When Jesus, the lawgiver[46] (Heb 12:25f), specifies what true marriage is and is not, we dare not go beyond what is written(1 Cor 4:6). (baptized upon Profession of their faith) in London and the Country. The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, 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 his . Failing to honor Gen 2:24s pattern of leaving all others, cleaving to one another, and weaving two lives into one is where most marital strife occurs, but the Bible offers no remedies of consensual manipulation popularly accepted as godly counsel. May 31. Was this actual divorce, or a separation order from scandalous living arrangements? One of the only commentaries on the 1689 LBC. As themodern translationputs it: From all eternity God decreed everything that occurs, without reference to anything outside himself. He wa Did God create for His glory? 4 a modern exposition of the 1689 baptist confession of faith 11. of justification 181 12. of adoption 193 13. of sanctification 205 14. of saving faith 217 15. of repentance unto life and salvation 231 16. of good works 243 17. of the perseverance of the saints 253 18. of the assurance of grace and salvation 265 19. of the law of god 275 . What fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Cor 6:14). Gods goal is his glory, comprehended and cherished in godly homes, and the union of man and wife is a parable of his promises in Christ. [14] Thomas Manton (1620-1677) ascribed the union to Gods providence: they take one another out of Gods handsit is Gods work to give every one his marriage companion; he bringeth the wife to the husband, and every husband to the wife (A Wedding Sermon, in Works, II.163). . Let us be settled that Ezra, Nehemiah, and Paul present no contradictions to one another: our Bibles are trustworthy, our Confession is reasonable, and there are unions Christians might enter which do not constitute true marriage in Gods eyes. No. Addeddate 2013-10-15 23:27:40 Identifier [37] Calvin writes helpfully that if an unbeliever put away his wife, a brother or a sister [the Christian] is, by such rejection, freed from the bond of marriage. So when he writes, he explains things as he would to one of his church body. The church is not exempt from this confusion. While an unregenerate mans motivations are frequently varied and difficult to untangle (Pro 20:5), it is painfully obvious that he cannot ultimately seek the glory of God in his intended union (Rom 14:23b). If Christ the lawgiver does not carry final weight for the discussion, then Christ the redeemer cannot be given weight either. As C. H. Spurgeon observed, "The arch- enemy of truth has invited us to level our walls and take . Basically, the purpose was to teach myself systematic theology and teach myself to defend Reformed doctrine biblically. What does it mean that Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant? Confession of Faith (1689) - Wikipedia The paragraphs in which I deal with parts of the Scriptures doctrine are not necessarily in a logical order, therefore, here are the topics in a somewhat more logical order: This chapter is in many ways based upon the truths in2 Timothy 3:16. Baptist perspective is a teaching that is all too often neglected. 1689 Baptist Confession Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith - Commentary Get directions on Apple Maps. Its in that light that 1 Cor 7:10-17 speaks so powerfully regarding divorce: God saves whom and when he wills (Rom 9:16,18), directs the circumstances surrounding each life (Ps 57:2; Ps 139:16; Heb 12:1b), and governs the response for each person who hears the message and witnesses the effects of his gospel (Ac 11:18; Ac 16:14; 2 Cor 7:10; Heb 12:17). This confession has been in greater or lesser use among the churches at various stages of history. Get directions on Google Maps. The VDSS Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) will work with Virginia's faith and community organizations (FCOs) to increase the health and wellness of Virginia's families, particularly those that interface with the family welfare systems, and to increase substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment, and recovery. Our Confession is distinctive in that the Baptist authors then incorporated the Savoy's polity statements concerning the local church into our Confession itself. 1689-Second-Baptist-Confession-Of-Faith-Highlighted 1689-Baptist-Confession-Chapter-1:-Of-The-Holy-Scriptures-Commentary 1689-Baptist-Confession-Chapter-2:-Of-God-And-Of-The-Holy-Trinity-Commentary 1689-Baptist-Confession-Chapter-3:-Of-Gods-Decree-Commentary 1689-Baptist-Confession-Chapter-4:-Of-Creation-Commentary 2LC references Neh 10 as an anchor for its prohibition of exogamy by defending the exclusivity and sanctity of covenanted Christian marriage. 