Am I Reformed?

You Tell Me.

A Chapter by Chapter Summary of the Primary Teachings of the Westminster Confession of Faith

Prepared by James E. Bordwine, Th.D.
 I will check this column if I am in  basic agreement with the Confession.

If I believe the Confession is unBiblical, I will admit my differences and explain my convictions in this column


Chapter I
Of the Holy Scripture
1. The Holy Scripture, given by the inspiration of God, is necessary because the works of creation and providence are not sufficient to give a saving knowledge of God. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. God's former methods of revelation have ceased now that the Church possesses the written Scripture. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. The Scripture's infallible authority depends solely upon the fact that God is its author, and only as the Holy Spirit bears witness by and with the Word in our hearts will we become fully persuaded of this truth. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
4. Everything necessary for God's glory, our salvation, faith and life is contained in the Scripture and nothing, at any time or for any reason, is to be added to it. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  

5. In all controversies of religion, the Church is to make final appeal to the Scripture, which, by God's providence, has been kept pure in all ages.

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Chapter II
Of God and the Holy Trinity
1. There is only one true God who is not dependent on any creature, but has all life, glory, goodness and blessedness in and of Himself. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. God exercises absolute dominion over all things and may do with them whatsoever He pleases and is due whatsoever worship, service or obedience He requires of His creatures. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. In the Godhead, there are three persons, the same in substance, equal in power and eternity. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter III
Of God's Eternal Decree
1. Although God has unchangeably foreordained whatsoever comes to pass and has predestinated some men and angels unto everlasting life and others to everlasting death, He has done so without becoming the author of sin or doing violence to the will of His creatures. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Those of mankind whom God has predestinated unto life have been chosen in Christ and are effectually called by His Spirit, are justified, adopted, sanctified and kept by His power; the rest of mankind, from whom God has withheld His mercy, have been ordained to dishonor and wrath for their sin. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter IV
Of Creation
1. In the space of six days, God created the world out of nothing. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Man, created in the image of God with the law of God written upon his heart, was left to the liberty of his own will having been commanded not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter V
Of Providence
1. The providence of God, whereby he governs all creatures and actions, extends to the first fall and all other sins of angels and men so that His own holy ends are accomplished; yet He is neither the author nor approver of sin. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. God sometimes allows His own children to be subjected to manifold temptations so that they might be chastised, humbled and drawn closer to Him. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. God blinds and hardens the wicked by withholding His grace, withdrawing the gifts which they have and giving them over to the power of Satan. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter VI
Of the Fall of Man, etc.
1. Our first parents, having sinned in eating the forbidden fruit, fell from their original righteousness and communion with God. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Because they were the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed to all their posterity, along with the corruption of their nature from which proceeds all the sins which we commit. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. This corruption of nature, though pardoned and mortified through Christ, remains in the regenerate in this life. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter VII
Of God's Covenant with Man
1. God has condescended to man by way of covenant. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The first covenant, a covenant of works, promised life in return for perfect obedience; the second covenant, the covenant of grace, freely offers life and salvation to man by Jesus Christ. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. This covenant of grace, though differently administered in the Old and New Testament eras, is essentially one. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter VIII
Of Christ the Mediator
1. The Mediator, in which are joined the Godhead and the manhood, was chosen and ordained by God and does, in time, redeem, call, justify, sanctify and glorify the seed given to Him from all eternity. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The Son of God, who was God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did take upon Him the nature of man with all of its essential properties and infirmities, yet without sin, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. In His role as Mediator, the Lord Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law, triumphed over death by His resurrection, fully satisfied the justice of His Father and purchased reconciliation and an everlasting inheritance for all those whom the Father has given to Him. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
4. All of those for whom redemption was purchased, including the elect who lived before the incarnation, have its benefits applied to them by Christ working through His Word and Spirit. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter IX
Of Free Will
1. Having been created with a will which was determined neither to good or evil, man, in his pre-fallen state, had the power to will and do that which was well pleasing to God. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Fallen man is dead in sin, is unable to convert himself and can be freed from his natural bondage only when God translates him into the state of grace. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter X
Of Effectual Calling
1. By His Word and Spirit, and wholly of grace, God effectually calls all those predestinated unto life and translates them from sin and death to grace and salvation. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Although others may experience some common operations of the Spirit, only the elect, including infants, truly come to Christ and are saved. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter XI
Of Justification
1. God freely justifies the elect by imputing to them the obedience and satisfaction of Christ. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Faith, which is the gift of God, is the alone instrument of justification. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. Although they may suffer the consequences of their sins in this life, those who are justified can never fall from the state of justification. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter XII
Of Adoption
By the grace of adoption, all those who are justified are made the children of God and fully enjoy all accompanying benefits. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter XIII
Of Sanctification
1. Upon regeneration, sin's dominion is broken and a process begins whereby the lusts of the flesh are gradually overcome. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. This process is incomplete in this life and remnants of sin remain; nevertheless, the working of the Spirit of Christ enables the regenerate to overcome and experience growth in his pursuit of holiness. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter XIV
Of Saving Faith
1. The Spirit of Christ is responsible for the faith whereby the elect are enabled to believe and be saved. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The principal acts of this saving faith are accepting, receiving and resting upon Christ alone for salvation. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter XV
Of Repentance unto Life
1. Repentance, which is an act of God's free grace, occurs when a sinner turns from his sin to God and, thereafter, determines to live according to His commandments. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. A general repentance is not satisfactory; we are to repent of particular sins particularly and, if necessary, by a private or public confession, declare our repentance to those that are offended. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter XVI
Of Good Works
1. The Word of God alone determines what constitutes good works. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The good works of believers, which are evidences of true faith, are produced by the Spirit of Christ. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. Good works, although essential, do not merit pardon of sin. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
4. Even though the good works produced by the Spirit are defiled by the believer's imperfection, they are, nevertheless, accepted in Christ. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
     


