Hebrew word that designates both the position of an individual before God as being right or pure in God’s eyes through faith and grace, as well as the posture of the heart of those individuals, which leads to living a godly life through the Holy Spirit that produces righteous works of justice and mercy in the world.

Righteousness, Original

The state of goodness and innocence in which Adam and Eve were created before Adam transgressed and broke God’s command not to eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Righteousness, Works-based

The belief that one can earn salvation through good deeds. Rejected in Article 9. The Protestant Reformation affirmed salvation by grace through faith alone, with good works as its fruit, not its basis.

Righteousness, Works of Supererogation

The Roman Catholic doctrine that there are works that are morally commendable but not required by God’s commandments. Rejected in Article 11 as arrogant and unbiblical.

Rule of Faith

The summary of essential Christian doctrine derived from Holy Scripture that functions as a benchmark for interpreting truth and rejecting heresy.

Sacraments

A special ritual that God uses to show His grace. Unlike the Roman Catholic position on Sacraments (see Sacraments, Ex Opere Operato), these are considered outward signs of inward grace in the Protestant tradition, distinct from non-instituted ecclesiastical or ceremonial rites. In the Methodist tradition, sacraments must be administered in accordance with Christ’s institution. Article 13 insists that sacraments be delivered within a faithful congregation and accompanied by sound doctrine.

Sacraments, Anointing or Extreme Unction

Also known as the Anointing of the Sick, this is considered one of the seven sacraments in Roman Catholicism. It involves a priest anointing a dying person with oil for the salvation of their souls Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as having no Scriptural basis.

Sacraments, Baptism

This Sacrament is a sign of profession, regeneration, and incorporation into the Body of Christ. While not conferring grace, it functions as a sign and seal of the new birth when received by faith.

Sacraments, Communion or The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist

This Sacrament commemorates Christ’s atoning death. Flowing out of the Passover Meal, the bread and wine (or juice) remind Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The term "Communion" emphasizes spiritual union with Christ and the Church.

Sacraments, Confirmation

This Sacrament is a Roman Catholic rite following Baptism that marks maturity in the faith and admission to Communion. Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as having no Scriptural basis

Sacraments, Ex Opere Operato

Latin for “from the work performed.” Refers to the Roman Catholic belief that sacraments confer grace by the act itself. This was rejected by the Protestant Reformation, which asserted that faith is essential for the efficacy of the sacrament

Sacraments, Indulgences or Pardons

A practice within Roman Catholicism whereby the temporal punishment due to sin could be remitted through certain actions, prayers, or financial contributions. The Protestant Reformers criticized indulgences as corrupt and unscriptural, particularly in light of the abuses that contributed to the Protestant Reformation.

Sacraments, Means of Grace

The ordinary channels by which God dispenses grace to believers are primarily the Word, prayer, and sacraments. Sacraments serve not as automatic conveyors of grace but as participatory encounters through faith. These are the ways God helps us to grow in faith

Sacraments, Ordination or Orders

In Roman Catholic theology, a Sacrament that confers the grace of clerical office. In Protestant theology, it is a solemn setting apart for ministry but not a Sacrament.

Sacraments, Penance

Roman Catholic sacrament of confession, contrition, and priestly absolution. Rejected by the Protestant Reformation as having no Scriptural basis

Sacraments, Sacrifice of the Mass

Roman Catholic teaching holds that the Eucharist is a real re-presentation of Christ through the miracle of transubstantiation, wherein the bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Jesus. Condemned in Article 20 as a blasphemous fable, contrary to the finished work of Christ.

Saints

All true believers in Jesus Christ. The Protestant Reformation asserted that there is no biblical basis for distinguishing between Christians as greater or lesser, that some should be given this title to show their preeminence over others

Saints, Prayer to or the Invocation of

The practice of praying to deceased Christians whom the Roman Catholic Church had declared to be a special category of Saints. Rejected in Article 14. The Protestant Reformation affirmed this doctrine as lacking any biblical foundation and being part of a broader concern with unscriptural accretions in Roman Catholic devotional practice.

Sanctification

The process and state of the work of the Holy Spirit by which Christians are set apart, made holy, and transformed into the likeness of Christ. In Wesleyan theology, it includes both initial sanctification and entire sanctification (called “Christian perfection” by John Wesley). It begins at justification and continues throughout life, culminating in perfect love for God and others.

Scripture

The Bible is a collection of writings that form the Scripture, sometimes called the Holy Scripture, to differentiate it from the writings of other religious faiths.

Scripture, Authority of

The belief that the Bible is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of faith and practice because it is divinely inspired and preserved by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture, Canon of

The officially recognized collection of books that make up the Old and New Testaments. These are considered divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and salvation.

Scripture, Divine Inspiration

The process by which the Holy Spirit guided human authors to write Holy Scripture so that their words faithfully convey God's truth.

Scripture, Divine Preservation

The process by which the Holy Spirit guided human scribes to transmit Holy Scripture so that the words faithfully convey God's truth.

Scripture, Inerrancy

The doctrine that the Holy Scripture is without error in all that it affirms in its original manuscripts, because God, its ultimate Author, cannot err.

Scripture, Infallibility

The doctrine that the Holy Scripture cannot fail in its purpose to teach truth, guide believers, and lead to salvation.

Scripture, Living Word

A term referring to the Holy Scriptures, emphasizing the power and vitality of God’s Word to transform lives through the Spirit. Ultimately, this term is ascribed to Jesus Christ as the WORD of God, made flesh.

Scripture, The Moral Law

God’s unchanging commands regarding right and wrong, exemplified in the Ten Commandments and reaffirmed in the teachings of Jesus.

