Reformed Confessions on the Ceremonial Law, Etc.
French Confession (1559), Article 23:
We believe that the ordinances of the law came to an end at
the advent of Jesus Christ; but although the ceremonies are
no more in use, yet their substance and truth remain in the
person of him in whom they are fulfilled. And, moreover, we
must seek aid from the law and the prophets for the ruling
of our lives, as well as for our confirmation in the
promises of the gospel.
Belgic Confession (1561), Article 25:
We believe that the ceremonies and figures of the law ceased
at the coming of Christ and that all the shadows are
accomplished; so that the use of them must be abolished
amongst Christians; yet the truth and substance of them
remain with us in Jesus Christ, in whom they have their
completion. In the meantime, we still use the testimonies
taken out of the law and the prophets, to confirm us in the
doctrine of the gospel, and to regulate our life in all
honesty, to the glory of God, according to his will.
Thirty-Nine Articles (1563), Article 7:
The Old Testament is not contrary to the New; for both in
the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to
Mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and
Man, being both God and man. Wherefore they are not to be
heard, which feign that the old fathers did look only for
transitory promises. Although the law given from God by
Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, does not bind
Christian men, nor the civil precepts thereof ought of
necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet,
notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from
the obedience of the commandments which are called moral.
Bohemian Confession (1573), Article 15:
Howbeit in this place and on this point, one thing must not
be passed over with silence, namely, that we ought by no
means to burden the people with many superfluous and
grievous traditions such as the Mosaic traditions were under
the law. For the apostles prohibited this, just as St. Peter
said to certain ones concerning this, “Why do you tempt God
in laying a yoke upon the necks of the disciples?” (Acts
15:10). Also Paul says, “Be not entangled with the yoke of
bondage” (Gal. 5:1).
Second Helvetic Confession (1566):
11. We further condemn Jewish dreams that there will be a
golden age on earth before the Day of Judgment, and that the
pious, having subdued all their godless enemies, will
possess all the kingdoms of the earth. For evangelical truth
in Matt., chs. 24 and 25, and Luke, ch. 18, and apostolic
teaching in II Thess., ch. 2, and II Tim., chs. 3 and 4,
present something quite different.
27. Unto the ancient people were given at one time certain
ceremonies, as a kind of instruction for those who were kept
under the law, as under a schoolmaster or tutor. But when
Christ, the deliverer, came and the law was abolished, we
who believe are no more under the law (Rom. 6:14), and the
ceremonies have disappeared; hence the apostles did not want
to retain or to restore them in Christ’s church to such a
degree that they openly testified that they did not wish to
impose any burden upon the church. Therefore, we would seem
to be bringing in and restoring Judaism if we were to
increase ceremonies and rites in Christ’s church according
to the custom in the ancient church. Hence, we by no means
approve of the opinion of those who think that the church of
Christ must be held in check by many different rites, as if
by some kind of training. For if the apostles did not want
to impose upon Christian people ceremonies or rites which
were appointed by God, who, I pray, in his right mind would
obtrude upon them the inventions devised by man? The more
the mass of rites is increased in the church, the more is
detracted not only from Christian liberty, but also from
Christ, and from faith in him, as long as the people seek
those things in ceremonies which they should seek in the
only Son of God, Jesus Christ, through faith. Wherefore a
few moderate and simple rites, that are not contrary to the
Word of God, are sufficient for the godly.
Westminster Confession (1647), Chapter 19:
3. Besides this law, commonly called Moral, God was pleased
to give to the people of Israel, as a church under age,
ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances;
partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions,
sufferings, and benefits; and partly holding forth divers
instructions of moral duties. All which ceremonial laws are
now abrogated under the new testament.
4. To them also, as a body politick, he gave sundry judicial
laws, which expired together with the state of that people,
not obliging any other now, further than the general equity
thereof may require.
5. The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justified
persons as others, to the obedience thereof; and that not
only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in
respect of the authority of God, the Creator, who gave it.
Neither doth Christ in the gospel any way dissolve, but much
strengthen this obligation.