1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith vs. Westminster Confession of Faith

Attribute	1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith	Westminster Confession of Faith
Year of Publication	1689	1646
Denomination	Baptist	Presbyterian
Number of Chapters	32	33
View on Baptism	Believer's Baptism	Infant Baptism
View on Church Government	Congregational	Presbyterian

Introduction

The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith and the Westminster Confession of Faith are two important documents in the history of Protestant Christianity. Both confessions were written in the 17th century and have had a significant impact on the beliefs and practices of their respective denominations. While there are similarities between the two confessions, there are also key differences that reflect the distinct theological perspectives of the Baptist and Presbyterian traditions.

Historical Context

The Westminster Confession of Faith was written in 1646 by the Westminster Assembly, a group of English and Scottish theologians appointed by the English Parliament to reform the Church of England. The confession was intended to be a statement of faith for the Church of England and the Church of Scotland. In contrast, the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith was written by a group of Particular Baptists in London who wanted to clarify their beliefs and distinguish themselves from other Protestant groups.

Doctrinal Differences

One of the key doctrinal differences between the two confessions is their views on baptism. The Westminster Confession of Faith affirms infant baptism as a valid practice, while the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith asserts believer's baptism, which is the practice of baptizing only those who have made a profession of faith. This difference reflects the broader theological disagreement between Baptists and Presbyterians on the nature and purpose of baptism.

Views on Church Government

Another significant difference between the two confessions is their views on church government. The Westminster Confession of Faith advocates for a Presbyterian form of church government, in which churches are governed by a hierarchy of elders and ministers. In contrast, the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith supports a congregational form of church government, in which each local church is autonomous and self-governing. This difference reflects the Baptist emphasis on the priesthood of all believers and the autonomy of the local church.

Views on the Lord's Supper

Both confessions affirm the importance of the Lord's Supper as a sacrament instituted by Christ, but they differ in their understanding of the nature of the Lord's Supper. The Westminster Confession of Faith teaches the doctrine of the real presence, which holds that Christ is spiritually present in the elements of bread and wine. In contrast, the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith teaches a symbolic view of the Lord's Supper, in which the bread and wine are symbols of Christ's body and blood.

Views on Predestination

Both confessions affirm the doctrine of predestination, but they differ in their understanding of how God's sovereignty and human responsibility interact. The Westminster Confession of Faith teaches the doctrine of double predestination, which holds that God has predestined some people to eternal life and others to eternal damnation. In contrast, the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith teaches the doctrine of single predestination, which holds that God has predestined some people to eternal life but does not predestine anyone to damnation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith and the Westminster Confession of Faith are two important documents that have shaped the beliefs and practices of the Baptist and Presbyterian traditions. While there are similarities between the two confessions, such as their affirmation of the Trinity and the authority of Scripture, there are also key differences that reflect the distinct theological perspectives of Baptists and Presbyterians. These differences highlight the diversity of beliefs within Protestant Christianity and the importance of theological reflection and dialogue within the church.