The Practicality of Having Confessions in Our Churches

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Our Commitment to Sola Scriptura Requires Confessionalism

Many Christians today mistakenly think that a firm commitment to Sola Scriptura means that the Bible alone is our only authority for all of faith and life. The familiar maxims ‘no creed but Christ’ and ‘no book but the Bible’ together with the Biblicist penchant to always demand a ‘chapter and verse’ support for one’s views seem to arise from this misapprehension of the reformation principle of Sola Scriptura.

But here’s what Sola Scriptura really means: this doctrine teaches us that the Bible alone holds the place of supreme or final authority for the Christian in all matters of faith and life. This affirmation does not cancel out the proper use of subordinate and ministerial authorities, of which Scripturally faithful creeds, catechisms, and confessions of faith are. The Bible alone is our norming norm (norma normans) while other subordinate ministerial authorities are normed norms (norma normata). The Bible alone is our rule of faith while other authorities subordinate to the Bible are a help to faith.

What the Bible says about creeds, confessions, and catechisms

Although the Bible does not read like a systematic theology textbook, it nevertheless contains clear statements of doctrinal affirmations that are meant to instruct and shape the mind of the believer.

Consider, for example, the following passages: Genesis 1:1, Exodus 20:11, Deuteronomy 6:4, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 40:12–31, John 1:1–4; 14–18, 14:6, Romans 6:3–10, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 20–28, Ephesians 2:4–10, Colossians 1:15–20, 1 Thessalonians 4:14–17.

The Scriptures themselves contain creedal statements and affirmations that summarize key Biblical doctrines. Biblical affirmations can, in some cases, be simply reworded for use in the liturgy of the church. There is sufficient example in the Scriptures of the use of creedal statements in the life of God’s people. What this tells us is that the Bible provides us with good grounding for using these Scriptural affirmations in our own liturgical and instructional use.

The Bible acknowledges the presence of a ‘pattern of sound words’ (2 Timothy 1:13) ‘once for all delivered to the saints’ for which we must ‘earnestly contend’ (Jude 3) for and which we are to ‘entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also’ (2 Timothy 2:1–2). The Bible itself gives us warrant to summarize, to sketch out, to outline, and articulate Biblical doctrine for the purpose of teaching and defending the faith of our apostolic fathers. Making and using creeds and confessions of faith is not just something that has utility for Christian ministry, it is actually the Biblical pattern that we must follow.

Why Our Churches Should Use Creeds, Confessions of Faith, and Catechisms

The Bible warrants our use of these helps to faith under the supreme authority of the Scriptures. This is the direct implicate of our commitment to Sola Scriptura. So, on to some practical reasons for being committed to confessionalism:

1. Confessionalism is all about affirming a doctrinal maximalism that ensures transparency and accountability. Chad Van Dixhoorn has said that ‘Cults hide what they believe. Christians proclaim what they believe openly and publicly.’ Christians have nothing to hide and our doctrinal views are open to public scrutiny.
2. This accountability also translates to protection for congregations that are confessional. The church officers of a confessional church (elders/deacons) are typically held to a very high standard in terms of their commitment to sound doctrine. It is not unusual (in fact this would be the norm, as far as I know) that officers are required to sign a subscription statement prior to their ordination or installation in office. This particular subscription document would state that the undersigned solemnly vows to study, teach, and defend the system of doctrine as enshrined in the church’s subordinate standards. Additionally, these are also required to spell out exceptions or scruples that they may have with the Confessional Standards — these exceptions are subject to review and approval of the church leaders. Finally, the subscription statement also requires that the undersigned inform his leaders of any changes to his views that may arise during the course of his ministry. All of this is to ensure that the members of each congregation can be assured that they will not be taught any false or wrong views and that if ever such instances happen, then they can also hold the erring officer accountable for this by initiating proceedings against him.
3. Creeds and confessions of faith also have the happy use of being a unifying document beyond local congregations to include like minded congregations and individuals that can then come together in cooperation without having to second-guess each other’s doctrinal commitments.
4. Creedal documents, having their origin in our rich Christian family history, also serve to unite us with the Church catholic and the Church throughout the ages. They serve as helpful grammar books for us to learn how Christians before us have spoken of and thought about the same Biblical doctrines that we believe as they did. Catechesis is really all about teaching the grammar of the church to future generations in the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2! This practice, in turn, helps us to read our Bibles better. David Gibson has helpfully expressed this point in this way: ‘The richer and fuller your confession, the better and richer and more faithful your Bible reading will be.’
5. Confessionalism also helps us to know and understand church history. Creeds and confessions are statements borne out of controversy. Studying them helps us know our own history so that we can: a. avoid the errors of the past, b. cherish the rich heritage we have in the Body of Christ, c. learn humility (we stand on the shoulders of giants!), and be grateful for and confident in the Lord’s providence and preservation of His church. The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who is building his church, ‘and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ (Matthew 16:18)