Westminster Confession for Young Teens
Understanding the Westminster Confession of Faith for Young Teens
The Westminster Confession of Faith, a foundational Reformed theological document, outlines the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Written in 1646, it remains a significant part of Reformed churches' heritage, including Presbyterian and other Calvinistic traditions [2].
The Nature of God and Humanity
The Confession begins by describing God as "infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions" [3]. This understanding of God is central to the Reformed tradition and is rooted in biblical teachings. The Confession also explains humanity's creation and fall into sin, citing the biblical account of Adam and Eve's disobedience [4].
Salvation and the Covenant of Grace
A key aspect of the Westminster Confession is its explanation of salvation. one tradition teaches that humans are saved through the effectual calling by God's Word and Spirit, which brings individuals out of a state of sin and death into grace and salvation through Jesus Christ [2]. This process involves enlightening minds, renewing wills, and determining individuals to follow God's will. The Confession emphasizes the covenant of grace, which is sealed through sacraments like baptism [6].
Christian Living and Liberty
The Confession also addresses how Christians should live their lives. It emphasizes that good works are a fruit of faith and evidence of a true and lively faith, manifesting thankfulness, strengthening assurance, and glorifying God [7]. Furthermore, it discusses Christian liberty, which includes freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, and the dominion of sin, as well as the freedom to obey God without being forced or coerced [8].
The Role of Scripture
The Westminster Confession places a high value on Scripture, stating that it is the Word of God and therefore to be received with reverence. one tradition argues that the authority of Scripture comes from God, not from the church, although the church's testimony can induce a high esteem for Scripture [5].
Application for Young Teens
For young teens, the Westminster Confession offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the Christian faith. It encourages a deep reverence for God, an understanding of humanity's sinful condition, and the recognition of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" [1], resonates with the Confession's emphasis on living a life that reflects one's faith.
The Confession's teachings on the importance of Scripture, the nature of God, and the path to salvation provide a rich foundation for young Christians. As they grow in their faith, understanding these principles can guide them in their walk with God and their interactions with the world around them.
Sources
- 1 Timothy “Nemo adolescentiam tuam contemnat : sed exemplum esto fidelium in verbo, in conversatione, in caritate, in fide, in castitate. -- 1 Timothy 4:12”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 10: CHAPTER 10 Of Effectual Calling 1. All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, he is pleased, in his appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by his almighty power, determining them to that which”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 2 Of God, and of the Holy Trinity 1. There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the ”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 6: CHAPTER 6 Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof 1. Our first parents, being seduced by the subtlety and temptation of Satan, sinned, in eating the forbidden fruit. This their sin, God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory. 2. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and communion with God, and so became dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the parts and faculties of soul and body. 3. They being the root of all mankind, the guil”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 1 (part 1): CHAPTER 1 Of the Holy Scripture 1. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more ”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28 Of Baptism 1. Baptism is a sacrament of the new testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible church; but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, of remission of sins, and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life. Which sacrament is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in his church until the end of the world. 2. The outward element to be used in”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 16 (part 1): CHAPTER 16 Of Good Works 1. Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word, and not such as, without the warrant thereof, are devised by men, out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intention. 2. These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, wh”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 20 (part 1): CHAPTER 20 Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience 1. The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; as also, in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of ”