Recommending the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith

The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith draws from the Westminster and Savoy Confessions of Faith and summarises the beliefs of the Reformed Baptists. It is a document filled with truth, faithfulness to the Bible, usefulness, history, beauty and doctrinal clarity.

As a commendation, it is hard to improve upon what C.H. Spurgeon said in his 1855 reprinting of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. We include it here, with some minor edits for readability. The original may be found here.

"This ancient document is the most excellent summary of the things most surely believed among us. By the preserving hand of the Triune God we have been kept faithful to the great points of our glorious gospel, and we feel more resolved to always keep to them.

This little volume is not issued as an authoritative rule, or code of faith, whereby you are to be chained, but to assist you in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and the means of edification and righteousness. Here the younger members of our church will have a system of theology in only a few pages, and through the many scriptural proofs, will be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them.

Do not be ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient Gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers, and saints. Above all, it is the truth of God against which the gates of hell cannot prevail. Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example recommend your creed. Above all, live in Christ Jesus, and walk in him, giving credence to no teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by the Holy Spirit. Cleave fast to the Word of God, which is here mapped out to you."

I only add to Spurgeon's comments by noting that the 1689 Confession is more than just a good book. It has served as the doctrinal basis and standard of orthodoxy for Reformed Baptist churches for more than 300 years. In its 32 chapters, it summarises the teachings of the Christian faith in a clear and concise way. It provides Scripture references for all its points. It also addresses many important subjects which Christians are not clear about today, for example God's covenants, free will, the use of the law, worship and more.

In Malaysia, the Reformed Confessions of Faith are not well known. Few are aware of them, even fewer have read them and fewer still make use of them. As a result, many miss out on the many benefits they offer. But that doesn’t have to be the case. These Confessions aren’t just relics of the past—they offer clarity, strength and direction for believers and the church today. By embracing them, we can address many of the weaknesses we see in our churches and in our own spiritual lives.

For those who desire to see progress in themselves and in the churches, why not take the first step? - Read the Confession. Embrace its truths. Live them out. I am certain that you will not regret it.

Published copies of the 1689 Baptist Confession can be obtained at our bookshop.

Dr Poh's book, "What is a Confessional Church?" can also be found in our bookshop, or here.