Thank you for your live channel. I'm trying to keep up. Learning so much from RC. He just had a way that makes things stick. Not as formally educated. Even the comments have me googling words. I do appreciate your gentleness brother and would love to be a student at your University if I was 20 years younger.
@@apilkey No, they are accepted because they're biblical, they're also quoted from Scripture "I believe one baptism for the remission of sins" from the Nicene creed quoted from Acts 2:38, also from Ephesians.
@@apilkey Well, I ask you this question did God work through the councils to condemn heresy and proclaim orthodoxy? I don't hold to the Westminster confession, I believe the second Helvetic confession written at the time of the reformers, by a reformer.
Quick clarification on the Baptists and the London Confession. It is true that the Baptists differ on church polity and the sacraments, but their differences arise out of their fundamental difference with respect to the covenant. Chapter 7 of the 2LBC, while sharing much in common with the WCF, differs at a fundamental level, particularly in paragraph 3. Long story short, the Baptists understood covenant theology differently than the Presbyterians, which in turn affected their view of church polity and the sacraments.
I think I’ll stick to the Westminster confession of faith & the shorter & larger catechism. I’ve been taught these great gospel truths contained therein scene I was a child. But I still agree with the three forms of unity as well.
. . . being the Heidelberg catachism, the synods of Dort and the longer and shorter Westminster catachisms . . but, of course, none of these are Scripture.
@@christopherskipp1525 none claim to be scripture . And btw the 3 forms of unity are the Belgic confession , Canons of Dort and the Heidelberg Catechism. Article 3 of the Belgic Confession The Written Word of God We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered by the will of men, but that holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit, as Peter says.1 Afterwards our God-- because of the special care he has for us and our salvation-- commanded his servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit this revealed Word to writing. He himself wrote with his own finger the two tables of the law. Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures. (1) 2 Pet 1:21 Chapter I Westminster Confession Of the Holy Scripture I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable;a yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation.b Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church;c and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing:d which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary;e those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.f (a) Rom 2:14-15; Rom 1:19-20; Ps 19:1-4; Rom 1:32-2:1 (b) John 17:3; 1 Cor 1:21; 1 Cor 2:13-14 (c) Heb 1:1-2 (d) Luke 1:3-4; Rom 15:4; Matt 4:4,7,10; Isa 8:20 (e) 2 Tim 3:15; 2 Pet 1:19 (f) John 20:31; 1 Cor 14:37; 1 John 5:13; 1 Cor 10:11; Heb 1:1-2; Heb 2:2-4 Many more great truths of what the church has believed the scriptures say in the rest of the confessions with proof texts
@@christopherskipp1525 it’s interesting because I now a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (coming from a nondenominational church ) which holds to the Westminster Confession with smaller and larger catechisms . They hold to them so that as a body of Christ everyone knows what they believe and teach but they don’t require a congregant to affirm everything that is written within them . Only those who hold office of elder or deacon . My minister who just retired a year ago would , when ever reading from the WCF , would make it a point to step out of the pulpit when reading a portion as he reserved the pulpit for the reading of scripture alone and preaching . Left an impression on me for sure .
My favorite Catechism is the Heidelberg and its Particular Baptist revision. However The Westminster Standards and their Particular Baptist equivalent are in my opinion the best Reformed documents. I never used the Savoy Declaration, but from what I know of it, its probably in the same league as the Westminster Standards. I also love the Augsburg Confession and its apology, as well as the Large and Small Lutheran Catechisms. I'll put the Smalcald Articles in that group as well. The 39 Articles gets and honorable mention, but the real genius of Cranmer is revising the Daily Office so that the believer in the pew could read the Psalms in a month if they chose, and read through the Bible on the same schedule as the rest of the congregation. These Ligonier Ministries videos always give edifying information and make one think on the things of God.
Thanks Stephen Nichols *4 This Powerful, Blessed Definition 4 I Agree That The Presbyterian Form of Confession Is The Best Where The Word of Our Great Almighty God Which Is The Bible Is Very Clear When It Says That "Whoever Confesses The Name of The Lord Will Be Saved" In Romans **10:13* & Be Blessed Stephen Nichols & Lingoiner Ministries So Very Much.🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🙌🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊
The book - A Body Of Divinity - Contained in sermons upon the Westminster assembly's catechism by Thomas Watson - is brilliant. Being full of Bible texts, it totally lifts the reader while, at the same time, illustrating and informing.
