Tameside Free Congregational Church

THE SAVOY DECLARATION OF FAITH AND ORDER 1658 Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

OF GOD AND OF THE HOLY TRINITY

1 There is but one only living and true God; who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure Spirit, invisible, without body, parts or passions, immutable, immense, eternal. incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory, most loving, gracious. merciful, long-suffering. abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin. the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and withal most just and terrible in his judgments. hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.

2 God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in, and of himself; and is alone, in, and unto himself, all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures, which he hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them: He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them. whatsoever himself pleaseth. In his sight all things are open and manifest, his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain. He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands. To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service or obedience, as creatures, they owe unto the Creator, and whatever he is further pleased to require of them.

3 In the unity of the God-head there be three Persons, of one substance, power and eternity.  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. Which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence upon him.

Go to Chapter 3 – Of God’s Eternal Decree

Go to Chapter 1 – Of The Holy Scripture

Go to Contents – The Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order 1658

Here are two sermons prepared by Mr Bradley for the Philippines Churches.  They are part of a series of commentary on each chapter of the Savoy Declaration.  We trust each one may also be helpful here in the UK.