What are the 39 and 42 Articles of Religion?

Historical Context and Development

During the Protestant Reformation in England (16th century), the Church of England sought to articulate its core doctrines in a systematic way. Initially, under the reign of King Edward VI (r. 1547–1553), these doctrinal statements were published as the 42 Articles of Religion (1553). These 42 Articles aimed to define the theology of the English Church, reflecting the scriptural convictions of the Reformers.

Not long after their introduction, political and religious shifts occurred due to the succession of monarchs. Edward VI died, and Queen Mary I tried to return the nation to Roman Catholicism. Then Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne in 1558 and reinstated Protestant reforms, resulting in a revised confession known as the 39 Articles of Religion, finalized in 1563 and ratified in 1571. Today, these 39 Articles remain a foundational confessional standard for the Church of England and many global Anglican bodies.

The 42 Articles of Religion

1. Drafting and Purpose

The 42 Articles were compiled principally by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who was heavily influenced by Continental Reformers. Their purpose was to set boundaries for sound doctrine, rejecting certain teachings of Medieval Catholicism while clarifying the biblical doctrines adopted by the English Reformers.

2. Content and Main Doctrines

• They addressed the authority of Scripture, in line with verses such as:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

• They affirmed the doctrine of justification by faith alone, reflecting passages such as:

“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)

• They refuted certain doctrines tied to purgatory, indulgences, and the sacrificial dimension of the Mass that the Reformers believed were not in agreement with Scripture.

• They upheld the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and salvation, pointing to verses like:

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness…” (1 Peter 2:24)

3. Short Life and Transition

With the death of Edward VI and the ascent of Mary I, the 42 Articles fell out of official favor. The shift away from Protestantism during Mary’s reign meant these articles never took deep national root. Nonetheless, they laid the groundwork for the next formal confession under Elizabeth I, which became the 39 Articles.

The 39 Articles of Religion

1. Revision and Consolidation

When Queen Elizabeth I came to power, the 42 Articles were revisited. After some are removed and reworked for clarity and conciseness, the final set of 39 Articles was published in 1563 (and given royal assent in 1571). This document became a concise statement of Reformation teaching, guiding Anglicans in core doctrines and liturgical practices.

2. Structure of the 39 Articles

The 39 Articles can be seen in logical groupings, though they are typically listed from Article I to Article XXXIX. These groupings include:

• Articles I–VIII: The nature of God, the Holy Trinity, Scripture, Christ’s dual nature, and foundational creeds.

• Articles IX–XVIII: Sin, salvation, justification, good works in the life of believers.

• Articles XIX–XXXI: The nature of the Church, the authority of the Church, sacramental theology, and other church practices.

• Articles XXXII–XXXIX: Church discipline, governance, and Christian responsibility to secular authorities.

3. Key Doctrinal Emphases

a. Sufficiency of Scripture

The 39 Articles emphasize that Scripture is the final authority for faith and practice:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Articles VI and XX articulate that the Church may not teach anything contrary to Scripture.

b. Nature of God and the Trinity

Article I affirms belief in one God in three Persons. This aligns with biblical testimony such as Matthew 28:19:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

c. Justification by Faith

Similar to the earlier 42 Articles, the 39 Articles remain firm on justification by faith alone—echoing texts like Ephesians 2:8–9:

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”

d. Sacramental Theology

Articles XXV–XXXI discuss the sacraments, affirming only two as ordained by Christ—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). This theological stance distinguishes the Reformed Anglican perspective from certain medieval doctrines deemed unscriptural by the Reformers.

e. Church and Traditions

Articles XIX–XXII speak of the Church’s authority and remind believers that, while the Church is important for teaching and the administration of the sacraments, it is not infallible apart from Scripture.

f. Salvation and Good Works

The 39 Articles insist that whereas we are saved by grace through faith, Christians should produce good works in gratitude and obedience to God:

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

Yet these works are not meritorious for salvation but flow from genuine faith in Christ.

4. Ongoing Significance

The 39 Articles continue to shape Anglican theology, liturgy, and practice in many parts of the world. While some provinces of the Anglican Communion interpret them with varying levels of strictness, the Articles represent a cornerstone of historical Protestant thought, upheld by those who desire to remain anchored in Scripture’s authority.

Comparative Notes: 42 vs. 39

1. Differences in Number

• The 42 Articles were reduced to 39, primarily by omitting specific references and reorganizing certain theological concerns.

• The three articles dropped addressed issues such as the definition of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, condemnation of certain Anabaptist positions, and other context-specific teachings of the mid-16th century.

2. Lasting Confessional Status

• The 42 Articles are more of a historical document, rarely used today outside of specialized scholarly or ecclesiastical study.

• The 39 Articles are a recognized doctrinal foundation within Anglicanism and are often referenced among traditional Anglicans as a safeguard against false doctrine.

3. Biblical Foundation

Both sets rest firmly on biblical truth, seeing the Bible as the ultimate source of Christian doctrine:

“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

However, the 39 Articles represent the mature articulation of Reformation principles for the English Church.

Scriptural Underpinnings of Confessional Articles

Though not a direct replication of verses, the Articles reflect themes consistently found in Scripture:

• God as Creator and Sovereign (Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”).

• Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

• The Holy Spirit as Comforter and Guide (John 14:26).

• The believer’s call to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).

• The Church’s commission to teach, govern, and make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20).

Each doctrinal point in both the 42 Articles and especially the refined 39 Articles stems from careful Scripture study, reflecting the Reformer’s commitment to the Bible as the authoritative standard.

Relevance for Contemporary Readers

1. Doctrinal Clarity

The Articles (particularly the 39) serve as a guide to help believers discern core Christian teachings, clearly demarcating foundational truths from secondary issues. They remind modern readers that theology grounded in Scripture transcends cultural shifts (Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”).

2. Historical Continuity

By examining how earlier believers wrestled with Scripture’s teachings, Christians today find continuity with centuries of faithful interpretation—encouraging them to remain steadfast and discern the truths that shape a biblically consistent faith (Jude 1:3: “…contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.”).

3. Practical Application

Beyond abstract doctrinal statements, the Articles encourage believers to live out their faith diligently. Emphasis on Scripture’s supreme authority invites daily study and application of the Word, leading to spiritual growth, godly character, and a Christ-centered worldview.

Conclusion

The 42 Articles of Religion paved the way for the more enduring 39 Articles. While the 42 Articles were short-lived, they laid foundational scriptural claims that shaped the formulation of the 39 Articles, which remain a hallmark of Anglican identity. Both documents highlight core biblical truths: the nature of God as three-in-one, the authority of Scripture, salvation through faith in Christ, and the believer’s call to faithful living.

Grounded in verses like 2 Timothy 3:16–17, the Articles emerged in a time of reformation and theological clarity. Today, they continue to remind believers of the unchanging truths of Scripture, the necessity of genuine faith, and the church’s responsibility to uphold the gospel in every generation.