I find it rather funny that those who are against creeds and confessions are the first to tell you why it's wrong... using their own creed and confessions, though they deny it to be so. In order to make sense of anything you need to gather ideas together and form a system of thought to make sense of it - Just like creeds and confessions do. I was a dispensational Baptist and was taught according to their system of thought. Many modern Evangelicals adhere to many of the same things... Almost like it's a unformed creed that they all believe. Case in point is Dispensationalism; it was created by J Darby in the 1830's and can be argued it's a "manmade" system yet many in the church follow it and call it biblical. What exactly is the difference between me following a creed and you following dispensationalism? I'm not saying both are true, because they cannot be. What I'm saying is that everyone has a creed. The 3 forms of unity organise biblical truth and keep a person from forming their own "truth" and treating God like a smorgasbord - taking what you want from him. The Belgic Confession itself states it is not above the Bible: Article 7: We believe that this Holy Scripture fully contains the will of God and that all that man must believe in order to be saved is sufficiently taught therein.1 The whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in it at length. It is therefore unlawful for any one, even for an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in Holy Scripture:2 yes, even if it be an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul says (Gal 1:8). Since it is forbidden to add to or take away anything from the Word of God (Deut 12:32),3 it is evident that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.4 We may not consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with the divine Scriptures; nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all;5 for all men are of themselves liars, and are lighter than a breath (Ps 62:9). We therefore reject with all our heart whatever does not agree with this infallible rule,6 as the apostles have taught us: Test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 Jn 4:1). Likewise: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting (2 Jn 1:10). 1 2 Tim 3:16, 17; 1 Pet 1:10-12. 2 1 Cor 15:2; 1 Tim 1:3. 3 Deut 4:2; Prov 30:6; Acts 26:22; 1 Cor 4:6; Rev 22:18, 19. 4 Ps 19:7; Jn 15:15; Acts 18:28; 20:27; Rom 15:4. 5 Mk 7:7-9; Acts 4:19; Col 2:8; 1 Jn 2:19. 6 Deut 4:5, 6; Is 8:20; 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 4:4-6; 2 Thess 2:2; 2 Tim 3:14, 15. So for those who against creeds and confessions show their hypocrisy and lack of understanding of what a confession and creed is meant to do.
Why is the term "new covenant" not found in the Westminster Confession of Faith? New Covenant Whole Gospel: Let us now share the Old Testament Gospel found below with the whole world. On the road to Emmaus He said the Old Testament is about Him. He is the very Word of God in John 1:1, 14. Awaken Church to this truth. Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Is the most important genealogy in the Bible found in Matthew 1:1 (Gal. 3:16)? Is God's Son the ultimate fulfillment of Israel (John 1:49)? Why has the modern Church done a pitiful job of sharing the Gospel with modern Orthodox Jews? Why would someone tell them they are God's chosen people and then fail to share the Gospel with them? Who is the seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15? Who is the "son" in Psalm 2? Who is the "suffering servant" of Isaiah 53? Who would fulfill the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34? Who would fulfill the timeline of Daniel chapter 9 before the second temple was destroyed? Why have we not heard this simple Old Testament Gospel preached on Christian television in the United States on a regular basis? Once a person comes to understand the New Covenant promised to Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is found fulfilled by Christ during the first century in Hebrews 8:6-13, and Hebrews 10:16-18, and specifically applied to the Church in 2 Corinthians 3:6-8, and Hebrews 12:22-24, man-made Bible doctrines fall apart. Let us now learn to preach the whole Gospel until He comes back. The King of Israel is risen from the dead! (Acts 2:36) Watch the TH-cam video “The New Covenant” by Bob George.
The Heidelberg catechism, the Belgic confession, and the Cannons of Dort. They are confessions written during the reformation which express what the writers believe to be true about scripture. They are bodies of work which sum up doctrine to teach and correct. The cannons of Dort specifically deal with teachings that were coming from a group called the remonstrants that followed Jacob Arminius. They were teaching things that were incorrect about election, predestination and the will of man. The cannons or Dort sought to deal with those issues and this is where the five points of Calvinism come from. They are a great read and I highly recommend them. Also the Heidelberg catechism is very beautiful and explains the law and the gospel and salvation in a question and answer format. It will greatly bless your soul. I hope that helps in some way. Also these can all be found online for free and should come up with a quick Google search. God bless.
