reformed church of canadareformed church of canada

If the man called accepts the call, a suitable date shall be set for the ordination and/or installation by the presbytery clerk in consultation with the man called and the session of the calling congregation. Do you make these promises in the presence of God, in humble reliance upon his grace, as you desire to give your account with joy at the Last Great Day? 15.1 Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,[1] the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ. Ruling elders, both individually and jointly with the pastor in the session, are to lead the congregation in the service of Christ. (Eastern), 9:30 AM & 3:00 PM A directive by the presbytery to hold an election for deacons. The sixth commandment is, You shalt not kill.[156]. Declare the man elected if he receives at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the congregation. [47], A. 2023-06-05. Q. Reflect on the fact that no church constitution will express every biblical truth in a way that will satisfy everyone, and that the purest churches are subject to error. 136 What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment? The Canadian and American Reformed Churches (CanRC) is a federation of Protestant Reformed (Calvinist) churches in Canada and the United States, with historical roots in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands. [18] But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them,[19] therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come,[20] that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner;[21] and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope. [8], A. The session shall seek to encourage these special ordinances towards the promotion of holiness of life and character of the congregation. A. Under the New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the same covenant of grace was and still is to be administered in the preaching of the word,[133] and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism[134] and the Lords Supper;[135] in which grace and salvation are held forth in more fulness, evidence, and efficacy, to all nations.[136]. [132] Exodus 19:5; Psalm 45:11; Isaiah 54:5. [22] Deuteronomy 6:13 with Nehemiah 10:29. [177] 2 Timothy 3:5; Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16; Matthew 23:14. [125] 1 Corinthians 5:12; 1 Corinthians 6:4. You, [name], having been [deposed/excommunicated] because of sinful conduct, and having now given very evident proofs of sincere repentance, the [type of court] in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as a Court constituted by his authority, hereby absolves you from the censure of [type of censure], given against you, and restores you to the membership of the Church, and to the fellowship of the Christian sacraments. [4] Hebrews chap. [38] 2 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Galatians 1:2, 22; Colossians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 16:19. The fourth commandment requires of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath,[189] and in the New Testament called The Lords day.[190]. Q. A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adams first sin,[93] the want of that righteousness wherein he was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually;[94] which is commonly called Original Sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgressions.[95]. If a suspended member remains obstinate after patient attempts to bring about restoration, he/she is liable to excommunication. [7] 1 Corinthians 11:13-14; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40. The sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man is, to love our neighbor as ourselves,[10] and to do to others what we would have them to do to us. There are two sacraments of the New Covenant instituted by Christ, namely, Baptism and the Lords Supper. The prayer of thanksgiving should acknowledge the blessing and privilege of hearing Gods Word preached and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to bless it. Chinese. Ordaining, installing, and removing pastors and teachers (see. The basis of the preaching and teaching in these churches is the belief that Jesus Christ is both truly God and truly human, and is the long-awaited Messiah who suffered and died for the sins of God's people, and that this demands a thankful response of faith and obedience. (b) Those practices that are not mandated but are strongly recommended as a means of promoting unity and order for the entire Church are denoted by: ordinarily, should, and ought. 118 Why is the charge of keeping the sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors? [191] Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. 39 Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man? [89] Romans 12:2; Philippians 3:13, 14; Timothy 4:7. We not knowing: What to pray for as we ought, the Spirit helps our infirmities, by enabling us to understand both for whom, and: What, and: How prayer is to be made; and by working and quickening in our hearts (although not in all persons, nor at all times, in the same measure) those apprehensions, affections, and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty. [162], A. [15] Genesis 18:25; Exodus 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 96:13; Romans 3:5, 26. [6] 2 Peter 3:11, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7; Luke 21:27-28; Romans 8:23-25. [75], A. A. [24], 2.2 God has all life,[25] glory,[26] goodness,[27] blessedness,[28] in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He has made,[29] nor deriving any glory from them,[30] but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them: He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things;[31] and has most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleases. [3] Matthew 