Belgic Confession

by Guido de Bres

The Belgic Confession is a doctrinal standard summarizing Reformed theological distinctives. This confession was used to effectively combat Arminianism years later, and was included in the Three Forms of Unity.

This electronic edition features an active table of contents. To view more books in our catalog, visit us at fig-books.com.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1561

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the old confessions. This was deep and rich and glorious! Everything the modern church lacks.

[Peyton Elkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful description of the basics of Christianity and a great introduction to Reformed doctrine, written in the 16th century. Could listen to/read again and again. Complicated, mind-breaking doctrines like the Trinity, God’s sovereignty, the Lord’s Supper, etc are described with such trusting faith, and yet rational simplicity.

However, as with all things written by men, there are certain aspects that I believe disagree with Scripture, the most crucial being baptism. All human writings should be compared with holy Scripture to see if these things be so.

Would highly recommend as a little book with a lot of truth!

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Arminian I can say happily, alongside Jacob Arminius, I can affirm the Belgic Confession. It is a beautiful & short read, if you get an audio version it's a very easy driving thing to listen to. Highly recommend for Arminians to look at to understand Arminius's own thoughts & how he could say he was completely in line with the Belgic confession (because he was), and for anyone else seeking to learn about the Reformed tradition in general.

[Vianny D'Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reformed confession which is a part of what is called the 3 forms of unity, covers a wide range of doctrines in many different articles. Every reformed Christian must read it, probably multiple times in their lives. It will help you brush up on what you should believe and hold firm to as truth.

[Inwoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this confession several times now and each time it gets better and better.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Reformed confession covers a range of Christian doctrines in 37 articles, from the nature of God to the last judgment.

Make sure you read a version that contains the Scripture references! Here it is on A Puritan's Mind. You can also listen to the audio recordings from the URC.

Notes
Introduction To The Belgic Confession
The Belgic Confession was written primarily as a testimony to the Spanish king to prove that Reformed believers weren't the rebels they were accused of being, but law-abiding citizens.

The Belgic Confession was adopted by several national synods in the 16th century. A revised form was adopted by the Synod of Dordrecht, 1618-1619. Since then, it's been included among the Reformed Three Forms of Unity.

Article 6: The Difference between the Canonical and Apocryphal Books
"We distinguish those sacred books from the apocryphal … All of which the church may read and take instruction from so far as they agree with the canonical books; but they are far from having such power and efficacy as that we may from their testimony confirm any point of faith or of the Christian religion; much less detract from the authority of the other sacred books."

Article 14: The Creation and Fall of Man, and His Incapacity to Perform What Is Truly Good
"… having corrupted his whole nature;[92] … And being thus become wicked, perverse, and corrupt in all his ways, he hath lost all his excellent gifts which he had received from God,[94] and retained only a few remains thereof,[95] which, however, are sufficient to leave man without excuse;[96] for all the light which is in us is changed into darkness,[97] as the Scriptures teach us, saying: The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not,[98] where St. John calleth men darkness."
[92] Eph 4:18
[94] Rom. 3:10
[95] Acts 14:16–17; 17:27
[96] Rom. 1:20–21
[97] Eph. 5:8
[98] John 1:5

"Therefore we reject all that is taught repugnant to this concerning the free will of man, since man is but a slave to sin,[99] and has nothing of himself, unless it is given from heaven.[100] For who may presume to boast that he of himself can do any good, since Christ saith, No man can come to Me except the Father, which hath sent Me, draw him?[101] Who will glory in his own will, who understands that to be carnally minded is enmity against God?[102] Who can speak of his knowledge, since the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God?[103]"
[99] Isa. 26:12; Ps. 94:11; John 8:34; Rom. 6:17; 7:5, 17
[100] John 3:27; Isa. 26:12
[101] John 3:27; 6:44, 65
[102] Rom. 8:7
[103] 1 Cor. 2:14

"God worketh in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.[105] For there is no will nor understanding conformable to the divine will and understanding but what Christ hath wrought in man, which He teaches us when He saith, Without Me ye can do nothing.[106]"
[105] Phil. 2:13
[106] John 15:5

Article 15: Original Sin
"We believe that, through the disobedience of Adam, original sin is extended to all mankind;[107] which is a corruption of the whole nature and an hereditary disease, wherewith infants themselves are infected even in their mother’s womb,[108]"
[107] Rom. 3:10; 5:12–13; Ps. 51:7; Gen. 6:3; John 3:6; Job 14:4
[108] Isa. 48:8; Rom. 5:14