England Ireland Scotland came together to develop one opinion of what scripture is saying. Void of Romanish influence, building off the three forms of unity. Qu: why didn't these unified thoughts of biblical teachings not propagate further in the Protestant world?
Most of Ireland is Catholic, no? And, the Reformation had mixed results in England; the Reformation was more extensively "received" in Scotland than Ireland or England, but I take your point.
@@HearGodsWord Northern Ireland is primarily Protestant and the Irish Republic is primarily Catholic; hence the years of guerilla warfare, mostly in the north.
I'll try to answer your question Gary. I believe the documents matter insofar as the reformers felt they mattered. These documents do not replace scripture - they are never intended to. They aim to somewhat succinctly clarify what the scriptures teach. So yes they do matter - they are attempts to distill into a teachable format the doctrines (teachings) which they have drawn from the Bible. In most (all?) circumstances these contain multitudes of scripture references which you are meant to go read and compare. This is intentional since one of the primary beliefs and battle cries of the reformation was "Back to the source" in other words, go back to scripture, not tradition to know doctrine.
They absolutely do not matter. What matters is the Word of God. Creeds and confessions are not authoritative. The Westminster Confession for example is the furthest thing from Biblical truth.
When you have too much control by men, without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit this is what you get. a ball of mess, that a person seating in the pew in 2023 becomes a church member and then has no clue how it is affecting them.
@@dahelmang Their much more common use is as arguments against other Christians who don't subscribe to our particular theological tenants. But, your point isn't incorrect.
... What about the "Second Helvetic Confession", possibly written by Heinrich Bullinger, son-in-law of Zwingli. Said confession was highly accepted in Europe. .. I firmly believe that it was Zwingli that had the correct interpretation of the Lord's supper --- not Luther.
I hold to the Helvetic confession, it holds the view of Calvin's view of the Supper, spiritual presence of Christ. Zwingli may have changed view later on.
@That Lutheran Guy I'm in a group with Lutherans on facebook, yeah they disagree with my view, but at least it's better than Zwingli's view, they're not the same, Calvin's view was in the middle of Zwingli and Luther.
@That Lutheran Guy As I stated Christ is present spiritually and from what I understand from Calvin we eat Christ spiritually, so not just symbolic. I haven't done an indepth study of Calvin's views of the Lord's Supper it's possible we receive forgiveness of sins in the Supper.
🤔 Wonder what they were confessing prior to the 16th century Reformation? Sola scriptura.... then why isn't the Bible the only source of confession for a true born-again child of God? Does it even make sense to talk about these meaningless & superfluous, man ordained confessions, let alone confess them? 🔰1 John 4:15 "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God" 🔰Romans 10:9,10 9 "that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" 10 "For with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation"
@@josephtubergen9724 yes we all have a faith , they preach sola scriptura but they obey to their denominational credo ?? They in fact refuse to reform trough sola scriptura who is the Word of God not the word of men who trust more their pastor than the Word.
@@StormVeilleux Why? It's from the Word only, that I have learnt the truth that there's no other confession to make other than the confession that Jesus Christ is the way, truth & life, and that there's redemption only through His blood. Is there any other confession that I've missed in the Word?
