--- title: "Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints 1. All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head by His Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His graces," canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=98" --- # Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints | Westminster Confession of Faith 1. All saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head by His Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other’s gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man. Scripture proofs: 1 John 1:3; Eph. 3:16-19; John 1:16; Eph. 2:5-6; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:12; Eph. 4:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Cor. 3:21-23; Col. 2:19; 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Rom. 1:11-12, 14; 1 John 3:16-18; Gal. 6:10. 2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God; and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities, and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. Scripture proofs: Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 2:42, 46; Isa. 2:3; 1 Cor. 11:20; Acts 2:44-45; 1 John 3: 17; 2 Cor. 8—9; Acts 11:29-30. 3. This communion, which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them, in any wise, partakers of the substance of His Godhead; or to be equal with Christ, in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or property which each man hath in his goods and possessions. Scripture proofs: Col. 1:18-19; 1 Cor. 8:6; Isa. 42:8; 1 Tim. 6:15-16; Ps. 45:7 with Heb. 1:8-9; Ex. 20:15; Eph. 4:28; Acts 5:4. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowCommunion of saintsThe shared fellowship and responsibilities of Christ’s people.Union with ChristThe Spirit’s joining believers to Christ so they share his saving benefits through faith. ### WCF 26.1 · Sharing life in Christ The Spirit and faith unite believers to Jesus. They share the benefits of his saving life, death, resurrection, and glory. United to each other in love, they should use their gifts and do what helps one another spiritually and physically, in public and private life. Explore the Scriptures1 John 1:3; Ephesians 3:16-19; John 1:16. Talk about itWhat gift could you use to help another believer? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#paragraph-1) ### WCF 26.2 · Worship, encourage, and help Christians should share worship, strengthen one another’s faith, and provide practical help according to their ability and others’ needs. As opportunities arise, this love should extend to believers in every place, not only our own congregation. Fellowship includes both words and actions. Explore the ScripturesHebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42; Isaiah 2:3. Talk about itHow could we help Christians we have never met? [Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#paragraph-2) ### WCF 26.3 · United, but not turned into God Union with Christ does not make us divine or equal to him. We remain his creatures. Sharing life with other Christians also does not erase each person’s ownership of possessions. We should give generously, but fellowship does not mean everything automatically belongs to everyone. Explore the ScripturesColossians 1:18-19; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Isaiah 42:8. Talk about itHow can we share generously while respecting someone else’s possessions? [Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#paragraph-3) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - What does it mean to share life with other believers? - How can children help carry someone else’s burdens? #### Scripture to remember Galatians 6:2 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Galatians%206%3A2) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Ask your family about a practical way to care for someone in the church. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=98) ## Related reading - [Church membership and life together](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/church-membership/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 62: What is the visible Church?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-62-what-is-the-visible-church/) - [What does “Presbyterian” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-presbyterian/) - [Find teaching on church](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=church) - [Read RP Testimony chapter 26](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/) - [Chapter 25](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/) - [Chapter 27](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-27-sacraments/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/