The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession has mapped out for us the Scriptures. What traveler or pilgrim does not need the assistance of a road map to get to their destination? A road map is not the land itself, no more than the 1689 Confession is the Bible. However, though it is not an infallible document, it has nonetheless been a trusted guide for several hundred years to aid in understanding the doctrine of Bible, which alone has the “only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.“
This is an ongoing project with steady progress. I am about one third of the way through the 32 chapters. So if you did not find the chapter you were looking for posted, keep checking back and Lord willing it will be done soon.
I would like to point out that I am a layman, and as such, I have certain limitations that others who are trained experts do not. I am mindful of my limitations, and when I get into areas that are difficult, I try to be especially careful to check with expert sources before posting my commentary. As you will see from my end notes for each post, I rely heavily on time-tested theologians who are either knowledgeable in the areas addressed by the 1689 Confession, or have written respected commentaries on either the Westminster Confession (which has much parallel wording to the 1689 Confession) or the 1689 Commentary itself. Because I am not a lone ranger (meaning I read others opinions before posting mine), I am hopeful that I have given a reliable commentary, but please be mindful of my stated limitations.
If possible, it is best to start at the very first post (the very bottom) for introductory material (background information on creeds/confessions and the history of the 1689 confession) and work your way up. After the introductory material, the posts are section by section, chapter by chapter of the 1689 Confession.
If you read something, please leave a comment (good, bad or indifferent), I would love to hear from those who read any posts.
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that over 20 men in our church are meeting every Saturday morning at 7am to study the 1689. Your blog is one of our online study resources! Keep up the good work.
Hello Gary
We will be starting a study of the 1689 with a group of men in Titusville FL. We’d appreciate your prayers as we seek the Lord’s will in regard to starting a reformed and baptistic church here. Gracias
EM
Hi Eduardo,
I can tell you that the study will be rewarding. Also, thanks for sharing that prayer request; I consider it an honor to be in prayer for that work of starting a reformed batpist church.
Our church in Arizona is a member of of ARBCA (Association of Reformed Baptist Churches in America at http://www.ARBCA.com). I wonder if being a part of an association is something that would be beneficial for you folks. Also we have a recent IRBS graduate who is interning with our two pastors; he is (with the help of our church) starting a church plant in Tucson, AZ; there are no reformed baptist churches in Tucson at all as of now. I am sure the Lord has or will supply you with all you need, but if your interested, I could connnect you with our Tucson church planter. As our church is in the thick of church planting, I can identify with your request for prayer. I will be in prayer for you on this work; my heart is with you.
Thanks for the comment.
Lord Bless,
Gary
Hi Gary,
Great Work! I thank God for your such beautiful and enriching articles. We also as a church are doing study on 1689.
I had just one query, we could able to see commentary till Chapter 9.
I appreciate your kind words. It always encourages me to hear of churches using the 1689 Confession, as it is a fine tool to help us grow in Christ.
I was not clear on your meaning in the last sentence. Are you asking if I could finish my posts on chapter 9? If so, I will try and finish chapter 9 (three more sections) this week and get it posted. If that is not what you meant, please let me know.
Just out of curiousity What state or country is your church located?
May God richly bless you and your congregation!
Gary
We are located in India.
Sorry for the confusion. What I meant was remaining posts of others Chapters are not uploaded in this blog. Are they uploaded else where?. But you made it clear that you will upload as and when is finished from your side,
Thanks.
Wow, India!
I have been meaning to get back to work on this since August, and you have motivated me to do that. I do not have the remaaining chapters posted else where.
I you are interested, and think it would be of any use at all to you, I would be happy to e-mail you my notes for all 32 chapters
from a study I did at our church. The total pages are about 600. If you are interested just e-mail me at garymarble@cox.net.
May the Lord bless you and your church in beautiful India!
Gary
Thanks. I have send a mail to you concerning the notes.