Calvinism's perverted doctrine of "Predestination" is striking similar if not identical to the Islamic doctrine of Fatalism? 1) The Islamic Surah Ibrahim 14:4 - "And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them, and ALLAH SENDS ASTRAY(THEREBY) WHOM HE WILLS AND GUIDES WHOM HE WILLS. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise." 2) The Islamic Surah 2:6-7 states, "It is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe. ALLAH HAS SET A SEAL ON THEIR HEARTS AND ON THEIR HEARING. AND ON THEIR EYES IS A VEIL; GREAT IS THE CHASTISEMENT THEY INCUR." 3) John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 21, section 5 - "SOME ARE PREORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE, OTHERS TO ETERNAL DAMNATION, and accordingly, as each has been created for one or other of those ends, we say that he has been predestined to life or death." 4) "That owing to one man all pass into condemnation who are born of Adam unless they are born again in Christ, even as He has appointed them to be regenerated, before they die in the body, whom He PREDESTINATED TO EVERLASTING LIFE, as the most merciful bestower of grace; while to those whom He HAS PREDESTINATED TO ETERNAL DEATH, He is also the most righteous awarder of punishment not only on account of the sins which they add in the indulgence of their own will, but also because of their original sin, even if, as in the case of infants, they add nothing thereto. Now this is my definite view on that question, so that the hidden things of God may keep their secret, without impairing my own faith." - Augustine, City of God, On the Soul and its Origin, Book 4, Chapter 16. 5) In Islam, in the 2nd stage of "Taqdeer" (fate), it states that "Allah made a divine decree after the creation of Adam. Allah took out all of the progeny of Adam (i.e. all of the humans from the beginning of time until the end of time), and asked them "Am I not your Lord?" and all of the humans responded "We testify that You are our Lord!" THEN ALLAH DECREED TO THEM WHO SHALL GO TO PARADISE AND WHO SHALL GO TO HELL." 6) In Islam, Allah is exalted and pleased as he sends people to hell: this is the fatalistic claim of Islam. Fatalism is a belief that events are fixed in advance for all time in such a manner that human beings are powerless to change them. In this case, Allah will send to heaven whomever he pleases, and send to hell whomever he pleases. ("Unveiling Islam: An Insider’s Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs" pages 31-32, by authors Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2002.) That is why Satan has raised up such gifted false teachers in our day, that have the power to blind un suspecting Christians. The lazy Christian. The Christian that does not go to the Word and does not "ASK" the Holy Spirit for guidance. So these wolves in sheep's clothing like, John Piper, John MacArthur, Paul Washer, Lawson, James White, Voddie Baucham, RC Sproul are ravaging the sheep. They are not brothers, they are Satan's finest false teachers. Truth in Love
We don’t need these books and confessions. We need Jesus and the Bible. The Bible is the standard to live by. Not Calvin, not Luther, Not man written standards.
I respectfully disagree, the confessions help to unify christians in doctrine. The confessions help break down scripture to understand it better. Everyone has to interpret scripture and being that man is flawed people will interpret the same passage in multiple ways. The scripture commands the we be unified in doctrine. If you let people within a church believe whatever they wish about scripture, then you are in turn inviting heresy within the church and that is very dangerous to christian faith.
@RiGHTEOUS REBEL MEDIA Then I ask that you don't follow your own interpretation either since you yourself can misinterpret scripture. Basically I am saying don't open your Bible to read it. Even if we didn't have the confessions someone somewhere will have to interpret the Bible. That includes your own pastor so don't follow after him either. Every Sunday when you go to church and hear his sermon or doctrine don't pay attention. Have it go in one ear and out the other. I am not trying to be rude or hurtful, I am trying to make a point. Confessions matter.
@RiGHTEOUS REBEL MEDIA A couple last questions. How will you combat heresy that others who read the Bible develop? How do you know your own interpretation of scripture isn't heresy?
The Church, the one founded by Christ, at least, is an institution. However, being founded by God Himself makes it unique, with respect to all other institutions created by humans.
Thank you for your live channel. I'm trying to keep up. Learning so much from RC. He just had a way that makes things stick. Not as formally educated. Even the comments have me googling words. I do appreciate your gentleness brother and would love to be a student at your University if I was 20 years younger.
Those who reject the creeds and confessions go by their own opinions and ideas which soon may lead to heresy.
Are the creeds and confessions authoritative and on par with scripture?
@@apilkey No, they are accepted because they're biblical, they're also quoted from Scripture "I believe one baptism for the remission of sins" from the Nicene creed quoted from Acts 2:38, also from Ephesians.
@@reformedcatholic457 The parts of creeds that quote verbatim the Word of God are Biblical.
The Westminster Confession is not Biblical.
@@apilkey Well, I ask you this question did God work through the councils to condemn heresy and proclaim orthodoxy?
I don't hold to the Westminster confession, I believe the second Helvetic confession written at the time of the reformers, by a reformer.
@@reformedcatholic457 God did not work through any reformed confessions.
Satan did.
Quick clarification on the Baptists and the London Confession. It is true that the Baptists differ on church polity and the sacraments, but their differences arise out of their fundamental difference with respect to the covenant. Chapter 7 of the 2LBC, while sharing much in common with the WCF, differs at a fundamental level, particularly in paragraph 3. Long story short, the Baptists understood covenant theology differently than the Presbyterians, which in turn affected their view of church polity and the sacraments.
