This morning we received a family into the membership of our church, hearing the formal pronouncement of the couple's vows of church membership (something, I pray, we will see repeated with their still-young children after time and instruction). The experience propelled me back to when I made these vows for myself at the ripe, young age of twelve. (This is not something to be confused with baptism; that took place when I was younger still.) This stands as a covenant, defining the relation of myself to the visible Body of Christ, in the ways that I believe God has given us to receive grace through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church. 

That's a very poor summary (doctrinally and personally speaking) of all that takes place here; nevertheless, I felt compelled to reflect on what I signed up for in my youth and still find precious (only because of God's abundant mercy and faithfulness, and not my own strength in making good on these). Basically, I made a bunch of promises that are only available through the faithfulness and goodness of God, and only made good by that same faithfulness and goodness. This is the stuff that makes the Christian life tough and yet undeniably sweet.


Covenant of Communicant Membership
from the Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America.

1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule for faith and life?

I do.

2. Do you believe in the one living and true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as revealed in the Scriptures?

I do.

3. Do you repent of your sin; confess your guilt and helplessness as a sinner against God; profess Jesus Christ, Son of God, as your Saviour and Lord; and dedicate yourself to His service: Do you promise that you will endeavor to forsake all sin, and to conform your life to His teaching and example?

I do.

4. Do you promise to submit in the Lord to the teaching and government of this church as being based upon the Scriptures and described in substance in the Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America? Do you recognize your responsibility to work with others in the church and do you promise to support and encourage them in their service to the Lord? In case you should need correction in doctrine or life, do you promise to respect the authority and discipline of the church?

I do.

5. To the end that you may grow in the Christian life, do you promise that you will diligently read the Bible, engage in private prayer, keep the Lord’s Day, regularly attend the worship services, observe the appointed sacraments, and give to the Lord’s work as He shall prosper you?

I do.

6. Do you purpose to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in all the relationships of life, faithfully to perform your whole duty as a true servant of Jesus Christ, and seek to win others to Him?

I do.

7. Do you make this profession of faith and purpose 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?

I do.

The congregation then promises(d) to receive the new member(s) as brother and/or sister in Christ.

The road to salvation is filled with sweet things from the hand of God. Overflowing with thanksgiving for the reminder of that today.

1 Comment

1. Marigold on June 12, 2011 at 3:45 PM

   So glad to hear that the family became members today! :)
   
   Thanks for the reminder of the Covenant of Communicant Membership---it seems so long ago, too, since I vowed it. When others join, it's always good to remember what I've promised, and to get a dose of joy (for what God has done and is doing) and humility (because, you know, I certainly can't do it on my own, and even when and where I falter, God doesn't).
   
   Hope you're doing well! :)