We, the undersigned, ministers of God’s Word, elders and deacons of the Canadian Reformed Church at Langley, do, by our subscription, declare sincerely and in good conscience before the Lord that we heartily believe that the whole doctrine contained in the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort fully agrees with the Word of God. 

We promise, therefore, that we will diligently teach this doctrine and faithfully defend it without contradicting it publicly or privately in teaching or writing.  We also declare that we reject all errors conflicting with the doctrine expressed in these confessions and promise to oppose, refute and help prevent such errors. 

If at any time in the future it should happen that we would disagree with this doctrine or any part of it, we promise that we will not propose, teach, preach, or publish our opinion either publicly or privately; rather, we will first make this known to the consistory and if necessary to the broader assemblies, for judgment.  We are willing to submit to their decision; if we refuse we will by that very fact be suspended from our office. 

If at any time the consistory, classis or regional synod, upon sufficient grounds of suspicion and in order to maintain the unity and purity of the teaching, would require of us a further explanation of our views, we do hereby promise that we are always willing and ready to comply under the penalty of suspension. 

However, we reserve the right of appeal if we believe ourselves wronged.  During the time of appeal we will acquiesce in the decision of consistory, classis, or regional synod.

[Adopted by General Synod Smithers 2007]

There are at least three blessings that come from requiring subscription from our officebearers. 

First of all, the congregation is protected from false teachings.   No officebearer can unilaterally decide to teach or preach something contrary to what the church confesses.

Second, officebearers are protected from themselves.  Sometimes we're our own worst enemies.  We can be impulsive, prideful, and stubborn.  With the commitments made in the FOS, you'll be giving a lot of sober second thought if you have any misgivings about what the church confesses.

Third, and most importantly, the purity of the gospel is protected.  The commitments made in the FOS place a wall around the gospel the church confesses.  History shows over and over again that churches that claim to be aconfessional often drift into rejection of or distraction from the gospel.  Of course, churches that claim to be confessional can and do make those same moves -- but they do so in direct violation of the commitments made, thus making themselves even more culpable.  However, subscription done in good conscience (no crossed fingers!) and with a clear understanding of what is being subscribed is a means by which the church shows that it values the good news of Jesus Christ and wants to preserve it inviolate for future generations.   Subscription is a way of implementing what Paul commanded Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:20, "O Timothy!  Guard what was committed to your trust..."