By John Knox.
The Book of Common Order.
Or
The Liturgy of John Knox
By John Knox.
Book of Common Order, also called Order of Geneva, or Knox’s Liturgy, first Reformed manual of worship in English, introduced to the English congregation in Geneva by John Knox in 1556, adopted by the Scottisch Reformers in 1562, and revised in 1564. The norm of public worship followed in the book is the ancient service of word and sacrament. A book of common order, as contrasted with a book of common prayer, aims at securing a common pattern of worship without making specific verbal forms compulsory, and the prayers are almost entirely to be said by the minister, in accordance with a practice introduced by John Calvin.
The Confession of Faith from the Congregation in Geneva
Introduction: Explore the Confession of Faith used in the Congregation in Geneva, received and approved by the Church of Scotland.
Content:
Acknowledgment of God’s Attributes:
- Professing love for the eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, and invisible God, one in substance, and three in persons.
Creation and Governance:
- Emphasizing God’s creation of heaven, earth, and humanity in His image.
- Recognizing God’s providence in governing and maintaining creation according to His will.
Faith in Jesus Christ:
- Confessing Jesus Christ as the only Savior and Messiah.
- Describing Christ’s self-humbling, incarnation, and sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of humanity.
Resurrection and Ascension:
- Highlighting the significance of Christ’s resurrection for our regeneration.
- Acknowledging Christ’s ascension into heaven and intercession for believers.
Belief in the Holy Spirit:
- Affirming belief in the Holy Spirit’s regenerating, sanctifying, and guiding role.
- Stating the necessity of applying God’s benefits to oneself for the elect.
The Church and its Marks:
- Describing the invisible Church as known only to God, with visible signs including the Word of God, Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and Ecclesiastical discipline.
Christian Magistrate and Church Defense:
- Recognizing the role of a political magistrate in upholding justice and defending the Church against false doctrines.
Glorifying:
- Glorifying with praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Content Book of Common Order:
Editorial Note
The Confession of Faith
Of the Ministers
Of the Elders
Of the Deacons
Of the Teachers
The Weekly Assembly.
Election of the Superintendent.
The Order of Ecclesiastical Discipline.
The Order of Excommunication.
The Form of Public Repentance.
The Form of Excommunication.
The Form of Absolution.
The Visitation of the Sick.
The Form of Public Worship.The Administration of the Lord’s
Supper.
The Form of Marriage.
The Order of Baptism.
A Treatise on Fasting.
The Order of the General Fast.
Prayers for Private Houses.
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