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith - Reformedreader.org Chief among these is the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Does God use means? 2:5; Acts 3:22; Heb. Is it biblical? The Motivations of Marriage (2LC 25.2)[21], Marriage was ordained[22] for the mutual help of husband and wife, for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and the preventing of uncleanness. Religious LibertyXVIII. What does it mean that the Scripture is inspired? ManIV. Reformation and post-Reformation symbols feature loud denunciations contra sacramentalizing marriage; they overwhelmingly demonstrate marriage as a means of sanctifying grace, but not sacramental. Of all of their confessions, the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 [3] became the most popular confession among the Reformed Baptist churches. Of Marriage: The 1689 Baptist Confession - Founders Ministries Picture 1 . Put forth by the ELDERS and BRETHREN Of many CONGREGATIONS OF Christians. A Short History of Creeds and Confessions by A.A. Hodge. God hath decreed in Himselfmeans that He decreed by Himself alone without considering others. 1:3; Eph. Does it matter what we do? (Gen 2:24; Mal 2:15; Mt 19:5-6)[13]. Does God know all things? 17:12; John 19:11; Acts 2:23; 4:27-28. What does it mean that Scripture is inerrant and infallible? May 18. See The Gospel Ministers Maintenance Vindicated (1689), Second Argument, in Renihan, Faith and Life for Baptists, 159. 1:30. If you are seeking a better understanding of what the LBC teaches or if you are an elder teaching your One of the only commentaries on the 1689 LBC. Families are to fill, care for, and rule over the earth in a way that brings him honor, and that starts with the imagebearers living under my roof. In my case, I am an active teaching elder in my church and am using this book as a helpful resource in the teaching of the 1689 LBC to our people. AU $30.20. Recorded by Mark Nenadov. The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 has its roots firmly in the Westminster Confession of Faith of 1647. Theonly begotten Sonwas from all eternitychosen and ordained(Isa. [13] Cf. Lev 19:2). As many of Pauls young Christians there had been converted out of that immorality, 1 Cor 7:2 recognizes the temptation to sexual immorality as a significant matter because most didnt have the gift of singleness (vv 5,9). He now reigns for her good and causes all things to serve her salvation. What is Federal Headship? Mission Statement/Declaracin de la Misin. A few books of the Bible have no verses referenced within the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689. Reformed Particular Baptist History Book Bundle (New see descrip) RRP 70. 42:1; 1 Pet. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith [50] The Corinthian church learned that when Paul rebuked their celebration of marital diversity (1 Cor 5:1). Samuel Waldron goes through each chapter and paragraph and expounds biblically on the statements in the confession, with the occasional comment about historical context. The list promises expansion as those agitating to wed siblings, children, or pets progress in their quest. 20.00 . Does God ordain the ends as well as the means? The essential principle is that the professing believers union must reflect the purity of the gospel, something impossible to sustain if wed to an unbeliever. The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689: With Proof Texts and a Study Guide. Are creeds and confessions above or subordinate to the Scriptures? But Adam and Eve What is Covenant Theology? Psalms and hymns echo between the two. The Directory of Public Worship expects pastors to give a reminder at the wedding not to commit idolatry by overmuch lovemaking, but to sanctify Gods name, in a thankful, sober, and holy use of all conjugal comforts, 111. PDF The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith - Rblist.org Baptist Confession of 1689 Introduction Foreward Chapter Titles Chapter 1Of the Holy Scriptures Chapter 2Of God and the Holy Trinity Chapter 3Of God's Decree Chapter 4Of Creation Chapter 5Of Divine Providence Chapter 6Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof Chapter 7Of God's Covenant Chapter 8Of Christ the Mediator Does the 2nd London Baptist Confession only permit 1689 Federalism? To say theres confusion today regarding marriage might be the understatement of the century. Founders Ministries is committed to encouraging the recovery of the gospel and the biblical reformation of local churches. Resources The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Were these unions true marriages, commonlaw arrangements, or classic shacking up? [44] James Fisher defines consanguinity as a relation by blood, being between persons descended