1689 Overview

Lesson Outline: Overview of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

Below is the updated lesson outline, now incorporating diagrams and images for visual enhancement. I've included direct URLs to relevant diagrams sourced from reliable Reformed Baptist sites, along with descriptions based on analysis. These can be downloaded and inserted into your PDF (e.g., using a tool like Adobe Acrobat or Canva) or printed separately. For historical accuracy, the images focus on covenant theology breakdowns (a key theological category in the 1689 Confession) and comparisons. All Bible verses are from the CSB. The outline remains theologically precise, drawing from the confession's Reformed roots.

Title Page:

An Overview of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of FaithLesson Title: 

Historical Context, Theological Breakdown, Key Differences with Other Denominations, and Sola Scriptura vs. Nuda ScripturaSubtitle: 

Reformed Baptist Sunday SchoolPrepared for: 

August 17, 2025

Date: 

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)Bible Translation Used: 

Objectives:

Understand the historical origins and purpose of the 1689 Confession.

Explore its theological categories and key doctrines.

Compare Reformed Baptist beliefs with Roman Catholics and other Protestants.

Clarify Sola Scriptura in contrast to Nuda Scriptura.

Insert a historical timeline image or diagram here (see Section 1 for details).Visual Aid Suggestion: 

Section 1: Historical Information (10-15 minutes)

Background: The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, also known as the Second London Baptist Confession, was drafted in 1677 by Particular Baptists (Calvinistic Baptists) in England during a time of persecution under the Stuart monarchy. It was not publicly published until 1689, following the Glorious Revolution and the Act of Toleration (1689), which granted religious freedom to nonconformists. The confession was adopted by over 100 Baptist churches at the General Assembly in London in 1689.

It is heavily based on the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, Presbyterian) and the Savoy Declaration (1658, Congregational), but adapted to Baptist distinctives like believer's baptism. This showed solidarity with other Reformed Protestants while affirming Baptist ecclesiology.Key Influences: 

To articulate orthodox Reformed theology, defend against accusations of heresy (e.g., Anabaptist radicalism), and provide a doctrinal standard for Baptist churches. It remains a foundational document for Reformed Baptists today.Purpose: 

Emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture, as in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB): "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."Scripture Tie-In: 

Visual Aid Suggestion: Include a timeline diagram listing key events, such as:

1527: Schleitheim Confession (Anabaptist origins).

1609: Believer's baptism adopted by John Smyth.

1644: First London Baptist Confession signed.

1677: 1689 Confession drafted amid persecution.

1689: Act of Toleration and public adoption.

(Full timeline available atfor reference; insert a screenshot or recreate in your PDF.) https://view.genially.com/63ec2e137a66410011b530f8/interactive-content-the-church-timeline 

Discussion Prompt: How does knowing the historical context of persecution strengthen our appreciation for confessional documents like the 1689?

Section 2: Theological Breakdown by Categories (15-20 minutes)

The 1689 Confession is a systematic theology document with 32 chapters, organized into major theological categories. It reflects Reformed orthodoxy, emphasizing God's sovereignty, covenant theology, and the doctrines of grace (often summarized as TULIP: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints).

Chapter 1 – Affirms the Bible as the infallible, sufficient rule of faith and practice.Bibliology (Doctrine of Scripture): 

Chapters 2-3, 5 – Covers God and the Trinity, God's eternal decree (predestination), and divine providence. Key verse: Isaiah 46:10 (CSB): "I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will."Theology Proper (Doctrine of God): 

Chapters 4, 6, 9 – Creation, the fall, original sin, and human free will (bound by sin). Key verse: Romans 3:23 (CSB): "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."Anthropology and Hamartiology (Doctrine of Man and Sin): 

Chapter 7 – Outlines God's covenants of works (with Adam) and grace (fulfilled in Christ), emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan.Covenant Theology: 

Chapter 8 – Christ as Mediator, fully God and fully man.Christology (Doctrine of Christ): 

Chapters 10-18 – Effectual calling, justification by faith alone, adoption, sanctification, faith, repentance, good works, perseverance, and assurance. Key verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB): "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast."Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation): 

Integrated throughout, especially in salvation and sanctification.Pneumatology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit): 

Chapters 26-30 – The church as a body of believers, communion of saints, ordinances (baptism by immersion for believers only, Lord's Supper as memorial).Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church): 

Chapters 19-25 – Law of God, gospel, Christian liberty, worship (including Sabbath observance), oaths, civil government, marriage.Ethics and Practical Theology: 

Chapters 31-32 – State after death, resurrection, and final judgment. Key verse: Revelation 20:12 (CSB): "I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books."Eschatology (Doctrine of Last Things): 

Visual Aid Suggestion: Insert diagrams here for covenant theology (a core category):

Covenant Membership Diagram: A nested box chart showing the Noachic Covenant (outer), Covenant of Works (left), Abrahamic/Mosaic/Davidic Covenants (middle green box), Covenant of Grace/New Covenant (right white box), and Covenant of Redemption (bottom). It explains membership in biblical covenants, e.g., "The New Covenant is coextensive with the Covenant of Grace." URL:(Full size:). http://www.1689federalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Covenant-Membership-Diagram-640x350.jpg  http://www.1689federalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Covenant-Membership-Diagram.jpg

Comparison with Westminster (Paedobaptist): A Venn diagram contrasting Credobaptist (left red: Covenant of Grace = New Covenant, Membership = Elect) and Paedobaptist (right green: Covenant of Grace = Abrahamic/Mosaic/Davidic/New) views, overlapping on "OT & NT Saints Saved Through the Covenant of Grace." URL:. http://www.1689federalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/Comparison_WCF+-640x350.jpg

These visuals align with Chapter 7's covenant structure, highlighting Reformed Baptist distinctives.

