Confession of Faith

A confession of faith helps us to articulate and hold clearly those most essential truths of the Christian faith. Through life’s various ups and downs, a confession helps us to know what is true and good about this great salvation we have in Jesus. And lastly, it enables us to join the countless Christians through the ages in proclaiming God’s glory.

The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith is the basis of our Confession. This confession shares a high degree of continuity with the Reformed confessions. The 1689 is also written from a baptistic perspective and aligns most closely with our doctrinal convictions. Additionally, the 1689 has broad historic and catholic recognition as an orthodox confession of the Christian faith.

Since our beliefs do not align exactly with the 1689, we have made some important changes. We have modernized it at points and brought it in line with our Ecclesiology (see chapter 28). Additionally, we have added chapters 33-35, Of Man, Of the Empowering Spirit, and Of Mission, in order to speak to important topics that were not addressed by the 1689.

In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” As Christians, our great aim is love for God and for our neighbors. That love is created by the gospel. As we have come to know God through the good news of Jesus Christ, we are loved. And as we are loved by God, we are transformed—sanctified—and we enjoy a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

Our Confession of Faith explains and celebrates these truths. Christian doctrine is never dull or lifeless. It is the revelation of the living God who acts in history to save a people who will be called by his name and will live for his glory. The truths we confess are matters of eternal moment, of eternal life or death. We commend to you the study of this Confession. Read, pray, and consider the God who is revealed here and the great mercy and love that are ours in Jesus Christ. To him be the glory.