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The Belgic Confession:A Commentary Volume 1
An orthodox commentary on the confession, that is, one that is in wholehearted accord with the teachings of the confession, and resolutely faithful to them, will be profitable to Reformed Christians and churches in the twenty-first century, not only for invaluable instruction in the Reformed faith, but also for the maintenance and defense of Reformed orthodoxy. Founded on holy scripture, the Belgic Confession determines sound doctrine for Reformed churches and believers. This doctrine is rich, lovely, and powerful. The confession also authoritatively exposes contemporary heresies. As they read this commentary which proclaims the doctrine and authority of the confession, all believers who love the Reformed faith will be faithfully guided in the truth of the “old paths.” Volume one covers Articles 1-21 of the Belgic Confession.
348 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2018
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December 27, 2025
Reformed Free Publishing Association sent me a copy of "The Belgic Confession: A Commentary Vol. 1 & 2" by David J. Engelsma and "Believing and Confessing: 365 Meditations on the Belgic Confession" in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who greatly appreciates the Belgic Confession, it always thrills me to see it getting more attention. I especially appreciate works that give careful attention to detail rather than simply flying over the details. Engelsma’s commentary and the accompanying book of meditations meet the criteria, and so deserve a closer look on our part.
Engelsma’s commentary is straightforward. His introduction is helpful. He justifies the need for more books on the Belgic Confession, sets the tone of the whole commentary, and gives the historical and theological backdrop of the confession. Of note, he gives attention to the author himself as well as the confession’s primary doctrinal affirmations and condemnations. He gives some helpful attention to the Romanists and the Anabaptists as the primary targets of the confession’s polemics. The commentary itself is rich and straightforward. Each chapter begins by reproducing the full text of the relevant article of the confession. Where necessary, Engelsma introduces overarching themes that characterize the section of the confession and where each article fits in that larger context. For the article itself, he breaks it down into tiny pieces. He then explains the relevant doctrine, gives its context, proves it from Scripture, and, where, necessary, he highlights what is denied. In the last sense especially Engelsma maintains the attitude of the confession in his commentary. He exposits key Christian truths while also not being afraid to name names that run contrary to those truth. That is a lost art, one that I wish more modern writers would have the backbone to recover. Altogether, this makes for a very robust and helpful work on the Belgic Confession, one that I hope will benefit many for years to come!
I must, however, issue a word of caution. Engelsma holds a very controversial view of the well-meant offer of the gospel (namely, he denies it, vol. 1 pp. 289-290). This shows that while he may have much of value to say, he must be read with serious discernment. If you want to see pushback to Engelsma's controversial views, I recommend "The Reformed Tradition On The Free Or Well-Meant Offer Of The Gospel" on The Heidelblog (https://heidelblog.net/2013/12/the-re...).
As a bonus, RFPA sent me a year’s worth of meditations on the Belgic Confession. This book is wonderful. It takes the truths exposited and defended in Engelsma’s commentary and breaks them down into delightful meditations. They go through the entirety of the confession, spread out over a year. Each meditation is only one page long. Each begins with a relevant selection of Scripture, and then expounds on a little piece of the relevant article of the confession. Several ministers contributed to these meditations, with the book keeping it consistent with who handles which article. The book flows smoothly even with the various voices involved, which is a commendable thing. This book is a great option to grow in your appreciation of the Belgic Confession in bite-sized bits.
Taken together, these three books make for a great resource on the Belgic Confession. They give you a lot to chew on, and they make real the majestic truths of the Reformed tradition. As we come up on a new year, I recommend you consider purchasing these for the sake of personal growth and edification.
As someone who greatly appreciates the Belgic Confession, it always thrills me to see it getting more attention. I especially appreciate works that give careful attention to detail rather than simply flying over the details. Engelsma’s commentary and the accompanying book of meditations meet the criteria, and so deserve a closer look on our part.
Engelsma’s commentary is straightforward. His introduction is helpful. He justifies the need for more books on the Belgic Confession, sets the tone of the whole commentary, and gives the historical and theological backdrop of the confession. Of note, he gives attention to the author himself as well as the confession’s primary doctrinal affirmations and condemnations. He gives some helpful attention to the Romanists and the Anabaptists as the primary targets of the confession’s polemics. The commentary itself is rich and straightforward. Each chapter begins by reproducing the full text of the relevant article of the confession. Where necessary, Engelsma introduces overarching themes that characterize the section of the confession and where each article fits in that larger context. For the article itself, he breaks it down into tiny pieces. He then explains the relevant doctrine, gives its context, proves it from Scripture, and, where, necessary, he highlights what is denied. In the last sense especially Engelsma maintains the attitude of the confession in his commentary. He exposits key Christian truths while also not being afraid to name names that run contrary to those truth. That is a lost art, one that I wish more modern writers would have the backbone to recover. Altogether, this makes for a very robust and helpful work on the Belgic Confession, one that I hope will benefit many for years to come!
I must, however, issue a word of caution. Engelsma holds a very controversial view of the well-meant offer of the gospel (namely, he denies it, vol. 1 pp. 289-290). This shows that while he may have much of value to say, he must be read with serious discernment. If you want to see pushback to Engelsma's controversial views, I recommend "The Reformed Tradition On The Free Or Well-Meant Offer Of The Gospel" on The Heidelblog (https://heidelblog.net/2013/12/the-re...).
As a bonus, RFPA sent me a year’s worth of meditations on the Belgic Confession. This book is wonderful. It takes the truths exposited and defended in Engelsma’s commentary and breaks them down into delightful meditations. They go through the entirety of the confession, spread out over a year. Each meditation is only one page long. Each begins with a relevant selection of Scripture, and then expounds on a little piece of the relevant article of the confession. Several ministers contributed to these meditations, with the book keeping it consistent with who handles which article. The book flows smoothly even with the various voices involved, which is a commendable thing. This book is a great option to grow in your appreciation of the Belgic Confession in bite-sized bits.
Taken together, these three books make for a great resource on the Belgic Confession. They give you a lot to chew on, and they make real the majestic truths of the Reformed tradition. As we come up on a new year, I recommend you consider purchasing these for the sake of personal growth and edification.
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