What are the core beliefs of the Belgic Confession?

Historical Background and Purpose

The Belgic Confession, drafted primarily by Guido de Brès in 1561, stands as one of the oldest doctrinal statements of Reformed Christianity. Written under the shadow of severe persecution in what is now Belgium, it aimed to clarify the beliefs of Reformed believers and distinguish them from both Roman Catholicism and radical movements of the day. Over time, it has been embraced by Reformed churches worldwide as part of the “Three Forms of Unity.” It consists of thirty-seven articles that address core doctrines, aiming to root each point in the testimony of Scripture.

Foundational Conviction: The Authority of Scripture

A key principle of the Belgic Confession is that Scripture alone carries ultimate authority. Article 7 states unequivocally that the Holy Scriptures contain “all that is necessary for our salvation.” As 2 Timothy 3:16 attests, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The Confession upholds the unity and consistency of the Old and New Testaments and points to their divine inspiration as the reason they form the final rule for faith and life.

Article Summaries of Core Beliefs

1. The One True God and His Revelation

The opening articles declare that God is eternal, unchangeable, and fully sovereign. He reveals Himself both through creation (Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities…have been clearly seen…”) and most clearly through Scripture. This revelation proclaims the majesty and wisdom of God as Creator and Sustainer of all.

2. The Trinity

Reflecting central Christian teaching, Articles 8 and 9 affirm that the one divine Being exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This truth echoes Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Each person of the Trinity is co-eternal and co-equal, partaking of the same divine essence.

3. The Written Word of God

Articles 3 through 7 focus on the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the written, inspired Word of God. Historical evidence and the consistent witness of early manuscripts-from scrolls found in locations such as Qumran to numerous New Testament papyri-bolster confidence in their reliability. These articles underscore that all teaching in the church must be tested and verified according to the Scriptures.

4. The Incarnation and Work of Christ

Articles 17 through 21 describe the incarnation of the Son of God for the redemption of humankind, teaching that Jesus took on true humanity while remaining fully divine (John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”). These articles emphasize His death and resurrection as the foundation for the believer’s justification. In the words of Romans 4:25: “He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.”

5. The Fall and Original Sin

The Confession teaches that humanity, created good, fell from grace through Adam’s disobedience. Article 14 points to Genesis 3 and Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man… so also death spread to all men…” Humanity’s fallen nature necessitates divine intervention for salvation.

6. Justification by Faith

Articles 22 and 23 clarify that believers are justified by faith alone in Christ, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” The Confession insists on Christ’s sacrifice as the sole ground for forgiveness, a principle vital to Reformed theology.

7. Sanctification and Good Works

While salvation is by grace through faith, good works follow as fruit of a changed heart. Article 24 describes the process of sanctification, asserting that genuine faith produces tangible obedience (James 2:17: “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.”). These works do not earn salvation but manifest a life renewed by the Holy Spirit.

8. The Church and Its Marks

Articles 27 through 29 define the nature of the true church. It is explained as the assembly of those who profess faith in Christ, evidenced by the pure preaching of the gospel, the rightful administration of the sacraments, and the exercise of discipline. These characteristics echo Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 1:2 that the church is “sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy,” united under Christ as its head.

9. The Sacraments

Articles 33 through 35 address Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which the Confession calls “visible signs and seals.” Baptism identifies believers with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), while the Lord’s Supper signifies spiritual nourishment through Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). These sacraments are means of grace, meant to strengthen faith but not to grant salvation apart from faith.

10. Civil Government

Article 36 essentially states that civil authorities are ordained by God to promote justice and maintain order (Romans 13:1-2). While rulers should reflect the moral principles of the Lord, the Confession also teaches that believers owe government respect and obedience, insofar as it does not conflict with God’s law.

11. The Last Things

Article 37 presents a clear expectation of Christ’s bodily return, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment. Echoing passages like Acts 1:11-“This same Jesus…will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven”-the Confession teaches that God’s plan culminates in Christ’s return to judge the living and the dead, ushering in the fullness of His eternal kingdom.

Biblical and Historical Support

Numerous archaeological and historical studies have corroborated details of biblical places, events, and manuscripts. While the Belgic Confession does not delve into specific archaeological findings, its core assumption that Scripture is reliable aligns well with surviving ancient manuscripts (such as the John Rylands Papyrus for the New Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls for the Old Testament), which confirm the textual integrity of the Bible. Since the Confession stands firmly on biblical authority, these corroborations-from historical census data to geographical cross-references-further reinforce the trustworthiness of the truths confessed therein.

Relevance and Legacy

The Belgic Confession offers a systematic exploration of core Christian doctrines, unifying believers around key tenets such as the sovereignty of God, the sufficiency of Scripture, the necessity of faith in Christ, and the nature of the church. It continues to serve as a teaching standard for many churches, passed on through catechetical instruction, academic study, and liturgical usage. Its concise, scripturally focused approach makes it a timeless reference, highlighting the enduring power and clarity of Scripture to guide believers through changing times.

Conclusion

Rooted in Scripture, the Belgic Confession lays out the essential pillars of Reformed belief and remains a testament to the core truths of the Christian faith. Its articulation of the authority of God’s Word, the identity of the Trinity, the total sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work, and the visible life of the church endures as a clear expression of biblical Christianity. Through its thirty-seven articles, it continues to equip believers with theological clarity and spiritual grounding “so that the servant of God may be…thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).