The Confession of Faith

That's a great choice for a presentation topic! The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith is a foundational document for Reformed Baptists.

Here is a comprehensive teaching slide show outline, which incorporates the requested modern English version, the CSB Bible, and the key points of confessionalism from Tom Hicks' work.

1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: History, Purpose, and Contents 📜

Slide Show Outline

I. Introduction: What is a Confession? (Slides 1-3)

Slide 1: Title & Overview

Title: The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: Rooted in the Past, Relevant for Today

Goal: To understand the historical context, primary purpose, and major doctrines of the 1689 LBCF.

Slide 2: The Importance of Confessions (Tom Hicks, Chapter 2: Confessionalism)

Definition: A confession is a public statement of what a church believes the Bible teaches.

Biblical Foundation: Confessionalism is biblical, requiring believers to "give an account of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15, CSB).

Historical Necessity: Confessions are necessary for unity, teaching, and protection against false doctrine. They summarize the faith for the next generation.

Slide 3: The Role of the 1689 LBCF

The 1689 LBCF is a subordinate standard—it is a trustworthy summary of the faith, but the Bible alone is the infallible and final rule of faith and practice.

II. History & Context (Slides 4-6)

Slide 4: Theological Roots: The Reformed Tradition

The 1689 LBCF is a revision of the Westminster Confession of Faith (Presbyterian) and the Savoy Declaration (Congregationalist).

It places Baptists firmly in the Reformed theological tradition, emphasizing the Five Solas (Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Glory to God Alone).

Quote: "Reformed Baptists are not a species of the genus 'Baptist,' but a species of the genus 'Reformed.'" (Tom Hicks, What Is a Reformed Baptist?)

Slide 5: Historical Context: Persecution and Clarification

Date: First published in 1677, formally adopted in 1689 after the Glorious Revolution and the Act of Toleration in England.

Reason: Particular Baptists (those holding to Calvinistic soteriology) wanted to:

Distinguish themselves from radical, Anabaptist-style groups.

Affirm their unity with other Reformed Christians (Presbyterians and Congregationalists) on most major doctrines.

Clarify their distinctive views on Baptism and Church Government.

Slide 6: The Modern English Edition

The Founders Press edition (by Stan Reeves) renders the text in contemporary language, making the rich theology of the Puritans accessible to 21st-century readers.

III. Purpose & Distinctives (Slides 7-9)

Slide 7: Primary Purpose of the Confession

To be "an assistance to you in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and the means of edification."

It is a teaching tool to help younger members and new converts grasp a "body of divinity in small compass."

It is a banner of unity for local churches.

Slide 8: Key Theological Distinctives (Reformed)

The Confession strongly affirms the doctrines of grace (Calvinism):

Total Depravity (Chapter 6)

Unconditional Election (Chapter 3)

Particular Redemption/Limited Atonement (Chapter 8)

Irresistible Grace (Chapter 10)

Perseverance of the Saints (Chapter 17)

Slide 9: Key Ecclesiological Distinctives (Baptist)

Believer's Baptism (Chapter 29): Only those who profess faith in Christ should be baptized. Baptism is by immersion ("dipping").

Regenerate Church Membership (Chapter 26): A local church is a body of believers who have visibly united themselves through baptism and covenant.

Church Government (Chapter 26): Congregational structure with two offices: Elders (pastors/bishops) and Deacons.

IV. Core Contents Overview (Chapters 1-32) (Slides 10-12)

Slide 10: Chapters 1-18: Foundational Doctrines & Salvation

Chapter 1 (Holy Scripture): Scripture is the supreme judge for all controversies.

Chapter 2-5 (God, Trinity, Decree, Providence): High view of God's sovereignty over all things, including creation and the affairs of men.

Chapters 6-18 (Soteriology/Salvation): The complete plan of salvation from the Fall (Ch. 6) to the perseverance of the saints (Ch. 17). Highlights justification by faith alone (Ch. 11).

Slide 11: Chapters 19-25: Christian Life & Society

Chapter 19 (The Law of God): Affirms the perpetual obligation of the moral law (Ten Commandments) as a rule of life for believers, showing our duty and restraining sin.

Chapter 21 (Christian Liberty): True liberty is freedom from the guilt of sin and the tyranny of man-made rules in worship. Conscience is bound by God's Word alone.

Chapter 24 (Civil Government): God has ordained civil government to uphold justice and restrain evil.

Slide 12: Chapters 26-32: The Church & Last Things

Chapter 26 (The Church): Christ is the only Head of the church; the Pope is explicitly rejected as the head of the church. Defines the local church.

Chapters 29 & 30 (Ordinances): Defines Baptism (believer's immersion) and the Lord's Supper (commemoration, not a sacrifice).

Chapter 32 (Last Judgment): There will be a bodily resurrection and a final, righteous judgment by Christ.

V. Conclusion (Slide 13)

Slide 13: Summary and Application

The 1689 LBCF is a faithful, historic Reformed statement of biblical truth.

It helps us understand the Bible systematically and stand with the historic Christian faith.

Call to Action: Read and study the confession with the CSB Bible to grow in your understanding and articulation of the Christian faith.

Outline Summary (Handout/Notes)

The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

I. History (Slides 4-6)

Date: First published 1677; formally adopted 1689.

Context: Written by Particular (Calvinistic) Baptists in England during a time of persecution, seeking legal and theological acceptance after the 1689 Act of Toleration.

Source: Largely a revision of the Presbyterian Westminster Confession of Faith and the Savoy Declaration (Congregationalist), showing theological unity with the broader Reformed tradition.

Modern Version: The Founders Press Modern English edition (by Stan Reeves) makes the 17th-century language accessible to contemporary readers.

II. Purpose (Slides 7-9)

Public Affirmation: To clearly state Baptist theology, distinguishing them from other groups (especially Anabaptists).

Theological Unity: To demonstrate unity with Presbyterians and Congregationalists on most major doctrines of the Reformed faith.

Instruction and Edification: To serve as a concise "body of divinity" for teaching and confirming new members in the faith.

Authority: It is a subordinate standard to the Holy Scripture (CSB), which alone is infallible.

III. Key Contents & Distinctives (Slides 10-12)

Area1689 LBCF DoctrineReference Chapter(s)Key Distinctive NotesAuthorityScripture is the ultimate, final, and sufficient rule for faith and practice.Chapter 1Upholds the Reformed principle of Sola Scriptura.SoteriologyAffirms the Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism): God’s sovereign election, effectual calling, and definite atonement.Chapters 3, 10, 11The "Reformed" part of Reformed Baptist identity. Justification is by faith alone.Law of GodThe moral law (Ten Commandments) remains perpetually binding for believers as a rule of life.Chapter 19The Law shows our sin and guides us in good works.ChurchChrist is the only Head of the church. The local church is made up of regenerate members.Chapter 26Rejects the Pope’s authority. Emphasis on a believing membership.OrdinancesBaptism is only for professing believers (credo-baptism) and must be by immersion. The Lord's Supper is commemorative.Chapters 29, 30The "Baptist" part of Reformed Baptist identity. Rejects infant baptism.