The Westminster Confession of Faith
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
-2 Timothy 3:14-17
The Reformed documents of Westminster Confession and Longer and Shorter Catechisms were commissioned by the Long Parliament in England, in order to articulate a Reformed viewpoint against the Roman Catholic King Charles I. The Westminster Assembly, members of which were nominated by parliament, included members of the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and various churchmen, including clergy from Scotland’s Presbyterian Kirk. For centuries, these were THE definite Reformed affirmations of Presbyterian faith.
The three Westminster documents were also intended to settle disputes, this time within the English churches. Parliament requested a Protestant statement that would stand against the Roman Catholic King, Charles I. The political twists, turns, alliances and divisions of that time can create a confusing puzzle for modern students, but it is interesting to know that churchmen, aristocrats, and politicians were all drawn to Westminster in London to help create this statement. Among the clergy were Reformed churchmen from Scotland, and in short order they had a disproportionate influence over the assembly. The Confession was quickly (some said “miraculously!”) written in 1647, The Shorter and Larger Catechisms came two years later. While never adopted in England, the three Westminster works were quickly accepted in Scotland. The newly formed Presbyterian fellowship in America adopted them in 1729.
We are blessed this Sunday to hear from Elder Sylvia Harris preaching in worship. Sylvia and Dave Harris studied the Medieval church through their extensive travels in Europe. We look forward to the unique insights and experiences Sylvia shares with us this week. Pastors Hanna & Sara are both serving as Spiritual Directors at the Middle School Girls Journey with Christ weekend in Richland. Please keep Sylvia, our pastors, the other workers, and the girls attending the journey in your prayers this week.
By your Holy Spirit, feed our faith in Jesus so that we grow stronger in our loving concern for other people. Strengthen our faith so that Christ may live in us, so that we may live to please you, rather than try to please the world, and so that our priorities are yours, and not the greedy and selfish priorities of our society. We marvel at how your Spirit takes Jesus to the outsiders. May we welcome them as one with us. Lovingly wash us all clean and sow the risen Christ like a new seed, to sprout and grow in our lives. Amen.
