Confessing the Faith: A reader's guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith

by Chad Van Dixhoorn

This accessible, biblical, and thoughtful work digests years of study and teaching into bite-sized sections. Van Dixhoorn's work is historical and practical in its focus. It deliberately presents readers with more than another survey of Reformed theology; it offers a guide to a particular text, considers its original proof-texts, and seeks to deepen our understanding of each paragraph of the Confession.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Church History, Religion, Devotional

484 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2014

About the author

Chad Van Dixhoorn (PhD, Cambridge University) is professor of church history at Westminster Theological Seminary and a former pastor in the United Kingdom and in Virginia. He is the author of Confessing the Faith and God’s Ambassadors.

Reviews

[ladydusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, step-by-step, verse-by-verse exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith. Van Dixhoorn didn't shy from difficult sections but matter of factly explained what the Westminster Divines thought and decided. It was easy to read a little every day, by sections, and move steadily through the Confession and the arguments being made. I definitely recommend this as an introduction and explanation of the Confession.

I started it as a group study with women at my church using the Study Guide. When the group decided to study something else, I just continued reading it, which is why I don't have a start date. I'm glad I read it and have recommended it to my husband for reading together as a family with our teens. It would also work well for upper grade theology study in our homeschool.

[Grant Carter]

Great read. If you want to better understand the Westminster Confession of Faith, I highly recommend this.

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. For folks like me who have grown up in Reformed circles, a lot of this may be fairly standard review of classic Reformed doctrine. But I did appreciate the reflections and commentary on the parts in which the Confession has been updated over time.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best commentary on the WCF available. It is divided into short sections that are the perfect length for devotional reading. Van Dixhoorn's familiarity with the Westminster documents comes through on every page. In addition to explaining the doctrines, he brings in the proof texts, and remarks on how they were understood at the time. He also highlights issues that the Confession addresses that may be obscure or seem irrelevant to the modern reader. All in all, the most useful commentary on the WCF on the market. One only wishes he would do the same thing for the Larger Catechism.

[Mark Gring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A theologically solid overview of the WCF that l chooses several of the key supporting verses to include in the discussion of each subsection of each chapter.

My family read this through as part of our evening devotions for the last several months. We found it biblically encouraging and challenging, a solid reminder of reformed theology, and a very accessible text to read.
The text offers a comparison between ancient and modern versions of the WCF—and includes the 1789 American changes. These are helpful things to note and some explanation is usually included when the changes are significant. Each section of reading usually includes about two subsections of each chapter—which makes for a good daily devotional reading.

Emily Van Dixhoorn has written a companion volume study guide which offers helpful questions for a class or small group discussion.

This is a helpful guide, highly recommended.

[Brian Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An illuminating, clear, easy-to-read guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Offers really helpful theological commentary on the confession, section by section. Beyond this, it also offers historical/contextual commentary on multiple versions of the WCF. This helps you understand what exactly the writers were debating when they wrote 400 years ago. Finally, the book is very winsome and conversational. Feels like your friendly pastor is walking you through it all the way.

[Andy Dollahite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be on the list of cyclical reading for presybterians.

[Faith Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

im a fan

[Cameron McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-detailed explanation of each chapter of the WCF. A thought-provoking read helping readers to understand the confession from a reformed perspective. Probably the best book I’ve read this year.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am very disappointed with this book. Since it is written by the man who recently transcribed the Westminster Assembly minutes, and who has written a Cambridge Ph.D. thesis on the Westminster divines, I expected it to be the definitive exposition of the Westminster Confession. Instead, the book largely consists of the author simply repeating what is in the text of the confession, but in a more verbose way. While the author's pastoral tone may be useful if you are taking a doctrine class in your local church, it is hardly sufficient for a more general publication.

Although there are some very useful references to primary sources, the author does not contribute that much to helping us understand the original intent of the divines. Obviously, as an OPC minister, he is not in full sympathy with the original Confession, as he dissents from the establishment principle and the papal anti-christ theory. He is also mistaken in thinking that 'the singing of psalms' (21.5) is inclusive of non-biblical hymns. On the other hand, he is historically correct in observing that the Westminster divines regarding the neglect of infant baptism to be a 'great sin' (28.5). Some try to argue that it is a great sin for adults to neglect baptism, but it is not a great sin to neglect the baptism of infants. This type of reasoning probably reveals that they are covert Baptists. If infants are the proper subjects of baptism, then how can it be any less of a sin to neglect the baptism of infants than to neglect the baptism of adults?

All in all, while there is some very good material in the book (the chapters on the sacraments are probably the highlight), I thought it was a pretty lame effort. Nonetheless, I do hope it is not the author's final publication on the Westminster Assembly and that he gets around to finally publishing his thesis. If you are looking for a good commentary on the Westminster Confession (whether the original or a revised version), I would recommend David Dickson, Robert Shaw, A. A. Hodge, and G. I. Williamson before this book.

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good introduction. surprisingly devotional in places. I dithered between 3 and 4 stars. Better than Williamson because it actually deals with the text of the confession rather than using it as a launch pad for a mini systematic theology.

I used it in my own devotions and enjoyed it well enough. 37 passages highlighted, a couple of areas of disagreement - especially re the papacy of which he just makes an unfounded statement, and the content of praise in worship.

Along the way there are illuminating footnotes that demonstrate van Dixhoorn's familiarity with the debates and proceedings of the assembly.

Apart from the caveats, a pretty good guide to the confession.

[Chris Damant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.
A wonderful blend of careful explanation of many tricky theological concepts with a deep pastoral instinct which makes the whole thing relevant and edifying.
It has been a joy to read.
It has also been a pleasure to see the Christian faith articulated in such a careful, detailed and coherent way - it really does all fit together and make sense. Sure, there remain some uncertainties, but there are many wonderful truths which we can be confident in and I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to explore these in more detail.

[Zachary T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very helpful commentary. He stays surprisingly balanced and very faithful to the text of the confession. He is not without bias, however, and puts more detail into his commentary on some sections of the confession, and very little on others. I was fairly disappointed in his section on marriage in particular, primarily divorce. That’s my only qualm however! He helped me begin to grasp both the Confession and also some of the historical context of it as well.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview and commentary based on the original Scripture proofs selected by the Assembly. I appreciated Van Dixhoorn’s perspective on some thorny theological and practical issues addressed in the Confession of Faith.

[Rachel Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew! 2 years later and I finally finished this theology book!! 💃🏼💃🏼
Definitely a good read to gain a deeper understanding of the Westminster confession of faith, but it’s a bit dense at times!

[Allie Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book when I started the RUF internship and finished it last week :) very full circle moment

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful!

[Kirby Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

good job boss

[Mitchell Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and very helpful. I would recommend this companion as a devotional exercise.

[Josh Bucher · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read this book, it is essential that you do it with a discussion group, in my opinion. It's well written and the Westminster is thoroughly exposited, but it's also long and dry.

[Simon O'Mahony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Van Dixhoorn's work is a fine introduction to the WCF. I would recommend it particularly to those new to confessionalism, whether those holding to the WCF or 2LC. His writing style is pleasant and his tone is warm.

While I found this work very approachable and enjoyable I had hoped it would be more technical. At times the comments are very sparse, superficial and do not engage with the historical context surrounding the choice of particular terms. Those hoping for a more scholarly work that delves into the controversies of the day and debates between the original authors will be disappointed. That being said, it is a fine resource that I will continue to reference.

[Adam Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful as a reference material, or to be read cover to cover as I did, it's a great book, and I'm glad to have read it and have it on my bookshelf. I'm sure to refer back to this in the future.

Chad Van Dixhoorn's commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith (as described on the dust jacket) "offers a guide to a particular text, considers it original proof-texts, and seeks to deepen our understanding of each paragraph of the Confession." - AND I might add that it does this quite well! As a relatively new Presbyterian, I bought this on a friend's recommendation as I was seeking to better understand the the WCF. It should be noted that we do not place the WCF on a level equal to Scripture - it is a tool that helps us to summarize what we believe and (using scripture) why we believe these things to be so.

This isn't something that requires a seminary or bible college degree to understand - each paragraph of the confession is handled separately, with the accompanying commentary provided in easily digestible chunks of a few pages. It's a lot of information, but it's presented in an excellent format.

[Nathaniel Beaty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very clear and precise commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. It is a very basic book that answers what each paragraph of the confession means, yet it also has great depth to it and insights that other similar commentary on the confessions do not have. Also unlike other commentaries on the confessions, this book is meant to be read devotionally. Van Dixhoorn mentions that it is meant to be read one section at a time, and each section is about 10-15 minutes long. I also found out recently that it has a study guide that you can also purchase to go along with it.

One of the main things that I appreciated about this book is that it gives the “normal” reading of the confession (KJV style English) side by side with a modern reading. This makes the confession much easier to understand for the modern reader. In addition, the chapters that have historically been changed, like the one on Civil government, he shows what has changed about it and when it changed. Overall, This is a great book for the lay reader to be introduced to the confessions at an easy pace and in a very clear and understandable way.

My Rating: 7.75/ 10 Stars

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith, distinguished by its commitment to weave every scripture citation into the explanation of each paragraph of the confession. Sometimes it is difficult to know exactly what the divines had in mind with certain scriptural citations, so this book brings considerable clarity to the rationale behind these choices. On more than one occasion, I gained new inside not just into the words of the confession, but also into the meaning of the supporting Bible passages.

While there were occasions when I was hoping for more detailed explanation of a doctrinal point, I am more grateful that Van Dixhoorn’s concise writing style allowed him to cover the entire confession without getting too deep in the weeds (and still required 444 pages!). This is perfect for anyone wanting a strong overview of reformed theology, and would work well for officer training classes in Presbyterian churches.

[Michael Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has only been in recent years thst I have developed a love for confessional theology. The Westminster Standards have proven a helpful guide for me in my personal growth not only in the substance of my theology, but also in the systemitization of it. John V. Fesko's book on the history of the standards supplied helpful background. Now, Vandixhoorn's reader's guide has helped explain the substance of the contents. This book is devotional in nature and therefore proves a useful tool alongside one's daily Scripture reading. A thoroughly enjoyable addition to many great works on this great work.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem for many reasons, but I love that it includes all versions of the WCF and provides historical commentary on each one. Over the years, many needless exceptions have been taken officially within ordination processes. Understanding the historical context and meaning behind several of the chapters would likely eliminate the burden of taking many of the common exceptions today.

The commentary is rich, informed, and encouraging. The commentary isn't dry and causes one to reflect on God's greatness.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable for the everyday person. Can be read in devotional style as the author expounds on just 1-3 subpoints of the Confession at a time - these are typically a couple pages long. He doesn't seek to add or branch away from the points made by the Confession, but elaborates and explains them in a practical way, always pointing towards the Gospel message. Would highly recommend as a great read and a handbook for Christian theology.

[Chuck Noren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know what you are getting. This is not an in depth study of the Westminster Confession of Faith. This is a book of reflections on each chapter of the Confession. This was very helpful when I taught a series on the Westminster Confession of Faith in the adult Sunday school class at my church. As I prepared each lesson, I would read the corresponding chapter in Confessing the Faith to see what could be helpful for people in the class. Very, very useful.

[Bruce Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Van Dixhoorn's book is the "go-to" book for those who wish to learn more about the WCF in a concise and compact form. Van Dixhoorn has extensive knowledge of the Westminster Divines, and of the process of completing the confession in the 17th century. His book is the product of many years of research, and is both academic and devotional.

[David Goetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but I didn't. The content is solid, in my judgment, which is why it gets three stars, but it just isn't that enjoyable to read. I can imagine reading through it, or specific parts of it, with a team of elders, but other uses are hard to imagine. It's not rigorous enough to be a reference work, nor is it warm enough to be a devotional work.