Shorter Catechism Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?A. The Word . . . Continue reading →
Reformed Confessions
Blogging in the name of the Lord: R. Scott Clark
This is the second in a series of interviews with Christian bloggers. In the hot seat today is… GD: Hello R. Scott Clark and welcome to Exiled Preacher. Please tell us a little about yourself.RSC: Hello Guy. Thanks for the invitation. I . . . Continue reading →
Trans-Confessional Catechism? A Review Of The New City Catechism
It’s encouraging to the see the The Gospel Coalition talking about the importance of catechesis. I was encouraged when The Resurgence did a series on the Heidelberg Catechism (which I can no longer find) and it’s encouraging to see Carl Trueman’s new . . . Continue reading →
Canones Synodi Dordrechtanae
JUDICIUM SYNODI NATIONALIS REFORMATARUM ECCLESIARUM BELGICARUM, Habitæ Dordrechti Anno MDCXVIII. et MDCXIX. Cui Plurimi insignes Theologi Reformatarum Ecclesiarum Magnæ Britanniæ Germaniæ, Galliæ, interfuerunt, de Quinque Doctrinæ Capitibus in Ecclesiis Belgicis Controversis: Promulgatum VI. Maii MDCXIX. PRÆFATIO IN NOMINE DOMINI ET SERVATORIS NOSTRI . . . Continue reading →
Confessio Belgica
Articulus I: De Natura DeiCorde credimus, et ore confitemur omnes, unicam esse et simplicem essentiam spiritualem, quam Deum vocamus; eumque aeternum, incomprehensibilem, invisibilem, immutabilem, infinitum, omnipotentem, summe sapientem, iustum, et bonorum, omniumque nonorum fontem uberrimum. Articulus II: De Cognitione DeiDuobus autem modis . . . Continue reading →
Westminster Confession
Chapter 1 Of Holy Scripture 1. 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; yet are they not sufficient to give that . . . Continue reading →
HT/ST615 Reformed Confessions (Three Forms of Unity)
Course Description An introduction to the background, doctrine, and use of the Reformed Confessions. Spring. 2 Credits. The Student Learning Outcome for the Historical Theology Program: The student demonstrates understanding of the main eras of church history, the significant issues, and leaders/theologians of each. . . . Continue reading →
The Second Helvetic Confession
CHAPTER I Of The Holy Scripture Being The True Word of God CANONICAL SCRIPTURE. We believe and confess the canonical Scriptures of the holy prophets and apostles of both Testaments to be the true Word of God, and to have sufficient authority . . . Continue reading →
A Bibliography Of Confessions And Catechisms
Focusing on the Three Forms of Unity and the Westminster Standards Revised 2025. ©R. Scott Clark. Table of Contents Prolegomena to Symbolics Collections of Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms Patristic Symbols and Creeds Roman Symbols Reformation Symbolics Lutheran Confessions and Catechisms Reformed Symbols . . . Continue reading →
Catechesis Palatina
Catechesis Palatina
Synopsis of the Three Forms of Unity: Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort
Belgic Confession (1561), Heidelberg Catechism (1563) & the Canons of Dort (1619) Explanation This harmony differs from many of the others in that it begins with the Confession which recognizes its natural pedagogical and chronological priority over the Catechism and the Canons. . . . Continue reading →
Notes on Belgic Confession Article 15
An earlier version of this essay was published as “The Belgic Confession- Article 15: Sin,” Christian Observer 173.24 (December, 1, 1995). rev. 29 January 2008 As we understand the gospel, a proper doctrine of sin is central to the gospel message. To . . . Continue reading →
Notes on a Possible Difficulty in Belgic Confession Article 14
Rev. 28 January 2008 [An earlier version of this essay was published in Christian Observer 173.23 (December 1, 1995): 23.] We believe that God created man out of the dust of the earth, and made and formed him after his own image . . . Continue reading →
Helvetic Consensus Formula (1675)
[Translated by Martin I. Klauber in Trinity Journal 11 (1990): 103–23. Used by permission of the translator.] Canon I: God, the Supreme Judge, not only took care to have his word, which is the “power of God unto salvation to every one . . . Continue reading →
Canons of Dort (1619)
Table of Contents Preface First Head of Doctrine: Divine Election and Reprobation Second Head of Doctrine: The Death of Christ and the Redemption of Man Thereby Third & Fourth Heads of Doctrine: The Corruption of Man, His Conversion to God, and the . . . Continue reading →
Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
Note: This edition of the catechism is based on the 1978 translation published by the Reformed Church in the United States and modified by the removal of archaic language and with minor revision of the translation according to the German and Latin . . . Continue reading →
Belgic Confession (1561)
Introduction The Belgic Confession is the confession of faith of the Dutch Reformed Churches. It was written originally, however, in French, in the French-speaking Lowlands by Guido (or Guy) deBres (1523–67) and edited by others between 1559–1561. He was a pastor who . . . Continue reading →
Consensus Tigurinus (1549)
Translated by Henry Beveridge Mutual Consent in Regard to the Sacraments Between the Ministers of the Church of Zurich and John Calvin, Minister of the Church of Geneva. Now published by those who framed it. Article 1. The Whole Spiritual Government of . . . Continue reading →
Confessing the Reformed Faith: Our Identity in Unity and Diversity
by Richard A. Muller Richard Muller is the P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. This address was given by Professor Muller at a meeting of the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council on November . . . Continue reading →
The Revision of Belgic Confession Article 36
Eugene Osterhaven called this “the most difficult and disputed” article in the confession.1 As will appear below, the desire to revise this article has existed in the Reformed churches in both the Netherlands and in the USA since the late 19th century . . . Continue reading →