This course is based on the text, 'The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith,' with notes by Kevin Matthews. Please feel free to print these notes to allow you to study the text online/offline. This lesson may be used in other study situations if you like (eg. Groups, Bible Studies, etc).
We now begin a new series of studies in the area of theology. The word ‘theology’ comes from two Greek words, ‘Theos’ meaning God, and ‘Logos’ meaning word. The construction of the word gives us the meaning of theology - words about God. Theology is therefore the Biblical science that deals with God and what He has revealed to man, and therefore the source of theology is God’s revelation the Bible.
When a person observes my garden (when I have kept it tidy) they see a collection of various plants arranged throughout my yard, giving I hope, an aesthetically pleasing sight. There is an order even in the disorder of my own taste and interest. In horticulture, plants are separated and arranged out of the ordered disorder of the world and arranged according to their various divisions (eg genus, species, etc) for study in a unified system. In Scripture the various doctrines are also in an ordered disorder. It is the job of ‘systematic theology’ to bring all the information regarding individual doctrines together and to place each one into a system, thereby allowing closer study and a better understanding of each individual doctrine, as well as its relationship to the united system of Biblical truth.
QUESTION: What is the point of theology?
1.1 What is a Confession of Faith?
A ‘Creed’ or ‘Confession of Faith,’ is simply a statement of what one believes or of what a church believes. The Latin ‘credo,’ from which we get the word creed, simply means ‘I believe.’ A creed is therefore a ‘confession’ to the world, and to other believers, of what it is believed the Bible teaches. Confessions of Faith and Creeds do not attempt to subvert the Scriptures, only to capture and arrange the chief teachings of the Bible into a concise and clear system of truth, while still being subordinate to it.
As with theology, Creeds and Confessions of Faith have been developed from the Scriptures over the centuries, progressing in accuracy and clarity from the time of the first century until now. An early example is the Apostles Creed which was easily memorised as a short statement of what was believed by the adherent to it. There are even examples of creeds or creedish-like statements in the Bible (Rom 10:9; 1 Cor 12:3; Philip 2:11; 1 Tim 3:16; 1 Jn 4:1).
The formal presentations of beliefs and doctrines as set out in Confessions of Faith reached their zenith from the time of the Reformation, and were produced mainly by Protestants. These include the Heidelberg Catechism, The Canons of Dort, the 39 Articles of the Church of England, The Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
QUESTION: Can you think of any ‘Confessions of Faith’ in the early church, recorded in the Bible?
1.2 Why Use Confessions of Faith?
1.2.1 PUBLIC AFFIRMATION OF THE TRUTH:
Confessions of Faith are a legitimate means for the public affirmation of the truth (2 Tim 1:13; Jude 3; Philip 1:27), in order to clearly state in a concise form what an individual or a church believes and teaches. They form a clear statement of the fundamental truths of Scripture and are therefore legitimate aids in learning and teaching the truths of the Bible 1 Tim 3:15), both for congregational and family use. They are also useful tools for distinguishing between truth and error, and therefore defending the truth from error.
1.2.2 STANDARDS FOR FELLOWSHIP:
Confessions of Faith are useful tools for bringing together those who hold common beliefs into a unified body, as the Scriptures clearly teach (Amos 3:3; Mt 12:25; Eph 4:3; Rom 15:5,6; 1 Cor 1:10; Philip 1:27; 2:2), enabling them to both walk and serve together as a local body of Christ or church. A confession of faith or doctrinal standard allows this to be done, clearly setting out to all what is the doctrinal position of the church. They are therefore useful summaries of the doctrinal beliefs of a church for newcomers, and are also a help therefore, in guarding the church against error (Rom 16:17).
1.2.3 STANDARDS TO EVALUATE MINISTERS:
Confessions of Faith are also useful aids in the evaluation of ministers of the Word of God (2 Tim 2:2; Tit 1:9; 1 Jn 4:1). These men are to be faithful to the truth (2 Tim 2:2), and here the confession of faith is a useful aid in assessing those that would minister in the church, whether long term ministry is in view, or short term ministry. If such men cannot subscribe to this standard of truth, then they are not welcome to teach in any form in the church.
QUESTION: How would you respond to the statement, ‘no creed but the Bible,’as an objection to the use of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith?
THE OBJECTION ANSWERED: The argument, which in some attempts to protect the sole authority of the Bible, of there being ‘no creed but the Bible,’ is really an argument that is somewhat naive at best. For others it is simply a covert attempt to undermine Biblical doctrine and truth. The reason that such a comment is not sufficient is that even heretics have such a ‘creed,’ yet they do not believe the Bible in the correct way.
