The Canadian Reformed Church of Aldergrove

ARTICLE 19 - THE TWO NATURES IN THE ONE PERSON OF CHRIST

We believe that by this conception the person of the Son of God is inseparably united and joined with the human nature,¹ so that there are not two sons of God, nor two persons, but two natures united in one single person. Each nature retains its own distinct properties: His divine nature has always remained uncreated, without beginning of days or end of life (Heb 7:3), filling heaven and earth.² His human nature has not lost its properties; it has beginning of days and remains created. It is finite and retains all the properties of a true body.³ Even though, by His resurrection, He has given immortality to His human nature, He has not changed its reality,⁴ since our salvation and resurrection also depend on the reality of His body.⁵

However, these two natures are so closely united in one person that they were not even separated by His death. Therefore, what He, when dying, committed into the hands of His Father was a real human spirit that departed from His body.⁶ Meanwhile His divinity always remained united with His human nature, even when He was lying in the grave.⁷ And the divine nature always remained in Him just as it was in Him when He was a little child, even though it did not manifest itself as such for a little while.

For this reason we profess Him to be true God and true man: true God in order to conquer death by His power; and true man that He might die for us according to the infirmity of His flesh.

¹ Jn 1:14; Jn 10:30; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:6, 7. ² Mt 28:20. ³ 1 Tim 2:5. ⁴ Mt 26:11; Lk 24:39; Jn 20:25; Acts 1:3, 11; Acts 3:21; Heb 2:9. ⁵ 1 Cor 15:21; Phil 3:21. ⁶ Mt 27:50. ⁷ Rom 1:4.

ARTICLE 20 - THE JUSTICE AND MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST

We believe that God, who is perfectly merciful and just, sent His Son to assume that nature in which disobedience had been committed,¹ to make satisfaction in that same nature; and to bear the punishment of sin by His most bitter passion and death.² God therefore manifested His justice against His Son when He laid our iniquity on Him,³ and poured out His goodness and mercy on us, who were guilty and worthy of damnation. Out of a most perfect love He gave His Son to die for us and He raised Him for our justification⁴ that through Him we might obtain immortality and life eternal.

¹ Rom 8:3. ² Heb 2:14. ³ Rom 3:25, 26; Rom 8:32. ⁴ Rom 4:25.

ARTICLE 21 - THE SATISFACTION OF CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST

We believe that Jesus Christ was confirmed by an oath to be a High Priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.¹ He presented Himself in our place before His Father, appeasing God's wrath by His full satisfaction,² offering Himself on the tree of the cross, where He poured out His precious blood to purge away our sins,³ as the prophets had foretold.⁴ For it is written, Upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole and with His stripes we are healed.⁵ Like a lamb He was led to the slaughter. He was numbered with the transgressors (Is 53:5,7,12),⁶ and condemned as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, though he had first declared Him innocent.⁷ He restored what He had not stolen (Ps 69:4). He died as the righteous for the unrighteous (1 Pet 3:18).⁸ He suffered in body and soul,⁹ feeling the horrible punishment caused by our sins, and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground (Luke 22:44). Finally, He exclaimed, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me (Mt 27:46)? All this He endured for the forgiveness of our sins.

Therefore we justly say, with Paul, that we know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). We count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus our Lord (Phil 3:8). We find comfort in His wounds and have no need to seek or invent any other means of reconciliation with God than this only sacrifice, once offered, by which the believers are perfected for all times (Heb 10:14).¹⁰ This is also the reason why the angel of God called Him Jesus, that is, Saviour, because He would save His people from their sins (Mt 1:21).¹¹

¹ Ps 110:4; Heb 7:15-17. ² Rom 4:25; Rom 5:8, 9; Rom 8:32; Gal 3:13; Col 2:14; Heb 2:9, 17; Heb 9:11-15. ³ Acts 2:23; Phil 2:8; 1 Tim 1:15; Heb 9:22; 1 Pet 1:18, 19; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 7:14. ⁴ Lk 24:25-27; Rom 3:21; 1 Cor 15:3. ⁵ 1 Pet 2:24. ⁶ Mk 15:28. ⁷ Jn 18:38. ⁸ Rom 5:6. ⁹ Ps 22:15. ¹⁰ Heb 7:26-28; Heb 9:24-28. ¹¹ Lk 1:31; Acts 4:12.

ARTICLE 22 - OUR JUSTIFICATION THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST

We believe that, in order that we may obtain the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith.¹ This faith embraces Jesus Christ with all His merits, makes Him our own, and does not seek anything besides Him.² For it must necessarily follow, either that all we need for our salvation is not in Jesus Christ or, if it is all in Him, that one who has Jesus Christ through faith, has complete salvation.³ It is, therefore, a terrible blasphemy to assert that Christ is not sufficient, but that something else is needed besides Him; for the conclusion would then be that Christ is only half a Saviour.

