The Westminster Confession of Faith: Modern, Updated Translation With Scripture Proofs

The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) stands as the premier doctrinal standard produced by English Puritanism, providing a comprehensive systematic expression of Reformed theology that continues to define Presbyterian and Reformed churches worldwide. Drafted during the English Civil War by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, this landmark confession emerged from a tumultuous period when Parliament sought to reform the Church of England along more thoroughly Protestant lines.We have updated this timeless classic into a modern, updated translation so anyone can understand it.The confession consists of thirty-three carefully crafted chapters addressing the full scope of Christian doctrine, beginning with Scripture as the supreme authority and proceeding through the doctrines of God, Christ, salvation, church, and last things. Each chapter presents concise theological statements supported by numerous Scripture proofs, demonstrating the Assembly’s commitment to biblical authority.What distinguishes this work is its remarkable theological precision combined with pastoral sensitivity. The divines navigated complex theological disputes with nuanced formulations that generally avoided unnecessary controversy while maintaining Reformed orthodoxy. Their treatment of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, particularly regarding predestination and free will, exemplifies their careful theological balance, affirming God’s absolute decree while maintaining meaningful human agency and responsibility.The confession particularly excels in its covenantal framework, organizing salvation history around the covenant of works with Adam and the covenant of grace in Christ. This covenant theology provides a unified understanding of Scripture that connects Old and New Testaments while distinguishing Reformed theology from both Roman Catholic and radical Anabaptist positions. Its doctrine of assurance balances the objective work of Christ with the subjective witness of the Spirit, offering believers confidence without presumption.Beyond theology, the confession addresses church government, worship, and the relationship between church and state, reflecting Reformed commitments to biblical worship and the distinct yet complementary roles of ecclesiastical and civil authorities. Later Presbyterian bodies would modify some of these positions, particularly regarding church-state relations, while maintaining the confession’s core theological commitments.The influence of the Westminster Confession extends far beyond its original English context. Adopted by Scottish Presbyterians and later by Presbyterian and Reformed bodies throughout the English-speaking world, it has shaped Protestant theology for nearly four centuries. Modern Reformed Christians continue to value the confession for its comprehensive biblical theology, careful doctrinal formulations, and pastoral wisdom, while various denominational adaptations demonstrate its enduring relevance across different cultural and ecclesiastical contexts.About the Westminster DivinesThe Westminster Assembly (1643-1653) was a council of 121 English Puritan theologians and 30 laymen appointed by the Long Parliament to restructure the Church of England. Meeting at Westminster Abbey during the English Civil War, this diverse body included prominent Puritan ministers representing various theological perspectives within Reformed Protestantism. Working through intense debate and careful biblical examination, these divines produced not only the Confession of Faith but also two catechisms, a Directory for Public Worship, and a Form of Church Government that collectively became known as the Westminster Standards. Despite Parliament’s failure to fully implement their recommendations following the Restoration, their work achieved lasting influence throughout Presbyterian and Reformed churches worldwide.