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DR. SAM WALDRON
Dr. Sam Waldron serves as the Professor of Systematic Theology at the Midwest Center for Theological Studies. This is an institution dedicated to the training of God's servants for both the vocational pastorate and effective service to the Lord Christ in other vocations. Prior to moving to Kentucky to pursue his doctorate at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids from 1977 to 2001.

He is the author of numerous books and pamphlets including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued? And a contributor to the four views book on church government, Who Runs the Church?

He has been married to his wife, Charlene, since 1975, and they have five children.



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PASTORAL THEOLOGY: The Man of God, Volumes One, Two & Three
ALBERT N. MARTIN

From 1978 to 1998, Pastor A.N. Martin taught Pastoral Theology in the Trinity Ministerial Academy, a church-based ministerial training institution. Every Friday throughout the academic year, all the students would gather for two hours of teaching presented in a four-year cycle. Subsequently various series of the audiotapes were widely circulated.

Many expressed their desire to see these lectures printed. As an intermediate step in responding to that desire, the Trinity Baptist Church eldership decided to encourage Pastor Martin to rework the original lectures and deliver them one ?nal time, while professionally recording them. This project was begun in 2007 and completed in 2012 with Pastor Martin teaching his entire Pastoral Theology course “one more time” to 25 to 30 men. The transcriptions of these DVD lectures constituted the basis for the ?rst draft of these edited lectures. Within these lectures there are very few issues faced by the ordinary pastor that are not addressed in one way or another. It is the author’s prayer that when all the volumes are nestled on the bookshelf of any pastor, that whatever his concern may be in conjunction with his pastoral labors, that he can expect that most likely, there is something in these volumes that would be of help to him. It is also the author’s prayer that even the most experienced pastor will ?nd in these pages much that will provoke him to pursue greater personal godliness, increased preaching effectiveness, and expanded pastoral usefulness.

“The first thing I did on my first day of ministry over twenty years ago was to start listening to Pastor Martin’s pastoral theology lectures on cassette tape (yes, that long ago). These addresses not only set my ministry on a biblical course but actually saved my ministry (and my sanity) more times than I can count. I’ve waited a long time to see this material in print and am so glad that present and future generations of pastors can benefit from it as I did (and still do).” —Dr. David Murray, Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Dr. Al Martin poured a lifetime of study into lectures on the pastor and preaching. He delivered them annually to his Academy of theological students who met at the meeting place of his congregation in Montville, New Jersey. While he taught them he was engaged week by week in the dynamics of a growing and demanding pulpit and pastoral ministry… There is certainly a cry from a million hearts that today’s preaching should know more of the breath of heaven….May these volumes do much good all over the globe to assist the renewal of awakening ministries.” —Dr. Geoff Thomas, Pastor (retired), Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales. Visiting Professor of Historical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“When I was a young minister, I came across a series of audio recordings by Al Martin that proved to be a gold mine of wisdom. Opening the Holy Scriptures and leaning on the solid teaching of classic writers, these Pastoral Theology lectures both clarified God’s calling and motivated God’s servants to preach God’s Word and shepherd His flock in accord with the whole counsel of God… About a decade later, when called upon to teach several courses in pastoral theology in the newly begun Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I listened to most of these lectures again and found them even more profitable the second time through. It is, therefore, a great joy for me that Pastor Martin has reworked this material in his senior years and that now these highly esteemed lectures are finally appearing in book form.” —From the Foreword by Dr. Joel R. Beeke, Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan. President & Professor of Systematic Theology & Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Table of Contents of Volume 1

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Biographical Sketch of Albert N. Martin

UNIT ONE: The Call of the Man of God

Chapter 1 Introduction to Pastoral Theology

Chapter 2 The Call of the Man of God to the Pastoral Office

Chapter 3 Fundamental Errors Regarding a Call to the Pastoral Office

Chapter 4 Aspiration to the Pastoral Office

Chapter 5 Qualifications of Christian Character

Chapter 6 Qualifications of Christian Experience (1)

Chapter 7 Qualifications of Christian Experience (2)

Chapter 8 Qualifications of Mental Gifts

Chapter 9 Qualifications of Spiritual Gifts: Speaking Gifts

Chapter 10 Qualifications of Leadership Gifts

Chapter 11 The Source of Spiritual Giftedness

Chapter 12 Confirmation to the Pastoral Office

Chapter 13 Recognition and Ordination to the Pastoral Office

UNIT TWO: The Life of the Man of God

Chapter 1 The Life of the Man of God in the Pastoral Office

Chapter 2 His Relationship to God Spiritually (1)

Chapter 3 His Relationship to God Spiritually (2)

Chapter 4 His Relationship to God Spiritually (3)

Chapter 5 His Relationship to God Intellectually

Chapter 6 His Relationship to God Physically and Emotionally (1)

Chapter 7 His Relationship to God Physically and Emotionally (2)

Chapter 8 His Relationship to His People (1)

Chapter 9 His Relationship to His People (2)

Chapter 10 His Relationship to His People (3)

Chapter 11 The Man of God in Relation to Himself

Chapter 12 The Man of God in Relation to His Time and His Manifold Responsibilities

Chapter 13 The Man of God in Relation to His Domestic Responsibilities (1)

Chapter 14 The Man of God in Relation to His Domestic Responsibilities (2)

Scripture Index

Topical Index

Author Index



TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR VOLUMR THREE

Pastoral Theology – The Man of God, His Shepherding, Evangelizing, and Counseling Labors

The Work of Shepherding—Church Government

Chapter 1: Shepherding in the Pastoral Office

Chapter 2: The Prevailing Disposition of Shepherding (1)

Chapter 3: The Prevailing Disposition of Shepherding (2)

Chapter 4: The Corporate Identity and Life of the Church

Chapter 5: The Eldership (1) Plurality & Parity

Chapter 6: The Eldership (2) Qualifications

Chapter 7: The Eldership (3) Establishing an Eldership: Supplication & Cultivation

Chapter 8: The Eldership (4) Establishing an Eldership: Recognition

Chapter 9: The Eldership (5) Efficient Functioning of an Eldership

Chapter 10: The Diaconate (1) Roots and Origin

Chapter 11: The Diaconate (2) Functions

Chapter 12: The Diaconate (3) Qualifications & Reward

Chapter 13: Corrective Church Discipline (1)

Chapter 14: Corrective Church Discipline (2)

Chapter 15: Corrective Church Discipline (3)

Chapter 16: Corporate Ministry of the Body to Itself (1)

Chapter 17: Corporate Ministry of the Body to Itself (2)

Chapter 18: Cultivating Interchurch Communion (1)

Chapter 19: Cultivating Interchurch Communion (2)

The Work of Shepherding—Corporate Worship

Chapter 1: Convictions Regarding Corporate Worship

Chapter 2: Leading Corporate Worship

Chapter 3: Characteristics and Climate of Corporate Worship

Chapter 4: Public Pastoral Prayer (1)

Chapter 5: Public Pastoral Prayer (2)

Chapter 6: Public Pastoral Prayer (3)

Chapter 7: Public Reading of Scripture

Chapter 8: Corporate Prayer Meetings (1)

Chapter 9: Corporate Prayer Meetings (2)

Chapter 10: Corporate Prayer Meetings (3)

Chapter 11: The Lord’s Supper

Chapter 12: Baptismal Services (1)

Chapter 13: Baptismal Services (2)

Chapter 14: Principles for Accepting Weddings & Funerals

Chapter 15: Officiating at Weddings

Chapter 16: Conducting Funerals

The Work of Evangelism & Pastoral Counseling

Chapter 1: Doing the Work of an Evangelist (1)

Chapter 2: Doing the Work of an Evangelist (2)

Chapter 3: Doing the Work of an Evangelist (3)

Chapter 4: Doing the Work of an Evangelist (4)

Chapter 5: Local Church Evangelism (1)

Chapter 6: Local Church Evangelism (2)

Chapter 7: Local Church Evangelism (3)

Chapter 8: Overview of Pastoral Counseling (1)

Chapter 9: Overview of Pastoral Counseling (2)