Discussion Prompt: Which category resonates most with you, and how does it align with your understanding of Reformed theology?

Section 3: Differences with Other Denominations (10-15 minutes)

Reformed Baptists emphasize salvation by grace through faith alone (sola fide), rejecting justification by works or sacraments. No papal authority, no veneration of Mary or saints, no purgatory, and no transubstantiation (Lord's Supper is symbolic). Baptism is for believers only, not infants or regenerative. Catholics view tradition and church magisterium as equal to Scripture; Reformed Baptists hold Sola Scriptura. Key contrast: Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB, as above).Vs. Roman Catholics: 

Vs. Other Common Protestant Churches (e.g., Presbyterians, Methodists/Arminians):

Share much theology (e.g., Calvinism, covenant theology) but differ on baptism (Presbyterians baptize infants as a sign of the covenant; Reformed Baptists require believer's profession) and church government (Presbyterians use presbyteries; Baptists are congregational). Key verse on baptism: Acts 2:38-39 (CSB): "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children...'"Presbyterians (Reformed Paedobaptists): 

Reformed Baptists affirm unconditional election and irresistible grace (Calvinism); Arminians emphasize free will, resistible grace, and potential loss of salvation. Methodists practice infant baptism and pursue "entire sanctification" (perfectionism); Reformed Baptists see sanctification as progressive but incomplete in this life. No emphasis on prevenient grace in Reformed Baptist soteriology.Arminians/Methodists: 

Include comparison charts:Visual Aid Suggestion: 

Reformed vs. Roman Catholic Doctrine Table:

DoctrineRoman Catholic TeachingReformed TeachingScriptural ReferencesOn ScriptureScripture is inspired by God, but tradition and the pope have equal authority (Cat. 891).Scripture alone is the infallible rule of faith and practice (BC, article 7, WCF 1).2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 John 5:9On MaryShe is Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix (Cat. 969), continues to intercede.Jesus is our one and only High Priest, no other Mediatrix save Christ (BC 21, HC 18, WCF 8, LC 36).Phil. 3:1-9, 1 Cor. 2:2, Heb. 7:26-8:6, etc.On JustificationHappens at baptism (1987, 1992), involves sanctification (1989, 1995), can be lost (1446).Happens at time-point of faith, does not involve sanctification, cannot be lost (BC 22-24, etc.).1 Peter 3:21, Romans 3-4, 8BaptismRegenerates (1213).A sign and seal of salvation, not salvation itself (BC 34, WCF 28).1 Peter 3:21, Colossians 2:11-13Lord's SupperTransubstantiation (1373-1378), worship of bread and wine.The Lord is present spiritually only (HC 78-80, WCF 29).Matthew 26:26-29, etc.PurgatoryFurther purification after death (1030-1032).Only two places for souls after death (WCF 32.1).Luke 23:39-43, 1 Cor. 3:10-15

(Source: Puritan Board discussion; insert as a table in PDF.)

Broader Protestant Comparison: Use a summarized table from Christianity in View (e.g., on Eucharist, Mary, Pope), focusing on Reformed Baptist alignment with Protestant columns but noting baptism differences.

Additional Diagram: Venn diagram comparing 1689 Federalism (Credobaptist) with Dispensationalism or New Covenant Theology for ecclesiology contrasts. URL:(Shows differences in hermeneutics: Grammatical Historical & Typological vs. Reject Typological, with Trinity/Justification by Faith in overlap). http://www.1689federalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/Comparison_Dispensational+-640x350.jpg 

How do these differences highlight the unique Reformed Baptist commitment to Scripture?Discussion Prompt: 

Section 4: Sola Scriptura vs. Nuda Scriptura (5-10 minutes)

The Reformed view that the Bible is the supreme and final authority for faith and practice, but subordinate helps like creeds, confessions (e.g., 1689), and church tradition are valued as interpretive aids. It rejects equal authority of tradition (as in Catholicism) but affirms the church's role in teaching. Key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB, as above).Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): 

This is a distorted view (sometimes called "solo Scriptura") that rejects all tradition, creeds, or historical interpretation, leading to individualism and potential error. Reformed theology rejects Nuda Scriptura, using confessions like the 1689 to guard against private misinterpretation. As the 1689 states in Chapter 1: Scripture is sufficient, but "all things necessary for [God's] own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, are either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture."In Contrast to Nuda Scriptura (Bare Scripture): 

Since no specific infographic was found, use a simple text-based contrast table or create a basic Venn diagram in your PDF tool (left: Sola - Scripture + Aids; right: Nuda - Scripture Only; overlap: Bible as Authority). Alternatively, reference articles for deeper reading.Visual Aid Suggestion: 

Why is Sola Scriptura essential for Reformed Baptists, and how does the 1689 Confession exemplify it?Discussion Prompt: 

Closing (5 minutes):

Encourage participants to read the 1689 Confession (available at founders.org). Pray for faithfulness to Scripture.Application: 

Founders Ministries (founders.org), The 1689 Confession in Modern English.Resources: 

Aim for 6-8 pages with images and tables for readability.Total Pages in PDF: