Tag Archives: Volume HAF9

Revision Of The Confession Of Faith.

With what is merely denominational, we would feel that we had very little, if any thing, to do. But when events occur which involve the truth of God, or show either an awakening of conscience among His people or the reverse, it is certainly well to see what we ' can learn from them. For some time past there has been considerable agitation among Presbyterians as to making certain changes in their Confession of Faith. The object is, to secure changes such as the removal of objectionable statements in the chapter on Election, and to bring out more clearly the precious truth of God's love. There have been extremists, on the one hand, who would make sweeping alterations, not having much sympathy with the system of doctrine contained in the book, while on the other there are many, and those representing the most conservative element in the church, who deprecate making any changes at all. The general sentiment, however, is, that certain changes of the character above indicated should be made, and a committee of the Genera) Assembly is now at work to this end.

One might well ask, Why should there be any such creed at all ? At best, if strictly correct in doctrine, it usurps a place which should be occupied only by the inspired Word of God, thereby making the claim, practically if not verbally, of Rome – that the church is the teacher of doctrine, which is stated too obscurely in Scripture to be understood. Premising this, which would do away with all necessity for revision, we would notice here two elements at work, – one which would do away with precious truth, and the other desirous of stating that truth more clearly. These discussions necessitate examination of Scripture; and so far, we can be thankful, for God's Word studied for light always gives it. It may be that some will be led to see the unscripturalness of creeds from this very necessity for revision. Soon saints will see, in the light of the judgment-seat of Christ, that this was not required of them, and that instead of being helps, creeds are but barriers to keep God's people apart. The practical lesson for those who see this now is to show by their own skillful use of the Word itself how needless any creed would be. Alas! wide-spread ignorance of Scripture prevails. Would that it might be remedied !

  Author:  UNKNOWN         Publication: Volume HAF9