According to our church constitution, article 4.1, "The doctrine of the Church shall be in accordance with that system commonly called "the Reformed Faith" as expressed in the Confession of Faith as set forth by the historic Westminster Assembly together with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms." If you have not heard about the Westminster Assembly before, the following introduction, which Dr John Richardson wrote for a study guide on the Confession, may be of help:

According to the church historian, Philip Schaff, "A creed or rule of faith is a confession of faith for public use or a form of words setting forth with authority certain articles of faith which are regarded by the framers as necessary for salvation, or at least for the well-being of the Christian church. A creed may cover the whole ground of Christian doctrines or contain only one such point as decreed fundamental and sufficient for the Christian faith."

Is there a biblical basis for creeds and confessions? Yes, there is. The beliefs of the early church were collectively called ‘the faith which was once delivered unto the saints’ (Jude 3; cf. Galatians 1:23; 1 Timothy 4:1; 6:10,21). Believers were responsible to contend earnestly for it (i.e. to protect it from being corrupted by any false teaching), and also to transmit it faithfully to the next generation (2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2).

There are some who think that creeds and confessions are only for theologians to study and are not very useful for Christians. However in this present age of spiritual declension and doctrinal confusion, every Bible-believing church ought to have a comprehensive statement of beliefs that is based on the Scriptures. In the Maranatha Bible-Presbyterian Church Fifth Anniversary Magazine which was published in October 1995, pages 119–120, the usefulness of the Confession is delineated by Rev Dr Jack Sin as follows:

1. The Confession is an excellent summary of sound biblical Christian doctrines. It encapsulates all the major teachings of the Protestant faith in a succinct and yet comprehensive form.

2. It is a guard against false teachings and practices. This is the standard second to the Scriptures that we can refer to as a most helpful guide against all the insidious and aberrant teachings in the Christian world today.

3. It is a form of catechism and substantive religious teachings. What can be a better tool for teaching in our Sunday school or for those who seek water baptism but the Shorter Catechism with all the important truths covered in that wonderful question-and-answer method?

4. It is a rallying point for sound Christian unity. In the true spirit of Christian ecumenism (not the way the World Council of Churches [WCC] is doing today with all its unacceptable compromises), the Westminster Confession can serve as a unifying point for all true believers who adhere to the historic Christian faith, with the fundamentals of the Christian religion upheld and defended.

5. Finally, it is to shape and regulate theological thinking and public teaching and preaching. One of the best sources and places to teach the Word of God is to explain the doctrines contained in this peerless book to the growing congregation to build up and strengthen their most holy faith.

In summary, there are seven practical uses of a Reformed creed. Its usefulness can be summarised using the following alliteration (adapted and modified):

1. To define the theological standards of the church.

2. To distinguish a reformed church from others that hold to a different doctrinal position.

3. To defend the faith where there is an assault on the church and its beliefs.

4. To disseminate the doctrines of grace to the succeeding generations to come.

5. To develop sound and biblical inter-church relations with those who are like-minded in the faith.

6. To disciple, nurture and teach younger Christians in the faith.

7. To deepen our connection and understanding of the church in the past.

We therefore heartily commend the coming weekly Bible classes on the Westminster Confession of Faith to Lifers and friends from B-P Churches. Please make use of this opportunity to build a good foundation in doctrine which will help you to remain steadfast unto the end! The details of the course are found below. Registration forms are available at the front counter of the church sanctuary and the closing date for registration is 29 July. —CS

EVER SINCE the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, mankind has been so affected by the effects of sin that no one, by himself, is able to comprehend God and His truths rightly without straying into errors. He needs divine revelation from above. This divine revelation is none other than the Word of God that we now hold in our hand. It is the foundation of our religion, meaning that without it, there can be no Christian Faith.