from the same family and affinity as an alliance by marriage, between persons who were not blood relations before. Assemblys Shorter Catechism Explained, II.71.18-20. It doesn't hurt that he is a brilliant theologian either. Were the Baptists trying to be original or were they trying to communicate something else? An audio book recording of The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, a Reformed, Calvinistic, and Baptistic confession of faith from the 17th century that Charles Spurgeon would use and is still in use among Reformed Baptist churches to this very day. From redefinition to outright rejection, little draws heavier fire than affirming the biblical and confessional view of marriage. In Gen 1:28f, God commands Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Mans rule over earth is not fundamentally ecological or environmental, but matrimonial and familial. John Flavel (1630-1691) agreed: it is God who orders our relations for usand appoints the parties for each other (Mystery of Providence, in Works, IV.392). 1. 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith in Modern English Chapter 3 - God's Decree 1. Second, 2LC asserts, God ordains the establishing of a family: the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue. That is, the Lord desires that godly children be reared within the covenanted context. Also useful are Francis Turretin (1623-1687), The Law of God (Institutes of Elenctic Theology, II.11.2.xxix-xxxi); Wilhelmus aBrakel (1635-1711), The Seventh Commandment (The Christians Reasonable Service, III.206f); Richard Baxter (1615-1691), Christian Economics (A Christian Directory, I.2.9.vi-xx); Edward Fisher (fl. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith | Monergism Who made the Bible authoritative? Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance. The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 with the Baptist We shall reason from Scripture in explaining the Confession, referencing relevant primary sources where helpful. Virginia Bible Baptist Church - Baptist (SBC) church in - FaithStreet In this Verity, we behold his Victory, and stand fast in our Bridegrooms love. Is the Church Failing at Being the Church? Marriage is a means of sanctification for Christians in how they consummate their God-given love (do not deprive one another, v 5), communicate about exceptions (except perhaps by agreement for a limited time), use it as a springboard to commune with God (that you may devote yourselves to prayer), and control themselves in love to God and one another (then come together again, so Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control). His direct and lucid style will help ministers, students and laymen alike to a clear understanding of the Confession and to see its relevance and application to our modern age. Chapter 1. [47] Calvin and Poole both present worthwhile discussion here: Calvins Commentary, III.95-108; Pooles Commentary, I.235-38. It is well written and remains faithful to the confession while explaining the positions brought forth within its pages. The Family I. Chapter 3 - God's Decree - Founders Ministries Exploring the Biblical Concept of Foreknowledge, Second London Baptist Confession of Faith - 1689, The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (eBook), A Foundation for Faith: An Introductory Study of Systematic Theology, The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith (Website), 1689 Stands for Unity: The Second London Confession of Faith, A Tabular Comparison of the 1646 Westminster and the 1689 Baptist Confessions of Faith. porneia, a blanket term[49]) or some other creative means of disobedience, but it neither contains nor constitutes anything bringing glory to God. 1:17; Deut. Divorce is never the aim (Mal 2:16; Mk 10:9), but under Gods providence, sinful people commit sin, and the Lord deals with his redeemed ones in mercy (v 16). Virginia Bible Baptist Church is a Baptist (SBC) church in Reston, VA. FaithStreet. His voice shook the earth then, and the warning is upgraded commensurate with his glorified state, the giving of the Spirit and word, and his eternal rule (cf. See Waldrons helpful evaluation, A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession, 351-56. They also taught baptismal regeneration, free will, allegory, and celibacy. The biblical institution of marriage ultimately proclaims a twofold message. Heb 10:31 and 12:25ff) the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name among all the nations (Rom 1:5). So too Christians are to be a people who serve freely, humbly, personally, and lovingly (Lk 22:27); as Flavel urged, spouses should study to be mutual blessings to each other.