Therefore we rightly say with Paul that we are justified by faith alone, or by faith apart from works of law (Rom 3:28).⁴ Meanwhile, strictly speaking, we do not mean that faith as such justifies us,⁵ for faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ our righteousness; He imputes to us all His merits and as many holy works as He has done for us and in our place.⁶ Therefore Jesus Christ is our righteousness, and faith is the instrument that keeps us with Him in the communion of all His benefits. When those benefits have become ours, they are more than sufficient to acquit us of our sins.

¹ Jn 16:14; 1 Cor 2:12; Eph 1:17, 18. ² Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12; Gal 2:21. ³ Ps 32:1; Mt 1:21; Lk 1:77; Acts 13:38, 39; Rom 8:1. ⁴ Rom 3:19-4:8; Rom 10:4-11; Gal 2:16; Phil 3:9; Tit 3:5. ⁵ 1 Cor 4:7. ⁶ Jer 23:6; Mt 20:28; Rom 8:33; 1 Cor 1:30, 31; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Jn 4:10.

ARTICLE 23 - OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE GOD

We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins for Jesus Christ's sake and that therein our righteousness before God¹ consists, as David and Paul teach us. They pronounce a blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works (Rom 4:6; Ps 32:1). The apostle also says that we are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus (Rom 3:24).²

Therefore we always hold to this firm foundation. We give all the glory to God,³ humble ourselves before Him, and acknowledge ourselves to be what we are. We do not claim anything for ourselves or our merits,⁴ but rely and rest on the only obedience of Jesus Christ crucified;⁵ His obedience is ours when we believe in Him.⁶

This is sufficient to cover all our iniquities and to give us confidence in drawing near to God, freeing our conscience of fear, terror, and dread, so that we do not follow the example of our first father, Adam, who trembling tried to hide and covered himself with fig leaves.⁷ For indeed, if we had to appear before God, relying - be it ever so little - on ourselves or some other creature, (woe be to us!) we would be consumed.⁸ Therefore everyone must say with David, O LORD, enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for no man living is righteous before Thee (Ps 143:2).

¹ 1 Jn 2:1. ² 2 Cor 5:18, 19; Eph 2:8; 1 Tim 2:6. ³ Ps 115:1; Rev 7:10-12. ⁴ 1 Cor 4:4; Jas 2:10. ⁵ Acts 4:12; Heb 10:20. ⁶ Rom 4:23-25. ⁷ Gen 3:7; Zeph 3:11; Heb 4:16; 1 Jn 4:17-19. ⁸ Lk 16:15; Phil 3:4-9.

ARTICLE 24 - OUR SANCTIFICATION AND GOOD WORKS

We believe that this true faith, worked in man by the hearing of God's Word and by the operation of the Holy Spirit,¹ regenerates him and makes him a new man.² It makes him live a new life and frees him from the slavery of sin.³ Therefore it is not true that this justifying faith makes man indifferent to living a good and holy life.⁴ On the contrary, without it no one would ever do anything out of love for God,⁵ but only out of self-love or fear of being condemned. It is therefore impossible for this holy faith to be inactive in man, for we do not speak of an empty faith but of what Scripture calls faith working through love (Gal 5:6). This faith induces man to apply himself to those works which God has commanded in His Word. These works, proceeding from the good root of faith, are good and acceptable in the sight of God, since they are all sanctified by His grace. Nevertheless, they do not count toward our justification. For through faith in Christ we are justified, even before we do any good works.⁶ Otherwise they could not be good any more than the fruit of a tree can be good unless the tree itself is good.⁷

Therefore we do good works, but not for merit. For what could we merit? We are indebted to God, rather than He to us, for the good works we do,⁸ since it is He who is at work in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). Let us keep in mind what is written: So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty (Luke 17:10)." Meanwhile we do not deny that God rewards good works,⁹ but it is by His grace that He crowns His gifts.

Furthermore, although we do good works, we do not base our salvation on them. We cannot do a single work that is not defiled by our flesh and does not deserve punishment.¹⁰ Even if we could show one good work, the remembrance of one sin is enough to make God reject it.¹¹ We would then always be in doubt, tossed to and fro without any certainty, and our poor consciences would be constantly tormented, if they did not rely on the merit of the death and passion of our Saviour.¹²

¹ Acts 16:14; Rom 10:17; 1 Cor 12:3. ² Ezek 36:26, 27; Jn 1:12, 13; Jn 3:5; Eph 2:4-6; Tit 3:5; 1 Pet 1:23. ³ Jn 5:24; Jn 8:36; Rom 6:4-6; 1 Jn 3:9. ⁴ Gal 5:22; Tit 2:12. ⁵ Jn 15:5; Rom 14:23; 1 Tim 1:5; Heb 11:4, 6. ⁶ Rom 4:5. ⁷ Mt 7:17. ⁸ 1 Cor 1:30, 31; 1 Cor 4:7; Eph 2:10. ⁹ Rom 2:6, 7; 1 Cor 3:14; 2 Jn 8; Rev 2:23. ¹⁰ Rom 7:21. ¹¹ Jas 2:10. ¹² Hab 2:4; Mt 11:28; Rom 10:11.