Sin

Anything we think, say, or do that goes against God’s will. Even after justification, believers can still fall into sin. Such sin is not always the Unpardonable Sin (see Apostasy). The Evangelical Methodist Church teaches the possibility of restoration through repentance and grace.

Sin, Original

The inherited corruption of human nature resulting from Adam’s transgression (See Total Depravity).

Sin, Temptation

Wesley taught that temptation is not sin in itself. Even the sanctified believer experiences temptation, infirmity, and mistake proof of human limitation, not spiritual failure.

Sola Scriptura

A Reformation principle meaning “Scripture alone” is the final authority for doctrine and Christian living, above church tradition or personal experience.

Soteriology

The study of the doctrine of Salvation. While there are certain universally shared orthodox Christian positions about some aspects of this doctrine, some aspects of Soteriology differ from one theological tradition to the next.

Soteriology, Arminianism

A theological system rooted in the teachings of Jacob Arminius, articulated as a response to Calvinist Soteriology, emphasizes Middle-Knowledge in Predestination, Conditional Election, and Resistible Grace.

Soteriology, Augustinianism

A theological system rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine that emphasizes Original Sin, Predestination, and the necessity of Divine Grace.

Soteriology, Calvinism

A theological system rooted in the teachings of John Calvin that emphasizes Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.

Soteriology, Pelagianism

A theological system rooted in the teachings of Pelagius that denied Original sin and asserted that human beings can choose righteousness without Divine grace. Rejected in Article 8 and throughout the EMC catechism.

Soteriology, Wesleyan-Arminianism

A theological system rooted in the teachings of John Wesley and influenced by the earlier Arminian movement that emphasizes Prevenient Grace, Assurance of Salvation, Sanctification, and Christian Perfection.

Testimony

A formal, sworn statement, oral or written, given by a witness in legal proceedings to provide evidence or establish a fact. It is considered a form of evidence and a declarant's personal account, often based on their own knowledge or experience, presented under oath to ensure its truthfulness.

Theophany

A visible manifestation of God to humans, especially in the Old Testament. In the Incarnation, theophany reaches its climax in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion of the Anglican Church

Doctrinal statements formulated by the Church of England during the English Reformation. These served as the basis for Wesley's 25 Articles, with modifications to better align with Methodist theology and practice.

Transcendence

The divine attribute affirming that God exists apart from and above creation. He is not limited by space, time, or matter and is not dependent on anything outside Himself.

Trinity (Triunity)

A theological term, used interchangeably with Triunity, emphasizing the “three-in-oneness” of God. It safeguards the personal distinctions within the unity of the Divine essence.

Trinity, Economic or Relational

A theological term referring to how the Triune God operates in relationship to the world how each Person of the Trinity uniquely participates in creation, redemption, and sanctification while remaining one in essence.

Trinity, Essential or Substance

In Trinitarian theology, substance refers to what God is His divine being or essence. The three Persons are distinct in relation but identical in substance. The intrinsic, unchanging qualities of God that distinguish Him from all creation, shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit simultaneously: omniscience (all-knowing), omnipotence (allpowerful), omnipresence (present everywhere), holiness, justice, mercy, and immutability (unchanging nature).

Trinity, Homoousios

Greek for “of the same substance.” Central to orthodox Trinitarian theology, asserting that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share the same divine essence.

Trinity, Modalism

A heresy that denies the personal distinction within the Godhead, claiming that God merely appears in three modes or roles (Father, Son, Spirit) over time.

Trinity, Monotheism

Belief in the existence of only one God. In Christian monotheism, this is maintained within the framework of the Trinity three Persons, one essence distinguishing it from polytheism and pantheism.

Trinity, Perichoresis

A theological term describing the mutual indwelling of the three Persons of the Trinity in one another emphasizing their relational unity without blending or confusion.

Veneration

A form of honor directed toward saints, images, or relics. Distinguished from worship (which belongs to God alone), veneration was nonetheless viewed by the Protestant Reformation as a dangerous conflation that could lead to idolatry and was thus rejected.

Wesley, John (1703–1791) Anglican priest, theologian, and founder of the Methodist movement. Wesley emphasized personal faith, scriptural holiness, structured discipleship, personal transformation through grace, and social transformation through service to others.

Wesleyan Quadrilateral

A methodological tool in Wesleyan theology that emphasizes four sources for theological reflection: Holy Scripture (primary), tradition, reason, and experience.

Witness of the Spirit

The inner assurance the Holy Spirit gives that you are truly a child of God.

APPENDICES

The Appendices are for your further reflection on the Evangelical Methodist Church’s historical commitments. They will also assist teachers of the Catechism in preparing their lessons.

APPENDIX A: WESLEY’S 25 ARTICLES OF RELIGION, 1750

ARTICLE 1—Of Faith in the Holy Trinity

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three Persons of one substance, power, and eternity the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. God is Spirit infinite eternal and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth and these three are one God, equal in power and glory.

ARTICLE 2 Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man

Humanity’s Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ. He, being the eternal Son of God, became man. He is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin; so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divided; whereof is one Christ, very God and very Man, who truly suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried, to reconcile His Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men. Jesus Christ was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures but one Person forever. Christ the Son of God became human by obtaining for himself a real body and a rational soul. Being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, he was born of her, yet without sin. Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a Prophet, of a Priest, and of a King, both in his state of humiliation and exaltation. Christ executes the office of a Prophet in revealing to us by his word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation. Christ executes the office of a Priest by offering himself once (for all time) as a sacrifice to satisfy Divine Justice and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. Christ executes the office of a King in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

ARTICLE 3 Of the Resurrection of Christ and Humanity

Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again His body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until He returns to judge all men at the last day. Christ’s humiliation consisted of his being born in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. Christ’s exaltation consists of his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up to heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day. At the resurrection Christians, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God for all eternity.

