We believe that the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 (Also known as the Second London Confession) is the best summary of what the Scriptures teach about the Christian faith. We recognize that it is not an exhaustive document on Christianity, but that it clearly summarizes the main doctrines (or teachings) found in Scripture and relating to basic Christian faith and practice. We also recognize that it is a document written by fallible men and not inspired by God, therefore it is fully subject to the Scriptures and finds its authority only in its faithfulness to the Scriptures. The Word of God is the ultimate authority in all matters pertaining to the Christian faith and practice, but we affirm the usefulness of having a document that summarizes what we believe. 

London Baptist Confession of 1689

London Baptist Confession of 1689 (PDF download)

Grace Chapel Preface to the Confession...

To the judicial and impartial reader,

This confession, while thorough, certainly does not address every important doctrine in the Christian faith. It is an attempt to explain with detail the distinctive doctrines that accompany fully reformed evangelical orthodoxy. When said orthodoxy is confessed there is always a balance that must be settled on between simple phrasing that fosters understanding and high doxological language that seeks to reflect the beauty and appreciation of the teachings described. Likewise, there are ancient words incorporated throughout (e.g., words describing the Trinity and two natures of Christ) that anchor the confession to the historical Christian church and set it in a stream of historic orthodoxy. As some who have gone before us have said:

"We have no itch to clog religion with new words, but do readily acquiesce in that form of sound words which hath been, in consent with the Holy Scriptures, used by others before us; hereby declaring, before God, angels, and men, our hearty agreement with them."

This confession will undoubtedly at times appear to some to unnecessarily address an issue or to be overly detailed. However, these instances typically reflect orthodox positions that we may now take for granted. Those positions have been fought for and defended at great cost by our forefathers in the faith. If this confession is read in light of church history and with the desire to defend the depth of doctrine that has been achieved over the course of centuries, then it will surely, in spite of its occasional elevated language and technical minutiae, point the reader to a glorious God and cause one's heart to resound with worship and praise to Him who saves sinners.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.