Chapter XVII
Of the Perseverance of the Saints
1. The elect, due to the immutability of God's decree, will persevere to the end and be eternally saved. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The elect may, for a time, fall into grievous sins and suffer all the miseries which accompany such behavior. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XVIII
Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation
1. Believers in the Lord Jesus can be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. This assurance rests upon God's promises, the evidences of His grace and the inward testimony of the Spirit. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. Although the assurance of believers may be shaken, in due time, it will be revived. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XIX
Of the Law of God
1. The law given to Adam, by which he and his posterity were bound to absolute obedience, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness even after the fall and was delivered by God in the form of the ten commandments. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. In addition to this moral law, God gave the people of Israel ceremonial laws, all of which are abrogated under the new testament, and judicial laws, which expired with that nation. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. Although the judicial laws expired, the general equity of these statutes remains applicable. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
4. God's law reveals His will and our duty and is, therefore, of great use to believers, as well as to others as a rule of life. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XX
Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience
1. Freedom from the guilt and dominion of sin, the wrath of God, the sting of death, etc. have all been purchased for believers by Christ. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. God alone is Lord of the conscience so that the believer is free from man-made rules and regulations. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. Christian liberty is no pretense for sin. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXI
Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day
1. The only acceptable way of worshiping God is that given in the Scriptures and requires the mediation of Christ. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The ordinary parts of worship include prayer, the reading of the Scriptures, the sound preaching and conscionable hearing of the Word, the singing of psalms and the proper administration of the sacraments (to these may be added oaths, vows, fastings and thanksgivings upon special occasions). checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. According to the commandment of God, which binds all men in all ages, one day in seven is to be kept holy unto Him during which men are to engage in the worship of God and the performance of deeds of necessity and mercy. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXII
Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
1. An oath involves calling upon God, whose name ought to be used with all fear and reverence, to witness an assertion or promise. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. A vow, which is to be made to God alone and which must be in accordance with the Word, may be used to express thankfulness or to obtain what we want. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXIII
Of the Civil Magistrate
1. Civil magistrates have been ordained by God for the defense and encouragement of good and the punishment of evil. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Although civil magistrates are forbidden to encroach upon the authority of the Church, they are obligated to protect the Church so that she may freely discharge her duties, without giving preference to any particular denomination of Christians. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. The people are obligated to pray for and obey the magistrates regardless of the magistrates' religious orientation. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXIV
Of Marriage and Divorce
1. Marriage, which is to be between one man and one woman, was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. It is the duty of the godly to avoid being unequally yoked with the wicked in marriage. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. The bond of marriage may not be legitimately dissolved except in cases of adultery or wilful desertion. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXV
Of the Church
1. The invisible Church is composed of the whole number of the elect; the visible Church is composed of all those who profess the true religion, along with their children. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. It is the duty of the visible Church to gather and perfect the saints. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. The purity of particular Churches is determined by the manner in which they handle the Gospel, administer the sacraments and perform public worship. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
4. Jesus Christ is the alone head of the Church. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
{6}Nor can the pope of Rome, in any sense, be head thereof: but is that Antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself, in the Church, against Christ and all that is called God.[o]
[o] Matt 23:8-10; 2 Thess. 2:3,4,8-9; Rev. 13:6
 mouse.gif (73345 bytes) As we enter the 21st century, we recognize that this teaching of the confession is utterly wrong. The "orthdox" position in "reconstructionist" circles is the preterist interpretation.

