Reformed Confessions
Belgic Confession - Heidelberg Catechism - Canons of Dort - Westminster Standards - AND More.
A collection of Reformed Confessions with extensive study materials.
REFORMED CONFESSIONS
Welcome to
What
Are
They?
The Reformed confessions represent the considered, prayerful, exegetical, redemptive-historical, theological, and practical judgments of the Reformed Churches on the most important issues facing the churches in the 16th and 17th centuries. They are not systematic theologies in miniature. They are conclusions and rules about what Christians ought to believe and how they ought to practice the faith. They represent the theology, piety, and practice of the Reformed Churches across Europe and the British Isles in the classical period of Reformed theology. Many of these documents have been adopted and modified by contemporary Reformed Churches as they continue to confess and practice the historic Reformed faith.
The Reformed Confessions
Heidelberg Catechism
The Heidelberg Catechism, crafted in 1563 at Heidelberg, Germany, at Elector Frederick III's request, aimed to instruct youth, guide provincial church preaching, and foster confessional unity among Palatinate Protestants. Tradition attributes its authorship to Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus.
The Belgic Confession
Composed in 1561 amid the Spanish inquisition in the Lowlands, the Belgic Confession emerged as a clear Reformed statement. Guido de Brès, its main author, sought understanding and toleration from King Philip II, emphasizing the Reformed faith's continuity with ancient creeds while distinguishing it from Catholicism and Anabaptism.
Westminster Standards
In 1643, amid civil unrest, the English "Long Parliament" convened the Westminster Assembly of Divines at Westminster Abbey. Comprising mostly Puritan ministers, their task was to align the Church of England with the Church of Scotland and Continental Reformed churches. The resulting documents, including the Confession of Faith (1646) and Catechisms (1647), collectively form the enduring Westminster Standards, shaping Presbyterianism.
The Apostles' Creed, not authored by the apostles but summarizing their teachings, expresses doctrine with sublime simplicity and liturgical solemnity. Dating to the fourth century, it stands as an ecumenical symbol of faith, distinguished by its brevity and universal acceptance among Christians more than any other creed.
Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed, or Nicaeno-Constantinopolitan Creed, affirms orthodox Christian faith against heresies like Arianism, addressing fourth-century controversies on the Trinity and Christ's nature. This creed, originated in part from the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 and received its final form at the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451.
Athanasian Creed
Named for Athanasius (A.D. 293-373), defender against Arian challenges to trinitarian doctrine, the creed retains his association, though he didn't compose it. The creed comprises two parts, the first detailing trinitarian doctrine, and the second focusing on the incarnation of Jesus Christ as well as his full deity and full humanity.
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