Read The Second London Baptist (1689) Confession
In 2011 we made the decision to officially adopt the Second London Baptist Confession (1689) as our confession of faith. We exhort you to read it.
What is a Confession of Faith?
Why Use a Confession of Faith?
Of God And Of The Holy Trinity
Michael Haykin writes on the essential nature and glory of the triune God, as he focuses upon the wonderful phrase in chapter 2 paragraph 3 of the 2nd LCF which states that “the doctrine of the trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on him.” The trinity is not derived from academic speculation, or an extra to the gospel, but essential to who God is and what God has done for us. Although the trinity is largely forgotten or confused in the church today, this doctrine is vital to our salvation, piety and worship of God. “We worship, one God in trinity and trinity in unity.” Chapter 2 of our confession helps us not only know more of our triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but helps us to honour him as such.
RECOVERING THE 1689 CONFESSION, Dr Robert Oliver
How did the Second London Confession come to be lost to Baptists in the early 20th Century, and how was it recovered? What were the influences that led to its re-printing after many decades of neglect? Why did that “new dawn” of appreciation for Reformed doctrine peter out? What are the consequences of that for us, and what should we do about it? These and many other critical questions are address by Dr Robert Oliver in this valuable historical review, which is all the more poignant because he has lived through these times and knows better than most the consequences of neglecting our confessional roots.
Finding Common Ground, Dr Jim Renihan
In this helpful article, Dr Renihan shows how our confessional roots were not exclusive or extreme, but a conscious effort to find common ground upon which orthodox believers could stand together. While it is true that defining the faith requires the exclusion of those who are not true to God’s word, it also enables us to stand together with those who are faithful to scripture, and it is this common ground that is wonderfully explored by Dr Renihan as he examines the historical context of our confession.
Of The Law Of God, 2LCF Chapter 19, Oliver Allmand-Smith
The first thing to grasp about the law is that it was for Adam’s good, God’s good gift in kindness to him. Due to Paul’s later teaching on the law in Romans, many Christians have a negative perspective on the law of God, as if it is always against us and harming us – but that is not the case at all. God gave Adam a law written upon his heart for his benefit. Possessing such a law was not Adam’s right or prerogative. However, a benevolent and kind condescension on the part of God towards man is that he did not write this law on the hearts of the fish, birds, or animals; it only belonged to Adam out of the goodness and lovingkindness of God. This law separates us from the animal kingdom and makes us moral creatures in essence. It enables us to commune with God and distinguishes us as those made in God’s image.
