The 1689 Confession: foundations of theology, a warm welcome to the course.
The goal of this course is to equip you the reader in the knowledge and understanding to live under the word and instruction of God. Also, to be able to teach others how to live according to His word and to defend the word should the situation arise.
We start with an overview of the confession and the history behind it. Let's begin...
The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, also known as the Second London Baptist Confession, is a seminal document that encapsulates the core theological beliefs of Reformed Baptists. Its development was significantly shaped by the political and religious milieu of 17th-century England, serving as a unifying doctrinal statement that articulated the distinctives of Baptist theology while situating it within the broader Reformed tradition.
Historical Context
The late 17th century in England was characterized by substantial religious and political upheaval. The Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw the ascension of William and Mary to the English throne, ushered in an era of increased religious tolerance. This newfound freedom allowed various religious groups, including Baptists, to openly publish their doctrinal beliefs. The 1689 Confession was drafted by particular Baptists who sought to align their faith closely with the established Reformed confessions, namely the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and the Savoy Declaration (1658). This alignment was strategic, aiming to demonstrate the orthodoxy of Baptists within the larger Protestant context while also addressing specific Baptist convictions.
Structure and Content
The 1689 Confession is meticulously structured into 32 chapters, each addressing distinct theological and practical aspects of the Christian faith. The progression from foundational theological principles to practical aspects of Christian living reflects the comprehensive nature of the confession.
- Scripture: The opening chapter underscores the Bible as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. It affirms the inspiration, inerrancy, and sufficiency of Scripture, positioning the Bible as the final arbiter in all matters of doctrine and conduct. This emphasis on sola scriptura is a hallmark of Reformed theology and establishes a foundation for the subsequent chapters.
- God and the Holy Trinity: The confession upholds the classical Christian doctrine of the Trinity, describing God as one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This chapter details the attributes of God, including His sovereignty, omniscience, omnipotence, and eternal nature. The Trinitarian framework is essential for understanding the subsequent theological discussions, especially those concerning salvation and the work of Christ.
- Creation and Providence: These chapters affirm God as the Creator of all things and His ongoing providential care over creation. The doctrine of providence emphasizes God's active involvement in sustaining and governing the universe, assuring believers of His sovereign control over all events.
- The Fall, Sin, and Its Punishment: The confession articulates the doctrine of original sin, explaining how humanity's fall in Adam resulted in a corrupted nature and a propensity towards sin. This foundational belief underscores the necessity of redemption and sets the stage for the discussion of Christ's redemptive work.
- Christ the Mediator: Central to the confession is the person and work of Jesus Christ. It elaborates on Christ's incarnation, His dual nature as fully God and fully man, and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The confession highlights Christ's atoning sacrifice, His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession for believers, which are crucial for understanding the doctrine of salvation.
- Salvation: The confession robustly defends the doctrines of grace, including election, calling, justification, sanctification, and perseverance of the saints. It affirms that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. The chapter on justification is particularly significant, emphasizing that believers are declared righteous before God solely based on the righteousness of Christ imputed to them.
- The Church: A distinct feature of the 1689 Confession is its ecclesiology. It describes the church as a congregation of baptized believers, advocating for believer's baptism by immersion as a public profession of faith. The autonomy of local churches is emphasized, rejecting hierarchical structures in favor of congregational governance. This chapter also addresses church ordinances, including the Lord's Supper and baptism, and the roles of church officers.
- The Last Things: The final chapters of the confession deal with eschatological beliefs. They affirm the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the eternal destinies of the righteous and the wicked. These teachings provide hope and assurance for believers, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.
The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith has played a pivotal role in shaping Baptist identity and theology. By providing a clear and comprehensive articulation of Baptist beliefs, it helped to unify Baptists around a common doctrinal standard. The confession's detailed treatment of key theological issues ensured that Baptists were recognized as adherents to the broader Reformed tradition, while also maintaining distinctives such as believer's baptism and congregational polity.
One of the lasting impacts of the 1689 Confession is its role in promoting doctrinal clarity and unity among Reformed Baptists. It served as a benchmark for theological education and church practice, helping to preserve the integrity of Baptist beliefs across generations. Additionally, the confession's emphasis on Scripture as the ultimate authority reinforced the importance of biblical fidelity in all aspects of church life.
In contemporary times, the 1689 Confession continues to be a vital document for many Reformed Baptist churches worldwide. It serves not only as a historical testament to the faith of early Baptists but also as a living confession that guides the beliefs and practices of modern believers. Churches that adhere to the 1689 Confession often emphasize its role in promoting doctrinal soundness, spiritual growth, and church unity.
Modern Relevance
Today, the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith remains relevant in addressing contemporary theological and practical issues. Its robust theological framework provides a foundation for addressing modern challenges while remaining rooted in historic Christian orthodoxy. The confession's emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and the centrality of Christ's redemptive work continues to resonate with believers seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Moreover, the confession's articulation of the church's nature and mission offers valuable insights for contemporary ecclesiology. In an era marked by diverse and often competing understandings of church practice and governance, the 1689 Confession provides a coherent and biblically grounded model for church life. Its principles of congregational governance, believer's baptism, and the autonomy of local churches offer practical guidance for church organization and ministry.
Conclusion
The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith stands as a monumental document in the history of Reformed Baptist theology. Its comprehensive and systematic approach to Christian doctrine has provided a durable framework for understanding and articulating Baptist beliefs. By situating itself within the broader Reformed tradition while maintaining distinct Baptist convictions, the 1689 Confession has contributed to the theological unity and identity of Baptists for over three centuries.
As both a historical artifact and a living document, the 1689 Confession continues to inspire and guide Reformed Baptist churches today. Its enduring relevance attests to its theological depth and its capacity to address the timeless truths of the Christian faith in ever-changing contexts. Through its detailed exposition of Scripture and its robust theological assertions, the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith remains a cornerstone of Reformed Baptist identity and a testament to the enduring power of confessional theology.
I look forward to helping you through this discovery of faith. To continue to the key lessons of chapter 2, please use the button below:
