Among our possessions, we have a copy of my husband's grandfather's old catechism, its pages worn and yellowed with time. Written in German, I can’t even tell you the basics with only a cursory ability in the language of our heritage.
Yet, we've kept it.
It sits on our bookcase, alongside others, like a keepsake, an heirloom sorts.
Our grandparents' generation was required to memorize the catechism in order to be baptized. When I was baptized we had a catechism class where we went through basic doctrines of the Christian faith. In our current local church, there's none. So, as I looked for opportunities to teach my kids, I found a very helpful resource in "Truths We Confess," by R.C. Sproul.
Truths We Confess | Book Review
Content
Content
Purpose of the Book
This comprehensive resource is a commentary on the statements of the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Table of Contents
1 Of the Holy Scripture
2 Of God, and of the Holy Trinity
3 Of God’s Eternal Decree
4 Of Creation
5 Of Providence
6 Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof
7 Of God’s Covenant with Man
8 Of Christ the Mediator
9 Of Free Will
10 Of Effectual Calling
11 Of Justification
12 Of Adoption
13 Of Sanctification
14 Of Saving Faith
15 Of Repentance unto Life
16 Of Good Works
17 Of the Perseverance of the Saints
18 Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation
19 Of the Law of God
20 Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience
21 Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day
22 Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
23 Of the Civil Magistrate
24 Of Marriage and Divorce
25 Of the Church
26 Of the Communion of Saints
27 Of the Sacraments
28 Of Baptism
29 Of the Lord’s Supper
30 Of Church Censures
31 Of Synods and Councils
32 Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
33 Of the Last Judgment
Summary
Each chapter covers one topic, first introducing the handful of statements from the confession, followed by the author's expository teaching. If you've read anything by R.C. Sproul before, you'll know he's a great teacher, explaining concepts effectively.
My Take
The Westminster Confession of Faith was written in 1646 to guide the church, and teach believers the concepts of the gospel. There is the very full version, and an adapted "shorter catechism" that is simplified. As I have been teaching my kids at home, we work through the questions and it's always amazing to see how much they remember and understand.
The author is writes this commentary on the confession, looking at the doctrinal truths that we glean from the confession. All this from a Reformed perspective.
As challenging as it can be to read theology, I found this to be an excellent read. Although he was an academic, Sproul has the ability to relate difficult truths to simple illustrations, which is beneficial especially for me as a regular person. His pastoral voice comes through in his teaching. There are many times that the concepts overlap, so I found the repetition helpful, as I visited the topics again.
My Recommendation
This is a long read. It may be best to take in smaller chunks, something you work through one section at a time, daily or weekly. Maybe you want to read it as you study a specific topic throughout Scripture.
However you would best want to use it, there's no doubt that as believers, we are called to continue learning and growing in what we believe about our faith. Theology is a big word we often want to throw out onto the pastors, leaders or missionaries. Yet, Sproul would say that we are all theologians, though some are good ones and some are not.
We won't grasp every truth right away, I know I sure haven't! But over time, as we keep learning and studying, these concepts become familiar to us and give us a firm foundation to stand, increase our praise and adoration of God, and equip us to bear fruit for the kingdom.
I think Grandpa's catechism stays on my shelf to remind me of our heritage of faith, to keep growing in knowledge, and encourage me in passing it on through our generations.
How are you building your foundation?
From the Author: Why Truth is Important
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 751
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
My Rating: 5 stars
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Scriptures About Doctrine
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.(Tit. 1:9)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)
Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. (Heb. 13:9)
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Rom. 16:17)
So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Eph. 4:14)
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Tim. 4:16)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book, and the opportunity to post an honest review.