39 articles of faith of the Anglican church

Introduction:

The 39 Articles of Faith are a significant doctrinal statement within the Anglican tradition. For Christians seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, these articles provide essential guidance and insight into the beliefs and teachings of the Anglican Church. In this comprehensive explanation, we will delve into each article, unpacking its meaning and relevance for contemporary Christian life.

Article 1: Of Faith in the Holy Trinity

The first article affirms the foundational Christian belief in the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—as articulated in Scripture and the Nicene Creed. This belief underscores the divine unity and diversity within the Godhead, emphasizing both the oneness and distinctiveness of each person of the Trinity.

Article 2: Of the Word or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man

This article addresses the incarnation of Jesus Christ, affirming the biblical teaching that the eternal Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). It emphasizes the dual nature of Christ—fully divine and fully human—and the significance of his atoning work for the salvation of humanity.

Article 3: Of the Going Down of Christ Into Hell

Here, the article addresses the descent of Christ into hell, as professed in the Apostles’ Creed. It acknowledges Christ’s victory over sin and death, proclaiming his triumph over the powers of darkness and his liberation of the souls held captive.

Article 4: Of the Resurrection of Christ

The resurrection of Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith, signifying his victory over death and the assurance of eternal life for believers. This article affirms the historicity of Christ’s bodily resurrection and its implications for the redemption of creation.

Article 5: Of the Holy Ghost

The fifth article focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers for life and ministry. It highlights the Spirit’s role in convicting, illuminating, and sanctifying God’s people, enabling them to bear witness to the gospel effectively.

Article 6: Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation

Scripture holds a central place in Anglican theology, serving as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. This article affirms the sufficiency of the Bible for salvation, emphasizing its divine inspiration, clarity, and efficacy in guiding believers into all truth.

Article 7: Of the Old Testament

The Old Testament is recognized as sacred Scripture within the Anglican tradition, containing God’s revelation and purposes for humanity. This article affirms the authority and relevance of the Old Testament while acknowledging its fulfillment in Christ.

Article 8: Of the Three Creeds

The three ecumenical creeds—the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds—are affirmed as faithful summaries of Christian doctrine in this article. They serve as foundational statements of faith for the Anglican Church, articulating essential truths about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Article 9: Of Original or Birth Sin

Original sin, inherited from Adam and Eve, is acknowledged as a universal condition of humanity in this article. It highlights the pervasive effects of sin on human nature and the need for God’s grace to restore and renew fallen humanity.

Article 10: Of Free Will

The tension between human free will and divine sovereignty is addressed in this article, affirming both the responsibility of human beings to respond to God’s grace and the sovereignty of God in salvation. It underscores the mystery of God’s providential purposes and the necessity of faith for salvation.

Article 11: Of the Justification of Man

Justification by faith alone is affirmed as the means by which sinners are reconciled to God and declared righteous in his sight. This article emphasizes the forensic nature of justification, grounded in the atoning work of Christ and received through faith apart from works of the law.

Article 12: Of Good Works

While good works are acknowledged as fruits of faith and evidence of a transformed life, they are not meritorious in themselves for salvation. This article emphasizes the importance of good works as expressions of gratitude and obedience to God’s will, flowing from a renewed heart by the Spirit.

Article 13: Of Works Before Justification

Works done before justification are not sufficient to merit salvation, as they lack the saving merit of Christ. This article underscores the necessity of faith as the sole means of justification, apart from any human effort or merit.

Article 14: Of Works of Supererogation

The concept of works of supererogation—excessively meritorious works performed by saints—is rejected in Anglican theology. This article affirms the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work for salvation and the absence of any need for additional human merits.

Article 15: Of Christ Alone Without Sin

Christ is affirmed as the only sinless and perfect mediator between God and humanity in this article. His sinlessness qualifies him to offer himself as the spotless sacrifice for sin, securing redemption for all who trust in him.

Article 16: Of Sin After Baptism

The reality of ongoing sin in the lives of believers is acknowledged in this article, emphasizing the need for repentance, faith, and perseverance in the Christian journey. It affirms the assurance of forgiveness and restoration through Christ for those who turn to him in genuine contrition.

Article 17: Of Predestination and Election

The doctrine of predestination and election is addressed in this article, affirming God’s sovereign purposes in the salvation of individuals. It emphasizes the mysterious tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, underscoring the assurance of salvation for those whom God has chosen in Christ.

Article 18: Of Obtaining Eternal Salvation Only by the Name of Christ

Salvation is declared to be available exclusively through faith in the name of Christ, who is the only mediator between God and humanity. This article rejects the notion of salvation apart from Christ or through any other means, affirming the uniqueness and sufficiency of his atoning work.

Article 19: Of the Church

The nature and attributes of the Church as the body of Christ are expounded in this article. It affirms the unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity of the Church, as well as its mission to proclaim the gospel and administer the sacraments faithfully.

Article 20: Of the Authority of the Church

The authority of the Church is recognized as subordinate to the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice. This article emphasizes the primacy of God’s Word as the ultimate standard by which the Church’s teaching and governance are to be evaluated.