Article 16: Eternal Election
"… He delivers and preserves from this perdition all whom He in His eternal and unchangeable counsel, of mere goodness, hath elected in Christ Jesus our Lord, without any respect to their works;[113] just, in leaving others in the fall and perdition wherein they have involved themselves.[114]"
[113] Rom. 8:29; 9:11, 15–16, 21; 11:5-6, 32; Eph. 1:4; 2:8–10; Ps. 100:3; 1 John 4:10; Deut. 32:8; 1 Sam. 12:22; Mal. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:4–5; Acts 2:47; 13:48; 2 Tim. 2:19–20; 1 Pet. 1:2; John 6:27; 15:16; 17:9
[114] Rom. 9:17–18; 2 Tim. 2:20

Article 22: Faith in Jesus Christ
"… we are justified by faith alone, or by faith without works.[156] However, to speak more clearly, we do not mean that faith itself justifies us, for it is only an instrument with which we embrace Christ our righteousness."
[156] Rom. 3:27; 10:4; Gal. 2:6; 1 Pet. 1:4–5

Article 24: Man’s Sanctification and Good Works
"Therefore we do good works, but not to merit by them (for what can we merit?) nay, we are beholden to God for the good works we do, and not He to us,[177] since it is He that worketh in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.[178] Let us therefore attend to what is written: When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.[179] In the meantime we do not deny that God rewards our good works, but it is through His grace that He crowns His gifts.[180]"
[177] 1 Cor. 4:7; Isa. 26:12; Gal. 3:5; 1 Thess. 2:13
[178] Phil. 2:13
[179] Luke 17:10
[180] Matt. 10:42; 25:34–35; Rev. 3:12, 21; Rom. 2:6; 11:6; 2 John 8

Article 25: The Abolishing of the Ceremonial Law
"… the ceremonies and figures of the law ceased at the coming of Christ,[184]"
[184] Rom. 10:4

"… we still use the testimonies taken out of the law and the prophets, to confirm us in the doctrine of the gospel,[186] and to regulate our life in all honesty to the glory of God, according to His will."
[186] 2 Pet. 1:19

Article 29: The Marks of the True Church, and Wherein She Differs from the False Church
"The marks by which the true church is known are these: if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein;[221] if she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ;[222] if church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin;[223] in short, if all things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected,[224] and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the church.[225]"
[221] John 10:27; Eph. 2:20; Acts 17:11–12; Col. 1:23; John 8:47
[222] Matt. 28:19; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23
[223] Matt. 18:15–18; 2 Thess. 3:14–15
[224] Gal. 1:6–8
[225] Eph. 1:22–23; John 10:4–5, 14

Article 30: The Government of and Offices in the Church
"… there must be ministers or pastors to preach the Word of God and to administer the sacraments;[236] also elders and deacons, who, together with the pastors, form the council of the church;[237]"
[236] Eph. 4:11; 1 Cor. 4:1–2; 2 Cor. 5:20; John 20:23; Acts 26:17–18; Luke 10:16
[237] Acts 6:3; Acts 14:23

Article 34: Holy Baptism
"… ought to be but once baptized with this only baptism, without ever repeating the same,[260] since we cannot be born twice."
[260] Eph. 4:5

"… the baptism of the infants of believers, who we believe ought to be baptized and sealed with the sign of the covenant,[262] as the children in Israel formerly were circumcised[263] upon the same promises which are made unto our children. And indeed Christ shed His blood no less for the washing of the children of the faithful than for adult persons;[264] and therefore they ought to receive the sign and sacrament of that which Christ hath done for them; as the Lord commanded in the law that they should be made partakers of the sacrament of Christ’s suffering and death shortly after they were born, by offering for them a lamb, which was a sacrament of Jesus Christ.[265] Moreover, what circumcision was to the Jews, that baptism is to our children. And for this reason Paul calls baptism the circumcision of Christ.[266]"
[262] Matt. 19:14; 1 Cor. 7:14
[263] Gen. 17:11–12
[264] Col. 2:11–12
[265] John 1:29; Lev. 12:6
[266] Col. 2:11

Article 36: The Magistrates
"Their office is not only to have regard unto and watch for the welfare of the civil state, but also that they protect the sacred ministry, and thus may remove and prevent all idolatry and false worship;[284][285]"
[284] "This phrase, touching the office of the magistracy in its relation to the church, proceeds on the principle of the established church, which was first applied by Constantine and afterwards also in many Protestant countries. History, however, does not support the principle of state domination over the church, but rather the separation of church and state. Moreover, it is contrary to the new dispensation that authority be vested in the state arbitrarily to reform the church, and to deny the church the right of independently conducting its own affairs as a distinct territory alongside the state. The New Testament does not subject the Christian church to the authority of the state … Practically all Reformed churches have repudiated the idea of the established church, and are advocating the autonomy of the churches and personal liberty of conscience in matters pertaining to the service of God. … "
[285] Isa. 49:23, 25; 1 Kings 15:12; 2 Kings 23:2–4

Article 37: The Last Judgment
"… our Lord Jesus Christ … burning this old world with fire and flame to cleanse it."