Read More.


Chapter XXVI
Of the Communion of Saints
1. The saints share in Christ's graces, sufferings, death, resurrection and glory; likewise, they share in each other's gifts and graces and are obligated to pursue their mutual edification. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The saints' communion with Christ does not make them partakers of the substance of the Godhead; nor does their communion with one another set aside the right to the private ownership of goods. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXVII
Of the Sacraments
1. Sacraments are signs and seals of the covenant of grace which represent Christ and His benefits to believers. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The efficacy of a sacrament depends solely upon the work of the Spirit and the word of institution. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. Only two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, have been ordained by Christ in the Gospel. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
{4} There be only two sacraments: neither of which may be dispensed by any, but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained    


Chapter XXVIII
Of Baptism
1. Through the sacrament of baptism, which signifies the engrafting of the believer into Christ, and which is rightly administered by the pouring or sprinkling of water, the party is admitted into the visible Church. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. All who profess faith in Christ, and their infant children, are to be baptized. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. Even though grace and salvation are not inseparably attached to the sacrament of baptism nor to the moment of its administration, that which is signified will be conferred by the Holy Spirit to all to whom it is due at the appointed time. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXIX
Of the Lord's Supper
1. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ Himself as a sealing ordinance and means of grace and is to be observed in His Church until the end of the age. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper reminds us of Christ's sacrifice of Himself but does not involve any real sacrifice itself. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
3. The elements of bread and wine are to be set apart by the declaration of the words of institution and prayer, but are not to be worshiped or adored. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
4. The doctrine of transubstantiation is contrary to the teaching of Scripture, common sense and reason. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
5. Those who partake of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in a right manner do receive and feed upon Christ crucified after a spiritual manner. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXX
Of Church Censures
1. Jesus Christ has established a government for His Church in the hands of officers who have the power to grant or deny admission to the kingdom. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. Church censures, consisting of admonition, suspension and excommunication, serve to reclaim erring brethren, deter others from similar offences and maintain the purity of the Gospel and the Church. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXXI
Of Synods and Councils
1. Synods and councils ought to be convened occasionally as the good of the Church requires. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The determinations of synods and councils, which are ecclesiastical in nature, ought to be received as long as they are in agreement with the Word of God; however, it should be remembered that all such assemblies are subject to error. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXXII
Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
1. At the time of death, the body begins to decay, but the soul, being immortal, returns immediately to God whereupon the righteous are received into heaven and the wicked are cast into hell. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. At the last day, those who are alive shall be changed and the souls of the dead shall be reunited to their bodies; the unjust to dishonor and the just to honor. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


Chapter XXXIII
Of the Last Judgment
1. On an appointed day, God will judge the world, including apostate angels, by Jesus Christ who will require an account of every thought, word and deed. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  
2. The purpose of this day is for the manifestation of God's mercy, in the salvation of the elect, and of His justice, in the damnation of the reprobate. checkmrk.jpg (9502 bytes)  


The Christmas Conspiracy


Virtue


Vine & Fig Tree


Paradigm Shift


Theocracy

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