ARTICLE 4 Of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

ARTICLE 5—Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation

The Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical books of the Old and New Testament of whose authority was never any doubt in the church.

The names of the canonical books are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra, The Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther,

The Book of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ecclesiastes or the Preacher, Cantica or Songs of Solomon, Four Prophets the Greater, Twelve Prophets the Less.

All the books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive and account canonical. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy him. The Scriptures principally teach, what we are to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of us. The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. For the word to become effectual for salvation, we must diligently apply ourselves to preparation and prayer. We must receive it with faith and love, store it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

ARTICLE 6—Of the Old Testament

The Old Testament is not contrary to the New; for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being both God and Man. Wherefore they are not to be heard who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the law given from God by Moses as touching ceremonies and rites doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral.

The duty which God requires of Humanity is obedience to his revealed will. The rule that God first revealed to Humanity was obedience to the Moral Law as summarized in the Ten Commandments. The Sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. The preface to the Ten Commandments is: I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. This teaches that because God is the Lord our God and redeemer, we are bound to keep all his Commandments.

The first Commandment is that we shall have no other gods before me. This Commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God as the only true God, as our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly. The First Commandment forbids us to deny, or not worship and glorify, the true God as God, and as our God. It also forbids giving worship and glory to any other thing which is due God alone. The words “before Me” in the First Commandment, teach, that God, who sees all things, takes notice and is very displeased with the sin of having any other God.

The Second Commandment is that we shall not make for ourselves an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. We shall not bow down to them or worship them; for the Lord our God is a jealous God, punishing children form the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject him, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love him and keep his commandments. The Second Commandment requires us to receive, observe, and keep in purity and in their entirety the religious worship and ordinances that God has appointed in his word. The Second Commandment forbids the worship of God by images, or any other way not appointed by his word. We learn from the Second Commandment that God is sovereign over us, that we are his property, and his zeal for his own worship.

The Third Commandment is that we shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord our God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. The Third Commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works. The Third Commandment forbids all profanity and abusing of anything that God uses to make himself known. We learn from the Third Commandment that while transgressors of this Commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.

The Fourth Commandment is to remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days we shall labor and do all our work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord our God; we shall not do any work ourselves, our son or our

daughter, our male or female slave, our livestock, or the alien resident in out towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore, the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. The Fourth Command requires us to keep holy to God the set times that he has appointed in his word specifically, the seventh day to be a holy Sabbath to him. Till the resurrection of Christ God appointed the seventh day of the week (Saturday) to be the weekly Sabbath. Ever since then he appointed the first day of the week (Sunday) as the Sabbath in perpetuity till the end of the world. The Sabbath is sanctified by resting in a holy manner for the entire day. We even rest from secular employment and recreation, which are lawful on other days. We spend the whole time in the public and private exercise of God’s worship, except for what time is needed for works of necessity and mercy. The Fourth Commandment forbids the omission, or careless performance, of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about worldly employments, or recreation. We learn from the Fourth Commandment that God allows us six days of the week for our own employment, the seventh day belongs to him in a special way, and he blesses the Sabbath Day.

The Fifth Commandment is to honor our father and our mother, so that our days may be long in the land that the Lord our God is giving us. The Fifth Commandment requires us to preserve the honor and perform the duties that belong to everyone in their various places and relationships as superiors, inferiors, and equals. The Fifth Commandment forbids neglecting or doing anything against the honor and duty that belongs to everyone in their various places and relationships. We learn from the Fifth Commandment that God promises a long life and prosperity (as far as it brings God glory and brings us benefit) to all who keep this Commandment.

The Sixth Commandment is that we shall not murder and requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life and the lives of others. The Sixth Commandment forbids taking our own lives or the lives of our neighbors unjustly, or anything related to such acts.

The Seventh Commandment is that we shall not commit adultery and requires the preservation of our own and our neighbor’s chastity in thought, speech, and behavior. The Seventh Commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.

The Eighth Commandment is that we shall not steal and requires the lawful acquisition and accumulation of ours and other’s wealth and estate. The Eighth Commandment forbids whatever does or may unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbor’s wealth and estate.

The Ninth Commandment is that we shall not bear false witness against our neighbor and requires us to maintain and promote honesty between persons and maintain and promote our own and our neighbor’s good name, especially when asked to bear witness. The Ninth Commandment forbids untruthful bias and whatever would injure our own or our neighbor’s good name.

The Tenth Commandment is that we shall not covet our neighbor’s house; we shall not covet our neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to our neighbor. The Tenth Commandment requires the full contentment with our own condition, and a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbors and all that is theirs. The Tenth Commandment forbids being discontent with our estate, being envious of or unhappy about our neighbor’s good fortune, and all inordinate actions and desires towards anything that is theirs.

Some sins in themselves, and by reason of their respective severity, are more heinous in the sight of God than others, but every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and the life to come.

ARTICLE 7—Original Sin, Immortality of the Soul, Heaven and Hell

Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk1), but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually.

The work of creation is God’s making all things out of nothing, by his powerful word, in the space of six days, and it was all very good. God created mankind, male and female, after his own image, in a state of knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; and he gave them dominion over the creatures. God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions. When God created the first man, he entered in a covenant of life with him, upon a condition of perfect obedience forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own wills, fell from the state they were created in by sinning against God.

