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The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith in Modern English
It is my hope and prayer that this edition of the Confession will help many individuals, churches, and church planters. May many read and profit from this and may its contents become the things most surely believed among many more! Richard Barcellos
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2023
153 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 5, 2025
*Content: 5/5. How could I rate a book that's straight doctrine 4 stars?! And the answer to that would be because I'm still growing in the ability to unpack this type of language 😜
April 23, 2024
A concise book on doctrine and theology. A good start, before you read any of the systematic theologies
December 28, 2018
Confessional heritage is a blessing that is far too often overlooked today. The work of holy men in ages past can be a helpful guide today, and I am grateful for their influence. Founders Press does an amazing work of publishing a clear and concise version in updated language for the modern reader. It would be easier if the verse references were written out, but then it wouldn't be a pocket edition. Highly recommend to all evangelical Christians, especially those looking to enter the ministry!
October 14, 2024
Glorious!
Just listened to the audio of this one. Planning on going through this more slowly & thoughtfully soon.
Just listened to the audio of this one. Planning on going through this more slowly & thoughtfully soon.
May 19, 2020
I love this confession. It’s very helpful to understand in modern English and the layout is great too.
August 18, 2024
Really great, although I’m not going to get 1689 tattooed on my arm.
May 1, 2025
nice accessible summary
May 25, 2021
Really enjoyed this. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that it is a historical document from its own peculiar context--to truly fit today's needs, there would need to be some updates.
October 28, 2024
About time I read the 1689 all the way through
January 9, 2025
I'm so glad I decided to pick this up! It is a concise and wonderfully truth-filled book on theology and the Christian life. Highly recommend reading!
August 25, 2025
Helpful summary of Reformed Baptist beliefs
July 26, 2023
If you thought theology was dry and boring, the London Baptist Confession is about to revolutionize your perspective. Immersing myself in this profound confession, one of the great theological works of the Reformation era, has been an enriching and thought-provoking experience. Drafted by the Particular Baptists in 1689, the London Baptist Confession delves into essential theological aspects and remains a valuable resource for understanding Reformed Baptist beliefs.
As I delved into the Confession, I discovered areas of strong agreement and thoughtful points of disagreement. On one hand, I found myself resonating deeply with certain foundational aspects. The Confession's unwavering stance on Scripture as the sole sufficient and authoritative standard for all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience struck a chord within me. I wholeheartedly affirm the centrality of God's Word in shaping our beliefs and guiding our actions.
Moreover, the Confession's reformed stand on God's sovereignty was equally captivating. It boldly declares that God decrees everything that occurs without any external reference, firmly placing Him as the supreme ruler over all creation. This perspective on God's sovereignty resonates with my understanding of His divine providence and control over all things.
Additionally, the Confession's embrace of the five Solas of the Reformation—grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, and glory to God alone—holds timeless significance. These foundational principles continue to resonate deeply with believers, highlighting the essence of the Christian faith.
The Confession's Calvinistic understanding of salvation also aligns with my theological convictions. Acknowledging the total depravity of man and God's unconditional election for salvation, it emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace in the redemption of His people.
Another feature that impressed me was the Confession's affirmation of the liberty of conscience. The acknowledgment that God alone is the Lord of our conscience and the rejection of human doctrines that contradict His Word underscore the importance of maintaining a pure and uncompromising faith.
While I found myself in strong agreement with these aspects of the Confession, there were points that evoked skepticism and prompted further reflection. The covenantal system of theology presented in the Confession, comprising the Covenant of Redemption, the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace, lacked explicit scriptural basis, leading to theological debates and inquiries.
Additionally, the Confession's assertion that God's former ways of revealing His will to His people have completely ceased raised questions in my mind. My skepticism urged me to consider the dynamic nature of God's communication with humanity throughout history, leaving room for ongoing exploration.
The Confession's claim that the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday also sparked my curiosity. While I understood the historical and theological context behind this belief, I desired to delve deeper into the implications and scriptural support for this view.
Lastly, the identification of the Pope as the Antichrist, as mentioned in the Confession, is a point of divergence in my understanding. While I may disagree with certain aspects concerning the Roman Catholic Church, I do not adhere to the belief that the Pope is the Antichrist.
In conclusion, my journey through the London Baptist Confession has been both enriching and thought-provoking. While I wholeheartedly agree with its emphasis on Scripture, God's sovereignty, the five Solas, and a Calvinistic understanding of salvation, areas of skepticism arose concerning the covenantal system, the cessation of God's former ways of revealing His will, the Sabbath, and the identification of the Pope as the Antichrist. This exploration has deepened my understanding of Reformed Baptist beliefs, urging me to engage in ongoing study and dialogue as I seek to grow in my understanding of God's Word and its profound implications for our faith.
As I delved into the Confession, I discovered areas of strong agreement and thoughtful points of disagreement. On one hand, I found myself resonating deeply with certain foundational aspects. The Confession's unwavering stance on Scripture as the sole sufficient and authoritative standard for all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience struck a chord within me. I wholeheartedly affirm the centrality of God's Word in shaping our beliefs and guiding our actions.
Moreover, the Confession's reformed stand on God's sovereignty was equally captivating. It boldly declares that God decrees everything that occurs without any external reference, firmly placing Him as the supreme ruler over all creation. This perspective on God's sovereignty resonates with my understanding of His divine providence and control over all things.
Additionally, the Confession's embrace of the five Solas of the Reformation—grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, and glory to God alone—holds timeless significance. These foundational principles continue to resonate deeply with believers, highlighting the essence of the Christian faith.
The Confession's Calvinistic understanding of salvation also aligns with my theological convictions. Acknowledging the total depravity of man and God's unconditional election for salvation, it emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace in the redemption of His people.
Another feature that impressed me was the Confession's affirmation of the liberty of conscience. The acknowledgment that God alone is the Lord of our conscience and the rejection of human doctrines that contradict His Word underscore the importance of maintaining a pure and uncompromising faith.
While I found myself in strong agreement with these aspects of the Confession, there were points that evoked skepticism and prompted further reflection. The covenantal system of theology presented in the Confession, comprising the Covenant of Redemption, the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace, lacked explicit scriptural basis, leading to theological debates and inquiries.
Additionally, the Confession's assertion that God's former ways of revealing His will to His people have completely ceased raised questions in my mind. My skepticism urged me to consider the dynamic nature of God's communication with humanity throughout history, leaving room for ongoing exploration.
The Confession's claim that the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday also sparked my curiosity. While I understood the historical and theological context behind this belief, I desired to delve deeper into the implications and scriptural support for this view.
Lastly, the identification of the Pope as the Antichrist, as mentioned in the Confession, is a point of divergence in my understanding. While I may disagree with certain aspects concerning the Roman Catholic Church, I do not adhere to the belief that the Pope is the Antichrist.
In conclusion, my journey through the London Baptist Confession has been both enriching and thought-provoking. While I wholeheartedly agree with its emphasis on Scripture, God's sovereignty, the five Solas, and a Calvinistic understanding of salvation, areas of skepticism arose concerning the covenantal system, the cessation of God's former ways of revealing His will, the Sabbath, and the identification of the Pope as the Antichrist. This exploration has deepened my understanding of Reformed Baptist beliefs, urging me to engage in ongoing study and dialogue as I seek to grow in my understanding of God's Word and its profound implications for our faith.
July 16, 2025
Fun fact: Stan Reeves (guy that revised this and got it published in Modern English) is an Auburn engineering professor.
Hard to rate something like this as it's just straight doctrine. 5 stars for the transubstantiation comments
Hard to rate something like this as it's just straight doctrine. 5 stars for the transubstantiation comments
October 18, 2025
I wish I read this earlier in my walk, as it would have clarified so much.
July 6, 2022
My favorite quote from this book is this: “The Pope of Roman Catholicism cannot in any sense be head of the church; rather he is the antichrist, the man of lawlessness, and the son of destruction, who exalts himself in the church against Christ and all that is called God. The Lord will destroy him with the brightness of His coming (p. 50).”
There were at least two other jabs at the Catholic Church in this book. The fact that the Baptist’s took the time to mention that is hilarious because of how the book is written. I didn’t see it coming, but I’m not well versed on church history during this period (1689). Moreover, here are the pros and cons.
