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NOTE
Creeds, catechisms and confessions have been a part of the church since its inception. They are a
means to define doctrinal beliefs and, especially in the case of catechisms, designed to facilitate
the learning of the many and varied doctrines. They represent the various shades of belief and
doctrinal stances taken by the many denominations and groups. It must be realized that these
statements are not Scripture, but are one step removed from Scripture. They may use or contain
Scriptural verses, statements or beliefs, but they are not the same as Scripture and do not have the
authority of Scripture. The danger is that many times they are used as an explanation for belief
instead of Scripture itself. Belief is sometimes justified by what the creed or catechism says rather
than by the direct word of Scripture. In that case, they are wrongly used, substituted in place of
Scripture and are presumed to have authority which they do not. Creeds, catechisms and
confessions are tools, reflecting the Scriptural doctrines that they represent, but they are not
Scripture themselves.---ON DOCTRINE
INTRODUCTIONS
CREEDS & CONFESSIONS
by A.A. Hodge
1823-1886
WHAT IS CATECHISM?
by Zacharias Ursinus
1534-1583
THE CREEDS AND CATECHISMS
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"A Short Catechism About Baptism" John Tombes, B.D., 1659
(A REJECTION OF INFANT BAPTISM)
"Here is a rare glimpse into the baptismal debate that raged in England between the 1620's and,
well, today. After questioning the infants interest in the covenant while delivering the 1627
catechetical lectures at Magdelan Hall, Oxford, John Tombes pondered his views for 15 years
before he finally came to credobaptist (believer's baptism) convictions. For another Seventeen
years he championed the cause for credobaptism as a needed reform in the National Church. This
Short Catechism was published as a distillation of 32 years of thought as regards baptism.
Here is Tombes' mature, yet succinct presentation of the essence of baptism."
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"The Anathemas of the Second Council of Constantinople"533 A.D.
An expression of the unity of the two natures of Jesus Christ as God and man.
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"The Apostles' Creed" Date unknown
Ascribed to the original apostles of Jesus Christ.
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"The Athenasian Creed"
Source unknown
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"The Belgic Confession"1561 A.D.
Guido de Bres - Reformed churches of the Netherlands
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"Benjamin Keach's Catechism" 1640-1704
A clarification of the Second London Baptist Confession
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"The Canons Of The Council Of Orange"529 A.D.
An answer to the Pelagian heresy.
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"C.H. Spurgeon's Puritan Catechism" 1855 A.D.
A middle ground between Arminianism and hyper-Calvinism.
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"Declaration Of The Anabaptists" 1659 A.D.
A refutation against false charges.
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"The Geneva Catechism" John Calvin, 1541, 1545 A.D.
"Seeing it becomes us to endeavour by all means that unity of faith, which is so highly
commended by Paul, shine forth among us, to this end chiefly ought the formal profession of faith
which accompanies our common baptism to have reference."
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"London Baptist Confession, 1644" 1644 A.D.
"A confession of faith of seven congregations or churches of Christ in
London..."
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"Nicene Creed" 325 A.D.
First Council of Nicea
- "The 95 Thesis"
Martin Luther's document which began the Reformation in Germany.
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"Synod of Dort" 1618-1619 A.D.
Synod of Dordrecht
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"Westminster Confession Of Faith" 1646 A.D.
Westminster Assembly
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