Sin is transgression of the law of God. The sin our first parents committed that caused them to fall from the state they were created in was eating the forbidden fruit. The covenant God made with Adam was not only for himself, but for his posterity, all Humanity, descending from him by ordinary generation who sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. The fall brought Humanity into a state of sin and misery. The sinfulness of the state into which Humanity fell consists of the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the lack of original righteousness, the corruption of the entirety of human nature (which is commonly called Original Sin), and all actual transgressions that proceed from it (Actual Sin). The misery of that state into which Humanity fell is the lost communion with God. They are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, even to death itself, and to the agonies of hell forever.

ARTICLE 8—Of Free Will

The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and works, to faith, and calling upon God; wherefore we have no power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God without the grace of God by Christ enabling (preventing ) us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will.

ARTICLE 9 Of Justification and Sanctification

We are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings; whereof, that we are justified by faith, only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ by the Holy Spirit effectually applying it to us. The Spirit applies the redemption purchased by Christ to us by working faith in us and thereby uniting us to Christ. For those who genuinely believe partake in this life of the benefits of justification, sanctification, and the several benefits in this life that either accompany or flow from them. Justification is an act of God’s free grace through which he pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and received by faith alone. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace through which we are renewed in our entire person after the image of God, and are we enabled to die to sin and live righteously. The benefits in this life that either accompany or flow from justification and sanctification are the assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance in these till the end. The benefits Christians receive from Christ at their death is that their souls pass into glory, and their bodies rest in their graves, till the resurrection. At the resurrection Christians, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God for all eternity.

ARTICLE 10 Of Good Works

1 Pelagianism is a heresy that argues human beings may choose God by exercising their inherent free will without the necessity of His grace to help them. While Wesley never held this position in any form, he was often accused of doing so by Calvinists who promoted total predestination and the lack of human will in salvation.

Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned by its fruit.

ARTICLE 11—Of Works of Supererogation

Voluntary works besides, over and above God's commandments which they call works of supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety. For by them men do declare that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for His sake than of bounden duty is required; whereas Christ saith plainly: When you have done all that is commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

ARTICLE 12 Of Sin after Justification

Not every sin willingly committed after justification is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and, by the grace of God, rise again and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be condemned who say they can no more sin as long as they live here; or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.

ARTICLE 13 The Church

The visible church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments duly administered according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.

ARTICLE 14 Of Purgatory

ARTICLE 15 Speaking as the People Understand and the Importance of Prayer

It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the primitive church, to have public prayer in the church, or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people. Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.

The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, (which is, Our Father in heaven,) teaches us to draw near to God with all holy reverence, and confidence as children to a father, able and ready to help us and that we should pray with and for others. In the first petition, (which is, Hallowed by your name,) we pray, that God would enable us, and others, to glorify him in all that whereby he makes himself known; and that he would dispose all things to his own glory. In the second petition, (which is, Your kingdom come,) we pray, that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed, that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened. In the third petition, (which is, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,) we pray, that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven. In the fourth petition, (which is, Give us this day our daily bread,) we pray, that of God’s free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them. In the fifth petition, (which is, And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,) we pray, that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins, which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled, from our heart, to forgive others. In the sixth petition, (which is, And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one,) we pray, that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted. The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, (which is, For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen,) teaches us, to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him; and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.

ARTICLE 16 Of the Sacraments

Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only badges or tokens of Christian men's profession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and God's good will toward us, by which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm, our faith in him. There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Those five commonly called sacraments, that is to say, confirmation, penance, orders, matrimony, and extreme unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel; being such as have partly grown out of the corrupt following of the apostles, and partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not the like nature of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, because they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God. The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about; but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation; but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves condemnation, as St. Paul saith.

The external and ordinary means through which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, where, by visible signs, Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to Christians. The sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or from any virtue in those who administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of his Spirit in them who by faith receive them.

ARTICLE 17 Of Baptism

Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized; but it is also a sign of regeneration or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be retained in the Church.

To escape the wrath and curse of God due us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life with the diligent use of all outward means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace through which we receive, and rest upon, him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the Gospel. Repentance unto life is a saving grace through which sinners, out of a true sense of their sin and awareness of the mercy of God in Christ, do, with grief and hatred of their sin, turn from it unto God, and with complete intentionality endeavors after new obedience.

Baptism is a sacrament wherein the washing with the water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, signifies and seals our engrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagements to be the Lord’s. Baptism is not to be administered to any young that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.

ARTICLE 18—Of the Lord's Supper

The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another, but rather is a Sacrament of our redemption by Christ's death; insomuch that, to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ. Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the Supper of our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a Sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions. The body of Christ is given, taken and eaten, in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up or worshipped.

The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to God’s appointment, his death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in

grace. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body of then faith to feed upon him of their repentance, love, and new obedience, lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.

ARTICLE 19 Of Both Kinds

The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay people; for both the parts of the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike.

ARTICLE 20—Of the One Oblation of Christ, Finished Upon the Cross

ARTICLE 21 Of the Marriage of Ministers

ARTICLE 22—Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches and Anointing of the Sick

It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's Word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the Word of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the church, and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren. Every particular church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification.

ARTICLE 23—Of the Rulers of the United States of America

ARTICLE 24 Of Christian Men's Goods

ARTICLE 25 Of a Christian Man's Oath

PART ONE: HUMANITY’S PRIMARY PURPOSE IN LIFE

QUESTION ONE: What is Humanity’s purpose in life?

ANSWER: Humanity’s purpose in life is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 11:36; Psalm 73:25-26

QUESTION TWO: What commands has God given that we may fulfill that purpose?

APPENDIX B: WESLEY’S CATECHISM QUESTIONS, 1750

ANSWER: The commands God has given us is the Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. It is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy him.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 2:20; 1 John 1:3-4

QUESTION THREE: What is taught in the Scriptures?

ANSWER: The Scriptures teach us to believe God and the duty that He requires of us.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:16

PART TWO: GOD

QUESTION FOUR: Who is God?

ANSWER: God is a Spirit who is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: John 4:24; Job 11:7; Psalm 90:2; James 1:17; Psalm: 147:5; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 15:4

QUESTION FIVE: Is there only one God?

ANSWER: There is only one living and true God.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 10:10

QUESTION SIX: How many persons are there in the Godhead?

ANSWER: There are three Persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance and equal in power and glory.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:7

PART THREE: THE WORKS OF GOD

QUESTION SEVEN: What is the work of creation?

ANSWER: The work of creation is God’s making of all things out of nothing, by his powerful word, in the space of six days, and deemed it all very good.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Genesis 1; Hebrews 11:3

QUESTION EIGHT: How did God create mankind?

ANSWER: God created mankind, male and female, in his own image and likeness, and in a state of knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; and he gave them dominion over the earth.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Genesis 1:27-28; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24

QUESTION NINE: What are God’s works?

ANSWER: God’s works are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing of all His creatures, and all their actions.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Psalm 145:17; Psalm 104:24; Isaiah 28:29; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29

QUESTION TEN: What special act did God exercise towards the first man in the state in which he was created?

ANSWER: When God created the first man, he entered into an agreement of life with him, upon a condition of perfect obedience, which forbid him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of Humanity’s death.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Galatians 3:12; Genesis 2:17

QUESTION ELEVEN: Did our first parents continue in the condition they were created in?

ANSWER: Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own wills, fell from the state they were created in by sinning against God.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Genesis 3:6

PART FOUR: SIN

QUESTION TWELVE: What is sin?

ANSWER: Sin is the transgression of God’s Law.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 John 3:4

QUESTION THIRTEEN: What sin did our first parents commit that caused them to fall from their original condition?

ANSWER: They ate the forbidden fruit, which was a transgression of God’s Law.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Genesis 3:6

QUESTION FOURTEEN: Did all Humanity fall in Adam’s first transgression?

ANSWER: The covenant made between God and Adam and Eve was not only for Adam and Eve, but for all Humanity descending from them.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:16; Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21

QUESTION FIFTEEN: What state did the fall bring Humanity into?

ANSWER: The fall brought Humanity into a state of sin and misery.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Romans 5:12

QUESTION SIXTEEN: What is so sinful about the condition into which Humanity fell?

ANSWER: The sinfulness of the condition into which Humanity fell consists of the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the lack of his original righteousness, the corruption of the entire human nature (which is commonly called Original Sin), and all transgressions that proceed from it (Actual Sin).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Romans 5:19; Romans 3:10; Ephesians 2:1; Psalm 51:5

QUESTION SEVENTEEN: What is the misery of that condition into which Humanity fell?

ANSWER: The entire human race, by their fall, lost communion with God. They are now under God’s wrath and curse, and are then subject to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the agonies of hell forever.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Genesis 3:8; Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 3:10; Romans 6:23

PART FIVE: CHRIST

QUESTION EIGHTEEN: Who is Humanity’s Redeemer?

ANSWER: It is the Lord Jesus Christ. He, being the eternal Son of God, became man. He was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures but one Person forever.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Timothy 2:5; John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; Luke 1:35; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 7:24

QUESTION NINETEEN: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become human?

ANSWER: Christ the Son of God became human by obtaining for himself a real body and a rational soul. Being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, he was born of her, yet without sin.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Hebrews 2:14; Hebrews 10:5; Matthew 26:38; Luke 1:31; Hebrews 4:15

QUESTION TWENTY: What office does Christ execute as our Redeemer?

ANSWER: Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a Prophet, Priest, and king, both in his state of man and God.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 3:22; Hebrews 12:25; Hebrews 5:5; Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 9:6-7

QUESTION TWENTY-ONE: How does Christ execute the office of a Prophet?

ANSWER: Christ executes the office of a Prophet in revealing to us by his word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: John 1:18; John 15:15; John 20:31; John 14:26

QUESTION TWENTY-TWO: How does Christ execute the office of a Priest?

ANSWER: Christ executes the office of a Priest by offering himself once for all time as a sacrifice to satisfy God’s Justice reconciling us to God, and then in making continual intercession for us.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 7:24-25

QUESTION TWENTY-THREE: How does Christ execute the office of a King?

ANSWER: Christ executes the office of a King in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Psalm 110:3; Isaiah 33:22; 1 Corinthians 15:25

QUESTION TWENTY-FOUR: What was Christ’s Humiliation?

ANSWER: Christ’s humiliation was his being born in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Luke 2:7; Galatians 4:4; Isaiah 53:2; Luke 22:44; Matthew 27:46; Philippians 2:8; Matthew 12:40

QUESTION TWENTY-FIVE: What does Christ’s Exaltation mean?

ANSWER: Christ’s exaltation means his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up to heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 15:4; Mark 16:19; Acts 17:31

PART SIX: SALVATION

QUESTION TWENTY-SIX: How do we partake of the redemption purchased by Christ?

ANSWER: We partake of the redemption purchased by Christ by the Holy Spirit applying it to us.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: John 1:11; Titus 3:5

QUESTION TWENTY-SEVEN: How does the Holy Spirit apply the redemption purchased by Christ to us?

ANSWER: The Holy Spirit applies the redemption purchased by Christ to us by working faith in us and uniting us to Christ.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 2:8; Ephesians 3:17

QUESTION TWENTY-EIGHT: What benefits in this life are there for those who genuinely believe?

