Posted: February 19th, 2023

Reformed Documents from Book of Confessions

Reformed Documents from Book of Confessions. Completion of a 1-2 page double-spaced paper. The paper should pick one of the Reformed documents from the Book of Confessions and explore how the theology of that text informs—or should inform, if it does not—Presbyterian faith and practice today. Be specific. Focus on a specific area of doctrine and a specific area of Reformed life today.

For example, you could reflect on how the Second Helvetic Confession’s affirmation of natural talents and the arts (5.046) leads to a Reformed cultivation of artistic and cultural life, and we should nurture that further in our churches.

One of the Reformed documents from the Book of Confessions that informs Presbyterian faith and practice today is the Westminster Confession of Faith. This document, completed in 1646, is considered a central text of Reformed theology and has been adopted by many Presbyterian churches around the world.

One area of doctrine in the Westminster Confession of Faith that has significant implications for Presbyterian faith and practice today is its teaching on the sovereignty of God. The Confession affirms that God is “infinite in wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth” (2.001) and that he “has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass” (3.001). This means that God is in control of all things, including human history, and that everything that happens is ultimately part of his plan.

This doctrine has important implications for Presbyterian faith and practice in several areas. One area is evangelism and mission. If God is sovereign over all things, then it follows that he is the one who saves people, not human effort or persuasion. Therefore, Presbyterians can have confidence in proclaiming the gospel, knowing that God will use their efforts to bring about his purposes.

Another area of Presbyterian faith and practice that is informed by the Westminster Confession’s teaching on the sovereignty of God is worship. If God is truly sovereign, then our worship must be centered on him and not on ourselves. We must approach him with reverence and awe, recognizing that he is the one who is worthy of all praise and honor.

In conclusion, the Westminster Confession of Faith is a foundational document of Reformed theology that continues to inform Presbyterian faith and practice today. Its teaching on the sovereignty of God has important implications for evangelism, mission, and worship, and Presbyterians would do well to take these teachings seriously and apply them to their lives and ministry.

Sources
“The Westminster Confession: A Commentary” by A. A. Hodge and B. B. Warfield. This book offers an in-depth analysis of the Confession and its theological implications.

“The Westminster Confession of Faith: A Study Guide” by Joseph A. Pipa Jr. This book provides a helpful introduction to the Confession and includes study questions for group or individual use.

“Westminster Confession of Faith in Modern English” by Douglas F. Kelly. This modern translation of the Confession makes it more accessible to contemporary readers.

“Presbyterian Polity for Church Leaders” by Joan S. Gray. This book explores the organizational structure of Presbyterian churches and how it relates to the Confession’s teachings.

“The Sovereignty of God” by J. I. Packer. This classic book explores the biblical doctrine of God’s sovereignty and its implications for Christian life and practice.

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