Chapter 10: Presuppositions Regarding the Counselor

Chapter 11: Presuppositions Regarding the Counselee

Chapter 12: Presuppositions Regarding the Counsel

Chapter 13: The Sessions of Pastoral Counseling

Chapter 14: Addressing Problems in Pastoral Counseling

Chapter 15: Assessing Progress and Dismissal

Chapter 16: The Ethics of Pastoral Counseling

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TO THE JUDICIOUS AND IMPARTIAL READER: An Exposition of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
James M. Renihan

BAPTIST SYMBOLICS: VOLUME TWO

To the Judicious and Impartial Reader is an exposition of what is popularly known as the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, a document translated into many languages and used by churches around the world for almost 350 years. The Exposition seeks to illuminate and explain the theology of the Confession by setting it into its historical and theological context. It examines relevant primary source expositions of Scripture and theological treatises from the post-Reformation and Puritan eras, including the writings of the men who subscribed to it. Modern readers will be able to discern how the first churches to publish the Confession understood its doctrines and practices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Foreword

Abbreviations

Introduction

The Epistle



UNIT ONE: First Principles

Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scriptures

Chapter 2: Of God and of the Holy Trinity

Chapter 3: Of God’s Decree

Chapter 4: Of Creation

Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence

Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof



UNIT TWO: The Covenant

Chapter 7: Of God’s Covenant

Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator

Chapter 9: Of Free Will

Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling

Chapter 11: Of Justification

Chapter 12: Of Adoption

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification

Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith

Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation

Chapter 16: Of Good Works

Chapter 17: Of Perseverance of the Saints

Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

Chapter 19: Of the Law of God

Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof



UNIT THREE: God-Centered Living: Freedom and Boundaries

Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate

Chapter 25: Of Marriage

Chapter 26: Of the Church

Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints

Chapter 28: Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Chapter 29: Of Baptism

Chapter 30: Of the Lord’s Supper



UNIT FOUR: The World to Come

Chapter 31: Of the State of Man after Death and of the Resurrection of the Dead

Chapter 32: Of the Last Judgement

The Appendix Concerning Baptism



APPENDICES

Appendix A: Outline of the Second London Confession of Faith

Appendix B: A Necessary Distinction: Christ as God and Christ as Mediator

Appendix C: An Index to Richard Muller’s Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms

Scripture Index



ENDORSEMENTS

"To the Judicious and Impartial Reader is a trove of theological insight and research that situates the Second London Confession in its early modern context. Illuminated by documents and debates of the period, Dr. Renihan shines welcomed light on this important confession of faith. His diligent labors will benefit future generations of Reformed Baptists but it will also serve many others who profess the Westminster Confession and Savoy Declaration. Detailed in its analysis, thorough in its scope, and aimed at the heart, Dr. Renihan’s work is must-reading." -J. V. Fesko, Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology Reformed Theological Seminary | Jackson, Mississippi

"James M. Renihan presents here a magisterial exposition of the Second London Confession of 1677/1689— the most influential confessional document in Baptist history. A work of solid scholarship and genuine theological retrieval, destined to become a classic. Highly recommended!" -Timothy George, Distinguished Professor | Beeson Divinity School of Samford University General editor of the 29-volume Reformation Commentary on Scripture.

"This well-researched and historically sensitive exposition offers readers an indispensable guide to the Second London Baptist Confession. In clear, convincing fashion James Renihan explains what the Confession’s language would have meant to its original readers, excavates the various backgrounds which informed its composition, and points contemporary readers towards a fresh appreciation of both the Confession itself and the faith it sets forth. In doing so, Renihan successfully locates seventeenth-century English Calvinistic Baptists within the wider tradition of Reformed Protestantism with which they would have identified." -Dr. Matthew C. Bingham, Lecturer in Systematic Theology and Church History | Oak Hill College

"We are indebted to James Renihan for this masterful study of the 1689 Confession in its original historical context. His insights, drawn largely from primary sources and the fruit of more than twenty years of teaching on the Confession, illuminate and explain the text in a most helpful and edifying manner. We are led to understand the controversies of the 17th century, many of which are still relevant today. While we are grateful to Dr. Renihan for his labours in historical theology, he reminds us that the ultimate goal is not veneration of the Confession itself; it is a means of leading us back to the Scriptures, to worship and adore the Lord and rejoice in our great salvation. There is much here to profit the reader." -Bill James, Principal | London Seminary

"While not a Reformed Baptist myself, I have long appreciated the 2LBCF as a key artifact of Baptist history and theology. Its commitment to historic Christian orthodoxy and its bold proclamation of the formal and material principles of the Reformation, sola scriptura & justification by faith alone, are in and of themselves enough to recommend it as a model of a reformational and catholic (small c!) spirit. When we recognize this spirit alongside the confession’s doctrinal precision and clarity and its exposition of congregational credo-baptist distinctives, we see that it is a confession- al model for all Christians, Baptist and non-Baptist alike. James Renihan’s careful consideration of this foundational seventeenth century text elucidates its doctrinal beauty, truth, and goodness and brings it to bear on us today. Through retrieving this early Baptist statement of faith, Renihan aids all traditions in their pursuit of biblical and theological fidelity." -Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson, Professor of Religion | Dean of Theology, Arts, and Humanities Oklahoma Baptist University

"This book is required reading for anyone who wants to understand seventeenth reformed theology in general or what it means to be a reformed Baptist. The exposition of the confession sets it in its historical context and illuminates its meaning using the sources of the doctrine summarized in it. It also explores the structure of the confession expertly. Modern Baptists are theologically diverse to the point of confusion in many cases and this study of our origins can help bring clarity to the question of what it means to confess the faith of our forefathers. It is a must read for anyone interested in Baptist theology." - Craig A. Carter, Research Professor of Theology Tyndale University.

"In this second volume on Baptist Symbolics, Dr. Renihan gives us his “contextual historical exposition” of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Renihan allows us to hear the discussions of the authors of our Confession as they endeavored to align themselves with historical confessional biblical Orthodoxy. He examines the words and phrases of the Confession with incisive clarity and relevance to our own current situation. Here we learn how to express biblical catholicity while humbly holding to our baptistic convictions that Renihan explains, defends, and endorses with convincing cogency." -Alan Dunn, Pastor | Grace Covenant Baptist Church Flemington, New Jersey

"James M. Renihan in his To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: A Contextual-Historical Exposition of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith has given to the Christian world a veritable exegesis of our Confession. This is the fruit of our beloved brother’s love for Christ, Church, Scripture, and Confession – in that order – and I greatly regret not having this book before, especially since it has been my privilege to study and teach the Confession to the church which I serve. No Reformed Baptist should again teach the Confession before reading this marvelous Exposition." -Francisco Orozco, Pastor | Iglesia Bautista Reformada Professor | Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua Mexico

"James Renihan states, “I have made a conscious decision (with a few exceptions) not to interact with modern interpretations of the theological statements of the seventeenth century confessions which may differ from my own conclusions. The aim of this book is not primarily polemic but rather explanatory. From my perspective, the key question is what did the confession mean?” He has been faithful to his purpose and the result is a rich, comprehensive work of historical and systematic theology worthy of a lifetime of study and meditation. His engagement with the complete milieu of theological writing, beginning with the Particular Baptists of the seventeenth-century and including the Puritan literature that would have most influenced them, sets the confession in its most original doctrinal context and yields a rich and faithful engagement with the treasure of doctrinal truth so clearly expressed in it. He has given a four-fold structure to the entire confession, shown the logic of doctrinal connection between the heads within each of the four divisions, and shown the inner-connections within each paragraph of the various heads. Renihan also has incorporated the genre of “pious meditations” on the family of confessions to which the Second London Confession belongs and has thus been enabled to turn doctrine into devotion without becoming disconnected from the rigorously developed propositions of divine revelation. This work should be a consistently consulted treasure of truth-centered theological instruction and grace-centered, Christ centered, God-centered spiritual formation." - Tom J. Nettles, Louisville, KY

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HOW THEN SHOULD WE WORSHIP? The Regulative Principle and Required Parts of the Church's Corporate Worship
SAM WALDRON author of 'A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession'

How then Should We Worship sets out guidelines for a distinctively Reformed pattern of worship, according to the regulative principle of the church.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction to the Regulative Principle

Chapter 1: What is the Point?

