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The Westminster Confession of Faith holds a significant place in Christian history and theology, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the Christian faith. In this short description, I will touch on several key teachings of the confession, examining its relevance and profound impact on believers today.

At the heart of the Westminster Confession of Faith lies a firm commitment to the authority of Scripture. It affirms the divine inspiration and infallibility of the Bible, regarding it as the ultimate source of truth and guidance for our lives. This emphasis encourages believers to approach the Scriptures with reverence and humility, seeking to align their beliefs and practices with its teachings.

The confession upholds the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His supreme authority over all creation. It acknowledges God as the sovereign ruler, the creator, and sustainer of the universe. This doctrine teaches us that everything exists and operates according to God's wise and loving plan, giving us a sense of purpose and assurance in His divine providence.

The Westminster Confession of Faith addresses the nature and role of the church. It recognizes the importance of the visible church as a community of believers, gathered for worship, fellowship, and the proclamation of God's Word. Additionally, the confession acknowledges the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper as sacred acts of obedience and grace, symbolizing our union with Christ and participation in His redemptive work.

Within the confession, there is an emphasis on the Christian life and the pursuit of holiness. It acknowledges the reality of our ongoing struggle with sin and highlights the need for repentance and faith. The confession encourages believers to cultivate a vibrant spiritual life through prayer, worship, diligent study of Scripture, and reliance on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

The Westminster Confession of Faith offers believers a rich theological resource that can deepen their understanding of God, His Word, and the Christian life. By studying its teachings, we gain a robust framework for interpreting Scripture and a guide for living out our faith with integrity. While the confession is not a replacement for the Bible, it serves as a valuable summary of essential Christian doctrines. May our study of the confession enrich our faith, strengthen our relationship with God, and inspire us to live lives that bring glory to Him.

For more information Ligonier.org has the Confession as well as the Larger and Shorter catechisms.

Total Depravity

Total depravity refers to the Christian doctrine that asserts the impact of sin on all aspects of a human being's nature and actions after the Fall. The doctrine posits that every facet of human nature has been corrupted, including the mind, will, and emotions. This corruption affects the ability to fully love God, understand Him correctly, or access Him directly. Despite its name, total depravity does not suggest that individuals are as evil as they could be, but rather that sin has tainted every part of their being. This highlights the absolute necessity for God's grace, as it emphasizes that salvation cannot be achieved through personal efforts but only through God's mercy and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Unconditional Election

Unconditional election is a Christian doctrine that asserts God's choice of certain individuals for salvation before the creation of the world, independent of any foreseen virtue, merit, or faith in those people. It states that God's election is solely based on His sovereign will and grace, not contingent upon human actions or decisions. This concept emphasizes the role of God's mercy and divine prerogative in the salvation process, thereby highlighting the belief that salvation is an unearned gift, not a human achievement. 

Limited Atonement

Limited atonement is a Christian doctrine, specifically within Reformed theology, that asserts Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross was specifically intended for the elect, those whom God has chosen for salvation. This does not mean the power or value of Christ's sacrifice is limited but rather its purpose and scope were particular. The doctrine maintains that Jesus' death effectively secures salvation and forgiveness for those predetermined individuals, not merely making it possible for all. 

Irresistible Grace

Irresistible grace is a Christian doctrine that posits the saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom He has determined to save (the elect) and, in turn, overcomes their resistance to obeying the call of the gospel. It implies that when God extends a call to salvation to these individuals, their response will inevitably be positive due to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, leading them towards faith and repentance. This grace isn't forced, but rather so changes the heart that the recipient desires God and willingly comes to Him. 

Perseverance of the Saints

Perseverance of the saints is a Christian doctrine stating that those whom God has called into communion with Himself will continue in faith until the end. This belief asserts that real believers will persevere in their faith, not due to their own strength, but because of God's faithfulness and His eternal decree. If they fall into sin or disbelief, God will provide means for their restoration. This concept is a guarantee of the eternal security of the believer, underlining the idea that salvation, once received, cannot be lost.

Reformed theology is a branch of Protestant Christianity that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Calvin and other Reformation-era theologians. At its core, it emphasizes God's sovereignty, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith for salvation. 

Reformed theology's main tenets are summarized in the TULIP acronym: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. These affirm the doctrine of predestination and the belief that salvation is by God's choice, not by human effort or merit.

The sacraments, particularly baptism and the Lord's Supper, are viewed as means of grace within the community of faith. Reformed theology also affirms a particular form of church governance, often either presbyterian or congregational. 

A defining feature of Reformed theology is its emphasis on the glory and holiness of God, asserting that all aspects of life and thought must be oriented to the praise of His glory. It is a tradition deeply rooted in Scripture and committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, maintaining a robust theology and a rich history of thought and practice.