"… then the secrets and hypocrisy of men shall be disclosed and laid open before all.[302]"
[302] 1 Cor. 4:5; Rom. 2:1–2, 16; Matt. 7:1–2

"Their innocence shall be known to all, and they shall see the terrible vengeance which God shall execute on the wicked,[305] who most cruelly persecuted, oppressed, and tormented them in this world;[306]"
[305] Dan. 7:26
[306] 2 Thess. 1:6–8; Mal. 4:3

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. This confession has been revised a few times since its original writing. Guido de Bres would eventually die a martyr do not recanting the truths he wrote about in this confession. This document was chosen by the Reformed as their confession of faith to be used whenever possible. It was not recognized by the Church in Rome of course, but it gained enough popularity that it did cause them to respond to it themselves. Like the Heidelberg catechism, the whole thing flows and is easy to follow and read. It includes some based truth in it, not found in other popular confessions, such as the fact that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Hebrews. It outlines for the first time in the reformed confessions which books are recognized as cannon and which are not. Worthwhile.

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But this Mediator, whom the Father has appointed between himself and us, ought not terrify us by his greatness, so that we have to look for another one, according to our fancy. For neither in heaven nor among the creatures on earth is there anyone who loves us more than Jesus Christ does." — Article 26

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I like the Westminster Confession as well. But the Belgic says many of the same things but in a different way. Plus there are some additions I like, such as the section on the magistrates and church order. I enjoy reading it at least once a year.

[Josh Dockter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A breath of fresh biblical air.

[David Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, short book that outlines the basic principles of the reformed faith.

[Justin Effler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most underrated confession in my opinion. Great, and thorough, work on biblical exposition of the core essential doctrines from the reformation.

[Caedmon Falls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sehr gut.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is one God, and that God makes himself known through Scripture.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page was precious.

[Joseph Abudar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ideal for its time and environment

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy and uplifting read!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A confession of the Reformed faith in just 37 articles, making up a part of the Three Forms of Unity which became the doctrinal standard of the Dutch Reformed churches in the Low Countries, North America, Australia, as well as other Continental Reformed churches. Hence, the Belgic Confession is an important reference for the Dutch Reformed churches along with the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort; counterparts of the Westminster Confession of Faith in Anglophone presbyterian churches.

All the important doctrines are exposed. First, regarding God and the Persons comprising the Godhead. Then, of justification by faith and what that doctrine entails: that although works do not justify Man, they are nevertheless inseparable with faith. The confession also discusses thoroughly the Sacraments and how they are not mere symbols but means of communing with God, regarding baptism and the calling of all (infants included) into the circumcision of baptism as well as of the Lord’s Supper and Christ’s real spiritual presence. It moves on with Church polity and discipline, something barely stressed anymore in our current society. Finally, the de Brès ends with a short articulation of the Final Judgement.

It was written not just as a response to Roman Catholic persecution, but also as a criticism to the Radical Reformation movement i.e. the Anabaptists. More than simply restating Calvinistic doctrines into concise paragraphs, it also explains and backs them up with Scripture quotations. The Belgic Confession might be a very early Reformed confession, but it remains insightful and inspirational to those who read today.

[Pete Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very clear and succinct summary of the main tenets of "Reformed Theology" or "Calvinism." It is short and I thought easy to understand for anyone that has a basic understanding of Protestant Theology. This is, as the title suggest, a basic declaration or confession of Calvinist belief. Don't expect detailed explanation or defense of this kind of Theology. But it does a good job of describing the major beliefs. One should look to other sources in conjunction with this text for a more detailed, complete, and deeper understanding of this belief. But I thought it was well worth the read.

[Michael Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This confession is part of the Three Forms of Unity, along with the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort.

It starts with God, who He is. And it ends with God again, the second comming of our Lord (the last judgement).

Here is the last sentence of this confesion:
"So we look forward to that great day with longing in order to enjoy fully the promises of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord."

Beautiful, isn't it?

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty standard Reformed answers. I think the questions and answers tend to distort the story of Scripture though. And they aren't missional understandings of the nature of the church or election. No mention of Abraham, or of the story of God's redemption.

I'm sure there's some good history behind this confession, but for contemporary purposes, I say, PASS.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear, concise reformed confession of faith. Interesting to read for the time it was written for.

[Jay Miklovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty basic, easy to understand. Couple sections raised my eyebrows, but for the most part this seemed to a concise articulation of the faith that did not waste words.

[Corby H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful confession.