The Westminster Confession of Faith
Quick answer: The westminster confession of faith is a 1646 doctrinal document from the English Civil War era that details reformed theology across thirty-three chapters, emphasizing divine sovereignty and the authority of scripture.
What it says
The document lays out a comprehensive system of reformed theology across thirty-three chapters. It covers topics from the nature of God and creation to the sacraments and the final judgment. The opening chapters emphasize that scripture is the ultimate rule of faith because natural creation alone cannot teach humanity how to obtain salvation. Later sections detail covenants, church government, and Christian liberty, offering a structured summary of historic protestant belief.
The assembly chose precise, legalistic language to avoid ambiguity and to unite different factions under a single standard. Every term was debated to balance divine sovereignty with human responsibility. Readers today should approach the text not as a replacement for scripture, but as a historical map of how one major tradition read the biblical text during a time of intense theological transition.
Where it comes from
The text was produced by the Westminster Assembly meeting in London between 1643 and 1646 at the request of the English Parliament. The assembly gathered during the English Civil War to reform the Church of England, bringing it into closer alignment with Scottish presbyterianism. Today, this confession remains the foundational standard for presbyterian churches worldwide and heavily influences many baptist and congregational bodies through modified editions.
Written by the Westminster Assembly, a committee of English and Scottish divines that met in London from 1643, as part of a project to reform the church's doctrine, worship and government. It became the confession of the Church of Scotland and of most Presbyterian churches, and it was adopted in a modified form by many Baptist and Congregational churches.
Four things to notice
- The opening chapter defines scripture as the only infallible rule for faith and practice.
- Middle chapters explain predestination, covenant theology, and the work of Christ.
- Later sections outline the role of civil magistrates and the proper observance of the sabbath.
- The final chapters address the state of the soul after death and the final judgment.
The text
The opening sections of Chapter I (On Holy Scripture) and Chapter II (Of God).
Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation.
Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary.
There is but one only living and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory.
Public domain. Read the full document at the source edition.
Scriptures behind it
Verses the confession cites on Scripture and on God's attributes — printed verbatim from the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible. These are the passages the wording rests on, not the document's own proof-text list.
- 2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
- Psalms 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
- Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
- Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
- John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
- Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
- Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Westminster Confession of Faith?
Does this page show the complete document?
Do I need an account to read this page?
More more creeds
1647 · Explore the westminster shorter catechism from 1647, featuring traditional questions and answers in clear public domain English without ads.
1563 · Read the heidelberg catechism online for free, with historical background, key points, and related scripture passages from our database.
1530 · Explore the augsburg confession for free on our site, featuring historical context, key points, and related scripture references without ads.