Q9. Professing Subjection to Christ Through Observance

Qu. 9. How do we in our observation, profess our subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel?

Answ. In that being all of them 1. Appointed by him as the head law-giver, King of his Church. And 2. Made by him the ensigns and tokens of his Kingdom, and subjects, in their due observation principally consists that profession of him, and his name, which he so often calls us to, and so indispensably requires at our hands (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23; Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 12:25; John 8:31; chap. 13.13; chap. 14:15, 21, 23; chap. 15:14, 17; chap. 13:35; chap. 15:14; Luke 9:26; Romans 10:10; 1 John 2:3, 4).

Explication.

The ground and reason of this duty is evident. The Lord Jesus Christ strictly enjoins all his disciples the profession of his name, and lays it on them as indispensable to salvation (Romans 10:10): "With the heart man believes to righteousness, with the mouth confession, or profession, is made to salvation" (John 12:42, 43, 44, 45). Now this profession of the name of Christ, which is so much abused and mistaken in the world, consists in the keeping of his commandments (John 15:14): "You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you." So also (Matthew 28:20) his disciples are to be taught to do, and observe, whatever he commands. Now whereas he is the head and King of the Church, the next immediate and special law-giver of it appointing to it all his ordinances, and its whole worship, as it becomes him who is Lord of the house, the institutions of the Gospel worship are his most especial commands. And in their observation consists that profession of him which he requires of us; therein does he call them out of the world by profession, whom he has redeemed out of it by his blood (1 Corinthians 6:15, 16, 17; Revelation 5:9). In these he exercises his kingly, or lordly power over his Church (Hebrews 3:6), and in the willing obedience of his people, gathering themselves to the ensigns of his rule, he is glorified in the world.