Q. 55. What do you understand by, “The Communion of Saints?”

Question. What do you understand by, “The Communion of Saints?”

Answer. First, that all and every one who believes, being members of Christ, are in common partakers of him (1 John 1;3); and of all his riches and gifts (Rom. 8;32): secondly, that every one must know it to be his duty, readily and cheerfully to employ his gifts for the advantage and salvation of other members (1 Pet. 4;10).

Proofs.

[proof-1] 1 John 1;3.—And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.—1 Cor. 6;17.—Col. 2;19.—1 Cor. 12;12, 13.
[proof-2] Rom. 8;32.—He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall we not with him also freely give us all things.— John 1;16.—Rom. 5;6-10.
[proof-3] 1 Pet. 4;10.—As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.— Eph. 4;15, 16.—Phil. 2;3, 4.—Eph. 4;25.—Rom. 12;5.