Confessions and Catechisms
Listed below are Confessions and Catechisms which have been important in the Scottish Reformed Church, and some articles related to them.
- Scots Confession of 1560
- The Scots Confession was written in 1560 following a request from parliament that the Reformers would draw up a summary of the doctrine they held.
- Westminster Confession of Faith
- “In respect of fidelity to Scripture, precision of thought and formulation, fullness of statement, balanced proportion of emphasis, studied economy of words, and effective exposure of error, no creedal confession attains the level of excellence characterising that of the Westminster.” » Professor John Murray
- Westminster Larger Catechism
- A directory for catechising such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of religion.
- Westminster Shorter Catechism
- Known and loved by generations of Scottish Christians, every believer should memorise the Shorter Catechism.
RELATED ARTICLES
- A Description of the Westminster Assembly
- Robert Baillie
A fascinating insight into the procedure of the Westminster Assembly, as described by one of the Scottish Commissioners in his correspondence. - The Importance and Relevance of the Westminster Confession of Faith
- Professor John Murray
“The amount of work and time expended on the Confession of Faith will stagger us in these days of haste and alleged activism. But the influence exerted all over the world by the Confession can only be understood in the light of the diligent care and prayerful devotion exercised in its composition.” - Qualities of the Westminster Confession of Faith
- Robert Shaw
“The first thing which must strike any thoughtful reader, after having carefully and studiously perused the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, is the remarkable comprehensiveness and accuracy of its character, viewed as a systematic exhibition of divine truth. . .” - The Redeemer of God’s Elect
- Professor John Murray
“Any one who reads the New Testament with the humility of believing devotion and therefore with the reverence begotten of faith must be overcome again and again with the mystery that surrounds the person and work of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As understanding expands and as reverent inquiry seeks to push further and deeper there grows upon the believer the marvel of the Saviour’s person and work.” - A Review of the Scots Confession of 1560
- Principal John Macleod
From a series of lectures dealing with “Scottish Theology since the Reformation in the light of Scottish Church History.” Principal John Macleod of the Free Church College, Edinburgh, delivered these lectures at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, USA, in April 1939. - Scotland and the Westminster Confession of Faith
- Professor Douglas MacMillan
A consideration of the Origins, Objectives, and Operation of the Westminster Confession of Faith in Scotland, from its formulation to the present day.
Thomas Boston on the Shorter Catechism
- Man’s Chief End and Happiness
- Thomas Boston
“Glorifying of God is put before the enjoying of him because the way of duty is the way to the enjoyment of God. Holiness on earth must necessarily go before felicity in heaven. There is an inseparable connection betwixt the two, as between the end and the means; so that no person who does not glorify God here, shall ever enjoy him hereafter. . . No; the pure in heart, and they who glorify God now, shall alone see God, to their infinite joy in heaven.” - The Providence of God
- Thomas Boston
“God’s providence is most holy - even though providence reach to and be conversant in sinful actions, yet it is pure; as the sun contracts no defilement, though it shine on a dunghill. Providence is most wise - the day will at last come, when the plan of providence will appear in every respect to have been most wise, harmonious, and consistent. Providence is most powerful - He can never fail of his end, but all things fall out according to his decree, which is efficacious and irresistible.” - Christ the Only Redeemer of God’s Elect
- Thomas Boston
“This redemption of elect souls was agreed upon by the Father and the Son in the covenant of grace from eternity. It was first proclaimed to fallen man in the first promise; it was shadowed forth under the Old Testament; the price was actually paid on the cross; and the powerful delivery is made in the conversion of the elect.” - The Resurrection
- Thomas Boston
And may not the soul say, “O happy day in which I return to dwell in that blessed body, which was, and is, and will be for ever, a member of Christ, a temple of the Holy Spirit! Now I shall be eternally knit to thee: the silver cord shall never be loosed more: death shall never make another separation between us. Arise then, my body, and come away. And let these eyes, which were wont to weep over my sins, behold with joy the face of our glorious Redeemer; lo! this is our God, and we have waited for Him. . .”