PART ONE: THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF THE CHURCH'S CORPORATE WORSHIP SECTION

Chapter 2: Holy Church

Chapter 3: Sola Scriptura

Chapter 4: Is There a Regulative Principle?

Chapter 5: Is There a Regulative Principle? (continued)

Chapter 6: What Do We Learn About Worship from the Old Testament?

Chapter 7: Give Me That Self-Made Religion!

Chapter 8: Give Me That Self-Made Religion! (continued)

PART TWO: THE REQUIRED PARTS OF THE CHURCH'S CORPORATE WORSHIP

Chapter 9: Parts and Circumstances of Worship?

Chapter 10: Parts for the Heart and a Heart for the Parts!

Chapter 11: First--The Proclamation of the Word!

Chapter 12: Should We Take Offerings in Worship?

Chapter 13: The Prayers?

Chapter 14: Give Attention to the Reading!

Chapter 15: Saying the Amen!

Chapter 16: Singing in the Worship of the Church: Its Precedents and Purposes

Chapter 17: Singing in the Worship of the Church: Its Practice, the Question of Exclusive Psalmody

Chapter 18: Singing in the Worship of the Church: Its Practice, Instruments, Bands, and Choirs (Oh My!)

Chapter 19: Being a Blessing to and Pronouncing a Blessing on God's People

Chapter 20: The Lord's Supper and Baptism as Parts of Worship

Chapter 21: The Various Acts of Church Order as Parts of Worship

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Paul's Commands Regarding the Role of Women in the Church's Corporate Worship as a Confirmation of the Special and Unique Regulation of the Church in Way Different than the Rest of Human Life

Appendix 2: The Lord's Day and Corporate Worship

Appendix 3: Saying of the Amen, Clapping, and Hand-raising in Worship

Appendix 4: Dialogical Worship- The Importance of Participation in Gospel Worship (1 Cor. 14:25)

Appendix 5: A Suggested, Practical Implementation of These Principles in Lord's Day Services

Notes

PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK:

"I have taught seminary courses on worship for over two decades only to encounter resistance to the idea that God regulates how corporate worship should be done. Even those most committed to biblical and doctrinal accuracy suddenly become relativists when discussing public worship. Enter Sam Waldron! How should we worship on a Sunday? Dr. Waldron’s answer is Scriptural, sensible, systematic, and (sometimes) strong. Is there a case for a regulative principle of worship? Read this book and find out." - Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia SC, Chancellor’s Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary, Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

"In the milieu of the worship wars that has taken place over the past three-four decades, a scriptural voice of sanctified reasoning calls out to the church today from Dr. Sam Waldron. With a masterly grasp of the Holy Scriptures and a keen understanding of the religious landscape, the reader is given a balanced and full-orbed prescription for worship from both the Old and New Testaments. It must be carefully noted that the triune God does not want worship of any sort or any kind! Instead, He wants worship that is acceptable (see Hebrews 12:28-29). I heartily commend How Then Should We Worship?, which will thoroughly instruct us in how to worship God acceptably." - Earl M. Blackburn, Senior Pastor, Heritage Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana

"Why do we care so much about how the church worships? Sam Waldron answers that question providing a strong defense of historic Reformed worship, its regulative principle, its authorized elements, and related issues. He writes for a Reformed Baptist audience, yet his argument is important for all serious disciples of Christ. We care, he answers, because it makes a difference if Scripture fills the elements of worship: if substantial portions are read; if whole books of the Bible are preached; if there is a full diet of Bible-filled prayer; if psalms are sung; if the Lord’s Supper is administered as a covenant meal. We care because it makes a difference if services are reverent rather than irreverent; God-centered rather than man-centered; gospel-structured rather than unstructured and random; Spirit-dependent rather than market driven; historically grounded rather than contemptuous of the past. It makes all the difference in the world if worship is conducted “according to Scripture” rather than “according to preference.” This is a work that deserves careful consideration from all those who wish their form of worship to be more, rather than less, pleasing to God." - Dr. Terry L. Johnson, Senior Minister, Independent Presbyterian Church, Savannah, GA

"I highly commend your reading of Dr. Sam Waldron’s new book, 'How Then Should We Worship?' With the biblical and exciting rediscovery of “the Doctrines of Grace” in the last sixty years, sola scriptura requires that reexamine more of the Bible’s truths. One of these truths is the modern debate about “the regulative principle of worship.” Is that principle biblical? If biblical, is it for all of life or especially for the worship and government of the church? Does the Bible make such a distinction or not? Even “reformed” people disagree between themselves (i. e., Frame, Gore vs. Waldron, Duncan).

Believing in the sufficiency of sola scriptura in all matters of faith and practice, Dr. Waldron brings a clarity to “the regulative principle of the church” which includes “the regulative principle of worship.” Worship debates have been raging for the past sixty years. Part of this is because biblical hermeneutics have been erroneous on certain texts as to their context and grammar. Dr. Waldron seeks to address such errors in an irenic and pastoral way. His applications go as far as the “Amen,” liturgical issues, the role of women in worship, worship music, and the difference between the circumstances of worship and the parts (elements) of worship.

I would want to use this text in a seminary level course yet for local church teaching as well. It is very readable and thorough. You will be well instructed, challenged, perhaps corrected, perhaps affirmed by this book. But you will have to read it to find out! As Dr. Waldron might ask: “Are you open to that?” This is a very needed work today for clarity between positions, for the hope of greater unity in Christ’s local church, and for a more irenic and civil discussion between parties involved. To God’s glory alone." - Pastor Fred A. Malone, Author of The Baptism of Disciples Alone, Professor of Pastoral Theology, CBTS, IRBS

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1689 BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH: A Modern Exposition, 5th Edition Revised and Corrected
Sam Waldron, Author of HOW THEN SHOULD WE WORSHIP? The Regulative Principle and Required Parts of the Church's Corporate Worship

BACK IN STOCK ONCE AGAIN IN JANUARY 2023.

A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith by Sam Waldron This 5th Edition is the definitive version, and is presented in hardback.

Modern Christianity is awash in a flood of doctrinal relativity. Satan and his forces love the imprecision and ambiguity which are rampant in our day. As C. H. Spurgeon observed, 'The archenemy of truth has invited us to level our walls and take away our fenced cities.'

This exposition was originally published in 1989 to mark the 300th anniversary of the publication of the Second London Confession, which also became known as the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. Today, Reformed Baptists world-wide hold this Confession in high esteem and many churches continue to regard it as their official statement of faith.

In this extensive exposition, the author Sam Waldron shows that the 1689 Confession is a masterly statement of the historic Christian faith. He writes in a direct and lucid style that will help ministers, students and laymen alike to a clear understanding of this Confession and to its relevance and application to our modern age.

BONUS SECTION # 1- Included in this publication is a very helpful introduction on 'The Legitimacy and Use of Confessions' by the late Dr. Robert Paul Martin, who is now in glory but was formerly Pastor of Emmanuel Reformed Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington.

BONUS SECTION # 2- At the back of the book there are 25 pages of helpful Study Questions (more than 300 in all) that will help to review all the contents of this invaluable book, and serve useful for teaching within the church and the family.

'This is one of my favorite confessional commentaries. It does vary (sometimes more, sometimes less) from studies on the Westminster Confession because of its baptistic approach, but Waldron is an excellent writer, and he has the advantage of being our contemporary. His examples and discussions of issues on which the WCF and LBCF are the same (Creation, Justification, Election, Sabbath, etc.) are excellent. This book is very well organized and clear.' Fred Greco, Senior Pastor, Christ Church PCA, Katy, Texas

Dr. Sam Waldron is the Dean of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary and Professor of Systematic Theology (cbtseminary.org). Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, completed studies equivalent to an M. Div. at Trinity Ministerial Academy, obtained a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and attained a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was one of the pastors of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI. He is now one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY.

