It's been my experience, on other forums, the Confessions come to replace the scriptures. If there is a dispute the Confession becomes the lens in which a response is given, this does provide some foundation from which to draw a historical perspective, but is there a point where the Confessions take the place of the scriptures? Is there a difference between using the ECF's as the lens or the Reformed Confessions? _________________ JM
Since the foundation of our faith should be based on Scripture, and the Confessions are the expression of that faith, shouldn't the Confessions lead us back to Scripture? I don't believe we can have our Confessions of Faith without Scriptural backing, at least we can't if we are Reformed Christians. That would be like building a house upon sand; it's unstable.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. I think the Confessions serve as a guide, but there is always Scriptural backing.
In Christ,
Yvonne _________________ "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7
It's been my experience, on other forums, the Confessions come to replace the scriptures.
I have not witnessed this in a significant manner at Confessional sites. I do see the Confessions being used to moderate discussion where the site management has determined that the site would be Confessionally based. This serves as a checkpoint on what can and cannot be advocated to preserve order and the site's management goals. I think this is perfectly reasonable for these sort of forums.
BTW, RTI is not such a site. RTI has a Statement of Faith and management uses it to moderate discussions that would persistently advocate opposing positions, but with a reasoned latitude.
Confessionally based denominations use the Confessions as an expression of the doctrinal unity, to instruct the faithful, to administer discipline, and to identify what that denomination considers to be outside the bounds. Yet, even in these cases, Scripture is the rule of faith (sola scriptura!) and the Confessions are always subordinate to God's infallible word.
The denomination considers the Confessions as an accurate, but fallible, expression of the teachings of Scripture with respect to their content. The Confession serves as a matter of efficiency, too. One need not reconstruct every doctrinal point, when a basic question arises, as the Confession is viewed as an accurate summary of such matters.
I've noticed that when it comes down to it the Confession is the final authority in confessional churches, is that an unfair statement>? _________________ JM
I've noticed that when it comes down to it the Confession is the final authority in confessional churches, is that an unfair statement>?
That has never been the case as far as my experience goes. Confessions of faith are the clear and concise systematization of the doctrines that are taught in the Bible. So the confession by its nature submits to the authority of Scripture. _________________ Your Brother and Servant in Christ,
JD
Rev. Winzer on PB deals with Frame vs. Clark's view of the confessions and has settled the question for me. I praise God for the teachers He has supplied us with! _________________ JM
The only concern I have about relying too heavily on Confessions is that there are several of them, mostly similar and appearing on the surface to be based on Scripture and providing references to the same, but there are some differences which are more apparent, and some which are more subtle and nuanced. It is easy to be lazy and say, "Well, this confession says this so it must be true". Christians must first and foremost read Scriptures for themselves, then look at Confessions and see where they match and where they don't. Sola Scriptura! The confessions were the work of different exegetes and some of them came up with different answers. Scripture must always come first.
_________________ "... I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Thomas Jefferson
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Arthur C Clarke
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Who is "the seed" of the woman mentioned in Genesis 3:15
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