The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes

I purchased this book to better understand the Westminster Confession and also to discover some of the explanations behind the text that might not be apparent. Considering that this is used for study classes, I assumed that its design was for both for systematic courses and ordination preparation. Perhaps, I did this wrongly. However, I am greatly disappointed, not by what the author commentated upon, but rather what he left out. I am unsure how this could be used for a master's level course or ordination. For example, on page 34–38 the author commentates on the relationship of the Trinity. His explanation is accurate, but very basic. That is fine. However, he does not include any explanation or discussion concerning the Son eternally begotten or the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding. No doubt, if I know Presbyterians, this would be area of questioning whether in a Sunday School class or in the seminary. How can there be no discussion or at least a brief explanation? It seems that G.I. Williamson uses the confession more as a spring board into discussing the fundamentals of our doctrine but does not go into any length about the details of the Westminster Confession itself. Perhaps, I had too high expectations. This example is not the exception but typical.

For the serious student of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF),this book probably tops them all. The author depicts the content secion by section of the Confession, follows each section with a commentary, and then a series of questions on the section. The answers are found in the back.The downside of the book is whether one agrees with the position as held by the Puritans who created the WCF. For instance, their belief as held by the author that the Sabbath was changed by Christ to Sunday (Calvin held a different view), and whether there are only 2 covenants found in the Bible that we be concerned with. As I am still reading the book, I suspect to find other points of contention. The Author is a noteable member of the Orthodox Presbyterian church and follows their theoogical beliefs.

The Westminster Confession is the clearest exposition of what the scripture actually teaches. Every doctrine of the Faith is clearly elucidated and backed, word by word, with scripture proofs. This book makes it clear why we believe what we believe. I use it as a resource for the class on the Confession that I teach in my ARPC church. Buy it. You will be glad you did.

This book is written to explain and amplify on the statements in the Westminster Confession of Faith. It is thorough and yet not tedious. It discusses important implications and gives historic insights into the teachings of the confession. I have a lot of admiration for the teachings of the Confession (even though it is not inspired like the scriptures), and I found this study guide to be enlightening time after time. It is well worth reading and is a good resource for a group study with good review questions at the end of each section. This was written by Joe M. Moody, Jr.

One the best confession of all time

G. I. Williamson gives a good overall view of Christian doctrine, using the Westminster Confession of Faith, but not needlessly bound to it. He of course explains the views of the Confession, but, more importantly, explains the Scriptural foundation for these basic Christian doctrines.

I am a pastor and our church uses this book for high school and adult Sunday school. This book is very helpful in gaining a comprehensive, reformed understanding of the Bible. I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in learning the historic Christian faith. There is nothing more important for new Christians than getting a systematic, overall grasp of the truths of Scripture. This book is a big help to that end.

The Westminster Confession book has been a difficult but eye opening study in Gods word. It has allowed me study the word of God in great depth on a daily bases. I would highly recommend this book to gain a better insight into God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.

I bought this book on the recommend of friends in ministry as I prepare for presbytery exams, I'm aware this is a time served classic written almost 60 years ago. Yet I was struck by its freshness and accessibility, i guess when a writer is faithful to the Scriptures thats a necessary result.Williamson takes the reader through the Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter by chapter, unpacking the theology and application of each chapter, noting the positive and polemic aspects of each. THen the chapter is rounded out with questions to move the reader towards comprehension.I have found the exercise both enjoyable and rewarding, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to further understand one of the finest summations of Scripture in the history of the church.

Good

Daily references and write ups for each weekday with Scripture reference. Enjoying doing this as a family at breakfast.

My kindle version is missing commentaries of chapters 11 to 13.