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FAITH & LIFE FOR BAPTISTS: The Documents of the London Particular Baptist General Assemblies, 1689-1694
Edited by James M. Renihan with Foreword by Larry Kreitzer

The documents transcribed here record the process of early Particular Baptist associationalism. Each General Assembly published a Narrative of its acts, and several supporting documents were also released. The 1677 Confession of Faith (2LCF) was promoted, a defense of the necessity of financial support for pastors printed, a Catechism authorized, and other subordinate but important papers ordered. All of these documents are incorporated here, so far as is known some of them for the first time in print since the seventeenth century.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by Larry Kreitzer

Preface by James Renihan

1. The Letter Calling for the 1689 General Assembly

2. The Narrative of the 1689 General Assembly

3. The Narrative of the 1690 General Assembly

4. The Narrative of the 1691 General Assembly

5. The Narrative of the 1692 General Assembly

a. The Narrative

b. The Response from Benjamin Keach

c. The Response from William Kiffen et. al.

6. The Narratives of the Bristol and London General Assemblies, 1693 and 1694

a. The Bristol Narrative, 1693

b. The London Narrative, 1693

c. A Report of the Bristol Assembly, 1694

7. The Gospel Minister's Maintenance Vindicated

8. A Confession of Faith

a. The Letter to the Judicious and Impartial Reader

b. The Confession

c. The Appendix on Baptism

9. A Brief Instruction in the Principles of Christian Religion, The Baptist Catechism

"The documents provided in this collection are pivotal and vital for a proper understanding of Baptist self-consciousness at the beginning of the modern Baptist movement... Every Baptist historian, theologian, and serious church member will benefit from paying careful attention to this treasure of primary source material." - Tom J. Nettles

"Once again Professor Renihan has put historians and indeed all Confessional Baptists in his debt. He has produced for the first time a collection of documents illustrating the background to the Second London Confession of Faith and the events leading to and surrounding the early General Assemblies of Particular Baptists... This collection is one to be treasured and consulted." - Robert W. Oliver







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THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL (6 Volume Set)
JOHN FLAVEL (1630–1691)

JUST BACK IN PRINT AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2023. These are always of the highest quality, and you are guaranteed to be satisfied.



THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL (6 VOLUME SET)

Flavel’s complete works had long been unobtainable until reprinted by the Trust in 1968. His six volumes are in themselves a library of the best Puritan divinity and a set will be a life-long treasure to those who possess it. He is one of that small number of evangelical writers who can by their lucidity and simplicity help those at the beginning of the Christian life and at the same time be a strong companion to those who near its end.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

*VOLUME 1: The Life of John Flavel

The Fountain of Life: A Display of Christ in His Essential and Mediatorial Glory

*VOLUME 2: The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption

Pneumatologia: A Treatise of the Soul of Man

*VOLUME 3: Pneumatologia: A Treatise of the Soul of Man (continued)

A Practical Treatise on Fear: Its Varieties, Uses, Causes, Effects and Remedies

The Righteous Man's Refuge

The Occasions, Causes, Nature, Rise, Growth and Remedies of Mental Errors

Appendices

Gospel Unity Recommended to the Churches of Christ

*VOLUME 4: England's Duty under the Present Gospel Liberty (1689)

An Appendix to the Foregoing Treatise

Mount Pisgah: A Sermon preached at the Public Thanksgiving, February 14, 1688-9, for England's Delivery from Popery, etc. (Including an Epistle Dedicatory)

Divine Conduct or the Mystery of Providence: A Treatise upon Psalm 57.2

A Narrative of some late and wonderful Sea Deliverances

Antipharmacum Saluberrimum : A Serious and Seasonable Caveat to all the Saints in This Hour of Temptation

Tidings from Rome or England's Alarm

*VOLUME 5: Husbandry Spiritualized: The Heavenly Use of Earthly Things

Navigation Spiritualized: A New Compass for Seamen

A Caution to Seamen: A Dissuasive against Several Horrid and Detestable Sins

The Seamen's Companion: Six Sermons on the Mysteries of Providence as relating to Seamen; and the Sins, Dangers, Duties and Troubles of Seamen

A Saint Indeed, or The Great Work of a Christian Explained and Applied

The Touchstone of Sincerity, or The Signs of Grace and the Symptoms of Hypocrisy

A Token for Mourners

*VOLUME 6: Preparation for Suffering, or the Best Work in the Worst Times

The Balm of the Covenant Applied to the Bleeding Wounds of Afflicted Saints: II Samuel 23.5

A Sermon Preached at the Funeral of John Upton, of Lupton (Devon): II Chronicles 35.24-5

An Exposition of the (Westminster) Assembly's Shorter Catechism

Vindiciae Legis et Foederis, or A Reply to M, Philip Cary's Solemn Call in which He Contends Against the Right of Believers' Infants to Baptism

Twelve Sacramental Meditations

A Familiar Conference between a Minister and a Doubting Christian Concerning the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

A Hymn upon Romans 5. 6-11

The Reasonableness of Personal Reformation and the Necessity of Conversion

A Coronation Sermon

The Character of an Evangelical Pastor drawn by Christ

A Two-column Table of the Sins and Duties attaching to Church Membership

Index of Texts

Index of Subjects



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THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL (6 VOLUME SET)
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COVENANT THEOLOGY FROM ADAM TO CHRIST
Nehemiah Coxe and John Owen

A reprint of two seventeenth century theologians, Nehemiah Coxe (Adam-Abraham) and John Owen (Mosaic-New).

Nehemiah Coxe says “That notion (which is often supposed in this discourse) that the old covenant and the new differ in substance and not only in the manner of their administration, certainly requires a larger and more particular handling… I designed to give a further account of it… But I found my labor for the clearing and asserting of that point happily prevented by the coming out of Dr. Owen’s third volume on Hebrews.”

John Owen said “No man was ever saved but by virtue of the new covenant, and the mediation of Christ in that respect.”



"This volume brings together wonderful insights from two faithful church leaders of an earlier generation with helpful analyses from competent teachers of today. The results is a valuable resource for students, academics, and pastors." - Tom Ascol

"More times than I can count - and personally I find it so frustrating - I have heard Reformed theology defined in such a way that it excludes those who hold to believer's baptism. This valuable work will help set the record straight." - Michael Haykin

"Nehemiah Coxe's work on the covenant is an important piece of writing by a significant seventeenth century Particular Baptist theologian. Its republication is long overdue. This work is an important resource for twenty-first century Reformed Baptists." - Robert Oliver

"Paedobaptists have seldom, if ever, considered the possibility of a covenantal credobaptist position, and many Baptists are simply ignorant of the centrality of the covenant and its usefulness in defending their own beliefs. This book is an attempt to begin to rectify this deficiency." - Jim Renihan

"For various reasons, many reformed Baptists of our time have failed to realize that historic Covenant Theology was fully appreciated and theologically deployed in the very best of the Calvinistic Baptist tradition. Whereas many Baptists today who are reformed have opted for speaking of themselves as some form of dispensationalist (modified or progressive) or have felt drawn to so-called 'New Covenant Theology,' Baptists who embrace the great Reformed distinctives (like Spurgeon did) have seen themselves as covenant theologians. May their tribe increase!" - Ligon Duncan

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A SCRIPTURAL EXPOSITION OF THE BAPTIST CATECHISM
Benjamin Beddome with Introduction by Dr. James Renihan and Biographical Sketch by Dr. Michael Haykin

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"The recent reprint of The Baptist Catechism has given families and study classes a helpful tool for memorizing the great doctrines of the Christian faith. Now, a hidden jewel, Benjamin Beddome's 'A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism,' takes its place alongside the Catechism to give much needed assistance to the same families and classes. Beddome shows how the doctrines contained in the Catechism are founded upon Scripture, and explains them for all to understand. This is indeed a wonderful instrument to make skilled craftsmen from apprentices!" - Dr. James M. Renihan

"During the early years of his ministry Benjamin Beddome (1717-1795) used Benjamin Keach's 'The Baptist Catechism' extensively, but clearly felt that the questions and answers of this catechism needed to be supplemented by further material. So he composed what was printed in 1752 as 'A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism by Way of Question and Answer,' which basically reproduced the wording and substance of the catechism drawn up by Keach, but added various sub-questions and answers to each of the main questions.