19:4-5 with Genesis 2:24; Luke 24:27, 44; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Peter 3:2, 15-16. The meeting for the ordination and/or installation will be held at [time] a.m./p.m., at [place of meeting]. It is integral to all societies and nations and is therefore rightly recognized by both Church and State. Civil magistrates are to uphold the first table of the moral law, but they do not have authority or jurisdiction over the Church. [7] Genesis 1:26; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24. The presbytery may set the texts on which to preach on these occasions. A. [32] Romans 1:16, 17; Romans 10:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:15. For something to be considered an offense it must be proved to be such from Scripture and be supported by two or more witnesses. [118] 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 6:4-8; Galatians 1:8-9; Deuteronomy 13:6-11; Hebrews 10:26-29; 1 John 2:19. A. Do you swear by the Living God (or affirm) that you will tell the truth, all the truth, and nothing but the truth, as far as you know it, in the case now under trial, as you shall answer to God in the Judgment? [7], [8], 23.4 It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates,[9] to honour their persons,[10] to pay them tribute or other dues,[11] to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience sake. [133] There must be multiple witnesses (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 19:15; Deuteronomy 17:6-7; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Hebrews 10:28). [73] Romans 7:18; Job 21:14; 1 Corinthians 2:14. Work through the business on the agenda as expeditiously as possible, while seeking to ensure that all the members of the court clearly understand the nature of the matters being discussed and have reasonable opportunity to speak to them. 94 Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall? Our churches are governed by the local consistory and via assemblies, which include classis, regional synod and general synod. [2] Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 8:17; John 1:12. 177 Wherein do the sacraments of baptism and the Lords supper differ? [32] Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; Luke 21:35-36. [155], A. Q. [15] Acts 16:32; Acts 19:2-5; Ruth 1:16; 2 Kings 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 8; Romans 14; Acts 8:36-39; Acts 16:31-3; Romans 10.9. When an offended person has unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile a private offense with the offending party, he/she should discreetly seek the help of one or a few spiritually mature members. Q. A presbytery shall divest a pastor of his office if after a period of two years, it is clearly evident that he does not either possess the gifts requisite for the Gospel ministry or he fails to perform adequately the work of the ministry. Dutch Canadians). Q. Before the session carries out the sentence, the elders shall ask the offender at least three times to appear before the session. [81] 8. A. Q. The following (or similar) instruction shall either be explicit in the sermon or given in the form of a statement: After the instruction, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are to bring the child to the front of the congregation. 52 What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment? Communicant members may also participate via live stream with the sessions approval. This censure shall continue in effect until you have given this court satisfactory evidence of true repentance. [46] Acts 6:3; Acts 6:5-6; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; cf. [57] 1 Corinthians 11:28; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. [115] Proverbs 22:29; Exodus 36:1-6; Exodus 18:25; 1 Chronicles 15:22; 1 Chronicles 25:7. [17] There are not therefore two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same, under various dispensations.[18]. Subscription to the confessional standards of the RP Church of Canada requires the acceptance of the following clarifying statements to the Westminster Confession of Faith: The RP Church of Canada maintains that the phrase in the space of six days, and all very good in Chapter 4.1 of the Confession requires the plain sense interpretation of Genesis. 107 What does the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us? [47] John 1:12; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16. [19] Which office He took not unto Himself, but was thereunto called by His Father,[20] who put all power and judgment into His hand, and gave Him commandment to execute the same. Dr. Andrew Quigley, the committee chair, visited each Session in Canada and outlined the reasons for an RP Church of Canada. A. 1.7 Ruling elders, as ordained under-shepherds, may call the congregation to worship and give the greeting, lead the congregation in prayer. A. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,[61] and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations,[62] forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head,[63] triumphing over enemies,[64] visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men,[65] to raise up our affections thither,[66] and to prepare a place for us,[67] where himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world.[68]. 133 What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it? For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.