Articles of Faith/Articles of Religion are brief statements of belief of a particular denomination. Growing up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I only ever heard this in context of the LDS 13 Articles of Faith published in 1842. While attending a musical event (at a Baptist church?) I skimmed through a book and found that they had Articles of Faith too. Having never heard another Christian bring up Articles of Faith in conversation, I've since then looked up a variety of articles, here are a few: - 22 Articles of Religion: Wesleyan Church (1844)1 - 28 Articles of Faith: Bible Fellowship Church (founded 1858) - 25 Articles of Religion: Methodist Church (1784)2 The earliest Article of Religion I believe is Thirty-nine Articles: The Church of England (1571) Do any Christian denominations have more than 39 defined Articles of Religion? Do any have fewer than 13? 1 History of the Wesleyan Church 2 Britannica: Twenty-five Articles of Religion

The beginning of [Article 17 (XVII) of the *Articles of Religion*](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Book_of_Common_Prayer_(ECUSA)/Historical_Documents_of_the_Church/Articles_of_Religion) seems to me to clearly teach Calvinistic predestination: > Predestination to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour. So I found it rather interesting that William Beveridge mentions that some Arminians have interpreted this article differently: > One Article (the 17th Article) has sometimes been wrested into an Arminian interpretation, but the attempt cannot be looked upon as other than a failure. ([*Short History*, 106](https://books.google.com/books?id=PdYyAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA106)) My reading inclines me to agree with Beveridge's analysis, but before passing too firm a judgment, I'd like to understand how Arminians interpret this article to favor their viewpoint. *I'm not interested in the approach of those who simply reject the article or significant portions of it.* ### Among those Arminians who hold to the Articles, how do they defend Article 17?

Which articles do Reformed Theologians say are always part of our salvation? (For instance, I have heard recognized figures teach that saving faith will always carry with it a recognition of the Deity of Jesus Christ. And I’ve heard them say it is not necessary to believe in election.) ______ **EDIT**: Including [an answer](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/86008/54533) , we believe it will be limited to things that affect Romans 10:9, etc. King James Version >9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. This would mean faith and trust in a false Christ would make a reformed person think someone is not saved (hence Christ’s Deity is an example). Are things not embracing the true Christ the only heresy impacting Romans 10:9 and salvation? Also I wonder which aspects of Christ they would say must be accepted.

In the 39 articles of faith, article 35 says the following: > XXXV. Of the Homilies. The Second Book of Homilies, the several > titles whereof we have joined under this Article, doth contain a godly > and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the > former Book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of Edward > the Sixth; and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the > Ministers, diligently and distinctly, that they may be understanded of > the people. ([Articles of Religion](http://anglicansonline.org/basics/thirty-nine_articles.html)) It then goes on to list the name of the homilies. What is "The Second Book of Homilies" that it is referring to?

[Article 17 of the *Articles of Religion*](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Book_of_Common_Prayer_(ECUSA)/Historical_Documents_of_the_Church/Articles_of_Religion#871) , on the topic of predestination, asserts that for the non-elect having the sentence of predestination before their eyes causes them to sin more and more. So, why did the framers of this confession consider that a good thing? Wouldn't this be a good reason to shut up about predestination? If it indeed causes people to sin more and more and thus do more damage to others? Does Anglicanism consider the moral meltdown of society which can result (according to this article) from dwelling on the "sentence" of predestination, to be a good thing? > XVII. Of Predestination and Election. > >Predestination to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour. Wherefore, they which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to God's purpose by his Spirit working in due season: they through Grace obey the calling: they be justified freely: they be made sons of God by adoption: they be made like the image of his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ: they walk religiously in good works, and at length, by God's mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity. > > As the godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: ***So, for curious and carnal persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God's Predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchlessness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.*** > > Furthermore, we must receive God's promises in such wise, as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture: and, in our doings, that Will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the Word of God.