[26] This is no mere meeting in the middle or striking an acceptable compromise, but self-giving, sacrificial, self-forgetful, other-minded, Christ-centered love in deed and in truth (1 Jn 3:18). What is Original Sin? - Jonathan Edwards. May 18 Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation Brian Malcolm. Neh 13:25s great evil). In this process, our homes increasingly come to reflect how Jesus rules over us. 2LC sees these matters clearly, and confesses them plainly. The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 by Various - Free Shipping 1:11; Isa. Renihan, Toolkit, 93-95. The Apologetic Value of the Christian Story, https://www.chapellibrary.org/index_split_020.html#note_7, https://bible.org/seriespage/18-divorce-teachings-early-church, second London baptist confession of faith, Polygamy/polyamory. He writes in a direct and lucid style that will help ministers, students and laymen alike to a clear understanding of this Confession and to its relevance and application to our modern age. So too Matthew Poole (1624-1679), Commentary on the Holy Bible, III.560: the husbands voluntary leaving his wife, or the wifes voluntary leaving her husband, with a resolution to return no more to them, breaks also the bond of marriage, frustrating it as to the ends for which God hath appointed it; and after all due means used to bring again the party departing to their duty, doth certainly free the correlate; and the Geneva Bible (1599), on v 15: What if the unfaithful [unregenerate] forsake the faithful [regenerate]? Baptist Confession of Faith Greg Nichols Report a bad link or file problem: here. James Ussher (1581-1656) states it plainly, calling it an abuse of lawful marital intimacy, over against a holy use: When the honorable and chaste estate of Matrimony is used to wantonness, and not with moderation and seemliness, [it is intemperance], 1 Ths 4:4f. These books are identified by an asterisk after the name of the . Here we come to a chapter that is different than the one in the Westminster and Savoy confessions (see the confessions side by side here). Abstract of Principles (1858) An Appendix to the Baptist Confession of Faith by Benjamin Cox (1646) 8, in Sandy Foundation of Infant Baptism Shakn); along the same lines, see his An Orthodox Catechism, Q&A 73, and Benjamin Beddome (1717-1795), A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism, Q&A 98,101. It is a creation ordinance, given to all classes and races of men (Gen 1:28f). Our Confession (written in 1689) relies upon the Savoy's revision of the Westminster which is evident in the first four paragraphs of chapter 26. [21] See La Belle and Beeke, Living in a Godly Marriage, 25-50. 21:1; 1 Kings 22:22-23; 2 Sam. 20:11 ). [23] Manton, A Wedding Sermon, Works, II.162. The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 with the Baptist Catechism eBook : Scalf, Brandon, Particular Baptists, Puritan, Keach, Benjamin: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store Are men as bad as they can be? 10:5-7; Matt. 1 He did this by the perfectly wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably. 1655 Midland Confession of Faith. The bigamy recorded in the OT (Lamech, Gen 4:19; Abraham, Gen 16,21; Esau, Gen 28:6-9; Jacob, Gen 29, etc.) Gen 2 focuses on Eves role as a helpmeet for Adam, and this is where, combatting egalitarian and feminist wickedness of our day, many modern treatments of marriage rightfully focus. This doctrinal statement is a spiritual treasure trove worthy of our fresh attention. It distinguishes itself from the world which does not know God (you shall not do as they do, v 3; cf. His decision in that unique context is a redemptive-historical act of safeguarding the purity of the line through which Christ would come. 1:3; Isa. 6:4; Jer. There was a time when my interest in this topic was immense, but that is for some reason no longer the case. CONFESSION OF FAITH. About a year ago or more,[1] I started diving into the 1689 Baptist Confession of faith to study it. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! Giving; App; About Us; Find a Church; . Commentary On The Second Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 - The A Fresh Look at an Old Confession - Reformation 21 4:11 ). The second undervalues marriage and robs it of its spirituality and value for sanctificatio[43] (Mal 2:15). Amazon has encountered an error. A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 A Tabular Comparison of the 1646 WCF and the 1689 LBCF, The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 (eBook), A Brief Overview of Seventeenth-Century Reformed Orthodox Federalism, The Profession of Truth: The Purpose of Creeds in the 1677 Baptist Confession, On Catholic Baptists: The London Baptist Confession of Faith, 5 Things You Should Know about the Doctrine of the Trinity, How to Keep "Short Accounts" When Confessing Sin, The