ANSWER: The benefits are justification, sanctification, and the many benefits that either accompany or flow from them.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 1:30

QUESTION TWENTY-NINE: What is Justification?

ANSWER: Justification is the act of God’s free grace through which he pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in his sight by the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and received by faith alone.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Romans 3:24; Romans 4:6; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 5:17-19; Galatians 2:16

QUESTION THIRTY: What is Sanctification?

ANSWER: Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace through which we are renewed in our entire person after the image of God, and are enabled to die to sin and live righteously.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Ephesians 4:23-24; Romans 6:6; Romans 8:1

QUESTION THIRTY-ONE: What are the benefits in this life that either accompany or flow from justification and sanctification?

ANSWER: The benefits are the assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance in these till the end.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Romans 5:1; Romans 14:17; 1 John 5:13; 1 Peter 1:5

QUESTION THIRTY-TWO: What benefits do Christians receive from Christ at their death?

ANSWER: The souls of Christians at their death pass into glory, and their bodies rest in their graves, till the resurrection.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Philippians 1:23; Luke 23:43; Isaiah 57:2; Job 19:26

QUESTION THIRTY-THREE: What benefits do Christians receive from Christ at the resurrection?

ANSWER: At the resurrection Christians, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God for all eternity.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 15:43; Matthew 10:32; 1 John 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:17

PART SEVEN: THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

QUESTION THIRTY-FOUR: What duty does God require of Humanity?

ANSWER: The duty God requires is obedience to his revealed will.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Micah 6:8

QUESTION THIRTY-FIVE: What rule of obedience did God first reveal to Humanity?

ANSWER: The rule that God first revealed was obedience to the Moral Law.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Romans 2:14

QUESTION THIRTY-SIX: Where is the Moral Law found?

ANSWER: In the Ten Commandments.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Deuteronomy 10:4; Matthew 19:17

QUESTION THIRTY-SEVEN: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?

ANSWER: The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbor as ourselves.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 22:37

QUESTION THIRTY-EIGHT: What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments?

ANSWER: The Preface to the Ten Commandments is “I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:2

QUESTION THIRTY-NINE: What does the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us?

ANSWER: The Preface teaches that because God is the Lord our God and Redeemer, we are bound to keep all his Commandments.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Deuteronomy 11:1

QUESTION FORTY: What is the First Commandment?

ANSWER: The First Commandment is that we shall have no other gods before the Lord.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:3

QUESTION FORTY-ONE: What is required in the First Commandment?

ANSWER: It is required that we know and acknowledge God as the only true God, as our God, and to worship and glorify Him accordingly.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Deuteronomy 26:17

QUESTION FORTY-TWO: What is forbidden in the First Commandment?

ANSWER: The First Commandment forbids us to deny, or not worship and glorify, the true God as God, and as our God. It also forbids giving worship and glory to any other thing which is due to God alone.

QUESTION FORTY-THREE: What are we specifically taught by the words “before Me” in the First Commandment?

ANSWER: The words “before Me” in the First Commandment, teach that God, who sees all things, takes notice and is very displeased with the sin of having any other god.

QUESTION FORTY-FOUR: What is the Second Commandment?

ANSWER: The Second Commandment is that we shall not make for ourselves an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. We shall not bow down to them or worship them; for the Lord is our God and is a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents to the third and the fourth of those who reject Him, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:4-6

QUESTION FORTY-FIVE: What is required in the Second Commandment?

ANSWER: It is required that we receive, observe, and keep in purity, and in their entirety, the worship, and ordinances that God has appointed in his word.

QUESTION FORTY-SIX: What is forbidden in the Second Commandment?

ANSWER: The Second Commandment forbids the worship of God by images, or any other way, not specifically appointed by his word.

QUESTION FORTY-SEVEN: What do we learn from the Second Commandment?

ANSWER: From the Second Commandment we learn that God is sovereign over us, that we are his property, and His zeal for His worship.

QUESTION FORTY-EIGHT: What is the Third Commandment?

ANSWER: The Third Commandment is that we shall not make any wrongful use of the name of the Lord our God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:7

QUESTION FORTY-NINE: What is required in the Third Commandment?

ANSWER: The Third Commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.

QUESTION FIFTY: What is forbidden in the Third Commandment?

ANSWER: The Third Commandment forbids all profaning and abusing of anything that God uses to make Himself known.

QUESTION FIFTY-ONE: What are we to learn from the Third Commandment?

ANSWER: The Third Commandment teaches us that while transgressors of this Commandment may escape punishment from men, the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.

QUESTION FIFTY-TWO: What is the Fourth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Fourth Commandment is to remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days we shall labor and do all our work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord our God; in which we shall not do any work we, our son, or our daughter, our male or female slave, our livestock, or the alien resident in our towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore, the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:8-11

QUESTION FIFTY-THREE: What is required in the Fourth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Fourth Commandment requires that we keep holy to God the set times that He has appointed in his word specifically, the seventh day to be a holy Sabbath to Him.

QUESTION FIFTY-FOUR: Which of the seven days has God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath?

ANSWER: Till the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week (Saturday) to be the weekly Sabbath. Ever since the resurrection, He appointed the first day of the week (Sunday) as the Sabbath until the end of the world.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 20:7

QUESTION FIFTY-FIVE: How is the Sabbath sanctified?

ANSWER: The Sabbath is sanctified by resting in a holy manner for the entire day. We even rest from secular employment and recreation, which are lawful on other days. We spend the whole time in the public and private exercise of God’s worship, except for what time is needed for what is necessary and/or works of mercy.

QUESTION FIFTY-SIX: What are the sins forbidden in the Fourth Commandment?

