The Six Points of the "Terms of Ministerial and Christian
Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church" as listed at the end of The
Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of Our Covenanted Reformation by the Reformed Presbytery, 1761, 1876, (1995,
SWRB reprint)
The Session of Puritan Reformed Church
Motion Concerning Terms Of Communion Adopted March 22, 1996 Moved that the
session of Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton adopt as terms of communion (or
communicant membership) the following six terms:
1. An acknowledgement of the Old and New
Testament to be the Word of God, and the alone infallible rule of faith and
practice.
2. That the whole doctrine of the
Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Catechisms, Larger and Shorter, are
agreeable unto, and founded upon the Scriptures.
3. That Presbyterial Church Government and
manner of worship are alone of divine right and unalterable; and that the most
perfect model of these as yet attained, is exhibited in the Form of Government
and Directory for Worship, adopted by the Church of Scotland in the Second
Reformation.
4. That public, social covenanting is an
ordinance of God, obligatory on churches and nations under the New Testament;
that the National Covenant and the Solemn League are an exemplification of this
divine institution; and that these Deeds are of continued obligation upon the
moral person; and in consistency with this, that the Renovation of these
Covenants at Auchensaugh, Scotland, 1712 was agreeable to the word of God.
5. An approbation of the faithful
contendings of the martyrs of Jesus, especially in Scotland, against Paganism,
Popery, Prelacy, Malignancy and Sectarianism; immoral civil governments;
Erastian tolerations and persecutions which flow from them; and of the Judicial
Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery in North Britain, 1761 with
supplements from the Reformed Presbyterian Church; as containing a noble
example to be followed, in contending for all divine truth, and in testifying
against all corruptions embodied in the constitutions of either churches or
states.
6. Practically adorning the doctrine of
God our Savior by walking in all His commandments and ordinances blamelessly.
For a church that upholds these
terms of communion: http://www.reformedpresbytery.org
Visit Still Waters Revival Books new
state-of-the-art Web site at PuritanDownload.com by clicking here! The new
SWRB Web site features the best Reformation
and Puritan books starting at just 99 cents each (with no shipping costs)!
Also see the Puritan Hard Drive Super Sale for the
powerful and practical Reformation study tool ever created.
Covenanter Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/covenanter-books.htm
Westminster Confession of Faith Super Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/westminster-confession.htm
Puritan Bookshelf CD Series Super Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/puritan-bookshelf-CDs.htm
Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of
Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards by Samuel Miller
All titles below available from Still Waters
Revival Books at: http://www.swrb.com/pcopy/photoc.htm.
The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against
Contemporary Schismatics: A
Response and Antidote Primarily to the Neopresbyterian Malignancy and
Misrepresentations, and the Manufactured "Steelite" Controversy,
Found in Richard Bacon's A Defense Departed; With a Refutation of Bacon's
Independency, Popery, Arminianism, Anabaptism and Various Other Heresies
(Including an Exhibition of His Opposition to Scripture and the Covenanted
Reformation, in General; and His Opposition to John Calvin, John Knox, the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland [Especially 1638-1649], Samuel Rutherford,
George Gillespie, the Testimony of the Covenanter Martyrs, the Reformed
Presbytery, the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton and a Host of Other
Prominent Reformers from Past Generations, in Particular) -- With Copious Notes
on Mr. Bacon's Backsliding and His Blackening of the Blue Banner; as Well as
Various Replies to Other Modern Malignants by Greg
Barrow (Greg Price, Reg Barrow, Larry Birger, et al.) (Though
set in the context of a debate with one individual, this book addresses a
number of specific problems which plague the Presbyterian and Reformed churches
of our day in general. "It conclusively and irrefutably demonstrates that
those churches which today call themselves Presbyterian [and even many which
claim a more general Reformed heritage] have grievously departed from the
Scriptural standards and principles of the previous Spirit led Reformations [of
the 16th and 17th centuries]. This will become progressively [and painfully]
clear as the reader witnesses evidence upon evidence of defection from
biblically based Reformation attainments (Phil. 3:16) -- and the burying and/or
removing of the ancient Reformation landmarks. Ultimately, when the testimony
and evidence [presented in this book] is weighed in light of Scriptural
verities, it is entirely safe to say that the original Reformers would not only
have sought negative ecclesiastical sanctions against our modern
pseudo-Reformers, but in many cases negative civil sanctions as well,"
writes Reg Barrow in the "Publisher's Preface." This book, of over
300 [8.5" X 11"] pages, is also offered as a cerlox bound photocopy
[$14.98 US funds] or a Hardcover photocopy [$25.00 US funds]. It is also free on most of the CDs in both the REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD set [30 CDs, http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-bookshelf-CDs.htm ] and the PURITAN
BOOKSHELF CD set [32 CDs, http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/puritan-bookshelf-CDs.htm ])
This book is also offered FREE in etext on SWRB's web page
at:
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm
Chapter three from this book, "How the Solemn League
& Covenant Binds the USA, Canada, Australia, etc., Today," is now FREE in AUDIO in three parts at:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/swrb or
directly at:
How
the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the USA, Canada, Australia, etc., Today
(1/3)
FREE
MP3 AUDIO: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=8501203653
How
the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the USA, Canada, Australia, etc., Today
(2/3)
FREE
MP3 AUDIO: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=860142156
How
the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the USA, Canada, Australia, etc., Today
(3/3)
FREE
MP3 AUDIO: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=870115250
MORE FREE
AUDIO FROM THIS BOOK!
DEBATE
on the Meaning of the Church in Reformation Thought by Greg
Barrow
Covers some of the most important
(and often forgotten, in our day) aspects of the Reformation doctrine of the
church (championed by Calvin, Knox, et al.). Includes many citations from
Reformation leaders & confessional statements of the best Reformed
churches. This is chapter 2 in Greg Barrow's The
Covenanted Reformation Defended (free at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/misrep2.htm
).
This FREE
audio MP3 is at: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=11250123955
Eschewing
Ecclesiastical Tyranny (Protestant Biblical Separation)
by Greg Barrow (DEBATE with Richard
Bacon) 1 Corinthians 2:15
The classic Reformation position on
biblical separation, Protestant private judgment, the visible church, etc. --
contra Antichrist (the Papacy) and wayward liberal Protestants. This is
appendix G from The Covenanted Reformation
Defended: "A brief examination
of Mr. Bacon's principles regarding the visible church and the use of private
judgment. Also, some observations regarding his ignoble attack upon Mr. Kevin
Reed in his book entitled The Visible Church in the Outer Darkness."
This FREE
audio MP3 is at: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=7702201426
Protestant
Antidote to Modern Disunity (1/5)
by Greg Barrow (DEBATE with Richard
Bacon)
Defection from Reformation teaching
on separation, unity, church membership, church government, terms of communion,
creeds, confessions, covenants, etc., exposed (in modern Presbyterian and
Reformed churches) and corrected in accordance with Scripture and the best
teachers and preachers of the (first and second) Protestant Reformations. This
is chapter four from the book The Covenanted
Reformation Defended: "Misrepresentation
#4: The Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton (PRCE) is
guilty of imposing the traditions of men upon the conscience by requiring terms
of communion that are unscriptural."
Free etext: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/append_g.htm. Book:
http://www.swrb.com/catalog/b.htm (or in resource #6 below), or on CD:
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-bookshelf-CDs.htm
This FREE
AUDIO is at: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=81202235217
Tapes two through five in this series
can also be accessed through the URL above.
This
book and the FREE MP3 audio tracks noted above are available on various CDs in
both the PURITAN BOOKSEHLF CD series (http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/puritan-bookshelf-CDs.htm) and the REFORMATION
BOOKSHELF CD series (http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-bookshelf-CDs.htm). See the URLs cited for more details.
An
Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of
Dissenters, etc.
Defends the inescapable necessity of creeds and confessions, while promoting
a fully creedal church membership. Shows how the law of God obliges all
Christians "to think the same things, and to speak the same things;
holding fast the form of sound words, and keeping the ordinances as they have
been delivered to us" (Col. 3:13). After laying some basic groundwork,
this book proceeds to defend the six points of the "Terms of Ministerial
and Christian Communion Agreed Upon by the Reformed Presbytery." These six
points are the most conservative and comprehensive short statements of consistent
Presbyterianism you will likely ever see. Besides the obvious acknowledgement
of the alone infallible Scriptures, the Westminster Standards, and the divine
right of Presbyterianism, these points also maintain the perpetual obligation
of our Covenants, National and Solemn League, the Renovation of these covenants
at Auchensaugh in 1712, and the Judicial Act, Declaration and Testimony emitted
by the Reformed Presbytery. In short, this book sets forth adherence to the
whole of the covenanted reformation, in both church and state, as it has been
attained by our covenanting forefathers.