Article 21: Of the Authority of General Councils

General councils of the Church are acknowledged as valuable for their role in addressing doctrinal controversies and promoting unity within the body of Christ. However, their authority is considered subject to the authority of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Article 22: Of Purgatory

The doctrine of purgatory, as understood in Roman Catholic theology, is rejected in Anglicanism. This article affirms the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement for the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life for believers, without the need for any intermediate state of purification.

Article 23: Of Ministering in the Congregation

The ministry of word and sacrament within the congregation is affirmed as essential for the edification and equipping of God’s people. This article underscores the importance of faithful preaching, teaching, and administration of the sacraments for the spiritual nourishment

Article 24: Of Speaking in the Congregation in Such a Tongue as the People Understand

This article emphasizes the importance of clear and intelligible communication in the public worship of the Church. It encourages the use of languages understood by the congregation, ensuring that all may edify and be edified in the worship of God.

Article 25: Of the Sacraments

The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are recognized as outward signs of inward grace, ordained by Christ himself. This article affirms the efficacy of the sacraments when rightly administered and received in faith, conveying spiritual blessings to believers.

Article 26: Of the Unworthiness of Ministers, Which Hinders Not the Effect of the Sacraments

While ministers may be unworthy in themselves, their unworthiness does not negate the efficacy of the sacraments when administered according to Christ’s institution. This article underscores the principle of ex opere operato—the efficacy of the sacraments being dependent on the promise and power of God, rather than the worthiness of the minister.

Article 27: Of Baptism

Baptism is recognized as a sacrament ordained by Christ, signifying entrance into the Christian community and regeneration by the Holy Spirit. This article affirms the efficacy of baptism in conveying forgiveness of sins, newness of life, and incorporation into the body of Christ.

Article 28: Of the Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper, also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist, is celebrated in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and as a means of grace for the nourishment of believers’ souls. This article affirms the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, spiritually received by faith.

Article 29: Of the Wicked, Which Eat Not the Body of Christ in the Use of the Lord’s Supper

This article addresses the spiritual reality of the Lord’s Supper, affirming that the wicked do not partake of Christ’s body and blood in a salvific sense, regardless of their outward participation in the sacrament. It emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual discernment in approaching the Lord’s table.

Article 30: Of Both Kinds

The administration of the Lord’s Supper in both kinds—bread and wine—is affirmed as desirable but not essential for the validity of the sacrament. This article acknowledges the historical practice of receiving communion under both kinds while affirming the sufficiency of either kind for participation in the sacrament.

Article 31: Of the One Oblation of Christ Finished Upon the Cross

The sacrifice of Christ upon the cross is declared to be complete and all-sufficient for the redemption of the world. This article rejects the notion of the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice, affirming Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice as the perfect atonement for sin.

Article 32: Of the Marriage of Priests

Marriage is affirmed as a holy and honorable estate, not contrary to the Word of God, for ministers of the Church. This article rejects the requirement of clerical celibacy and affirms the Scriptural teaching that marriage is a blessing instituted by God for the welfare of humanity.

Article 33: Of Excommunicate Persons, How They Are to Be Avoided

Excommunication is recognized as a disciplinary measure within the Church, aimed at bringing about repentance and restoration. This article affirms the authority of the Church to exercise discipline over its members for the glory of God and the purity of the Church.

Article 34: Of the Traditions of the Church

The traditions of the Church are acknowledged as valuable for their role in preserving and transmitting the apostolic faith. This article affirms the importance of upholding authentic apostolic tradition while cautioning against the elevation of human traditions to the same level as Scripture.

Article 35: Of Homilies

Homilies, or sermons, are recognized as means of instruction and edification within the Church. This article affirms the value of sound preaching grounded in Scripture, as a means of conveying God’s Word and nurturing the faith of believers.

Article 36: Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers

The consecration of bishops and ministers is affirmed as essential for the continuation of apostolic ministry within the Church. This article underscores the importance of ordination according to Scriptural principles and apostolic tradition, ensuring the continuity and integrity of ministerial office.

Article 37: Of Civil Magistrates

Civil magistrates are recognized as ordained by God for the maintenance of justice and the promotion of the common good. This article affirms the duty of Christians to pray for and obey lawful authorities, while also recognizing the limits of their authority in matters of conscience and religion.

Article 38: Of Christian Men’s Goods, Which Are Not Common

While Christians are called to practice charity and generosity towards those in need, this article affirms the right of individuals to private ownership of property. It rejects the notion of compulsory communal living, affirming the biblical principle of stewardship and the responsibility of individuals to use their resources wisely for the glory of God.

Article 39: Of a Christian Man’s Oath

The taking of oaths is permitted under certain circumstances, provided they are taken lawfully and in accordance with truth and justice. This article affirms the importance of honesty and integrity in all dealings, recognizing the solemnity of oaths and the accountability of individuals before God.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the 39 Articles of Faith of the Anglican Church provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the essential beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. Rooted in Scripture and informed by tradition, these articles continue to guide Anglicans in their journey of faith, offering timeless truths for contemporary Christian life and witness. As Christians, may we embrace these articles with humility and conviction, seeking to live out our faith in accordance with God’s Word and for the glory of his name.