What We Believe
We subscribe to the 1689 London Baptist Confession.
Subscribing to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith provides a comprehensive and historically grounded summary of biblical truth, fostering unity within the church and guiding believers in their Christian walk. It offers a theological framework for understanding God’s Word, a historical connection to past believers, and practical guidance for living out the Christian faith.
Here’s a more detailed look at the reasons we have for subscribing:
Theological Clarity and Accuracy:
- The 1689 Confession accurately summarises the core doctrines of the Bible including the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation and the Christian life.
- It provides a framework for understanding God’s sovereignty, the Trinity, the atonement, and the application of salvation, aligning with a Reformed perspective.
- It emphasises the authority of Scripture and its sufficiency for all matters of faith and practice.
Unity and Fellowship:
- By subscribing to a common confession, churches and individuals can foster unity and fellowship with others who hold similar beliefs.
- It provides a basis for theological discussion and mutual encouragement within the context of a shared understanding of Christian truth.
- It helps to clarify differences in interpretation and practice, promoting healthy dialogue and understanding within the broader Christian community.
Historical Continuity and Connection:
- The Confession connects believers to a rich heritage of Reformed theology and Baptist tradition. It demonstrates continuity of belief throughout history.
- It acknowledges the influence of earlier confessions like the Westminster Confession and the Savoy Declaration, while also highlighting its distinct Baptist perspective.
- It provides an historical context for understanding the development of Baptist theology and its relationship to other Protestant traditions.
Strengthening Faith and Encouraging Growth:
- The Confession serves as a valuable resource for personal study and reflection, helping believers to grow in their understanding of God and His Word.
- It provides a framework for biblical counseling, offering guidance and encouragement for navigating the challenges of the Christian life.
- By embracing the truths contained in the Confession, believers can be strengthened in their faith and encouraged to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Practical Guidance for Christian Living:
- The Confession offers practical guidance on various aspects of Christian life. This inclcludes worship, church government, marriage, and the Christian’s relationship to the law.
- It provides a framework for understanding the importance of the local church, its ordinances, and its role in discipleship.
- It addresses issues relevant to contemporary culture, such as the nature of marriage and the importance of Biblical faithfulness.