Reformed Presbytery in North America (RPNA)
The Meeting Reconstituting the Reformed Presbytery in North
America (RPNA) (Aug. 5, 2000)
As of August 5, 2000 (and FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 113 YEARS) a Reformed Presbyterian
(Covenanter) PRESBYTERY exists which embraces the faithful biblical attainments of the
best Churches of both the first and second Reformations (Phil. 3:16). In accordance with Scriptural doctrine of the
Church, the "Deed of Constitution for the Reformed Presbytery in North
America" (RPNA) states,
We do sincerely
profess that it is the glory of God, the edification of Christ's Church, as
well as the preservation and promotion of the true Christian religion
throughout the whole world that does persuade us to unite in constituting this
Presbytery.
We do voluntarily
promise to be subject in the Lord unto the Reformed Presbytery In North
America; to promote and to preserve the doctrine, worship, government, and
discipline as summarized in the above cited "Six Terms Of Ecclesiastical
Communion" (http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/6points.htm -- RB); and to receive with meekness all brotherly
counsel and admonition tendered by fellow members of this Presbytery.
We do not consider
the Reformed Presbytery In North America to be an entirely new entity, but
rather a continuation of the one moral person with other covenanted
judicatories of the past, and with those faithful witnesses of the Covenanted
Reformation known as Protesters and Society People (1650-1742 inclusive).
Accordingly, when we refer above to our "Constitution", we include
within it all the judicial documents comprehended and engaged unto in our
"Six Terms Of Ecclesiastical Communion ( http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/RefConf.htm -- RB)" -- specifically, only those documents
which are agreeable to the Word of God, and consistent with our covenanted
attainments, as they were formally received and approved by the following
covenanted judicatories between the following inclusive dates:
1. The Church Of
Scotland (1560-1602, 1638-1649).
2. The Reformed
Presbytery In Scotland (1743-1808), and the Synod Of The Reformed Presbyterian
Church In Scotland (1809-1821).
3. The Reformed
Presbytery In Ireland (1763-1779, 1782-1810), and the Synod Of The Reformed
Presbyterian Church In Ireland (1811-1839).
4. The Reformed
Presbytery In America (1774 -1778, 1798 -1805, 1840 -1845, 1854 -1887).
In constituting the
Reformed Presbytery In North America in moral succession to these
aforementioned faithful judicatories, it is evident that we have not included
any of the present bodies designated as "Reformed Presbyterian"
whether in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, or the United States.
In full agreement
with the official position of the Reformed Presbytery In America, as recorded
in their Minutes of June 2, 1841 (which are attached as an Addendum to this
Deed of Constitution), we hold these ecclesiastical bodies to be unfaithful to
the attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. With full persuasion of
conscience, we stand separate from them and cannot unite with them until they
publicly repent of their shameful backsliding.
Thus, we affirm
that we, having returned to faithful terms of communion, and a true
constitution, are not a schismatic body that has further divided the Church of
Christ. To the contrary, the Reformed Presbytery In North America is a moral
perpetuation of that faithful and unified manifestation of Christ's Covenanted
Church in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. It is our goal to unite the
Church of Christ in every land by means of promoting a truly covenanted
reformation in accordance with the prayer of our Lord, "That they may be
one, even as we are one" (John 17:22).
This resource provides a video and/or audio
(cassette) record of this historic meeting and includes the complete Deed of Constitution for the REFORMED PRESBYTERY IN NORTH
AMERICA (RPNA). Just the "Deed of
Constitution," and not the complete meeting, is also available in etext
(free of charge) at: http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/index.html .
Cassettes below are for sale at: http://www.swrb.com/music/cassets.htm
PRICE, GREG
The Apostolic/Reformation
Way to Worldwide (Biblical) Church Unity
(7 cassette sermons, 1998)
Seven astounding sermons on God's biblically
ordained method to fulfill His command for unity (and the great commission) in
the visible church:
1. What Are
Terms of Communion? (2 cassettes)
2. What is
Close Communion? (2 cassettes)
3. What is
Occasion Hearing (or Occasional
Communion)? (3 cassettes)
These truths which have been prominent from
Old Testament times to the days of the Apostles -- and in all great subsequent
Reformations and true revivals (especially during the second Reformation) --
are clearly, simply and Scripturally presented. These forgotten or ignored
doctrines are once again coming to public notice in the preaching of Greg Price
(and the publishing of classic Covenanter literature), as well as in the
contemporary call for a third Reformation in which the nations of the earth
will once again enter into (or renew) covenant with Christ.
As Price points out from Scripture, these
truths will also be well known in the days of millennial glory to come.
