Helpful Links
October 30, 2008
Here are a few recommended links:
First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC: www.firstprescolumbia.org
Desiring God Ministries: www.desiringgod.org
Monergism: www.monergism.com
The Westminster Confession of Faith: http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/index.html
On the history of denominations: http://reformedperspectives.org/newfiles/joh_frame/PT.Frame.EVR.2.html
Dealing with doctrinal differences within the body of Christ: http://reformedperspectives.org/newfiles/joh_frame/PT.Frame.EVR.8.html
Why the Westminster Confession of Faith
October 17, 2008
Some people might ask why we use the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) as a springboard for the study of foundational Christian belief. The answer has several facets, but perhaps the most precise and best justification for using it is expressed by my pastor, Sinclair B. Ferguson. In the Foreward of the recent re-publication of the 19th century Scottish Presbyterian theologian and pastor Dr. Robert Shaw’s The Reformed Faith: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, Dr. Ferguson writes:
The Westminster Confession of Faith is one of the noblest and most influential documents of the Christian Chrurch. It remains the fullest and most carefully constructed brief exposition of the Christian faith ever written. Almost three hundred and fifty years later it continues to be used and loved as a great summary of biblical teaching.
I could not agree more! Because of this, I find it to be an incredibly helpful tool when someone asks what a Presbyterian/Reformed person believes. Of course, there are other denominations who champion most of the WCF’s teaching, though they may differ with Presbyterians at certain points. Many Baptists would find themselves in general agreement with much of the Reformed Christian theology, most notably John Piper (pastor of Bethlhem Baptist and the director of Desiring God Ministries) and Al Mohler (president of Southern Baptists Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky). The original founder and editor of Christianity Today, the late Carl F. H. Henry, a Baptist, did much to point people back in the direction of the Refomational themes of the WCF. In view of this, I hope no one takes too great offense at my saying that I think all Christians should be persuaded of the biblical themes of the WCF!
Certainly there is need to “comment” on the brevity of the statements of the WCF (as we will be doing here), but if you want the general summary, then the WCF is the best place to find it. There are several helpful commentaries on the WCF, though the one mentioned above is perhaps the best. Next to it, and more detailed in its comments, is A. A. Hodge’s commentary, which may be accessed on line at http://www.rtrc.net/documents/wcf/hodge/wcftoc.htm. Hodge was also a 19th century theologian and pastor who eventually became the principal of Princeton Theological Seminary, where he continued at this post until his death in 1886.
I hope that the reference to the “old dead guys” above will not deter you from perusing their commentaries. Many great teachers of the Bible today still refer to them. Sometimes there is no need to improve upon anothers labors!
May the Lord of grace give us the passion these men of old had for the truth of the gospel!
Welcome to Apprendite Veritatem!
October 17, 2008
I’m glad you stopped by for a visit to Apprendite Veritatem. Please feel free to leave comments or questions. You may also email me at apprenditeveritatem@yahoo.com.