I think I’ll stick to the Westminster confession of faith & the shorter & larger catechism. I’ve been taught these great gospel truths contained therein scene I was a child. But I still agree with the three forms of unity as well.
. . . being the Heidelberg catachism, the synods of Dort and the longer and shorter Westminster catachisms . .
but, of course, none of these are Scripture.
@@christopherskipp1525 none claim to be scripture . And btw the 3 forms of unity are the Belgic confession , Canons of Dort and the Heidelberg Catechism.
Article 3 of the Belgic Confession
The Written Word of God
We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered by the will of men, but that holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit, as Peter says.1
Afterwards our God-- because of the special care he has for us and our salvation-- commanded his servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit this revealed Word to writing. He himself wrote with his own finger the two tables of the law.
Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.
(1) 2 Pet 1:21
Chapter I Westminster Confession
Of the Holy Scripture
I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable;a yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation.b Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church;c and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing:d which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary;e those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.f
(a) Rom 2:14-15; Rom 1:19-20; Ps 19:1-4; Rom 1:32-2:1
(b) John 17:3; 1 Cor 1:21; 1 Cor 2:13-14
(c) Heb 1:1-2
(d) Luke 1:3-4; Rom 15:4; Matt 4:4,7,10; Isa 8:20
(e) 2 Tim 3:15; 2 Pet 1:19
(f) John 20:31; 1 Cor 14:37; 1 John 5:13; 1 Cor 10:11; Heb 1:1-2; Heb 2:2-4
Many more great truths of what the church has believed the scriptures say in the rest of the confessions with proof texts
@@jgeph2.4 I do appreciate your post.
@@christopherskipp1525 it’s interesting because I now a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (coming from a nondenominational church ) which holds to the Westminster Confession with smaller and larger catechisms . They hold to them so that as a body of Christ everyone knows what they believe and teach but they don’t require a congregant to affirm everything that is written within them . Only those who hold office of elder or deacon . My minister who just retired a year ago would , when ever reading from the WCF , would make it a point to step out of the pulpit when reading a portion as he reserved the pulpit for the reading of scripture alone and preaching . Left an impression on me for sure .
@@jgeph2.4 I appreciate the distinction your former pastor effected.
My favorite Catechism is the Heidelberg and its Particular Baptist revision. However The Westminster Standards and their Particular Baptist equivalent are in my opinion the best Reformed documents. I never used the Savoy Declaration, but from what I know of it, its probably in the same league as the Westminster Standards.
I also love the Augsburg Confession and its apology, as well as the Large and Small Lutheran Catechisms. I'll put the Smalcald Articles in that group as well.
The 39 Articles gets and honorable mention, but the real genius of Cranmer is revising the Daily Office so that the believer in the pew could read the Psalms in a month if they chose, and read through the Bible on the same schedule as the rest of the congregation.
These Ligonier Ministries videos always give edifying information and make one think on the things of God.
I wish there was a video explaining what these confessions were…..
Thanks Stephen Nichols *4 This Powerful, Blessed Definition 4 I Agree That The Presbyterian Form of Confession Is The Best Where The Word of Our Great Almighty God Which Is The Bible Is Very Clear When It Says That "Whoever Confesses The Name of The Lord Will Be Saved" In Romans **10:13* & Be Blessed Stephen Nichols & Lingoiner Ministries So Very Much.🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🙌🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊
Get ready get ready for Jesus return
Thank you believer for this word.
The book - A Body Of Divinity - Contained in sermons upon the Westminster assembly's catechism by Thomas Watson - is brilliant. Being full of Bible texts, it totally lifts the reader while, at the same time, illustrating and informing.
I find it rather funny that those who are against creeds and confessions are the first to tell you why it's wrong... using their own creed and confessions, though they deny it to be so. In order to make sense of anything you need to gather ideas together and form a system of thought to make sense of it - Just like creeds and confessions do.
I was a dispensational Baptist and was taught according to their system of thought. Many modern Evangelicals adhere to many of the same things... Almost like it's a unformed creed that they all believe. Case in point is Dispensationalism; it was created by J Darby in the 1830's and can be argued it's a "manmade" system yet many in the church follow it and call it biblical. What exactly is the difference between me following a creed and you following dispensationalism? I'm not saying both are true, because they cannot be. What I'm saying is that everyone has a creed.