"And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be
one LORD, and his name one (visibly--RB)" (Zech. 14:9). These sermons give us a foretaste of the blessings that
God will pour out upon His church when she runs "the way of thy
commandments" (Ps. 119:32) and when "the earth shall be full of the
knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" (Isa. 11:9)!
All
these seven sermons are also free in MP3 audio on the web, beginning with the
first tape in each set (which are linked to subsequent sermons in the series),
at:
What Are Terms of Communion? (1/2)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=780119920
What is Close Communion? (1/2)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=42101152912
What is Occasion Hearing (or Occasional Communion)? (1/3)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=6201223051
Terms of Communion
(19 cassettes by Greg Price)
This
set explains the six "Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in
the Reformed Presbyterian Church" (i.e. the historic Covenanters). These terms represent a
high water mark concerning covenanted Reformation attainments thus far in
history. They are thoroughly Scriptural (as this set proves) and
should be adopted by all Churches as the minimum standard by which people are
admitted to to the Lord's Supper. The "rare bound photocopy" An Explanation and Defense of the Terms of
Communion... ($US3.98 cerlox; $US15.00 hardcover) by the
Reformed Presbytery also covers much the same ground, adding some arguments not
found in this tape set, but generally containing less detail. McKnight's
"rare bound photocopy" Concerning
Close Communion ($US3.99 cerlox; $US15.00 hardcover) is also
very helpful in regard to the general subject of the Scriptural propriety of a close
communion and explicit, open, honest, and biblical terms for fencing the table of
the Lord. Separate sections of this
cassette series can be purchased individually as outlined below.
Terms of Communion: The Word of God (2
cassettes)
Explains and defends the first term of communion, which is "An
acknowledgement of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, and the
alone infallible rule of faith and practice." Covers the attributes of
Scripture, including the necessity, inspiration, authority, sufficiency,
perspicuity, perpetuity, etc. of the Word of God. Also deals with principles of
interpretation (hermeneutics) and how we know that God's Word is His Word, and
thus can be trusted as the absolute, inerrant, infallible and inspired truth.
Touches on higher criticism and the debate over bible version, upholding the
Textus Receptus (i.e. the ecclesiastical or received text) and the King James
Version. A fine defense of Sola Scriptura which also touches on how
"extra-biblical" terms of communion are not only required by
Scripture itself, but are an inescapable necessity. Price is careful to point
out the difference between the primary, infallible standard of Scripture and
those uninspired subordinate standards, which nevertheless bind the conscience
whenever they say the same thing as Scripture. A great introduction to God's
Word that comes with our highest recommendation. "I will worship toward
thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth:
for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name" (Ps. 138:2).
Terms of Communion: The Westminster Standards (5 cassettes)
Explains and defends the second term of communion, which is "That the
whole doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Catechisms,
Larger and Shorter, are agreeable unto, and founded upon the Scriptures."
Price not only explains why we need creeds and confession (answering the
question: Isn't the Scripture sufficient?), but he shows how everyone has a
creed and how such statements of
faith are actually inescapable -- for as soon as one says what he believes the
Bible means, has has (be definition) put forth his creed ("credo" in
Latin means "to believe"). There is no neutrality! He also gives a
summary of the Westminster standards and the history of this august assembly,
demonstrating why these standards are agreeable to the word of God. After
showing how faithful creeds and confessions (i.e. human testimony) have brought
untold blessings to the church he gives a history of the Westminster Assembly
(setting the context for the study of the Standards themselves). The doctrines contained
in the confessional standards are then summarized. Price also exposes and
rebukes much false teaching and false practice (contrary to the standards)
using the specific names associated with each heresy refuted. The following
doctrines are covered: sola Scripture (refuting popery, neo-orthodoxy,
liberalism and the charismatics), the doctrine of God (refuting Unitarianism,
Oneness theology [Modalism, Sabellianism], and tritheism), God's decrees and
predestination (refuting Arminianism, fatalism [Islam]), creation (refuting
Evolutionism, Pantheism and New Age and Eastern mysticism), the covenant of
works, Providence (against "luck" and "accidents"), the
fall of man (refuting Arminianism and Pelagianism), the covenant of grace (refuting
dispensationalism), Christ our mediator (refuting Arianism [JW's],
Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism [which led to the
transubstantiation and consubstantiation heresies], the free offer of the
gospel, effectual calling (contra Arminianism), justification by faith alone
through Christ alone (contra Rome and the Arminians), sanctification and good
works (condemning antinomianism and legalism), assurance of faith, perseverance
of the saints, the law of God, Christian liberty (against pretended liberty of
conscience and the imposition of legalistic standards outside of the law of
God), worship (against the anti-regulativists and promoters of will-worship),
the regulative principle (condemning Arminianism in worship), the Sabbath
(taking the high Scottish view), lawful oaths and vows (condemning covenant
breaking [churches and nations included], perjury, etc.), the civil magistrate
(against pluralism, false toleration, Erastianism, and for biblical
establishments), marriage, the church (contra popery, prelacy and independency
[all of which are forms of sectarianism]), and the resurrection and general
judgement.