Pros: I enjoyed the superscripts above most of the assertions made in this book. I think that is a great model for Christian writing. I’m not going to take the time to look everything up, but I’ll trust what they cited. This added credibility. It should be how all faith matters are supported, that is with scripture.
Cons: If you’re a contemporary Christian, you may have heard most of the ideas in this book at some point. So you’re not going to get much, if anything new. Also, you won’t find out much about the context that this was written in other than what’s in the forward and introduction, but this isn’t written as a history book. Rather, the book itself is history, and I do appreciate that. However, the book is set up like the Internal Revenue Code in that it’s not a novel so it’s jumps around from point to point rapidly. Thankfully it’s broken down into sections; it’s just not the most exciting book to read.
Conclusion: I went into reading this book because I was curious. I got it for free from my church. So I though why not? I found out that this is useful as a history document more than as something that you will learn a lot from. I appreciate the document for how it serves as a historical document to see how Christian have viewed God in the past. The framework that the Baptists work from hasn’t changed a lot (a lot of these ideas are still supported and held to strongly such as the authority of scripture). Looking forward, I would personally like to see how they got to the point they’re at in this book.
There were at least two other jabs at the Catholic Church in this book. The fact that the Baptist’s took the time to mention that is hilarious because of how the book is written. I didn’t see it coming, but I’m not well versed on church history during this period (1689). Moreover, here are the pros and cons.
Pros: I enjoyed the superscripts above most of the assertions made in this book. I think that is a great model for Christian writing. I’m not going to take the time to look everything up, but I’ll trust what they cited. This added credibility. It should be how all faith matters are supported, that is with scripture.
Cons: If you’re a contemporary Christian, you may have heard most of the ideas in this book at some point. So you’re not going to get much, if anything new. Also, you won’t find out much about the context that this was written in other than what’s in the forward and introduction, but this isn’t written as a history book. Rather, the book itself is history, and I do appreciate that. However, the book is set up like the Internal Revenue Code in that it’s not a novel so it’s jumps around from point to point rapidly. Thankfully it’s broken down into sections; it’s just not the most exciting book to read.
Conclusion: I went into reading this book because I was curious. I got it for free from my church. So I though why not? I found out that this is useful as a history document more than as something that you will learn a lot from. I appreciate the document for how it serves as a historical document to see how Christian have viewed God in the past. The framework that the Baptists work from hasn’t changed a lot (a lot of these ideas are still supported and held to strongly such as the authority of scripture). Looking forward, I would personally like to see how they got to the point they’re at in this book.
January 1, 2026
A great and helpful simplification of language for a great and helpful confession.
Copy of review for unabridged confession:
The best Confession of Faith this side of the Reformation!
Five Reasons Why I Gave it Five Stars:
+ Great Particular Baptist theology (I’m biased🌊)
+ I really appreciate the closeness of this confession to the tremendous Westminster confession.
+ The original Letter to the Reader and Apologetic for Paedobaptism are awesome additions that make this edition special.
+ The book is formatted great, organized succinctly and is very readable (all important for its utility purposes).
+ The Baptist Catechism is another perfect addition that rounds out this irreplaceable little work.
Copy of review for unabridged confession:
The best Confession of Faith this side of the Reformation!
Five Reasons Why I Gave it Five Stars:
+ Great Particular Baptist theology (I’m biased🌊)
+ I really appreciate the closeness of this confession to the tremendous Westminster confession.
+ The original Letter to the Reader and Apologetic for Paedobaptism are awesome additions that make this edition special.
+ The book is formatted great, organized succinctly and is very readable (all important for its utility purposes).
+ The Baptist Catechism is another perfect addition that rounds out this irreplaceable little work.
July 31, 2025
Solid and edifying confession. There are a few reasons that make me a little reserved to suggest that one (or a church) should adopt this fully as a confessional document: including a literal 6 day view of Creation (I don’t think that view the only biblically faithful view), its treatment of Sabbath (I believe Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath in such a way that its requirements for reserving a day for no work—though it may still be wise and refreshing—are no longer binding for the Christian who may find their rest in Him always…Mt. 11, and the inclusion that the pope is the Antichrist, but otherwise lays out clearly what I and other Reformed Baptists hold even almost 400 years later!
