A Confesssion of Faith of the seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London,
which are commonly (though unjustly) called Anabaptists, published for the Vindication
of the Truth, and Information of the Ignorant; likewise for the taking off of those
Aspersions which are frequently, both in Pulpit and Print, unjustly cast upon them.
—Title of the Second Edition, 1646
Full title
The textual version of the First London Confession of Faith (1LCF) presented here, the Comprehensive Edition, integrates textual variants from all three historical text versions of the four London editions (1644, 1646, 1651, 1652, whereby the latter two differ in orthography only). This version is not comprehensive in the sense of including or documenting every variant from each of these three original text versions. Based on the text of the second edition from 1646, it does aim to include variants from the earlier 1644 and the later 1651/1652 versions in passages where these most fully express biblical truths. In a few select cases, the text has been amended after consulting other sources contemporary to its authors.
A documentation of the editorial process and the sources of the individual passages can be found in the Downloads section of this website. Also, digital files formatted for printing are available there.
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1 The Lord our God is but one God[a], whose subsistence is in Himself[b]; 2 whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself[c]; 3 who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto[d]; 4 who is in Himself most holy[e]; 5 every way infinite in greatness[f], wisdom[g], power[h], love[i]; 6 merciful and gracious[j], long-suffering[k], and abundant in goodness and truth[l]; 7 who gives being, moving and preservation to all creatures[m].
1 In this divine and infinite being there is the Father[a], the Son[b], and the Holy Spirit[c]; 2 each having the whole divine essence[d], 3 but distinguished by several peculiar relative properties[e], 4 yet the essence undivided, all infinite without any beginning, therefore but one God who is not to be divided in nature and being[f].
1 God has decreed in Himself[a], before the world was[b], concerning all things, to work, dispose, and bring them about according to the counsel of His own will[c], to His glory[d]; 2 yet without being the author of sin, or having fellowship with any therein[e], 3 in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things[f], unchangeableness[g], power[h], and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree[i]; 4 and God has, before the foundation of the world, foreordained some men to eternal life, through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of His grace[j]; 5 leaving the rest to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His justice[k].
1 In the beginning God made all things very good[a]; 2 created man after His own image[b], filled with all meet perfection of nature, and free from all sin[c]; 3 but long he abode not in this honour[d]; 4 Satan using the subtlety of the serpent to seduce first Eve, then by her seducing Adam[e]; 5 who without any compulsion, in eating the forbidden fruit[f], transgressed the command of God, and fell[g]; 6 whereby death came upon all his posterity[h], who now are conceived in sin[i], and by nature the children of wrath[j], the servants of sin[k], the subjects of death and other miseries in this world, and for ever[l]; 7 unless the Lord Jesus Christ set them free[m].
1 God in His infinite power and wisdom does dispose all things to the end for which they were created[a]; 2 that neither good nor evil befalls any by chance[b] or without His providence[c]; 3 and that whatsoever befalls the elect, is by His appointment[d]; 4 for His glory[e] and their good[f].
1 All the elect[a], being loved of God with an everlasting love[b], are redeemed[c], quickened[d], and saved[e], not by themselves[f] nor their own works[g], lest any man should boast[h]; 2 but only and wholly by God[i], of His own free grace[j] and mercy[k]; 3 through Jesus Christ, who is made unto us by God wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, and all in all, that he that rejoices might rejoice in the Lord[l].
1 And this is life eternal, that we might know Him the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent[a]. 2 And on the contrary, the Lord will render vengeance in flaming fire[b], to them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ[c].
1 The rule of this knowledge, faith, and obedience concerning the worship of God, in which is contained the whole duty of man, is not men’s laws or traditions[a], 2 but only the word of God[b] contained in the canonical Holy Scriptures[c]; 3 in which is plainly recorded whatsoever is needful for us to know, believe, and practice[d]; 4 which are the only rule of holiness and obedience for all saints, at all times, in all places to be observed[e].
1 The Lord[a] Jesus[b] Christ[c], of whom Moses[d] and the Prophets wrote[e], the Apostles preached[f], He is the Son of God[g], the brightness of His glory, etc.[h] 2 by whom He made the world[i]; 3 who upholds[j] and governs[k] all things that He has made; 4 who also when the fullness of time was come, was made of a woman[l], of the tribe of Judah[m], of the seed of Abraham and David[n]; to wit, of the virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her, the power of the most High overshadowing her[o]; 5 and He was also tempted as we are[p], yet without sin[q].
1 Jesus Christ is made the mediator of the new[a] and everlasting[b] covenant of grace between God and man[c]; 2 ever to be perfectly and fully the prophet[d], priest[e], and king[f] of the church of God for evermore[g].
▲ 11. Christ, appointed and anointed to Mediatorship
1 Unto this office He was appointed by God from everlasting[a]; 2 and in respect of His manhood, from the womb called[b], separated[c], and anointed[d] most fully and abundantly with all gifts necessary[e], God having without measure poured out His Spirit upon Him[f].
▲ 12. Christ, ordained as Mediator and made a Sacrifice for Sin
1 Concerning His mediatorship, the Scripture holds forth Christ’s call to His office; for none takes this honour upon Him, but He that is called of God as was Aaron[a]; 2 it being an action of God; whereby a special promise being made, He ordains His Son to this office[b]; which promise is, that Christ should be made a sacrifice for sin[c], that He should see His seed and prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand[d]; 3 all of mere free and absolute grace towards God’s elect[e], and without any condition foreseen in them to procure it[f].
1 This office to be mediator, that is, to be prophet[a], priest[b], and king[c] of the Church of God, is so proper to Christ[d], 2 that neither in whole, or any part thereof, it cannot be transferred from Him to any other[e].
1 This office to which Christ is called is threefold: a prophet[a], priest[b], and king[c]. This number and order of offices is necessary, 2 for in respect of our ignorance, we stand in need of His prophetical office[d]; 3 in respect of our great alienation from God, we need His priestly office to reconcile us[e]; 4 and in respect of our averseness and utter inability to return to God, we need His kingly office to convince[f], subdue[g], draw[h], uphold[i] and preserve us to His heavenly kingdom[j].
1 Concerning the prophecy of Christ, it is that whereby He has revealed the will of God, whatsoever is needful for His servants to know[a] and obey[b]; 2 and therefore He is called not only a prophet[c] and teacher[d], and the apostle of our profession[e], and the messenger of the covenant[f], but also the very wisdom of God[g], 3 in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge[h], who forever continues revealing the same truth of the gospel to His people[i].
▲ 16. As Prophet Christ had to be both God and Man
1 That He might be a prophet every way complete, it was necessary He should be God[a], and also that He should be man[b], 2 For unless He had been God, He could never have perfectly understood the will of God[c]; 3 and unless He had been man, He could not suitably have unfolded it in His own person to men[d].
1 Concerning His priesthood, Christ having sanctified[a] Himself has appeared once to put away sin[b] by that one offering of Himself a sacrifice for sin[c]; 2 by which He has fully finished[d] and suffered all things[e] God required for the salvation of His elect[f]; 3 and removed all rites and shadows etc.[g] and is now entered within the veil into the holy of holies, which is the presence of God[h].
1 This priesthood was not legal or temporary[a], but according to the order of Melchizedek[b], 2 and is stable and perfect, not for a time, but forever[c], which is suitable to Jesus Christ, as to Him that ever lives[d]. 3 He makes His people a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifice[e] acceptable to God through Him[f]. 4 Neither does the Father accept[g], nor Christ offer[h] to the Father, any other worship or worshippers.
1 Concerning His kingly office, Christ being risen from the dead[a], and ascended into heaven[b], and having all power in heaven and earth[c]; 2 He does spiritually govern His church[d] 3 and does exercise His power over all[e], angels and men, good and bad[f], to the preservation[g] and salvation[h] of the elect, and to the overruling and destruction of His enemies[i]. 4 By this kingly power He applies the benefits, virtue, and fruits of His prophecy and priesthood to His elect[j], 5 subduing their sins[k], preserving and strengthening them in all their conflicts against Satan, the world, and the flesh[l], keeping their hearts in faith and filial fear by His Spirit[m]. 6 By this His mighty power He rules the vessels of wrath, using, limiting and restraining them[n], as it seems good to His infinite wisdom[o].
1 This His kingly power shall be more fully manifested when He shall come in glory[a] to reign among His saints[b]; 2 when He shall put down all rule and authority under His feet[c]; 3 that the glory of the Father may be perfectly manifested in His Son[d], 4 and the glory of the Father and the Son in all His members[e].
▲ 21. Salvation purchased for the Elect by Christ’s Death
1 Jesus Christ by His death[a] did purchase salvation[b] for the elect[c] that God gave unto Him[d]: 2 These only have interest in Him[e], and fellowship with Him[f], for whom He makes intercession to His Father in their behalf[g], 3 and to them alone does God by His Spirit apply this redemption[h]; 4 as also the free gift of eternal life[i] is given to them, and none else[j].
1 Faith is the gift of God[a], wrought in the hearts of the elect[b] by the Spirit of God[c]; 2 by which faith they come to know and believe[d] the truth of the Scriptures[e], and the excellency of them above all other writings, and all things in the world[f], 3 as they hold forth the glory of God in His attributes[g], 4 the excellency of Christ in His nature and offices[h], 5 and of the power and fulness of the Spirit in His workings and operations[i]; 6 and so are enabled to cast their souls upon His truth thus believed[j].
▲ 23. The Preservation of All who received this Faith
1 All those that have this precious faith wrought in them by the Spirit can never finally nor totally fall away[a], seeing the gifts of God are without repentance[b]; 2 so that He still begets and nourishes[c] in them faith[d], repentance[e], love[f], joy[g], hope[h], and all the graces of the Spirit[i] unto immortality[j]; 3 and though many storms and floods arise, and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock, which by faith they are fastened upon[k]; 4 not withstanding, through unbelief[l], and the temptations of Satan[m], the sensible sight of this light and love be clouded and overwhelmed for a time[n]; 5 yet God is still the same[o], and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation[p]; 6 where they shall enjoy their purchased possession[q]; 7 they being engraven upon the palms of His hands[r], and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity[s].
1 Faith is ordinarily begotten by the preaching of the gospel, or word of Christ[a]; 2 without respect to any power or agency in the creature[b]; but it being wholly passive[c], and dead in trespasses and sins[d]; 3 does believe and is converted[e] by no less power than that which raised Christ from the dead[f]. 4 This gospel, which is to be preached to all men as the ground of faith[g], is, that Jesus is the Christ[h], the son of the ever blessed God[i], filled with the perfection of all heavenly and spiritual excellencies[j]; 5 and that salvation is only and alone to be had through the believing in His name[k].
1 The preaching of the gospel to the conversion of sinners is absolutely free, no way requiring as absolutely necessary any qualifications, preparations, or terrors of the law, or preceding ministry of the law[a]; 2 but only and alone the naked soul[b], a sinner[c] and ungodly[d], to receive Christ[e] crucified, dead and buried, and risen again; 3 who is made a prince and a saviour[f] for such sinners as through the gospel shall be brought to believe on Him[g].
1 The same power that converts to faith in Christ carries on the soul through all duties[a], temptations[b], conflicts[c], sufferings[d]; 2 and whatsoever a believer is, he is by grace[e]; 3 and is carried on in all obedience[f] and temptations[g] by the same.
1 All believers are by Christ united to God[a]; 2 by which union God is one with them, and they are one with Him[b]; 3 and all believers are the sons of God[c], and joint heirs with Christ[d], 4 to whom belong all the promises of this life, and that which is to come[e].
1 Those who have union with Christ are justified from all their sins[a], past, present, and to come[b], by the blood of Christ, 2 which justification is a gracious and full acquittance[c] of a guilty sinner[d] from all sin[e], by God, through the satisfaction[f] that Christ has made by His death[g], 3 and this applied through faith[h].
1 All believers are holy[a] and sanctified[b] people. 2 Sanctification is a spiritual fruit of the new covenant[c], and an effect of the love of God manifested in the soul[d], 3 whereby the believer presses after a heavenly and evangelical obedience[e] to all the commands[f], which Christ as head and king in His new covenant has prescribed to them[g].
1 All believers, through the knowledge of that justification of life given by the Father and brought forth by the blood of Christ, have as their great privilege of that new covenant: 2 peace with God[a], reconciliation[b], whereby they that were afar off are made nigh by that blood[c], and have peace passing all understanding[d]; yea, joy in God[e] through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the atonement.
1 All believers in the time of this life are in a continual warfare and combat against sin[a], self[b], the world[c], and the devil[d]; 2 and are liable to all manner of afflictions[e], tribulations[f] and persecutions[g], 3 being predestinated and appointed thereunto[h], 4 and whatsoever the saints possess or enjoy of God spiritually, is by faith[i].
▲ 32. Victorious through Christ’s Faithfulness and Strength
1 The only strength by which the saints are enabled to encounter with all oppositions and trials is only by Jesus Christ[a], who is the captain of their salvation, being made perfect through sufferings; 2 who has engaged His faithfulness and strength to assist them in all their afflictions, and to uphold them in all their temptations, and to preserve them by His power to His everlasting kingdom[b].
1 Jesus Christ has here on earth a spiritual kingdom[a], which is His church, whom he has purchased[b] and redeemed to Himself as a peculiar inheritance[c]; 2 which church as it is visible to us is a company of visible saints[d], called[e] and separated from the world[f] by the word and Spirit of God[g], 3 to the visible profession of the faith of the gospel[h], 4 being baptized into that faith[i], and joined to the Lord[j], 5 and to each other by mutual agreement in the practical enjoyment of the ordinances commanded by Christ their head and king[k].
1 To this church He has made his promises[a], gives the signs of His covenant[b] and presence[c], acceptation[d], love[e], blessing[f] and protection[g]; here are the fountains and springs of His heavenly grace continually flowing forth to refresh and strengthen them[h], 2 thither ought all men to come, of all estates[i], that acknowledge Him to be their prophet, priest and king[j], 3 to be enrolled amongst His household servants[k], to be under His heavenly conduct and government[l], to lead their lives in his walled sheepfold[m] and watered garden[n], to have communion here with the saints[o], 4 that they may be assured that they are made meet to be partakers of their inheritance in the kingdom of God[p].
1 And all His servants are called thither[a], to present their bodies and souls[b], and to bring their gifts God has given them[c], 2 so being come, they are here by himself to be bestowed in their several order, peculiar place, due use[d], 3 being fitly compact and knit together, according to the effectual working of every part[e], to the edification of itself in love[f]. 4 And they are to supply each others wants, inward and outward[g]; 5 and although each person has a propriety in his own estate[h], yet they are to supply each others wants, according as their necessities shall require, 6 that the name of Jesus Christ may not be blasphemed through the necessity of any in the church[i].
1 Being thus joined, every church has power given them from Christ, for their wellbeing[a], to choose to themselves meet persons for elders and deacons, being qualified according to the word[b]; 2 for the execution of power, or duty[c], which Christ entrusts them with, or calls them to; 3 to be continued to the end of the world[d].
1 The ministers lawfully called[a], as aforesaid, ought to continue in their calling and place according to God’s ordinance[b], and carefully to feed the flock of God committed to them[c], 2 not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind[d].
1 The due maintenance of pastors should be upheld freely by the church[a], 2 that according to Christ’s ordinance they that preach the gospel should live of the gospel by the law of Christ[b].
1 Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, given by Christ[a], to be dispensed upon persons professing faith, or that are made disciples[b]; 2 who upon profession of faith, and desiring of it, ought to be baptized[c]. 3 The way and manner of the dispensing of this ordinance the Scripture holds out to be dipping or plunging the whole body under water[d]; 4 it being a sign[e], must answer the things signified, which are the washing of the whole soul in the blood of Christ[f] and that interest the saints have in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ[g]; 5 and as certainly as the body is buried under water, and risen again, so certainly shall the bodies of the saints be raised by the power of Christ, in the day of the resurrection[h], to reign with Christ[i].
1 The Supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by him the same night wherein he was betrayed[a], to be observed in his church unto the end of the world[b]; 2 for the perpetual remembrance and shewing forth the sacrifice of himself in his death[c]; confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits thereof[d]; their spiritual nourishment and growth in him[e]; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him[f] and with each other[g]. 3 In this ordinance Christ is not offered up to his father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sin of the quick or dead; 4 but only a memorial[h] of that one offering up of himself by himself upon the cross, once for all[i]; 5 and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same[j].
▲ 41. Who should administer Baptism and guide the Action of the Church in the Use of the Lord’s Supper
1 The persons designed by Christ to dispense these ordinances, the Scriptures hold forth to be preaching disciples[a], 2 it being nowhere tied to a particular church-officer, or person extraordinarily sent, the commission to administer baptism and to guide the action of the church in the use of the Lord’s Supper is being given to them under no other consideration, but as proven disciples[b].
1 Christ has likewise given power to His Church to receive in[a], and cast out[b], any member that deserves it; 2 and this power is given to every particular congregation, and not to one particular person, either member or officer, but in relation to the whole body[c], in reference to their faith[d] and fellowship[e].
1 And every particular member of each church, how excellent, great, or learned soever, is subject to this censure and judgment[a]; 2 and the church ought not without great care[b] and tenderness[c], and due advice[d], but by the rule of faith[e], to proceed against her members.
▲ 44. The Charge to the Leadership and the Guardianship of all Members
1 Christ for the keeping of this church in holy and orderly communion places some special men over the church[a], who by their office are to govern, oversee, visit, watch[b]; 2 so likewise for the better keeping thereof in all places by the members, He has given authority, and laid duty upon all, to watch over one another[c].
1 Also such in the church to whom God has given gifts to interpret the Scriptures, may and ought to preach[a] in accordance with the faith[b], 2 and so to teach publicly the word of God[c], for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church[d].
1 Thus being rightly gathered, and continuing in the obedience of the gospel of Christ, none are to separate for faults and corruptions[a], 2 until they have in due order, and tenderness, sought redress thereof[b]; 3 for as long as the church consists of men subject to failings, there will be difference in the true constituted church[c].
▲ 47. Relations with other Congregations in the Common Faith
1 Although the particular congregations be distinct and several bodies, every one as a compact and knit city within itself[a]; 2 yet they are all to walk by the same rule of truth[b]; 3 so also they by all means convenient are to have the counsel and help one of another[c], if necessity require it, 4 as members of one body, in the common faith, under Christ their head[d].
1 A civil magistracy is an ordinance of God[a], set up by Him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well[b]; 2 and in all lawful things commanded by them, subjection ought to be given by us in the Lord[c]; 3 not only for wrath, but for conscience sake[d]; 4 and we are to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty[e].
1 But in case we find not the magistrate to favour us herein; yet we dare not suspend our practice, because we believe we ought to go in obedience to Christ[a], 2 in professing the faith which was once delivered to the saints, which faith is declared in the Holy Scriptures[b] and affirmed in this our confession, 3 and that we are to witness to the truth of the Old and New Testament unto the death, if necessity require[c], 4 in the midst of all trials and afflictions, as His saints of old have done[d]; 5 not accounting our goods, lands, wives, children, fathers, mothers, brethren, sisters; yea, and our own lives dear unto us, so we may finish our course with joy[e]; 6 remembering always that we ought to obey God rather than men[f]; 7 who will when we have finished our course, and kept the faith, give us the crown of righteousness[g]; 8 to whom we must give an account of all our actions, and no man being able to discharge us of the same[h].
1 It is lawful for a Christian to be a magistrate or civil officer[a]; 2 and also it is lawful to take an oath, so it be in truth, and in judgment, and in righteousness, for confirmation of truth, and ending of all strife[b]; 3 and by rash and vain oaths the Lord is provoked and this land mourns[c].
1 We are to give unto all men whatsoever is their due[a], as their place, age, estate, requires[b]; 2 and that we defraud no man of anything[c], but to do unto all men, as we would they should do unto us[d].
1 There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust[a], 2 and everyone shall give an account of himself to God[b], 3 that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad[c].