---
title: "Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints | RP Testimony"
description: "Chapter 26 of the RP Testimony: Of the Communion of Saints. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=98"
---

# Chapter 26: Of the Communion of Saints | RP Testimony

1. Concern for fellow believers should be a restraint to evil, especially to unkind speech and action against one another. 1 Cor. 13; Eph. 4:31-32; Rom. 14:19; Jas. 3:16-18; Gal. 5:15; 1 Cor. 12.

2. The congregation is the primary organic unit in the presbyterian system of church government. It is commonly composed of Christians residing in the same community who meet together for the worship of God.

3. In addition to their obligation to assemble for worship, believers should assemble for social purposes as another means of support and growth. In response to Christ’s love for them, believers are to express their love to one another by using their diverse gifts and talents to help their brethren; by giving and receiving counsel, support, hospitality and comfort; by spending time with one another and sharing joys and sorrows. This is especially necessary when, in the providence of God, brethren need material support and moral and spiritual encouragement. Heb. 10:24-25; Heb. 13:2; Gal. 6:2; Rom. 12:10, 13, 15; Eph. 4:28; Phil. 4: 10-14; 1 Cor. 16:1-2.

4. All people, regardless of their mental or physical condition, are made in the image of God. Each person’s life is a gift from God. We are not to evaluate individuals in terms of their mental and physical ability or appearance. The church should be careful to accept and cherish its handicapped, incorporating them into the life of the church. In evangelistic outreach the church should not overlook handicapped persons but seek them out, minister to them and pray for their conversion.

5. For preservation of life and because of respect for our bodies as God’s creation, we are to be careful in the use of drugs. Christians should avoid enslavement to alcohol, tobacco or any habit-forming drug. The Scripture strongly condemns drunkenness as a sin. Gen. 1:27 with 9:6; 1 Cor. 6:9-10.

6. Because drunkenness is so common, and because the intemperate use of alcohol is constantly being promoted by advertising, business practices, and social pressure, Christians must be careful not to conform to the attitudes and the practices of the world with regard to alcoholic beverages. To prevent damage to our neighbor, to provide mutual help in godly living, and to strengthen each other in living a disciplined life it is altogether wise and proper that Christians refrain from the use, sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Prov. 20:1; Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Cor. 8:13.

7. The use of tobacco is detrimental to health and is to be avoided because of the responsibility to preserve the body which is a temple of God. 1 Cor. 6:19; 1 Cor. 9:24-27.

8. The use of drugs for pleasure or escape from moral responsibility should be avoided; one should strive for victory over physical and emotional weakness through the strength of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, and make wise use of proper medical care. Phil. 4:13; Col. 1:10-14.

## 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.GospelThe good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

### Testimony 26.1

Love for fellow Christians should restrain unkind words, harmful actions, and other wrongdoing toward them.

[Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-1)

### Testimony 26.2

The local congregation is the basic unit of presbyterian church life and government, ordinarily gathering believers from the same community.

[Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-2)

### Testimony 26.3

Believers should share life beyond worship, offering hospitality, counsel, practical help, and comfort, especially when others are in need.

[Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-3)

### Testimony 26.4

People with disabilities bear God’s image and should be valued, welcomed into church life, and included in gospel outreach.

[Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-4)

### Testimony 26.5

Christians should use drugs carefully, avoid addiction, and reject drunkenness, respecting their bodies as God’s creation.

[Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-5)

### Testimony 26.6

To help protect others and encourage self-control, the Testimony recommends not using, selling, or making alcoholic drinks.

[Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-6)

### Testimony 26.7

Christians should avoid tobacco because it harms health and we are responsible to care for our bodies.

[Read original point 7 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-7)

### Testimony 26.8

Avoid drugs used for pleasure or escape from moral responsibility. Seek Christ’s strength while making wise use of proper medical care.

[Read original point 8 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/#point-8)

### Talk about it

How could you help someone in your church this week?

### 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)
- [Westminster Confession · Chapter 26](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/)
- [Chapter 25](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/)
- [Chapter 27](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-27-sacraments/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/