Terms of Communion: Presbyterian Worship and Government (2 cassettes)
Explains and defends the third term of communion, which is "That
Presbyterial Church Government and manner of worship are alone of divine right
and unalterable; and that the most perfect model of these as yet attained, is
exhibited in the Form of Government and Directory for Worship, adopted by the
Church of Scotland in the Second Reformation." "To many readers, the
subject of church government will not seem terribly exciting. Judging from the
lack of contemporary literature on the topic, one might conclude that church
polity is not very important. Yet, if the truth were known, many of the practical
problems facing the church are the result of an abandonment of scriptural
church polity. The church is not a mere social club. The church is the kingdom
of Christ (Col. 1:13), subject to his rule. In the Bible, the Lord has
established an ecclesiastical government by which his people are to be ruled.
Just as Christ has instituted civil government to ensure civil order, so he has
established ecclesiastical government to preserve order in the church (1 Cor.
14:33). A man is not free to dispense with the church's government anymore than
he is at liberty to disregard the (lawful--RB) civil authorities. We do not
contend that the divine order for church government extends to every detail.
Obviously, the Lord did not mandate how many times the elders of the church
must meet each month; nor did he prescribe any particular attire for them to
wear while performing their official duties. Such incidentals are adapted to
the needs and exigencies of the time and place; according to the general rules
of the word, which are always to be observed. Nevertheless, the scriptures do
provide an overall plan of government which the church must follow if she is to
remain faithful to her Lord. Therefore, it is important to examine biblical
principles of church polity," writes Kevin Reed in his Biblical Church
Government. Much the same could be
said regarding worship. These tapes are an excellent introductory explanation
of the fundamentals of Divine Right Presbyterian church government and Divine
Right Presbyterian worship. They are jam-packed with Scripture, history and
sound reasoning and should be very helpful to all those seeking the Lord's will
concerning these two important subjects. Price distinguishes between the
elements and circumstances of worship (contra John Frame's heretical
innovations, wherein he rejects these distinctions), while the vital issues of
unity and uniformity, separation from false worship and false man-made church
governments are not forgotten. All this is set in the context of faithfully
approaching the Lord's table. "Now I praise you, brethren, that ye
remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to
you" (1 Cor. 11:2).
Terms of Communion: Covenants and Covenanting (7 cassettes)
Explains and defends the fourth term of communion, which is "That public,
social covenanting is an ordinance of God, obligatory on churches and nations
under the New Testament; that the National Covenant and the Solemn League are
an exemplification of this divine institution; and that these Deeds are of
continued obligation upon the moral person; and in consistency with this, that
the Renovation of these Covenants at Auchensaugh, Scotland, 1712 was agreeable
to the word of God." Includes the studies offered separately on the
National Covenant (2 tapes), the Solemn League and Covenant (1 tape), the
Auchensaugh Renovation (2 tapes), as well as two introductory lectures (only
available in this set) on the biblical principles related to the ordinance of
covenanting, the descending obligation of lawful covenants, objections against
covenanting, etc. A thoroughly amazing set of tapes -- among our best!
Terms of Communion: The Martyrs and Historic Testimony (2 cassettes)
Explains and defends the fifth term of communion, which is "An approbation
of the faithful contendings of the martyrs of Jesus, especially in Scotland,
against Paganism, Popery, Prelacy, Malignancy and Sectarianism; immoral civil
governments; Erastian tolerations and persecutions which flow from them; and of
the Judicial Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery in North Britain,
1761 (i.e. The Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of Our
Covenanted Reformation--RB) with
supplements from the Reformed Presbyterian Church; as containing a noble
example to be followed, in contending for all divine truth, and in testifying
against all corruptions embodied in the constitutions of either churches or
states." Price demonstrates how and why uninspired historical testimony
must be a term of communion. A number of the same arguments apply to this
question (of fencing the Lord's table based on uninspired historical
testimony), as apply to fencing the table based on biblically accurate creeds
and confessions -- so those that understand biblical creedalism (and close
communion) should have no problem with this aspect of Reformation thought.