Arius, the early church champion of Arianism (the forerunner of the Jehovah Witnesses), essentially sought to hide behind such a confession of faith. When the early church at the Council of Nicea sought to expose his heresy, they found it almost impossible until they drew up a detailed confession of faith regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. With this done, Arius found he could no longer hide behind Biblical terms (for which he claimed Biblical orthodoxy), for the church had now clearly defined what was meant by those terms, and these were not what was meant by Arius.
1.3 What is the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith?
Theology is often thought of as being dry and boring, but this really is a symptom of theology being studied in the wrong way. Theology really ought to strengthen and energise spiritual life. The study of truth ought to be seen as a duty with a view to the improvement of the heart. It should not be hid away in the back of the heart in order to be forgotten, but kept deep in the heart in order that its sanctifying power be felt in our daily lives.
For our study of theology we will be using the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. This document has a long history. A document similar to the 1689 Confession of Faith was written and published anonymously in 1677. After the Act of Toleration, the particular Baptists of England met in an open assembly and signed their names to the Confession, republishing it for the consideration of the Christian public. This new publication became known as the 2nd Baptist London Confession of Faith, and has now come down to us as the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and is the Standard of Reformed Baptist Churches around the world.
The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith is largely based on the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647), though modified for Baptist use, and also draws upon the Savoy Declaration of 1658 and the First London Baptist Confession of 1644.
‘This ancient document is a most excellent epitome of the things most surely believed among us. By the preserving hand of the Triune Jehovah we have been kept faithful to the great points of our glorious Gospel, and we feel more resolved perpetually to abide by them.
‘This little volume is not issued as an authoritative rule, or code of faith, whereby ye are to be fettered, but as an assistance to you in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. Here the younger members of our church will have a body of Divinity in small compass, and by means of the Scriptural proofs, will be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them.
‘Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient Gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers, and saints. Above all, it is the truth of God, against which, the gates of hell cannot prevail.
‘Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example recommend your creed. Above all, live in Christ Jesus, and walk in Him giving credence to no teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by the Holy Spirit. Cleave fast to the Word of God, which is here mapped out to you.’
C. H. Spurgeon’s words of introduction
to an 1855 reprinting for his congregation.
1.4 Why Study the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith?
As I have observed professing Christians in various churches, it has been my experience that a growing majority are weak in their grasp of Biblical doctrine (due largely to a lack of Bible Study and faithful preaching and teaching). In turn this has led, I believe, to a serious decline in godliness and conformity to Christ, and therefore a lessening of our impact on society as witnesses for Christ. I believe one person can make a difference. If we set our hearts and minds, by God’s grace, to reverse this trend at least in our own lives, a change for the better will begin to occur. So it is my desire to see us grow in our conformity to Christ and to be stirred up in our service for the Lord. In short, to have a heart for God.
QUESTION: Can a Christian live in a practical sense without an understanding of doctrine? Explain.
Practical living is based upon a correct understanding and knowledge of the truth. How we think determines how we live (Pr 23:7). The Scriptures teach in order that we might live according to them in a godly way (Rom 12:1,2). As we immerse ourselves in the truth, Christian doctrine begins to influence even our unconscious bearing and responses to every situation. They are life shaping truths, showing us how to live and worship. Indeed, Christian theology is the very foundation of the Christian life.
QUESTION: Why should you study theology?
There are numerous reasons as to why we should now study the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and these include the following points:
1.5 How to Study the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith?
For the greatest benefit you should get hold of as many theological helps as you can, reading and studying the various doctrines as we come to them. I would recommend Dagg’s ‘Manual of Theology’ as a good introduction and for ease of understanding. The ‘Summary of Christian Doctrine,’ by Louis Berkhof would also be helpful. For the more enthusiastic, perhaps Berkhof’s ‘Systematic Theology’ will be useful also.
To gain the most from the study notes themselves, I would suggest the careful working through of the notes at home, looking up all the various Scriptures and becoming well acquainted with the various doctrines.
Of course dependence upon God should be foremost, by both prayer and His Word. Use the various means that God in His providence has provided and seek to quickly implement the truths you have learnt.
Another useful tip is to share what you learn with others, not in a proud arrogant manner, but simply in the normal experience of Christian fellowship.
NOTE: If you wish to email me regarding your answers to this first lesson, please copy and paste them into an email (Attachments will not be opened). I will then get back to you as soon as I can (expect a delay due to various committments).
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