The 3 forms of unity organise biblical truth and keep a person from forming their own "truth" and treating God like a smorgasbord - taking what you want from him. The Belgic Confession itself states it is not above the Bible:
Article 7:
We believe that this Holy Scripture fully contains the will of God and that all that man must believe in order to be saved is sufficiently taught therein.1 The whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in it at length. It is therefore unlawful for any one, even for an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in Holy Scripture:2 yes, even if it be an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul says (Gal 1:8). Since it is forbidden to add to or take away anything from the Word of God (Deut 12:32),3 it is evident that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.4
We may not consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with the divine Scriptures; nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all;5 for all men are of themselves liars, and are lighter than a breath (Ps 62:9). We therefore reject with all our heart whatever does not agree with this infallible rule,6 as the apostles have taught us: Test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 Jn 4:1). Likewise: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting (2 Jn 1:10).
1 2 Tim 3:16, 17; 1 Pet 1:10-12. 2 1 Cor 15:2; 1 Tim 1:3.
3 Deut 4:2; Prov 30:6; Acts 26:22; 1 Cor 4:6; Rev 22:18, 19. 4 Ps 19:7; Jn 15:15; Acts 18:28; 20:27; Rom 15:4. 5 Mk 7:7-9; Acts 4:19; Col 2:8; 1 Jn 2:19.
6 Deut 4:5, 6; Is 8:20; 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 4:4-6; 2 Thess 2:2; 2 Tim 3:14, 15.
So for those who against creeds and confessions show their hypocrisy and lack of understanding of what a confession and creed is meant to do.
Most of the confessions are Calvinist which is man made and demonic
Interesting - Dr. Sproul talked a lot more about Luther than about Calvin - did he ever address specifically why he chose Calvinism over Lutheranism?
Why is the term "new covenant" not found in the Westminster Confession of Faith?
New Covenant Whole Gospel:
Let us now share the Old Testament Gospel found below with the whole world. On the road to Emmaus He said the Old Testament is about Him.
He is the very Word of God in John 1:1, 14.
Awaken Church to this truth.
Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Is the most important genealogy in the Bible found in Matthew 1:1 (Gal. 3:16)? Is God's Son the ultimate fulfillment of Israel (John 1:49)? Why has the modern Church done a pitiful job of sharing the Gospel with modern Orthodox Jews? Why would someone tell them they are God's chosen people and then fail to share the Gospel with them? Who is the seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15? Who is the "son" in Psalm 2? Who is the "suffering servant" of Isaiah 53? Who would fulfill the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34? Who would fulfill the timeline of Daniel chapter 9 before the second temple was destroyed? Why have we not heard this simple Old Testament Gospel preached on Christian television in the United States on a regular basis?
Once a person comes to understand the New Covenant promised to Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is found fulfilled by Christ during the first century in Hebrews 8:6-13, and Hebrews 10:16-18, and specifically applied to the Church in 2 Corinthians 3:6-8, and Hebrews 12:22-24, man-made Bible doctrines fall apart.
Let us now learn to preach the whole Gospel until He comes back. The King of Israel is risen from the dead! (Acts 2:36)
Watch the TH-cam video “The New Covenant” by Bob George.
Which people are preaching the good news of the kingdom around the world to all nations like Jesus christ Mathew 4:23,24:14,28:19-20,mark 13:10?i
Evangelists?
What are the three forms of unity?
The Heidelberg catechism, the Belgic confession, and the Cannons of Dort. They are confessions written during the reformation which express what the writers believe to be true about scripture. They are bodies of work which sum up doctrine to teach and correct. The cannons of Dort specifically deal with teachings that were coming from a group called the remonstrants that followed Jacob Arminius. They were teaching things that were incorrect about election, predestination and the will of man. The cannons or Dort sought to deal with those issues and this is where the five points of Calvinism come from. They are a great read and I highly recommend them.
Also the Heidelberg catechism is very beautiful and explains the law and the gospel and salvation in a question and answer format. It will greatly bless your soul. I hope that helps in some way. Also these can all be found online for free and should come up with a quick Google search.
God bless.
@@chrisjohnson9542 Thank you.
Thank you
England Ireland Scotland came together to develop one opinion of what scripture is saying. Void of Romanish influence, building off the three forms of unity. Qu: why didn't these unified thoughts of biblical teachings not propagate further in the Protestant world?
Perhaps their "unity" was not as extensive as some Christian groups pronounce?