Reformation views are also differentiated from Romish views of history, church
authority, etc., as they come to bear on this point. At one of the most
interesting points of this study, Price also proves how one cannot even keep
the inspired commandments of God without the use of uninspired history (using
the fifth and ninth commandments as examples). History is here set on its
biblical foundations. Testimony is also well dealt with. Testimony is defined
as "That record which a witness gives (in a court) in defense of the truth
and in opposition to error." Faithful biblical testimony is shown, by
various examples from inspired and uninspired history, to bring the fury of the
enemy. This is where the Reformation theological rubber meets the road of
experimental Christianity and disinterested self-sacrifice (often resulting in
suffering and persecution as the antichristian beast [ecclesiastical and civil]
is stirred from his slumber by the barbs of faithful Christian witnesses as
they testify to the truth and against "all corruptions embodied in the
constitutions of either churches or states" -- thus the long list of
Christian martyrs throughout history).
Terms of Communion: The Practice of Truth (forthcoming, 1 cassette)
Explains and defends the sixth term of communion, which is "Practically
adorning the doctrine of God our Savior by walking in all His commandments and
ordinances blamelessly."
BARROW, GREG
and LARRY BIRGER
Reformation Principles Re-Exhibited: An Historical Witness
and Brotherly Entreaty.
Summary and Analysis of Changes within Terms of Communion
of the Reformed Presbyterian Churches of Scotland and America from 1761 to the
Present, and a Particular Analysis and Testimony Against the Present Day RPCNA. (August 5, 2002)
In a day of spiritual confusion
and complacency, what could be more welcome than a clarion call to godly
faithfulness and a clear testimony for the truth? Among the Reformed Presbyterian community, the
appearance of this new book by Elder Greg Barrow and Dr. Larry Birger, Jr.
should be like a magnificent flare lighting up a pitch-black night sky. The
terrain that is revealed by the light might not be pretty, but the soldiers of
God's Army can easily identify enemy positions and avoid them. Some may
actually discover that they are surrounded by deserters and need to get back to
the position marked out by the Lord.
One can tell much about a
church from its terms of communion, and Barrow and Birger are able to trace the
progressive defection of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
(RPCNA) by analysing the changes in that denomination's terms of communion. Terms of communion are the formal basis for admitting
people to the Lord's Table. The RPCNA began as a Covenanter church, but later
turned away from the Covenants (National and Solemn League) and defected from
the Covenanter testimony. This is demonstrated in
the evolution of its terms of communion, from clear, faithful terms, to loose
and general ones.
The Reformed Presbyterian
Church of Scotland (RPCS), like the RPCNA, defected from faithful terms of
communion. It did this largely to
make communicant membership easier for new members. "Rather than patiently
teaching the people, and bringing them up to 'own' and 'acknowledge' the
testimony of the past contendings of faithful witnesses (as Scripture
commands), they opted to 'dumb down' their constitutional standards which were
originally designed to protect the unwitting, ignorant, and the scandalous from
partaking of the Lord's Supper. In so doing they declined from a more pointed
testimony unto one which is more evasive, loose and general" (p. 15). This
is a significant issue raised by Barrow and Birger: over time, doctrinal
standards and terms of communion should become clearer and more precise. If the reverse is happening, that is undeniable evidence that
a church is backsliding and progressively abandoning the Biblical attainments
of previous generations.
The defection of these churches has included
a growing doctrinal latitudinarianism. This leads to an important question: "How can a group of people who obviously
incorporate, inculcate, and tolerate serious differences amongst themselves
regarding the doctrine contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith, come
to the Lord's Table professing themselves to be in agreement, and of one mind,
before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, without overtly and highhandedly
violating the precepts of the ninth commandment?" (p. 28).
Barrow and Birger conclude that
the "RPCNA must be accounted guilty of extreme spiritual adultery, and
must be testified against" (p.
49).
This is an important document for those who
would avoid the doctrinal declension of our day.
49 pages.
This
book is also available on all the Reformation
Bookshelf CDs (in the "Free Books" file) at: http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-bookshelf-CDs.htm
Free in html, PDF and
zip formats, at: http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/index.html
Or directly at:
http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/rpcna/rpcna.htm (html)
http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/rpcna/rpcna.pdf (pdf)
http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/rpcna/rpcna.zip (zip)