February 1, 2025
I’ve heard this referenced occasionally and have finally listened to the whole thing. It was interesting, but I also understand why it isn’t deeply studied. It is a product of its time, not that there aren’t eternal truths in it, but the focus skews toward the great spiritual conflicts of its day. So, parts will be useful to any believer of any age, but other sections are less applicable today.
Much of this document seeks to establish what we now call Calvinism. I’m not a Calvinist. I disagreed with that part, but am glad I read it as it gave me lots to think about.
Much of this document seeks to establish what we now call Calvinism. I’m not a Calvinist. I disagreed with that part, but am glad I read it as it gave me lots to think about.
March 19, 2021
The baptist confession in slightly updated English - incredibly helpful reference and comprehensive summary of the faith.
Recommended for any/all christians - read it through (it won't take long) and keep it for reference. Probably worth a re-read once a year too.
If you don't want to buy it this edition can be read online for free here: https://founders.org/library/1689-con...
Or in the original (slightly archaic) language here: https://www.the1689confession.com/
Recommended for any/all christians - read it through (it won't take long) and keep it for reference. Probably worth a re-read once a year too.
If you don't want to buy it this edition can be read online for free here: https://founders.org/library/1689-con...
Or in the original (slightly archaic) language here: https://www.the1689confession.com/
September 10, 2022
This is an excellent document that summarizes the core Biblical teaching on the Gospel, the Church, and the Christian life. The importance of historical confessions in holding to true doctrine and Biblical teaching over time cannot be overstated. It in no way tries to supersede the authority of the Bible but rather to explain and apply the text. While there might be minor things I would quibble with or word differently, this is a well organized, well written, and thoroughly Biblical confession.
January 5, 2023
The 1689 is written in English which is hard to understand today and this book has done a great job with its history and translating the language to be easier to understand. The 1689 had been given another breath to help us in our walk. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to read this confession.
April 1, 2025
Very accessible. The language was modern enough to understand without losing the original intent and meaning. Clearly broken up with good headings and scriptural references for each paragraph. Very helpful resource, especially for someone like myself
who did not grow up referring to confessions of faith.
who did not grow up referring to confessions of faith.
February 16, 2020
If you've read the Westminster, you've read the 1689. The major differences are obviously in the law, covenants, Sabbath, sacraments, and sanctification of which the 1689 takes a distinctively Baptist position on each of those.
April 23, 2020
I would quibble over interpretation of a few of these statements, and accept another few as quite possibly true without asserting them as dogma - but overall find this to be a concise and faithful exposition of my beliefs.
December 5, 2020
The 1689 is a great confession of faith and should be fully upheld by all Baptists then and now. It should be read by all Baptists, let alone upheld! This is a must-read for all Baptists everywhere and in any time period.
September 2, 2023
Easy to Read Confession
This is an easy to read edition of the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession. The updated English makes it easy for 21st century English speaking and reading believers to understand.
Overall, an excellent resource. Study the Confession!
This is an easy to read edition of the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession. The updated English makes it easy for 21st century English speaking and reading believers to understand.
Overall, an excellent resource. Study the Confession!
January 19, 2024
I did not grow up in a tradition which draws upon confessions. However, I found this exercise truly beneficial. This confessions serves as a doctrinal resource, Scriptural reference guide, and a challenge to live the faith that I profess.
June 12, 2024
While I agree with the doctrine of this more than the Westminster Confession. The Westminster confession was written a lot better, more to the point, less jumble of word and ideas and the older English suited the punchy style of writing far better.
May 25, 2025
Professor Reeves did a marvelous job. I work with a lot of young couples who were not raised in church and I would tweak the "churchy" language for newbies but, other than that, this is a great work and a gift to the church.
December 20, 2025
So many Baptist in the West don't know what Baptist historically believe or what Baptist distinctives are. The 1689 London Baptist Confession is a classic Baptist creed that summarizes our Believe and distinctive well, and this version in Modern English is a quick, deep, and easy to grasp read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews