Westminster Confession of Faith

Of the Sharing of the Gospel (The Lost Chapter)

by Dr. Shawn A. Mitchell
Sept. 30, 2015

1. All who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the living Word of God are also hereby enjoined, nay much more, obligated to share with others throughout their various vocations and positions in life the glorious gospel wherein God through His Spirit hath quickened them to new life.

2. This holy obligation is bound upon all who have received mercy from God and may not be relinquished or fulfilled by its disposition upon the clergy as is common in the Romish churches.

3. All who have been freely given grace must show love to their neighbor by freely sharing the gospel as found in Holy Writ and it is enjoined upon all who hold office in God’s church to teach and illustrate by their lives and words their commitment to this duty and this by their activities outside the holy worship service.

(This was never included as the Westminster divines did not think the church and especially its clergy would be able to receive it, but they prayed that the church would someday reach a maturity that would allow them to embrace it.)

 

— Dr. Shawn A. Mitchell is Chaplain of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies and a member of the Council for National Policy.