Exposition of the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689

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"Waldron is an excellent writer, and he has the advantage of being one of our contemporaries. His examples and analysis of topics where the Westminster and London Confessions agree—creation, justification, election, the Sabbath, and others—are outstanding. This book is very clear and extremely well organized."

At a time in history when modern Christianity is flooded by doctrinal relativism, and biblical clarity is threatened by vague and imprecise currents, this book arrives as a firm and necessary lighthouse.

Satan and his hosts know all too well that a church without doctrinal roots is a church easily defeated. That is why they have worked tirelessly to sow confusion, ambiguity, and disdain for the fundamental truths of the faith. As C. H. Spurgeon once said: “The archenemy of truth has invited us to tear down our walls and abandon our walled cities.” In other words, the devil wants us to stop clearly defending what we believe and why we believe it.

Faced with this avalanche of theological uncertainty, the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith emerges as an unshakable historical and doctrinal testimony. Originally known as the Second London Baptist Confession, this statement of faith was published in 1689 as a clear and coherent affirmation of Reformed gospel truth from a Baptist perspective.

This book, originally published in 1989 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the 1689 Confession, is a complete and accessible exposition of each of its chapters, written by pastor and theologian Sam Waldron.

Why Read This Exposition?

Waldron offers not only scholarly insight but also pastoral sensitivity. He shows how the 1689 Confession is not an outdated document, but a faithful and lucid expression of historic Christian belief—one that remains deeply relevant for our times.

With a direct, clear style full of practical applications, Waldron helps readers understand: The authority of Scripture The Trinity The fall of man Redemption in Christ The perseverance of the saints

• The value of statements of faith in the life of the church.
• The biblical fidelity of the Confession on crucial issues such as:
  • The authority of Scripture
  • The Trinity
  • The fall of man
  • Redemption in Christ
  • The perseverance of the saints

His constant comparison with the Westminster Confession and the London Confession allows readers to appreciate both their similarities and the unique theological emphases of the Reformed Baptist tradition.

Introduction by Dr. R. P. Martin

This edition includes a significant introduction written by Dr. R. P. Martin, who served for many years as director and professor of Biblical Theology at Trinity Ministerial Academy in Montville, New Jersey, and later as pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington.

In it, Dr. Martin strongly defends the legitimacy and usefulness of confessions of faith in the life of the local church—especially in an age when many reject any attempt to systematize biblical doctrine.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is an invaluable tool for:

• Pastors seeking greater doctrinal clarity
• Theology students wanting to understand the historical and biblical background of Reformed faith
• Believers eager to learn the doctrinal foundations of historic evangelical churches
• Church leaders who desire to strengthen their congregations on solid ground

"The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith: A Contemporary Exposition" is more than just a book on church history or systematic theology. It is an urgent call to return to the roots of the faith—to humbly and convictionally defend what we have always believed—and to stand firm against the pressures of a world that hates the truth.

If you are looking for a book that will help you better understand your faith, equip you to teach and defend it, and connect you with the great cloud of witnesses who came before us, then this book is an essential read.