CHURCH COVENANT
of the
Arlington Baptist Church
Arlington, Virginia
Having, as we trust, been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves to Him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with each other.
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2–3).
We will walk together in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian church; exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require (Romans 12:10; 15:14).
We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others (Hebrews 10:24–25; Ephesians 6:18).
We will endeavor to bring up such as may at any time be under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends (Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 1:28–29; Titus 2:7).
We will rejoice at each other’s happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2).
We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; Philippians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22; Titus 2:11–12; 1 Peter 1:14–16).
We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations (1 Corinthians 16:1–2; 2 Corinthians 8:1–3; 9:6–7; Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 5:17–18).
We will, when we move from this place, unite with some other church as soon as possible, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word (Hebrews 10:25).
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:14).