What Does It Means to Be Confessional?
What It Means to Be Confessional
In an age where individualism and personal preferences often dominate the church landscape, the concept of being “confessional” can seem outdated or overly rigid. Yet, a confessionalism offers something far more substantial than personal interpretation or subjective experience.
To be confessional means to consciously affirm a set of doctrinal beliefs that have been carefully articulated and that have stood the test of time. For those who adhere to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF), being confessional involves a commitment to theological precision, ecclesiastical unity, and historical continuity provided by this centuries-old document.
Scriptural Authority
At the heart of the 1689 LBCF is a commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. Being confessional in this context means affirming that the Bible is the ultimate rule of faith and practice. A Confession outlines key doctrines—such as the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, and the means of grace—drawing directly from the biblical text.
A Confession also acts as a theological safeguard, protecting believers from the perceived errors of doctrinal novelty and cultural pressures. If we are not vigilant, we might find ourselves reacting to contemporary “winds of doctrine” by crafting our own counter-positions, all the while, unwittingly creating new “winds” in the process.
A confession provides a framework within which individual and corporate faith can be tested and affirmed. The clarity and comprehensiveness of the a confession help believers navigate complex theological issues with confidence, knowing they are rooted in a tradition that honors the timeless truths of Scripture.
Ecclesiastical Unity
Being confessional also means recognizing the importance of historic unity. The 1689 LBCF is not merely a personal statement of faith but a corporate declaration made by a body of believers committed to upholding core doctrines. This shared confession fosters a sense of solidarity with those in history and offers accountability within the church.
In a fragmented culture, being confessional unites believers around a common theological identity. It transcends individual preferences and subjective interpretations, calling the church to a higher standard of unity in doctrine and practice.
Historical Continuity
Adhering to a Confession places believers within a rich historical tradition. Specifically, the 1689 LBCF is part of the broader Baptist heritage, which in turn is connected to the wider Protestant Reformation. By aligning with the LBCF, believers acknowledge their place in this narrative of faith, recognizing that their beliefs are not new or isolated, but are grounded in the historic Christian faith.
This historical continuity provides a sense of stability. It reminds believers that they are part of something much larger than themselves—a living tradition that spans centuries and continents. It calls them to faithfulness, knowing that they are stewards of a precious heritage that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Joyful Confessionalism
To be confessional, particularly in the context of the 1689 London Baptist Confession, is to embrace a faith that is biblically grounded, corporately affirmed, and historically rooted. It is to commit to a theological precision that guards against error, an ecclesiastical unity that fosters genuine community, and a historical continuity that connects us with the Baptists who have gone before.
In an era that often prizes novelty and individualism, the confessional stance offers a countercultural witness to the enduring truth of the gospel. It invites believers to find joy and stability in the shared affirmation of a faith that is both ancient and ever-relevant.
This is the joy of being confessional: to stand with the saints of old, to join hands with the church today, and to faithfully pass on the deposit of faith to the generations to come.
Looking for a confessional church near you?
Visit GRN
If you find you are looking for a confessional Baptist church in Rowan County, you are invited to visit us at Gospelway Baptist Church!