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.
Source and provenance
Citation: Heidelberg Catechism Q. 55, Wikisource 1879 Reformed Church in America translation.
Original work: Public-domain historical catechism
Digital source: Wikisource transcription
Edition status: Edition comparison pending
Proof texts: Proof lines preserved; extraction partial
Scripture refs: 1CO.12.12, 1CO.12.13, 1CO.6.17, 1JN.1.3, 1PE.4.10, COL.2.19, EPH.4.15, EPH.4.16, EPH.4.25, JHN.1.16, PHP.2.3, PHP.2.4, ROM.12.5, ROM.5.6-ROM.5.10, ROM.8.32
Source provider: Wikisource
Use guidance: Use with source citation; compare edition before formal reuse