ANSWER: The sins that are forbidden in the Fourth Commandment are the omission, or careless performance, of the duties that God requires, and the profaning of the day by idleness, or by doing something sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about worldly employments, or recreation.

QUESTION FIFTY-SEVEN: What do we learn from the Fourth Commandment?

ANSWER: We learn from the Fourth Commandment that God allows us six days of the week for our own employment, the seventh day belongs to Him in a special way, and He blesses the Sabbath Day.

QUESTION FIFTY-EIGHT: What is the Fifth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Fifth Commandment is that we honor our father and mother, and we do so that our days may be long in the land that the Lord our God is giving us.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:12

QUESTION FIFTY-NINE: What is required in the Fifth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Fifth Commandment requires that we preserve the honor and perform the duties that belong to everyone in their various places and relationships as superiors, inferiors, and equals.

QUESTION SIXTY: What is forbidden in the Fifth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Fifth Commandment forbids that neglecting or doing anything against the honor and duty that belongs to everyone in their various places and relationships.

QUESTION SIXTY-ONE: What do we learn from the Fifth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Fifth Commandment teaches us that God promises a long life and prosperity, as far as it brings God glory and brings us benefit, to all who keep this commandment.

QUESTION SIXTY-TWO: What is the Sixth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Sixth Commandment is that we shall not murder.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:13

QUESTION SIXTY-THREE: What is required in the Sixth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Sixth Commandment requires all lawful means to preserve our own life and the lives of others.

QUESTION SIXTY-FOUR: What is forbidden in the Sixth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Sixth Commandment forbids the taking of our own lives or the lives of our neighbors unjustly, or anything related to such acts.

QUESTION SIXTY-FIVE: What is the Seventh Commandment?

ANSWER: The Seventh Commandment is that we shall not commit adultery.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:14

QUESTION SIXTY-SIX: What is required in the Seventh Commandment?

ANSWER: The Seventh Commandment requires the preservation of our own and our neighbor’s chastity in thought, speech, and behavior.

QUESTION SIXTY-SEVEN: What is forbidden in the Seventh Commandment?

ANSWER: The Seventh Commandment forbids all vulgar thoughts, words, and actions.

QUESTION SIXTY-EIGHT: What is the Eighth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Eighth Commandment is that we shall not steal.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:15

QUESTION SIXTY-NINE: What is required in the Eighth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Eighth Commandment requires the lawful acquisition and accumulation of ours and other’s wealth and belongings.

QUESTION SEVENTY: What is forbidden in the Eighth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Eighth Commandment forbids whatever unjustly hinders our own, or our neighbor’s wealth and belongings.

QUESTION SEVENTY-ONE: What is the Ninth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Ninth Commandment is that we shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:16

QUESTION SEVENTY-TWO: What is required in the Ninth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Ninth Commandment requires maintaining and promoting honesty between persons and maintaining and promoting our own and our neighbor’s good name, especially when asked to bear witness.

QUESTION SEVENTY-THREE: What is forbidden in the Ninth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Ninth Commandment forbids untruthful bias and whatever would injure our own or our neighbor’s good name.

QUESTION SEVENTY-FOUR: What is the Tenth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Tenth Commandment is that we shall not covet our neighbor’s house; we shall not covet our neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to our neighbor.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Exodus 20:17

QUESTION SEVENTY-FIVE: What is required in the Tenth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Tenth Commandment requires the full contentment with our own condition, and a godly and charitable spirit towards our neighbors and all that is theirs.

QUESTION SEVENTY-SIX: What is forbidden in the Tenth Commandment?

ANSWER: The Tenth Commandment forbids being discontent with our estate and situation, being envious of or unhappy about our neighbor’s good fortune, and all ungodly actions and desires towards anything that is theirs.

QUESTION SEVENTY-SEVEN: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

ANSWER: No. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of their respective severity, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Ezekiel 8:6; Psalm 78:17; John 19:11

QUESTION SEVENTY-EIGHT: What does every sin deserve?

ANSWER: Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and the life to come.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Ephesians 5:6; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 25:41

PART EIGHT: FAITH AND REPENTANCE

QUESTION SEVENTY-NINE: What does God require from us that we may escape the wrath and curse due us because of sin?

ANSWER: To escape the wrath and curse of God due us because of sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life and the careful use of all means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 20:21; Proverbs 8:33-35; Isaiah 55:3

QUESTION EIGHTY: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

ANSWER: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace through which we receive, and rest upon, Him alone for salvation, as He is offered to us in the Gospel.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: John 1:12; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 3:9

QUESTION EIGHTY-ONE: What is repentance unto life?

ANSWER: Repentance unto life is a saving grace through which sinners, out of a true sense of their sin and awareness of the mercy of God in Christ, do, with grief and hatred of their sin, turn from their sin unto God with the intention to endeavors after a new life of obedience to God.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 11:18; Acts 2:37-38; Joel 2:13-14; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 31:18-19; Ezekiel 36:31; Psalm 119:59; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Isaiah 1:16-17

PART NINE: THE MEANS OF GRACE

QUESTION EIGHTY-TWO: What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?

ANSWER: The outward means through which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, such as the word, sacraments, and prayer.

QUESTION EIGHTY-THREE: How is the word made effectual to salvation?

ANSWER: The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 26:18; Acts 20:32; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Psalm 19:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Romans 1:16

QUESTION EIGHTY-FOUR: How is the word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

ANSWER: For the word to become effectual for salvation, we must diligently apply ourselves to preparation and prayer. We must receive the word with faith and love, store it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Proverbs 8:34; Psalm 119:18; Hebrews 4:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; Psalm 119:11; Luke 8:15; James 1:25

QUESTION EIGHTY-FIVE: How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

ANSWER: The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or from any virtue in those who administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of his Spirit in them who by faith receive them.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Corinthians 12:13

QUESTION EIGHTY-SIX: What is a sacrament?