ARTICLE 25 - CHRIST, THE FULFILMENT OF THE LAW

We believe that the ceremonies and symbols of the law have ceased with the coming of Christ, and that all shadows have been fulfilled,¹ so that the use of them ought to be abolished among Christians. Yet their truth and substance remain for us in Jesus Christ, in whom they have been fulfilled.²

In the meantime we still use the testimonies taken from the law and the prophets, both to confirm us in the doctrine of the gospel and to order our life in all honour, according to God's will and to His glory.³

¹ Mt 27:51; Rom 10:4; Heb 9:9, 10. ² Mt 5:17; Gal 3:24; Col 2:17. ³ Rom 13:8-10; Rom 15:4; 2 Pet 1:19; 2 Pet 3:2.

ARTICLE 26 - CHRIST'S INTERCESSION

We believe that we have no access to God except through the only Mediator¹ and Advocate Jesus Christ the righteous.² For this purpose He became man, uniting together the divine and human nature, that we men might not be barred from but have access to the divine majesty.³ This Mediator, however, whom the Father has ordained between Himself and us, should not frighten us by His greatness, so that we look for another according to our fancy. There is no creature in heaven or on earth who loves us more than Jesus Christ.⁴ Though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, taking the form of man and of a servant for us (Phil 2:6, 7), and was made like His brethren in every respect (Heb 2:17). If, therefore, we had to look for another intercessor, could we find one who loves us more than He who laid down His life for us, even while we were His enemies (Rom 5:8, 10)? If we had to look for one who has authority and power, who has more than He who is seated at the right hand of the Father⁵ and who has all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18)? Moreover, who will be heard more readily than God's own well-beloved Son?⁶

Therefore it was pure lack of trust which introduced the custom of dishonouring the saints rather than honouring them, doing what they themselves never did nor required. On the contrary, they constantly rejected such honour according to their duty,⁷ as appears from their writings. Here one ought not to bring in our unworthiness, for it is not a question of offering our prayers on the basis of our own worthiness, but only on the basis of the excellence and worthiness of Jesus Christ,⁸ whose righteousness is ours by faith.⁹

Therefore with good reason, to take away from us this foolish fear or rather distrust, the author of Hebrews says to us that Jesus Christ was made like His brethren in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted (Heb 2:17, 18). Further, to encourage us more to go to Him, he says: Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:14, 15).¹⁰ The same letter says: Therefore brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus . . . let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, etc. (Heb 10:19, 22). Also, Christ holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently He is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb 7:24, 25).¹¹ What more is needed? Christ Himself says: I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me (Jn 14:6). Why should we look for another advocate? It has pleased God to give us His Son as our Advocate. Let us then not leave Him for another, or even look for another, without ever finding one. For when God gave Him to us, He knew very well that we were sinners.

In conclusion, according to the command of Christ, we call upon the heavenly Father through Christ our only Mediator,¹² as we are taught in the Lord's prayer.¹³ We rest assured that we shall obtain all we ask of the Father in His Name (Jn 16:23).¹⁴

¹ 1 Tim 2:5. ² 1 Jn 2:1. ³ Eph 3:12. ⁴ Mt 11:28; Jn 15:13; Eph 3:19; 1 Jn 4:10. ⁵ Heb 1:3; Heb 8:1. ⁶ Mt 3:17; Jn 11:42; Eph 1:6. ⁷ Acts 10:26; Acts 14:15. ⁸ Jer 17:5, 7; Acts 4:12. ⁹ 1 Cor 1:30. ¹⁰ Jn 10:9; Eph 2:18; Heb 9:24. ¹¹ Rom 8:34. ¹² Heb 13:15. ¹³ Mt 6:9-13; Lk 11:2-4. ¹⁴ Jn 14:13.

ARTICLE 27 - THE CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH

We believe and profess one catholic or universal church,¹ which is a holy congregation and assembly² of the true Christian believers, who expect their entire salvation in Jesus Christ,³ are washed by His blood, and are sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit.⁴

This church has existed from the beginning of the world and will be to the end, for Christ is an eternal King who cannot be without subjects.⁵ This holy church is preserved by God against the fury of the whole world,⁶ although for a while it may look very small and as extinct in the eyes of man.⁷ Thus during the perilous reign of Ahab, the Lord kept for Himself seven thousand persons who had not bowed their knees to Baal.⁸

Moreover, this holy church is not confined or limited to one particular place or to certain persons, but is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world.⁹ However, it is joined and united with heart and will, in one and the same Spirit, by the power of faith.¹⁰

¹ Gen 22:18; Is 49:6; Eph 2:17-19. ² Ps 111:1; Jn 10:14, 16; Eph 4:3-6; Heb 12:22, 23. ³ Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21. ⁴ Eph 1:13; Eph 4:30. ⁵ 2 Sam 7:16; Ps 89:36; Ps 110:4; Mt 28:18, 20; Lk 1:32. ⁶ Ps 46:5; Mt 16:18. ⁷ Is 1:9; 1 Pet 3:20; Rev 11:7. ⁹ Mt 23:8; Jn 4:21-23; Rom 10:12, 13. ¹⁰ Ps 119:63; Acts 4:32; Eph 4:4.

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