Description
A confessional church holds to one of the historic confessions of faith that arose, either directly or indirectly, from the Reformation of the 16th century. Among the growing number of individuals and churches that claim to hold to one, or more, of the historic confessions of faith are those who waver in their commitment to those documents.
This book is intended primarily to help those who are attractedto the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, or who already claim adherence to it. Brethren in other denominations will find some of the material relevant and helpful. The first chapter gives a brief outline of the characteristics of a Reformed Baptist Church. The second chapter sketches the origin of the 1689 Confession. The third chapter argues for the legitimacy of using a confession of faith. The fourth chapter shows the difference between strict subscriptionism and loose subscriptionism and , therefore, the difference between true confessionalism and nominal confessionalism. The fifth chapter shows what are involved in holding to the spirit of 'semper reformanda' while holding firmly to the 1689 Confession. The second part of the book consists of the 1689 confession in modern English.
Table of Contents
Preface
I CONFESSIONALISM
1 Who are the Reformed Baptists?
1.1 History
1.2 Distinctives
1.3 Relationship with Others
1.4 Recommended Reading
2 History of The 1689 Confession
2.1 Events Leading to The Reformation
2.2 The Spread of Reformed Theology
2.3 Implications
2.4 Recommended Reading
3 The Legitimacy of Using The Confession of Faith
3.1 Definitions
3.2 Legitimacy
3.3 Value
3.4 Objections
3.5 Which Confession?
3.6 Conclusion
3.7 References
4 The Subscription Debate and Its Relevance
4.1 Definitions
4.2 A Sketch of The Controversy
4.3 Relevance
4.4 Conclusion
4.5 References
5 Building Upon the Foundation
5.1 Word and Spirit
5.2 The Confession of Faith
5.3 Unresolved Issues
5.4 Conclusion
5.5 References
THE 1689 CONFESSION
The 1689 Confession: Contents
1. The Holy Scriptures
2. God and The Holy Trinity
3. God's Decree
4. Creation
5. Divine Providence
6. The Fall, Sin, Punishment
7. God's Covenant
8. Christ The Mediator
9. Free Will
10. Effectual Calling
11. Justification
12. Adoption
13. Sanctification
14. Saving Faith
15. Repentance and Salvation
16. Good Works
17. The Perseverance of The Saints
18. Assurance of Salvation
19. The Law of God
20. The Gospel and Its Gracious Extent
21. Liberty and Conscience
22. Worship and The Sabbath
23. Lawful Oaths and Vows
24. The Civil Magistrate
25. Marriage
26. The Church
27. The Communion of Saints
28. Baptism and The Lord's Supper
29. Baptism
30. The Lord's Supper
31. Death and The Resurrection
32. The Last Judgement
Product Details
Title: What Is A Confessional Church?
Author: Boon-Sing Poh
Publisher: Good News Enterprise
Pages: 152
Binding: Paperback
Size: 22.7 x 15.1 x 0.8 cm
ISBN: 9789839180596