[142]. Payment of utilities, water, gas, electricity, phone, trash service, etc. Q. Q. [22] Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-3. [29] Luke 7:5; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2. (This form shall also contain the presbyterys authorization and counsel regarding pulpit supply, administration of the sacraments, and the moderation of a call.). Whenever a decision or action of a lower court is appealed to a higher court, no members of the lower court will be recused from the deliberations and vote. Notice of congregational meetings shall be announced on at least the two Lords Days prior to the date of the meeting. He is to apply the truth of Scripture with pastoral authority as a diligent workman approved by God. A. Please pray that the Lord would call men to be ministers and elders to join in casting a vision for and serving in the new RP Church of Canada when it is formed later this year. Q. [55] John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5-6. [161] Psalm 78:34-37; Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 13:5-6, 20-21. [168] Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 6:16-19; Luke 3:14. 1.5 A fixed order of worship is not prescribed in the Scriptures. [186] Habakkuk 1:13; Leviticus 10:3; Leviticus 11:44-45. [48], A. [3] Jeremiah 14:9; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:12. [17], A. He has signified his intention to accept the call. Q. To pray in the name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake;[114] not by bare mentioning of his name,[115] but by drawing our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation.[116]. Q. To facilitate congregational singing, singable versions of the Psalms are to be used. [11] So that, to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands, out of conscience,[12] is to betray true liberty of conscience: and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also. God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, has elected some angels to glory;[45] and in Christ has chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof:[46] and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his own will (whereby he extends or withholds favor as he pleases), has passed by and foreordained the rest to dishonor and wrath, to be for their sin inflicted, to the praise of the glory of his justice. [64] 1 Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 11:27-31; Matthew 7:6; Jude 1:23; 1 Timothy 5:22. Be a male communicant member of the congregation in good standing for at least one year. If there are no disciplinary matters outstanding and if it is evident that the petition reflects the settled will of the session and of the congregation, then the presbytery shall be bound to grant the petition and proceed to disjunction. The key figure who protested against the deformation in doctrine and church life and called it to reformation was a German monk by the name of Martin Luther. [10] Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:20, 23; 1 Corinthians 4:1; Hebrews 5:4. [88] Genesis 3:6-8, 13; Ecclesiastes 7:29; 2 Corinthians 11:3. I hereby publish the Banns of Marriage between Miss N of [City, Province], and Mr. N. of [City, Province], who are engaged to be married on the nth day of [Month, year] in [City, Province]. If those being admitted to membership are unbaptized, then public baptism shall accompany and follow their affirmation of the. But mostly "we" were Dutch Reformed. No instrumental accompaniment is to be used. [75] Jude 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4; Hebrews 2:16; John 8:44. We participate in many different forms of mission, including local evangelism, summer camps, native missions and foreign missions. [37] 1 Corinthians 11:23-24; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20. [140] Leviticus 19:12; Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12. [1] Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 1:10; John 10:28-29; 1 John 3:9; 1 Peter 1:5, 9. [44] Hebrews 5:4; Numbers 16:1-30; Deuteronomy 1:13; Acts 1:21-26; Acts 6:3-6; Acts 20:28. 44 What does the preface to the ten commandments teach us? [21] Genesis 17:114; Acts 15:16; 1 Corinthians 1:16. [10] Psalm 33:11; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 1:12; Hebrews 6:17-18; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17. [190] Matthew 28:19; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 1:22-26. In extraordinary circumstances, such as the organization of new congregations, the presbytery may assume this function or delegate it to a temporary governing body of elders (see, Official Vows 1). [2] According to his wisdom, love, and sovereignty, Christ has prescribed what has historically been called Presbyterianism as the biblical form of church government. Luke 11:11-13; Romans 8:15. A. Q. 57 What benefits has Christ procured by his mediation? Q. [226] Daniel 9:4, 7-9, 16-19; Luke 18:1, 7-8. 65 What is forbidden in the fifth commandment? 12 What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created? All Christian churches of the "Reformed" tradition derive from the 16th-century Protestant Reformation and from Calvinism. Explain the proceedings of the meeting and ask the session to appoint at least two communicant members to count the votes. 110 What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it? Q. This meeting shall take place no later than 10 days after the day of the election. Edmonton, AB, Canada . The congregation participates in the preaching of the Word as they listen with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receiving it with faith and love; laying it up in their hearts; and practicing it in their lives. A. Christ, by his mediation, has procured redemption,[88] with all other benefits of the covenant of grace.[89]. [4] Romans 8:26-27; Psalm 10:17; Zechariah 12:10. [114] Galatians 3:16; Romans 5:15-21; Isaiah 53:10-11. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism,[192] and the Lords Supper. [14], 1.7 All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all:[15] yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them. 32 What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life? (Eastern), 9:30 AM & 2:30 PM Following this, the person shall be pronounced, in the name of Jesus Christ, free from the censures of the Church and restored to all the privileges of communicant membership. These Dutch immigrants first made contact with already-existing Reformed churches in Canada, especially the Protestant Reformed Churches in America (PRC) and the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), in the hope that they could join with them. [11] Psalm 47:7; Ecclesiastes 5:1-2; Hebrews 12:28; Genesis 18:27; James 5:16; James 1:6-7; Mark 11:24; Matthew 6:12, 14-15; Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 6:18. [6], 13.2 This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man;[7] yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part:[8] whence arises a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. [1] Psalm 15:2, 4; Zechariah 7:4, 10; Zechariah 8:16-17. In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy name, we pray, that God would enable us, and others, to glorify him in all that whereby he makes himself known;[213] and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.[214]. Marriage is ordained by God for the welfare and happiness of humanity. [55] 1 Corinthians 1:4-5, 7; 2 Timothy 1:4-5. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ;[190] wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.[191]. A. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church,[2] to signify, seal, and exhibit[3] unto those that are within the covenant of grace,[4] the benefits of his mediation;[5] to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces;[6] to oblige them to obedience;[7] to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another;[8] and to distinguish them from those that are without.[9]. [145] Mark 2:27-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10. This directory seeks to avoid the extremes of being so rigorous as to be viewed as a liturgy, or so loose that it serves no purpose. A. Chapter 25:6 of the Confession states that, The Pope of Rome is that Antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalts himself, in the Church, against Christ and all that is called God. In view of the manifest uncertainty in interpreting prophetic passages of Scripture, any office bearer having reservations about specifically identifying the papacy with the antichrist rather than an antichrist, may take an exception to this clause. If any member believes he/she has been unjustly censured by the session, that person may appeal to the presbytery. [27] 1 Timothy 4:10; Amos 9:8-9; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 43:3-5, 14. Victor Atallah. Prior to the spring meeting, the clerk shall arrange the annual review of the minutes of each session to ensure that matters pertaining to the life of each congregation within its bounds are consistent with the standards of the RP Church of Canada. Under the Old Testament, God established a pattern of Sabbath day morning and evening worship. There is to be no compromise with secret societies or false religions. [1] Isaiah 9:6-7; Psalm 2:6; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 2:8-10; Revelation 1:12-20; Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 12:32; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 66:2; Matthew 5:17-19; Matthew 19:3-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives you.[152]. [115] Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 42:6; John 6:27. A. 142 What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment? It refers to a civil magistrates responsibility to uphold the first table of the moral law and not to support Erastian (State) authority, jurisdiction, or interference regarding the affairs of the Church. [105] Isaiah 33:14; Genesis 4:13; Matthew 27:4. [114] Deuteronomy 29:29; Micah 6:8; 1 John 5:2-3. The ministry of the Word of God, the sacraments, and Church discipline have been given by Jesus Christ to the visible Church. In addition to prayer, singing, Scripture reading, and preaching, a wedding may include the following: Declaration of purpose The pastor may use words such as these: Declaration of the brides parent(s) The pastor may ask either the father or mother of the bride: Exchange of marriage vows An example of vows that may be used (either in a repeat-after-me form or be responded to by the statement I do by both groom and bride) is as follows: Exchange of rings If rings are used, the pastor may ask: As each ring is presented to its recipient, the pastor may say: The ceremony may then conclude with a prayer for Gods blessing. Q. 2023 Committee for the Canadian Reformed Website. Q. Q. Precentors may lead the congregation in its praise. The person to be baptized shall give public profession of faith by means of assent to the. 19.1 God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which He bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it: and endued him with power and ability to keep it. [172] 1 Corinthians 10:10; James 3:14-16. 24.1 Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband; at the same time. If the presbytery is satisfied, then the man called can request up to 14 days to declare his acceptance or declinature of the call. [37] Exodus 20:8, 10 with Matthew 5:17-18. [2], 22.2 The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence. [10], 6.5 This corruption of nature, during this life, does remain in those that are regenerated;[11] and although it be, through Christ, pardoned and mortified, yet both itself and all the motions thereof are truly and properly sin. Initially supplied by RP ministers from America, they were encouraged when, in 1833, the Scottish RP Church sent the Rev. [205] Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 136; Philippians 4:6. A. As an expression of care and to encourage a congregation, an independently reviewed financial statement shall be published annually and submitted to the presbytery.