ANSWER: A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, where, by visible signs, Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to Christians.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Genesis 17:7,10; Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 11:23,26

QUESTION EIGHTY-SEVEN: What are the sacraments of the New Testament?

ANSWER: The sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

QUESTION EIGHTY-EIGHT: What is Baptism?

ANSWER: Baptism is a sacrament wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit signifies and seals our engrafting into the family of God through Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our promise to serve the Lord in truth and holiness.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27

QUESTION EIGHTY-NINE: To whom is baptism to be administered?

ANSWER: Baptism is to be administered to the members of the visible church. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 8:36; Acts 2:38,41; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:14

QUESTION NINETY: What is the Lord’s Supper?

ANSWER: The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine according to God’s appointment, Christ’s death is showed forth and the worthy receivers are by faith made partakers of His body and blood, with all His benefits for their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16

QUESTION NINETY-ONE: What is required in the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?

ANSWER: It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves and partake of the Lord’s body through faith and feed upon Him with repentance, love, and renewed obedience to Him, or else they eat and drink judgment to themselves.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: 1 Corinthians 11:28,31; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

QUESTION NINETY-TWO: What is prayer?

ANSWER: Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Psalm 62:8; Romans 8:27; 1 john 5:14; John 16:23; Daniel 9:4; Philippians 4:6

PART TEN: THE LORD’S PRAYER

QUESTION NINETY-THREE: What rule has God given us to direct our prayers?

ANSWER: The whole word of God is used to direct us in prayer; but the special teaching is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 6:9

QUESTION NINETY-FOUR: What does the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?

ANSWER: The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, “Our Father in heaven,” teaches us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence as children to a father, able and ready to help us and that we should pray with and for others.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 64:9; Romans 8:15; Luke 11:13; Ephesians 6:18; Acts 12:5; 1 Timothy 2:1

QUESTION NINETY-FIVE: What do we pray for in the first petition?

ANSWER: In the first petition, which is, “Hallowed be your name,” we pray that God would enable us, and others, to glorify Him in all ways in which He makes himself known; and that He would shape all things to His own glory.

QUESTION NINETY-SIX: What do we pray for in the second petition?

ANSWER: In the second petition, which is, “Your kingdom come,” we pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed, that the Kingdom of God may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it and kept in it, and that the Kingdom of God may be hastened.

QUESTION NINETY-SEVEN: What do we pray for in the third petition?

ANSWER: In the third petition, which is, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to His will in all things as the angels do in heaven.

QUESTION NINETY-EIGHT: What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

ANSWER: In the fourth petition, which is, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we pray that, as a free gift of God’s grace, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy His blessing with them.

QUESTION NINETY-NINE: What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

ANSWER: In the fifth petition, which is, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,” we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins so that by His grace we are enabled, from our heart, to forgive others.

QUESTION ONE HUNDRED: What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

ANSWER: In the sixth petition, which is, “And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one,” we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin or support and deliver us when we are tempted.

QUESTION ONE HUNDRED-ONE: What does the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?

ANSWER: The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, “For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen,” teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise Him, ascribing Kingdom, power, and glory to Him. As an expression of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.

APPENDIX C: VARIOUS CREEDS AND CREDAL DOCUMENTS

THE APOSTLES’ CREED:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He will come again to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

NICENE CREED (as printed in The Lutheran Book of Worship and The Book of Common Prayer (Episcopal)): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE "RULE OF FAITH" (as recorded by Irenaeus)

. . . this faith: in one God, the Father Almighty, who made the heaven and the earth and the seas and all the things that are in them; and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was made flesh for our salvation; and in the Holy Spirit, who made known through the prophets the plan of salvation, and the coming, and the birth from a virgin, and the passion, and the resurrection from the dead, and the bodily ascension into heaven of the beloved Christ Jesus, our Lord, and his future appearing from heaven in the glory of the Father to sum up all things and to raise anew all flesh of the whole human race . . .

THE ATHANASIAN CREED (The Marquess of Bute's English translation of the text of the Creed) Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith. Which Faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the Catholic Faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is all One, the Glory Equal, the Majesty Co-Eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father Uncreate, the Son Uncreate, and the Holy Ghost Uncreate. The Father Incomprehensible, the Son Incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost Incomprehensible. The Father Eternal, the Son Eternal, and the Holy Ghost Eternal and yet they are not Three Eternals but One Eternal. As also there are not Three Uncreated, nor Three Incomprehensibles, but One Uncreated, and One Uncomprehensible. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not Three Almighties but One Almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not Three Gods, but One God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not Three Lords but One Lord. For, like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord, so are we forbidden by the Catholic Religion to say, there be Three Gods or Three Lords. The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father, and of the Son neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.

So there is One Father, not Three Fathers; one Son, not Three Sons; One Holy Ghost, not Three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is afore or after Other, None is greater or less than Another, but the whole Three Persons are Coeternal together, and Coequal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, must thus think of the Trinity.

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting Salvation, that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man.

God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man, of the substance of His mother, born into the world. Perfect God and Perfect Man, of a reasonable Soul and human Flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His Manhood. Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two, but One Christ. One, not by conversion of the Godhead into Flesh, but by taking of the Manhood into God. One altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by Unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one Man, so God and Man is one Christ. Who suffered for our salvation, descended into Hell, rose again the third day from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty, from whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies, and shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting, and they that have done evil into everlasting fire. This is the Catholic Faith, which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.