There is no real truth? That seems to be the message the world and media are trying to get across with the release of so many “my truth” ideas floating around out there. That somehow there is one truth for an individual and another for someone else. I think we have begun to confuse perspective with reality. If you live in Europe or the middle east or the United States there is still one real truth. How you engage with it may be skewed by your situation or exposure to your local culture. But there are still real truths that exist no matter what an individuals desires are.

The equilibrium between subjective and objective truths is a cornerstone of not only scientific discourse but also theological understanding. In the context of religious faith, particularly Christianity, certain truths—or biblical truths—are considered absolute and unchanging, transcending personal interpretations or experiences.

The concept that God does not change is an essential, objective truth in many religious faiths, particularly in Christianity. This idea, often referred to as the immutability of God, signifies that God's character, will, and covenant promises remain constant throughout time.

A notable reference to this can be found in the Book of Malachi, 3:6, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” In the New Testament, we see in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” These passages affirm that God's nature and His promises are unchanging.

When we regard this biblical truth—that God does not change—we can see how it acts as an anchor amid the ebb and flow of subjective experiences and interpretations. Even as our understanding of Him may shift and evolve with our personal journeys, the fundamental nature of God remains unaltered.

The objective truth of God's immutability also offers a standard against which all subjective interpretations can be weighed. If a personal truth contradicts this unchanging nature of God, it may be necessary to re-evaluate that interpretation.

Scripture provides us with other examples of objective truths that are foundational to Christian belief. For instance, John 14:6 declares, “Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” This passage presents an objective truth within the Christian faith—that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, regardless of individual interpretations or experiences.

Another core biblical truth is the concept of God's love, as expressed in passages such as John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is an objective truth that remains steadfast, irrespective of personal perspectives.

The danger lies in when personal interpretations—”my truth” narratives—begin to encroach upon these objective biblical truths. This can lead to a form of relativism that distorts core doctrines and undermines the unity of the faith community.

Moreover, when biblical truths are conflated with subjective truths, it can result in the propagation of misconceptions or distortions about Christian faith. This is particularly concerning in an era of digital communication, where misinformation can spread rapidly and widely.

Accountability within the faith community is tied to adherence to these biblical truths. If subjective interpretations are allowed to supersede these truths, it can lead to a lack of accountability, where actions or beliefs that deviate from biblical teachings are justified as “my truth.”

While recognizing and validating individual experiences and perspectives is essential for fostering empathy and understanding within the faith community, it's crucial to uphold the primacy of biblical truths. These truths form the bedrock of Christian faith and facilitate unity, guidance, and accountability among believers. Upholding this delicate balance is vital to the integrity and cohesion of the faith community.

Ultimately when you hold an object in your hand anywhere on this planet and release it it will always fall toward the ground. Gravity is acting the same everywhere on this planet. When you take 4 identical objects and place 2 more of them in the same vacinity you now have six objects not five or seven. Math is blessedly the same despite language differences. Culturally we have differnet understandings of what is appropriate attire, and so that would be an example of what I would call an opinion or cultural norm, rather than a “my truth” statement.

In concluding, it's important to circle back to one of the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith: the infallibility of Scripture. The belief in Scripture's infallibility, its freedom from error in teaching faith and morals, serves as a core, objective truth for believers.

Scripture's infallibility implies that the teachings of the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, are unerring and constant, despite the passage of time or the changes in human culture and understanding. This understanding is crucial, especially in a time where “my truth” narratives can seem to cloud the waters of understanding.

While it's valuable and indeed essential to explore individual experiences, interpretations, and spiritual journeys – the “my truth” narratives – we must remain clear-eyed about the distinction between these personal insights and the infallibility of Scripture. This objective truth does not bend to subjective interpretation; instead, it provides a steady, unchanging guidepost for faith and conduct.

The Bible, viewed through the lens of infallibility, is not a collection of subjective truths varying with individual or cultural context. Instead, it serves as an anchor of objective truth in a sea of personal experiences and interpretations. It offers consistency and clarity, ensuring believers have a reliable, unwavering guide for their journey.

Upholding the infallibility of Scripture, therefore, is essential in ensuring the clear understanding and transmission of biblical teachings. It safeguards the core doctrines from becoming muddled with subjective perspectives and protects the unity and integrity of the faith community.

In essence, while individual perspectives enrich our understanding of faith, life, and God, they should never supersede the objective truths presented in the infallible Scripture. Recognizing and maintaining this balance is crucial for personal spiritual growth and the overall health of the community. The objective truth of Scripture remains a beacon of clarity and certainty in a world brimming with diverse and ever-changing subjective truths. Like gravity, I believe in the inerrancy of scripture.