Plain-language reading guide
READING HELP
Read this chapter alongside the Confession chapter on the same subject. The Testimony states what the church teaches, applies that teaching, and identifies views it rejects. Read each statement with its Scripture proofs and the surrounding paragraphs.
To find explicit rejections in this chapter, go to point 2, point 4. Read each full point to see exactly which teaching is rejected.
This reading guide is separate from the official text below.
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
Westminster Confession
1. For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils.
Scripture proofs: Acts 15:2, 4, 6.
2. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers, and other fit persons, to consult and advise with, about matters of religion; so, if magistrates be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ of themselves, by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons, upon delegation from their Churches, may meet together in such assemblies.
Scripture proofs: Isa. 49:23; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 2 Chron. 19:8- 11; 2 Chron. 29—30; Matt. 2:4-5; Prov. 11:14; Acts 15:2, 4, 22-23, 25.
3. It belongeth to synods and councils, ministerially to determine controversies of faith and cases of conscience, to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of His Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in His Word.
Scripture proofs: Acts 15:15, 19, 24, 27-31; Acts 16:4; Matt. 18:17-20.
4. All synods or councils, since the Apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice; but to be used as a help in both.
Scripture proofs: Eph. 2:20; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 2:5; 2 Cor. 1:24.
5. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude, nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth; unless by way of humble petition, in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.
Scripture proofs: Luke 12:13-14; John 18:36.
Words to know
- Synod
- A wider assembly of church leaders for shared government and counsel.
- Subordinate standard
- A church confession or catechism that summarizes belief while remaining under the Bible’s authority.
WCF 31.1 · Churches should meet together
For good government and growth, churches should have wider assemblies, often called synods or councils. Local congregations benefit from shared counsel and oversight. They are not meant to live as if other congregations do not matter.
Acts 15:2.
How can churches help one another make wise decisions?
WCF 31.2 · Who calls church assemblies?
The original paragraph permits civil rulers to call religious assemblies. It also allows church ministers, or ministers with church-appointed representatives, to meet when rulers are hostile. The RPCNA rejects this entire paragraph. Its Testimony instead gives church courts the exclusive right to arrange their own meetings under Christ. Use the original paragraph link to compare the wording.
Isaiah 49:23; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 2 Chronicles 19:8-11.
Who does the RP Testimony say should arrange church meetings?
WCF 31.3 · What assemblies do
Church assemblies should resolve questions of belief and conscience, set proper rules for worship and government, and hear complaints about poor administration. Their decisions should be received respectfully when they agree with Scripture, because Christ has appointed this authority. Their work serves his Word rather than replacing it.
Acts 15:15; Acts 16:4; Matthew 18:17-20.
When should we receive an assembly’s decision with respectful obedience?
WCF 31.4 · Assemblies can make mistakes
Church councils and synods since the apostles can be wrong, and many have been. Their decisions are useful help for belief and life, but are not the final rule. Scripture remains the standard by which we test them.
Ephesians 2:20; Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 2:5.
What should we use to check a church assembly’s decision?
WCF 31.5 · Keep the proper task in view
Church assemblies should handle church matters rather than take over ordinary civil affairs. The Confession allows exceptional petitions to government and requested advice about matters of conscience. Church and state have distinct tasks; giving biblical counsel is different from becoming the civil government.
Luke 12:13-14; John 18:36.
How is offering biblical advice different from governing the state?
1. Christ is the only Head and Lawgiver of the Church. He gave the apostles authority to establish the permanent form of church government, which is set forth in the New Testament. Eph. 1:22; Matt. 18:18; 1 Cor. 14:37; Eph. 4:11-12; 2 Cor. 13:10; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28; Heb. 13:17.
2. We reject paragraph 2 of the Confession of Faith.
3. No ecclesiastical authority is placed in the hands of private Christians or civil rulers; church judicatories are subordinate only to Christ Jesus. They appoint, by an exclusive right, their own times and places of meeting and adjournment. Matt. 22:21. (For details, see Directory for Church Government, chaps. 6-7.)
4. We reject the systems of church government which center authority in one individual or in a hierarchy of bishops. We further reject the independent congregational system with authority vested in autonomous congregations.
5. Subordinate standards, such as the Confession of Faith, Catechisms and the Testimony, serve a necessary and useful purpose as a summary of biblical teaching, a basis for fellowship and common service, and as a testimony to the world of the church’s belief and practice. They are never to be taken as a substitute for God’s Word or as a complete or final exposition of it. Rom. 15:5-6; 1 Tim. 3:15-16; Heb. 4: 12; Mark 7:6-13.
6. It is the responsibility of the Church to declare God’s Word to civil authorities as it applies to their use of the power that has been given them. Acts 9:15; Ps. 119:46; Matt. 10:17-18; Luke 3:12-14. (Compare also the Testimony, chap. 23.)
Words to know
- Synod
- A wider assembly of church leaders for shared government and counsel.
- Subordinate standard
- A church confession or catechism that summarizes belief while remaining under the Bible’s authority.
- Rejects
- Says that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.
- Civil
- Concerning government and public life, rather than church government.
- Church courts
- Groups of elders who govern the church together, such as the session, presbytery, and Synod.
Testimony 31.1
Christ alone is the church’s head and lawgiver. Through the apostles, he established its continuing form of government in the New Testament.
Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 31.2
The Testimony rejects the whole original WCF 31.2, including its permission for civil rulers to call religious synods. The Testimony instead assigns church courts the exclusive right to arrange their own meetings in RPT 31.3.
Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 31.3
Civil rulers and private individuals do not hold authority to govern the church. Church courts answer to Christ and have the exclusive right to set their meetings.
Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 31.4
The Testimony rejects putting all church authority in one ruler or a ladder of bishops. It also rejects churches governing entirely on their own. Instead, elders govern together in connected church courts.
Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 31.5
Confessions, catechisms, and the Testimony help summarize Scripture and support shared faith and service. They never replace the Bible or exhaust everything it teaches.
Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 31.6
The church should explain to civil rulers what God’s Word requires in the use of their authority.
Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-101, A-102, A-103.