Most of Ireland is Catholic, no? And, the Reformation had mixed results in England; the Reformation was more extensively "received" in Scotland than Ireland or England, but I take your point.
@@HearGodsWord Northern Ireland is primarily Protestant and the Irish Republic is primarily Catholic; hence the years of guerilla warfare, mostly in the north.
@@HearGodsWord Thank you.
Very helpful!
He forgot the 39 Articles of Religion.
What are these two
Reformed theological statements. They probably are easy to find on the internet.
Genuine question - do these documents matter? And if so, why? I have no idea what they are (and - to be honest) have no interest in finding out.
Exactly than why asked?
I'll try to answer your question Gary. I believe the documents matter insofar as the reformers felt they mattered. These documents do not replace scripture - they are never intended to. They aim to somewhat succinctly clarify what the scriptures teach. So yes they do matter - they are attempts to distill into a teachable format the doctrines (teachings) which they have drawn from the Bible. In most (all?) circumstances these contain multitudes of scripture references which you are meant to go read and compare. This is intentional since one of the primary beliefs and battle cries of the reformation was "Back to the source" in other words, go back to scripture, not tradition to know doctrine.
@@ThePreacherProclaims Thank you for the explanation
They absolutely do not matter.
What matters is the Word of God.
Creeds and confessions are not authoritative.
The Westminster Confession for example is the furthest thing from Biblical truth.
@@ThePreacherProclaims This is a fair explanation as far as it goes.
Please “when explaining religious Christian History and mans Fallenness , can you please show more Historic clarity.Amen
When you have too much control by men, without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit this is what you get. a ball of mess, that a person seating in the pew in 2023 becomes a church member and then has no clue how it is affecting them.
Confessions are not the Biblical text.
And they sometimes add incorrect interpretations onto and into the Biblical text.
@@onesimustim8424 You are correct.
They aren't infallible, but they are a way for Christians to show unity against heretics like Unitarians and Mormons.
@@dahelmang Their much more common use is as arguments against other Christians who don't subscribe to our particular theological tenants. But, your point isn't incorrect.
@@christopherskipp1525 that would certainly be a bad way to use them.
... What about the "Second Helvetic Confession", possibly written by Heinrich Bullinger, son-in-law of Zwingli. Said confession was highly accepted in Europe. .. I firmly believe that it was Zwingli that had the correct interpretation of the Lord's supper --- not Luther.
I hold to the Helvetic confession, it holds the view of Calvin's view of the Supper, spiritual presence of Christ. Zwingli may have changed view later on.
@That Lutheran Guy I'm in a group with Lutherans on facebook, yeah they disagree with my view, but at least it's better than Zwingli's view, they're not the same, Calvin's view was in the middle of Zwingli and Luther.
@That Lutheran Guy As I stated Christ is present spiritually and from what I understand from Calvin we eat Christ spiritually, so not just symbolic. I haven't done an indepth study of Calvin's views of the Lord's Supper it's possible we receive forgiveness of sins in the Supper.
@@reformedcatholic457 .. IDK: Zwingli died young.. as a chaplain on the battlefield.
@@34Packardphaeton Yes, I'm aware what happened to Zwingli. I've read an Anglican article before seemed like Zwingli may have changed his view.
👍
🤔 Wonder what they were confessing prior to the 16th century Reformation?
Sola scriptura.... then why isn't the Bible the only source of confession for a true born-again child of God? Does it even make sense to talk about these meaningless & superfluous, man ordained confessions, let alone confess them?
🔰1 John 4:15
"Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God"
🔰Romans 10:9,10
9 "that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"
10 "For with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation"
Everyone has a confession of faith, you just might not have your confession written down
@@josephtubergen9724
And what do we do with that?
@@T.Ravikumar turn to the Word in prayer
@@josephtubergen9724 yes we all have a faith , they preach sola scriptura but they obey to their denominational credo ?? They in fact refuse to reform trough sola scriptura who is the Word of God not the word of men who trust more their pastor than the Word.
@@StormVeilleux
Why? It's from the Word only, that I have learnt the truth that there's no other confession to make other than the confession that Jesus Christ is the way, truth & life, and that there's redemption only through His blood.
Is there any other confession that I've missed in the Word?
You forgot to talk about the Three Forms of Unity ! 😂
Too boring man. 😴
Calvinism's perverted doctrine of "Predestination" is striking similar if not identical to the Islamic doctrine of Fatalism?