Heavenly Kingdom and the Earthly Kingdom, Of the Covenant Bonds of Religious Connection Between God and Men (eBook), Elisha's Lamentation, Upon the Sudden Translation of Elijah, The Stable Presence: Five Traits of Resilient Fathers, The Life of God in the Soul of Man: A Readers Guide to a Christian Classic, 6 Crucial Facts about Gods Word from Revelation 10. Sagamore Baptist Church is live now. THE BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH OF 1689 IN UPDATED ENGLISH WITH SCRIPTURE PROOFS Put forth by the Elders and Brethren of many Congregations of Christians (baptized upon profession of their faith) in London and the Country. From all eternity God decreed everything that occurs, without reference to anything outside himself. Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG & AG, and founding Pastor-Teacher to Reformation Baptist Church. The unbeliever comes, as it were, face-to-face with the gospel, and so must deal with Jesus through the spouses life and direct influence (cf. Chapter 14. 145:3; Rom. And forasmuch as that Confession is not now commonly to be had, and also that many others have since embraced the same truth which is owned therein, it was judged necessary by us to join together in giving a testimony to the world of our firm adhering to those wholesome principles by the publication of this which is now in your What does the Bible itself teach about the Word of God? His sovereignty extendsfrom the What is Total Depravity? Faith and Life, 207f. What kind of yoke is that of two believers? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reagan Marsh serves as Pastor-Teacher of Rocky Face Baptist Church in Rocky Face, GA. God the good Creatoris the One Who is sovereign over all things and the One whoupholds, directs, disposes, and governsall creatures and things(Heb. In this extensive exposition, the author, Sam Waldron, shows that the '1689' Confession is a masterly statement of the historic Christian faith. 1:2; John 1:2-3; Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; 33:4, Rom. 1689 Baptist Confession (Banner of Truth) The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith in Modern English (Founders Press) Faith and Life for Baptists: The Documents of the London Particular Baptist Assemblies, 1689-1694 by Jim Renihan A Toolkit for Confessions by Jim Renihan A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith 5th Edition by Sam Waldron Baptism and the Lord's SupperVIII. [12] The relevant section (located on p. 35) reads as follows: XXXVI. Should you use the 1689 London Confession in your church? See also the extensive listing under this heading in Dennison, Reformed Confessions, IV.737. PDF Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) Men dead in their sins act in self-interest by nature. 1:22-23; 5:23; Heb. This site has been decreed by God the Father for the glory of God the Son and empowered by God the Spirit. Observe briefly a foundational portion of the biblical sexual ethic in Lev 18. 8:30; John 17:6; Isa. Does God control all things? Nehemiahs response, closing out the OT canon, bears no insinuation of putting away an unregenerate spouse after marriage (contra 1 Cor 7:10-13), but rather displays the consistency of the biblical witness that believers must marry only in the Lord (1 Cor 7:39). As with much in the history of theology, precision of exegesis and clarity of confession came only after abuses and errors were ascendant, and time allowed for maturing theological reflection, synthesis, and formulation. Do we believe in three gods? He warned them [his OT people] on earth and now warns [us] from heaven (v 25). WE believe Marriage is Gods holy Ordinance, that is to say between one Man and one Woman: and that no Man ought to have more than one Wife at once: and that Believers that marry, should marry in the Lord, or such that are Believers, or Godly Persons; and that those who do otherwise, sin greatly, in violating Gods holy Precept: and that Ministers as well as others may marry; for Marriage is honourable in all. Together they pray; together they prostate themselves. My main focus was to teach myself to make a biblical case for cardinal doctrines which Reformed folk believe, and I believe that I have been able to make a biblical case for every (or almost all?) Interestingly, the First London Baptist Confession (1644/46), New Hampshire Confession (1833), and Abstract of Principles (1857) do not contain any chapters on marriage. Mans lust never determines what is lawful; mans appetites never affect what God approves; mans vote never vetoes Gods voice in his written word. It grasps the sufficiency of Gods word, not worldly wisdom (you shall not walk in their statutes, v 3), and it obeys in holy fear of the sovereign Lord (vv 4f; cf. [39] This may readily be seen in modern cases of pedophiles or human traffickers who kidnap young girls and sell or force them into marriage; neither Scripture nor secular society recognize such unions as valid or binding. Pride of place goes to the Three Forms of Unity, Baptist edition Hercules Collins(1646/7-1702) An Orthodox Catechism (1680), the Second London Baptist Confession (1689), and the Baptist Catechism (1693). Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2010. Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2017. 1 Cor 7 is of great help in considering how Jesus sanctifies his people within marriage. With the Heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the Mouth Confession is made unto Salvation, Rom. Was the Covenant of Grace established before the New Covenant? What are the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace? Though its prooftexts gently point readers in a Westminsterian direction, it leaves room for each ones conscience before the Lord as per Savoy. The1689confession.com , ? The analogy of marital consent was also used in defending pastoral salaries. May 31 Of . They crafted a timely, textual statement, and following our forefathers, it is Verity, not Victory, that is here contended for.[1] We must constantly bear in mind that marriage ultimately suffers distortion, dismissal, and assault because it says something about the person and work of Jesus. How 2LC uses ordained here is in the sense of something which God has ordered, commanded, and given as a creation ordinance. Satan and his forces love the imprecision and ambiguity which are rampant in our day. How critical, then, that Christians give meticulous care to approaching Gods gift on Gods terms. It may classify[48] as homosexual or heterosexual lust, any of the various sorts of fornication, adultery, incest, pedophilia, rape, bestiality, general sexual immorality (Gk. 9:19; Heb. Historically, Baptists have set forth what they believe in confessions of faith. 8:28; 11:36; Eph. (Heb 13:4; 1 Tim 4:3; 1 Cor 7:39; Neh 13:25-27), 2LC next addresses Gods demands and denials for marriage. For browser & player information / issues, click: here. Did Christ, by His death, atone for the sins of all mankind or only for His elect? To position singleness as subpar, a common consequence of over-exalting marriage, invites false guilt while undermining the biblical doctrines of Gods meticulous providence and common grace. A weekly brief of our new teaching resources. His desire is union so long as you both shall live,[19] not until the next power surge, app update, or DIY renovation weekend, in order that the exclusive covenant of marriage point beyond itself to the excellence of the covenant of grace (Eph 5:32). 12984. We are freed from sin and are able to willingly please God. What is Gods justice? Studies in the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith - Greg Nichols The Baptist Catechism with Scripture Proofs 2:11. This chapter contains briefcomments on the doctrines of Original Sin, Federal Headship and Total Depravity. He died and rose again for his sinful Bride. alongside Solomons polygamy (1 Kgs 11:1-8) constitutes no normalization, celebration of diversity, or exemplum ut simulantior for biblical marriage, but bears witness to how rapidly sinful men assaulted Gods ordained design. Departing from the faith and being devoted to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons (1 Tim 4:1) proves one a liar having a seared conscience (v 2), manifested in either outright forbidding (v 3) or adding requirements to what God promises to bless. With his wife, he is a member of Heritage Baptist Church, a Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky where in January 2005 he became one of the pastors. Jun 2 Introduction Brian Malcolm. [4] Letter to the Judicious and Impartial Reader (1677), in Lumpkin, Baptist Confessions, 225f; Advertisement to the Reader (1695), in Renihan, Faith and Life for Baptists, 320. . God made all things very good (Gen. 1:31), includingman. Picture 1 of 6 . 3:19; Acts 14:15-16, Heb. Carroll and Robust Confessionalism. Please try again. Interestingly, James Fisher (1697-1775) disagrees pointedly with this reading of Eph 5, arguing that it borders too near on making marriage a sacrament, as the Papists do in his The Assemblys Shorter Catechism Explained, II.71.22-24. What do the words essenceand personmean? Premarital relations (fornication) are whoredom, whereby man and woman join and mingle themselves together without God, the devil and their inordinate lusts leading them. Manton. After being one of the pastors of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids for almost 24 years, Sam Waldron is now attending Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky where in May of 2005 he will complete a Ph.