1) The Islamic Surah Ibrahim 14:4 - "And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them, and ALLAH SENDS ASTRAY(THEREBY) WHOM HE WILLS AND GUIDES WHOM HE WILLS. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
2) The Islamic Surah 2:6-7 states, "It is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe. ALLAH HAS SET A SEAL ON THEIR HEARTS AND ON THEIR HEARING. AND ON THEIR EYES IS A VEIL; GREAT IS THE CHASTISEMENT THEY INCUR."
3) John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 21, section 5 - "SOME ARE PREORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE, OTHERS TO ETERNAL DAMNATION, and accordingly, as each has been created for one or other of those ends, we say that he has been predestined to life or death."
4) "That owing to one man all pass into condemnation who are born of Adam unless they are born again in Christ, even as He has appointed them to be regenerated, before they die in the body, whom He PREDESTINATED TO EVERLASTING LIFE, as the most merciful bestower of grace; while to those whom He HAS PREDESTINATED TO ETERNAL DEATH, He is also the most righteous awarder of punishment not only on account of the sins which they add in the indulgence of their own will, but also because of their original sin, even if, as in the case of infants, they add nothing thereto. Now this is my definite view on that question, so that the hidden things of God may keep their secret, without impairing my own faith." - Augustine, City of God, On the Soul and its Origin, Book 4, Chapter 16.
5) In Islam, in the 2nd stage of "Taqdeer" (fate), it states that "Allah made a divine decree after the creation of Adam. Allah took out all of the progeny of Adam (i.e. all of the humans from the beginning of time until the end of time), and asked them "Am I not your Lord?" and all of the humans responded "We testify that You are our Lord!" THEN ALLAH DECREED TO THEM WHO SHALL GO TO PARADISE AND WHO SHALL GO TO HELL."
6) In Islam, Allah is exalted and pleased as he sends people to hell: this is the fatalistic claim of Islam. Fatalism is a belief that events are fixed in advance for all time in such a manner that human beings are powerless to change them. In this case, Allah will send to heaven whomever he pleases, and send to hell whomever he pleases. ("Unveiling Islam: An Insider’s Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs" pages 31-32, by authors Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2002.)
That is why Satan has raised up such gifted false teachers in our day, that have the power to blind un suspecting Christians. The lazy Christian. The Christian that does not go to the Word and does not "ASK" the Holy Spirit for guidance.
So these wolves in sheep's clothing like, John Piper, John MacArthur, Paul Washer, Lawson, James White, Voddie Baucham, RC Sproul are ravaging the sheep. They are not brothers, they are Satan's finest false teachers.
Truth in Love
We don’t need these books and confessions. We need Jesus and the Bible. The Bible is the standard to live by. Not Calvin, not Luther, Not man written standards.
I respectfully disagree, the confessions help to unify christians in doctrine. The confessions help break down scripture to understand it better. Everyone has to interpret scripture and being that man is flawed people will interpret the same passage in multiple ways. The scripture commands the we be unified in doctrine. If you let people within a church believe whatever they wish about scripture, then you are in turn inviting heresy within the church and that is very dangerous to christian faith.
@@similiustusetpeccator592 if you follow after an outside book or person, you are no better than the Jehovah Witnesses or Mormons.
@RiGHTEOUS REBEL MEDIA Then I ask that you don't follow your own interpretation either since you yourself can misinterpret scripture. Basically I am saying don't open your Bible to read it. Even if we didn't have the confessions someone somewhere will have to interpret the Bible. That includes your own pastor so don't follow after him either. Every Sunday when you go to church and hear his sermon or doctrine don't pay attention. Have it go in one ear and out the other. I am not trying to be rude or hurtful, I am trying to make a point. Confessions matter.
@@similiustusetpeccator592 I will read the Bible and interpret in context of what it says thank you.
@RiGHTEOUS REBEL MEDIA A couple last questions. How will you combat heresy that others who read the Bible develop? How do you know your own interpretation of scripture isn't heresy?
Manechaeism mixed with Christianity
institutional Christianism mmmmm
I think Constatine The Great created this one thousand years before :-)
The Church, the one founded by Christ, at least, is an institution. However, being founded by God Himself makes it unique, with respect to all other institutions created by humans.
Thank you
Too boring man. 😴