The Scriptural Exposition proved to be quite popular. There were two editions during Beddome's lifetime, the second of which was widely used at the Bristol Baptist Academy, which was the sole British Baptist seminary for much of the eighteenth century. In the nineteenth century it was reprinted once in the British Isles and twice in the United States, the last printing being in 1849." - Dr. Michael Haykin

Benjamin Beddome was born January 23, 1717, at Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, England. He was the son of Baptist minister John Beddome. He was apprenticed to a surgeon in Bristol, but moved to London in 1839 and joined the Baptist church in Prescott Street. At the call of his church, he devoted himself to the work of Christian ministry, and in 1740 began to preach at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. For many years he was one of the most respected Baptist ministers in western England. He was also a man of some literary culture. In 1752, he wrote "Exposition of the Baptist Catechism." In 1770, Beddome received a MA degree from Providence College, Rhode Island.

It was Beddome's practice to write a hymn weekly for use after his Sunday morning sermon. Though not originally intended for publication, he allowed 13 of these to appear in the Bristol Baptist Collection of Ash & Evans (1769), and 36 in Rippon's Selections (1787). In 1817, a posthumous collection of his hymns was published, containing 830 pieces. Robert Hall wrote of Beddome's hymns:

"The man of taste will be gratified with the beauty and original turns of thought which many of them exhibit, while the experimental Christian will often perceive the most secret movements of his soul strikingly delineated, and sentiments portrayed which will find their echo in every heart."

He died September 23, 1795, at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, England.

"Beddome's exposition is particularlly helpful for doctrine classes in churches and can give substantial help to any leader that would want to convene such a study." - Dr. Tom Nettles

"An amazingly insightful volume, written in highly accessible and readable style. Beddome gives helpful, clear biblical exposition to the Baptist Catechism by a series of succinct questions and answers exploring each catechism question's affirmations, denials, and implications concisely and with biblical grounding. He wrote for people in his congregation, not scholars, and its intended audience is obvious in his clear, simple handling of the various headings in the Catechism. Behold here the timelessness of the Puritan approach to Scripture!

Solid Ground did a great job putting together the physical volume. The printing is crisp, dark, and clear; the font is sized to be quite legible; and the paperback itself feels well-made and sturdy.

Beddome's 'A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism' is indeed an important piece of Baptist history; but more than that, it’s an altogether unique book which will help you understand Scripture and know God better. Warmly recommended." - customer R.T. Marsh

A Year with Baptist Classics

CATECHISM TRILOGY

1689 DUAL

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ESV BIBLE WITH CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS
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INCREDIBLE OFFER - OVER 50% OFF BRAND NEW ESV BIBLES W/ CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS

Creeds and confessions have been used throughout Christian history to summarize the Bible's teaching, distilling the key truths of Scripture into concise and succinct propositions. The ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions contains 13 important creeds and confessions from church history placed after the complete ESV text, including the Apostles' Creed, the Belgic Confession, and the Heidelberg Catechism. Introductions written by theologian Chad Van Dixhoorn explain the history and original purpose of each—helping modern Christians see how these historic documents were designed to faithfully teach the truths of Scripture—truths aimed at shaping and motivating the lives of all who follow Christ.

Features

13 historic creeds and confessions placed in the back, including the Apostles Creed (ca. 200–400), the Nicene Creed (325), the Athanasian Creed (381), the Chalcedonian Definition (451), the Augsburg Confession (1530), the Belgic Confession (1561), the Articles of Religion (1563), the Canons of Dort (1618–19), the Westminster Confession (1646), the London Baptist Confession (1689), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), the Westminster Larger Catechism (1647), and the Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)

Introductions to each of the 13 creeds and confessions written by historian Chad Van Dixhoorn

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THE ENTIRE 27 PURITAN VOLUMES FROM SOLID GROUND CHRISTIAN BOOKS
For the first time Solid Ground is offering a remarkable discount on our COLLECTION OF 27 PURITAN CLASSICS, which consists of the following:

*BONDED-LEATHER 1689 BAPTIST CONFESSION & THE BAPTIST CATECHISM - $30.00

*BONDED-LEATHER THREE FORMS OF UNITY - $30.00

A BODY OF DIVINITY by James Ussher - $35.00

Christian's Present for All Seasons: Thoughts of Eminent Divines - $38.00

THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE by John Downame - $45.00

**CLASSIC PURITAN NT COMMENTARY by John Trapp - $80.00

**Commentary on Hebrews by William Gouge, 2 Volumes - $115

Communicant's Companion, The by Matthew Henry $20.00

**A COMPLETE BODY OF DIVINITY by Thomas Watson $80.00

Exposition of the Baptist Catechism by Benjamin Beddome $18.00

**Exposition of the Epistle of Jude by William Jenkyn $55.00 (hc)

An Exposition of the Ten Commandments by Ezekiel Hopkins $28.00

FAREWELL SERMONS by Baxter, Brooks, Caryl, Manton, Watson etc. $32.00

**GOLDEN CHAIN by William Perkins $40.00

GOLDEN SCEPTRE Held Out to the Humble by John Preston $25.00

Gospel Sonnets by Ralph Erskine - $25.00

The Harmony of the Divine Attributes by William Bates $28.00

Heaven Upon Earth: Jesus, Best Friend in Worst Times, James Janeway $25.00

THE MARROW OF TRUE JUSTIFICATION by Benjamin Keach $12.00

**PILGRIM'S PROGRESS (1891 edition) by John Bunyan $40.00

**LECTURES ON PILGRIM'S PROGRESS & ON THE LIFE OF JOHN BUNYAN by George Cheever - $25.00

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS: With Original Marginal Notes edited by George Offor - $15.00

Redeemer's Tears Wept Over the Lost, The by John Howe $12.00

Secret of Communion with God by Matthew Henry $13.00

A Short Explanation of Hebrews by David Dickson $13.00

The Travels of True Godliness by Benjamin Keach $18.00

** Hardcover Volumes

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THE 1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH AND THE BAPTIST CATECHISM: Quality Paperback Edition
Historical Introductions by Jim Renihan

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THIS IS THE PAPERBACK EDITION THAT MATCHES THE CONTENTS OF OUR DELUXE 1689 CONFESSION OF FAITH

BOOK INCLUDES:

Historical Introduction by Jim Renihan

Original Letter to the Reader

The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689

Original Appendix on Baptism

The Baptist Catechism with Scripture Proofs

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THE 1689 LONDON CONFESSION OF FAITH In Booklet Form
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT-OF-PRINT WITH NO PLANS TO PRINT AT THIS TIME. SORRY!!

Here is the unabridged edition of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith that has been produced for years by the brethren at Grace Baptist Church of Carlisle, PA.

Chapters are as follows -

Of the Holy Scriptures

Of God and the Holy Trinity

Of God's Decree

Of Creation

Of Divine Providence

Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the punishment thereof

Of God's Covenant

Of Christ the Mediator

Of Free Will

Of Effectual Calling

Of Justification

Of Adoption

Of Sanctification

Of Saving Faith

Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation

Of Good Works

Of the Perseveraance of the Saints

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

Of the Law of God

Of the Gospel and the Extent of Grace thereof

Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Of the Civil Magistrate

Of Marriage

Of the Church

Of the Communion of Saints

Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Of Baptism

Of the Lord's Supper

Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead

Of the Last Judgement

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THE DISTINCTIVENESS OF BAPTIST COVENANT THEOLOGY: Revised Edition A Comparison Between Seventeenth-Century Particular Baptist and Paedobaptist Federalism
Pascal Denault

NEW REVISED EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE TO SHIP.

"This book by Pascal Denault is a welcome addition to the literature on an issue that has vexed many for too long. It is clear that the seventeenth-century Particular Baptists' formulation of covenant theology in the Second London Confession of Faith was a modified version of the one contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith. But why the different formulation? Denault's work goes ad fontes (to the sources) to find the answer." - Richard C. Barcellos, Ph. D., Palmdale, CA

"Pascal Denault deserves many thanks for his labor in researching and describing the nuances of English covenant theology in the Seventeenth Century. He has uncovered significant factors contibuting to the differences between Presbyterian and Particular Baptist thought and practice, describing theological categories in easily accessible terms." - James M. Renihan, Ph.D., Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies

"I pray that this work will contribute to the raising up of more reformed covenantal baptist churches which avoid the errors of dispensationalism, theonomy, the Federal Vision, and law/gospel errors. It is worthy to be read by all concerned." - Fred A. Malone, Ph.D., author of 'Baptism of Disciplies Alone'

"Not only do I think that this is an excellent and valuable resource. I believe it is one of the best upon this suibject. This is such an informative and helpful book that I pray that our covenant Lord provodentially places this book into the hands of every student of covenant theology." - Jeffrey D. Johnson, author of 'The Fatal Flaw of the Theology Behind Infant Baptism'

"Denault's careful work on the seventeenth-century documents has yielded a strong, Bible-centered, covenantal defense of believers' baptism and is worthy of a dominant place in the contemporary discussions of both covenantalism and baptism." - Thomas J. Nettles, Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"This new study by Pascal Denault is most helpful in providing an accurate summary of the historic discussion between the Baptists and their fellow Puritans, and then showing the way this discussion bears on the contemporary treatment of a vital issue." - Michael A.G. Haykin, Th.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Whether one agrees or disagrees with Pascal's arguments and conclusion, nobody can read this book without admitting the seriousness and the soundness of the facts that are reported and that make it a most commendable book on the subject." - Raymond Perron, Ph.D., Quebec City, Qc

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THE GLORY OF A TRUE CHURCH: Baptist Reprints Series
Benjamin Keach

This book was last printed in the early 1880's. Benjamin Keach was one of the best and most well-known baptist, puritan theologians of the 1600s. He was instrumental in introducing hymns into the church's worship, and also was one of the framers of the 1689 London Baptist Confession. He also had a profound love for the church. He began preaching at 18, and pastoring at 28 and his ministry was tremendously blessed by God with growth in truth and defense against error. He was despised by the authorities of the Church of England and often persecuted for his faith. His church had to be added onto many times; and a little over 100 years after his death a preacher by the name of Charles Spurgeon took up the office of pastor there in his church.

This little book was written to be easily and readily available to all, even the poor. Many congregationalists had written large books on the subject, but Keach was the first of the Baptists to put forth a book on church discipline; and he made it short in hopes that it would spark a Baptist discussion that would show the order and beauty of the Baptists in the midst of the Church of England's persecution on them. Though it is short, it is packed with practical examples on church discipline, and a contagious love for the church. You will find it very easy to read, and the book is sure to grow you in your love for Christ and his church, and to bring order to the church.

"Without question, Benjamin Keach was the greatest theologian among Baptists of the second-generation. He was also a faithful pastor who cared deeply for the church, and longed to see it ordered according to God's revealed will. In this little book, 'The Glory of a True Church', Keach brilliantly, clearly, and succinctly explains the nature of church polity as well as regular and orderly church discipline. I highly recommend it to scholars, pastors, and laymen alike!" - Tom Hicks, PhD Pastor of Morningview Baptist Church

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LECTURES IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY: Volume One - THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
GREG NICHOLS, Rob Ventura, General Editor

Rob Ventura, the General Editor of this new series of Theological Volumes, writes, "I'm excited to announce that the long-awaited theological works of Greg Nichols will be coming out soon. We hope to have the first of seven volumes ready by December this year or by January next year. If you would, please keep the project in prayer. See the endorsements below we have already received -

"I have waited for 20 years to see these lectures finally delivered to us in book form. Though Greg Nichols has evidently interacted with the great Systematic theologians of the past, the contents of these pages are no mere echoes of a bygone era. He has used his gifts and applied his mind in his vintage years to build on this historic foundation and bequeathed to the church a Systematic Theology that is both biblically based and historically fresh. If these are the first fruits, I wonder what the other volumes will be like!" -Dr. Conrad Mbewe, Chancellor of the African Christian University and Principal of the Lusaka Ministerial College in Lusaka, Zambia

"In a day full of light books, Greg Nichols has given us a treatment on the attributes of God in a manner so thoroughly Biblical as to establish the adoration of our Lord upon the firmest of foundations. Here we find gems worth mining. Here is solid nourishment for the head and heart of every hungry believer." - John Snyder, Christ Church, New Albany, Mississippi, Authored 'Behold Your GodÆ, PhD. Trinity St. David's, University of Wales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PREFACE

ABBREVIATIONS

OUTLINE

PROLOGUE: Introduction to Systematic Theology

Introduction: Overview of the Doctrine of God

Part 1: The Existence of God

Part 2: The Knowledge of God

Section 1. The Knowability of God

Section 2. The Incomprehensibility of God

Part 3: The Nature of God

Introduction to Part 3: Overview of God's Nature: Simple, Supreme, and Spiritual

Division 1: God's Supreme Being: God's Existential Attributes

Section 1. God's Ideal Being: Ideality

Section 2. God's Self-Existent Being: Aseity and Independence

Section 3. God's Infinite Being: Spatial Supremacy

Section 4. God's Eternal Being: Temporal Supremacy

Section 5. God's Unchangeable Being: Immutability

Division 2: God's Supreme Spirituality: God's Spiritual Attributes

Section 6. God's Incorporeality: The Majestic Form of God

Section 7. God's Animacy: The Vivacity and Omnipotence of God

Section 8. God's Faculty

Unit 1. God's Supreme Mind: The Omniscience of God

Unit 2. God's Supreme Will: The Sovereignty of God

Unit 3. God's Supreme Affection: The Emotivity of God

Section 9. God's Morality: The Supreme Virtue of God

Introduction: God's Moral Capacity and Character: Overview of God's Supreme Virtue

Unit 1. The Goodness of God

Unit 2. The Holiness of God

Unit 3. The Justice of God

Unit 4. The Faithfulness of God

Conclusion: God's Self-Esteem: God's Consciousness of his Supreme Virtue

Section 10. God's Personality: The Trinity

Part 4: The Names of God

Part 5: The Decree of God

Conclusion to the Doctrine of God

NEW SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY TRILOGY

A COMPLETE BODY OF DIVINITY by Thomas Watson

A MODERN EXPOSITION OF THE 1689 BAPTIST CONFESSION by Sam Waldron

LECTURES ON SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY: Volume One, The Doctrine of God by Greg Nichols

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FOUR NEW TITLES FROM TRUTH & LIFE PUBLISHERS
Hercules Collins, Caleb Evans, Renato Giuliani & J.B. Jeter

SOLID GROUND IS DELIGHTED TO INTRODUCE A NEW PUBLISHER WHOSE WORKS WE DESIRE TO PROMOTE. THE FOUNDER, RENATO GIULIANI, IS A REFORMED BAPTIST PASTOR IN ROME, ITALY. SO FAR THEY HAVE PUBLISHED:

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD & THE SUFFERING OF MAN by Hercules Collins

Enclosed in this book are two treatises of early Baptist pastor Hercules Collins (1647-1702), who was one of the original signatories of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Collins shared that robust and practical theology that allowed the Particular Baptist churches to overcome the many and difficult trials of history and leave a strong testimony of Christian faithfulness and service.

HE DIED FOR US: The Divine Nature & Redeeming Power of Christ's Death by Caleb Evans (1737-1791) with Introduction by Dr. Michael Haykin

"In reading these four magnificent sermons by Caleb Evans from the 18th century on the achievement of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, one is struck with how relevant they are to today's discussion! Throughout the ages, the cross has been a stumbling block to unbelievers but the power and wisdom of God to the church. Evans does a masterful job dismantling criticism of the cross in his day (which also applies to our own day) and simultaneously presenting our Lord's work in all of its beauty, depth, and breadth. Take up and read these wonderful sermons, and more than that, rejoice in Christ crucified, and leave determined to know him who is life eternal and to make him known to the world."- STEPHEN J. WELLUM, Professor of Christian Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL: Finding Hope in an Age of Hopelessness by Renato Giuliani

"We live in a day in which even the church is losing the gospel. More and more, professing Christians and churches are turning away from the biblical message for a man-made version which has no power to save sinners. This is why Understanding the Gospel is so vital today. Using Paul's letter to the Romans as his guide, the author skillfully lays out the salient points of the biblical message of salvation. I highly recommend Understanding the Gospel to all who have an interest in knowing, worshiping, and serving the true God of Scripture." - ALAN CONNER, Pastor of Northwest Bible Church, Oklahoma City, OK

MISSION TO CHINA: The Life of Henrietta Shuck by J.B. Jeter (1802-1880)

The pages of this book contain one of the most moving narratives in the history of Christian missions - the life of Henrietta Shuck. New documents have been included, containing several letters by her husband, Jehu Shuck. Henrietta Shuck (1817-1844) passed into glory at the age of 27 with the following words describing her from her husband, "Her mind was engaged in prayer to the last. She literally fell asleep in Jesus, yes, almost like Enoch, translated, for having walked with God. She seems to have passed away like a glorious meteor, and her light still shines."

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THE VINDICATION OF THE TRUTH: A Brief Exposition of the First London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1644
Dr. James Renihan

FINALLY, A SCHOLARLY AND ACCURATE EXPOSITION OF THE FIRST LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH OF 1644. IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!!

BAPTIST SYMBOLICS: VOLUME ONE

In this scrupulously researched and carefully argued book, Professor Renihan uncovers the faith that lies behind the most famous of the Particular Baptist confessions and shows why it matters today. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the roots of the Particular Baptist movement and the contribution it has made to the formation of Reformed theology.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword | ix

Introduction | 1

The Basics | 7

The Introduction: Article 1 | 29

The Doctrine of God: Articles 2–6 | 35

Scripture: Articles 7–8 | 51

The Doctrine of Christ: Articles 9–20 | 57

The Blessings of Salvation: Articles 21–32 |85

The Church: Articles 33–47 | 125

The Civil Magistrate: Articles 48–52 | 187

The Resurrection: Article 52 and Conclusion | 211

Appendix A: The Title Pages and Prefaces to the Editions of the First London Confession | 217

Appendix B: Heart Bleedings for Professors Abominations | 233

Appendix C: John Spilsbery’s Confession of Faith | 245

Appendix D: Robert Steed, A Plain Discovery of the Unrighteous Judge and False Accuser | 249

Appendix E: ‘BOUND TO KEEP THE FIRST DAY’: Covenant Theology, the Moral Law and the Sabbath among the first English Particular Baptists | 257

Appendix F: Covenant Theology in First London Confession | 283

Appendix G: An Examination of the Possible Influence of Menno Simons’ Foundation Book upon the Particular Baptist Confession of 1644 | 287

Bibliography | 311

Scripture Index | 329

ENDORSEMENTS

"Dr. James Renihan has produced a masterly commentary on the First London Baptist Confession of Faith. Anyone with an interest in Baptist history or theology will enjoy and benefit from this work. Dr. Renihan’s exposition of the text of the confession draws on his deep immersion in the theology and writings of Baptists and others of the time, but this volume provides far more than that: by exploring the sources used by the framers of the confession, as well as the different editions through which it passed, the reader is introduced to the historical context in which the Confession was produced, which in turn helps to understand it and its role in the development of Baptist life and thought in the seventeenth century. Dr. Renihan’s work is a most valuable contribution to the recovery of Baptist theology and heritage, so needed in our day." -Robert Strivens | Pastor, Bradford on Avon Baptist Church

"It is a happy combination that brings together Jim Renihan (one of the premier historians of seventeenth-century Baptists) and the First London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1644/46 (the warm and Christ-centered formal expression of the faith of seven young Particular Baptist Churches in London). The conjunction of Jim’s scholarship with this important document makes for an extremely insightful historical and theological investigation into the early history of Calvinistic Baptists. Renihan has provided us with an exposition of the 1644 Confession that explores its historical context, its confessional and literary sources, its delights as well as its deficiencies, its reception and its critics, its revisions, and its relationship to the later and fuller Second London Baptist Confession of 1677/1689. The appendices add to the historical value of the book and, with the body of the text, render the volume not only a study in historical theology but also a mini course in biblical and systematic theology. This study is worthy of the attention of all who are interested in Baptist history and theology. I highly recommend it." -Terry A. Chrisope | Former Professor of History and Bible, Missouri Baptist University, Legacy Baptist Church of Northwest Arkansas

"I have longed to see a critical exposition of the First London Confession of Faith in print, one that provides a detailed examination of the provenance, structure, theology, editions, and impact of this notable text. This is that! As I read through this new work by Professor Renihan, it was obvious that here was a scholar who had mastered this area of Baptist history, had long pondered the nooks and crannies of its terrain, and was able to compact all his study of this text within the scope of a monograph such as this. In sum: this is a fine work, one that is eminently judicious in its conclusions and, I trust, will be eminently useful for the people of God." -Michael A. G. Haykin | Chair & Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

"I truly wish I had held this publication in my hands a decade earlier. At that time, I was writing my master’s thesis on the First London Baptist Confession of Faith. It wasn’t an easy task back then to sift through the available sources to examine the historical circumstances of its genesis and theological nuances. Dr. Renihan, whom I know personally and hold in high esteem, has done an extraordinarily elaborate job for anyone with a serious interest in studying the beginnings and doctrinal convictions of early confessional Calvinistic Baptists in England. Dr. Renihan takes us on an exciting and highly educational journey back in time to the first and very few Calvinist Baptist congregations in London, who hold their ground in the face of enemies and persecutors. May this work not only meet with academic interest but also be a means to deepen our own convictions so that we also might stand firm in the faith, especially in a time of growing opposition." -Peter Schild | Pastor, Evangelical Reformed Baptist Church, Frankfurt, Germany

"Dr. James Renihan has given us a major study of the Baptists’ First London Confession 1644, which was an apologia justifying the emergence of orthodox independent churches practicing believer’s baptism in very dangerous and uncertain times. Ongoing debate and defense necessitated minor adjustments over the next decade. Because of the recent remarkable worldwide emergence of Baptist churches acknowledging the 1677/1689 confession, the earlier document has passed somewhat into the background and has sometimes been misunderstood and its teaching even set over against that of its better known successor. By a careful study of the historical context and the sources behind the 1644 statement, Dr. Renihan has shown that both statements emerge from the Puritanism of the age and bear witness to historic Christianity. He has also made it clear that the men behind both confessions found it necessary to explain and defend their application of the Reformation principle of sola Scriptura to their ecclesiology. One is filled with admiration of the men of the 1640s given the limitations of their background." -Robert Oliver, PhD | Retired Pastor and Scholar

"With trademark thoroughness and historical awareness, our guide paces steadily through the landscape of the First London Baptist Confession, analyzing each aspect with careful deliberation. The definite contours of the document are made clear, illuminated by splashes of light from contemporary sources. We are left with a fine view of the Baptists’ home territory. With this to help us, we can better appreciate the faith and life of our spiritual forefathers, together with the context in which they labored and the challenges they faced. For their successors, this will prove a genuinely helpful resource." -Jeremy Walker | Pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church, Preacher and Author

"This book is a contribution of inestimable value to the study of the history, faith, and influence of the Particular Baptists. Dr. Renihan provides an exposition of the first confession of faith of the Particular Baptists from an objective perspective that does not paint their actions through rose-colored glasses but explains them in a transparent and honest way. The richness of his sources and the clarity of Dr. Renihan that invites the reader to interact with them, along with the clear and coherent structure of his exposition and the pertinence of his explanations, make this work an invaluable resource for anyone who seeks to better understand the roots of our faith. This book is the result of a lifetime of study, a passionate heart, and a scholarly mind capable of clearly expressing the history of our glorious Baptist legacy. Likewise, his exposition will serve to ignite a flame of devotion and faithfulness to God’s Word and an appreciation for the richness of our Particular Baptist heritage in the hearts of generations to come—including those arising in distant lands like Latin America." -Jorge A. Rodríguez Vega | Pastor of Iglesia Bautista Gracia Soberana in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, Director of Seminario Bautista Confesional del Ecuador and Executive Director of the Publisher Legado Bautista Confesiona

"Imagine a small foreign country known only to a very few people, and most of them, not very well. This country is so remote you cannot make the trip yourself, but for some important reason you need to familiarize yourself with it. Then you discover one man, so thoroughly conversant with the place and its people, including their manner of thinking, their habits of expression, their beliefs, and even how surrounding communities have impacted them, that he deserves a reputation among the highest rank in this sphere of knowledge. And it did not come easily. This man has spent a great portion of his lifetime virtually among these people, listening carefully to their conversation, and learning from them with a great deal of sympathy. Finally, to your delight, the expert is willing to take the time to sit with you and, with much less effort and time on your part, bring you up to speed in a clear, convincing way. Listening, you find he is a tour guide par excellence.

Such a guide has Dr. James Renihan been to me, and the metaphorical country is the seventeenth-century Particular Baptist world. This book, Dr. Renihan’s first volume in Baptist Symbolics, is an exposition of the First London Baptist Confession of Faith—and so much more. From a firm foundation of primary sources of the period, with his own original research, he presents some of the most significant documents along with interpretations of the language consonant with the vocabulary and connotations, theological and ecclesiastical, of that people and their times. In an expeditious way that cost me little, I have been enriched as a student of historical theology in this special area of interest by reading his book. Such knowledge also contributes to a more responsible assessment of general church history as well as Baptist history. Further and importantly, our study of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1677/89 is surprisingly enhanced by an accurate knowledge of the First, as provided in this book. A triumph of Baptist scholarship!" -D. Scott Meadows | Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church (Reformed), Exeter, New Hampshire

"In this scrupulously researched and carefully argued book, Professor Renihan uncovers the faith that lies behind the most famous of the Particular Baptist confessions and shows why it matters today. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the roots of the Particular Baptist movement and the contribution it has made to the formation of Reformed theology." -Crawford Gribben | Professor of Early Modern British History, Queen’s University Belfast.

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A NEW EXPOSITION OF THE LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH OF 1689
Edited by Rob Ventura, with contributions by more than 20 Reformed Baptist Pastors

For centuries, Baptists have published confessions of faith as formal statements of their beliefs. Chief among these is the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. This doctrinal statement is a spiritual treasure trove worthy of our fresh attention. In this new study, more than twenty contributors unpack its timeless biblical truths, “things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1). Our prayer is that the Lord will use this volume to richly edify and sanctify His people worldwide and to assist the churches in pursuing biblical holiness and doctrinal purity. May these labors send God’s people back again and again to the Bible, which is—as the confession states—the “only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.”

"In a most attractive, readable and scholarly way this rich volume presents historic Christianity as Baptists have absorbed it and been confessing it for the last 333 years in this grand statement of our best Confession of Faith. This book is a tremendous achievement and destined never to go out of print." —Dr. Geoff Thomas, former pastor for over fifty years of Alfred Place Baptist Church (Independent), Aberystwyth, Wales

"This commentary on the 1689 contains all the riches needed in this peculiarly relevant undertaking. It is set in its rich historical context without destroying its ongoing contemporary relevance. The authors are committed to the confession's theological position in the context of rigorous biblical exposition. Both the content of the confession and the outlay of its exposition contains all the strengths of doctrinal catholicity, orthodoxy, evangelicalism, and Baptist thought. Each author has a deep grasp of the rich heritage of historical theology and the issues involved in canonical biblical interpretation and brings these to bear on the specific article under discussion. This volume will add richness to the weekly study of a pastor and give an invaluable book for church groups for enriching their biblical knowledge and the contextual consistency and doctrinal coherence of the inspired Scriptures." —Dr. Tom J. Nettles, Senior Professor of Historical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"This volume fulfils admirably the contemporary need for a thorough, detailed exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. Biblically rooted, theologically careful and engagingly written, this work is also consistently warm in its tone and practical in its application, authored as it is by pastors who are committed to the biblical truths that the Confession teaches. Anyone wanting a clearer understanding and firmer grasp of those truths will benefit greatly from this book." —Dr. Robert Strivens, Pastor, Bradford on Avon Baptist Church (Former Principal, London Seminary)

"In this volume you will find men who have wrestled with the cardinal doctrines of Christianity and produced a commentary that sheds a warm light on the 1689 Confession. Difficult passages have been explained. Instructive detail has been provided. Here is a tool for every follower of Christ who desires to see Jesus, our altogether lovely One, more clearly, understand His redemptive labors more fully, and walk more nearly to Him in applied truth. May God give us all such unifying, reviving sights of Himself and His work as we make diligent use of this helpful volume." —Dr. John Snyder, Pastor at Christ Church, New Albany, Director of Media Gratiae

"I am grateful that there is a growing interest in doctrinal Christianity here in Africa and all over the world. Whereas there are many books dealing with one or two aspects of theology, it is good to have one book that gives those coming to Reformed Baptist convictions a comprehensive view of what we believe. The New exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, written by proven men in ministry, is such a resource. Let us make it available to many. The fruit will be evident for all to see for generations to come!" —Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church and Founding Chancellor of the African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia

"This is an important resource for Baptists to understand their historic doctrines that were rooted in the Reformation. While I would disagree with some of the comments that argue for credobaptism, many of the chapters are superb in their biblical, theological, and experiential understanding and application of the great truths of Scripture." —Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

"The 1689 London Baptist Confession, apart from a few issues relating to baptism and polity, is a mirror of the 1646 Westminster Confession of Faith (to which I subscribe). Both endorse Calvinism with its robust doctrines of divine sovereignty in creation, redemption, regeneration and final judgement. In an age of relativism and unregulated piety, a return to the doctrines of grace espoused by this confession is urgently needed. The exposition of these truths given in this volume is masterful. May its publication and use aid in the reformation of the church in our time." —Dr. Derek W H Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia SC Chancellor’s Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

"It may seem odd that a convinced Presbyterian should write a warm commendation to this volume expounding the 1689 Baptist Confession. However, I do so with pleasure and seriousness. Throughout church history, confessions of faith have served the church admirably, helping to guard the church's biblical identity and gospel calling. You do not need to agree with every sentence in this 1689 Confession to benefit greatly from its exposition by men of theological orthodoxy and pastoral integrity. Martin Bucer's maxim, 'True theology is not theoretical but pastoral; the end of it is to live a godly life', is richly expounded throughout this fine volume. Read and sink your mind and heart into the rich truths as expressed in this new work." —Dr. Ian Hamilton, Principal of Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary

"In second Timothy, the apostle Paul, nearing the end of his mortal life, was earnestly concerned that Timothy would hold fast the heritage of truth passed on to him. Many of the contributing expositors of the chapters in this new exposition of the 1689 are veteran pastors in the latter years of their longstanding pastorates. Central to their ministries has been a competent public proclamation of the Word of God and a holding to this great historic document. May the following generations be faithful stewards as they have been, in profession and practice, of the “sound words” they have set forth in this new work. Herein is a legacy of truth to be bought and not sold (Proverbs 23:23)."—George McDearmon, Pastor Ballston Lake Baptist Church, Ballston Lake, NY

ROB VENTURA (MDiv, Reformed Baptist Seminary) is one of the pastors of Grace Community Baptist Church of North Providence, Rhode Island. He is a co-author of A Portrait of Paul and Spiritual Warfare, and is the general editor of Going Beyond the Five Points, Covenant Theology, and Lectures in Systematic Theology. He is also a contributor to the Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible.

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UNDER GOD, OVER THE PEOPLE: The Calling and Accountability of Civil Government
Oliver Allmand-Smith

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Solid Ground has been selected to be the Sole Distributor of this title in the US and Canada. Contact us if you desire a significant number of these books, as we will be working with several distributors in the US and Canada to get this book out among God's people!



'UNDER GOD, OVER THE PEOPLE: The Calling and Accountability of Civil Government' speaks biblical truth directly into our situation as churches today as we increasingly face government interference and intervention in the life of the local church. This precise and yet, accessible work draws and expounds upon the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith on the subject of the Civil Magistrate, its calling and its accountability.

When the government first imposed legal restrictions of all kinds over the local church and its worship, Oliver, alongside the other elders of Trinity Grace Church, turned to the Second London Baptist Confession for biblical guidance and instruction. 'Under God, Over the People' is the fruit of that study as he, alongside others, sought to lead the local church to a biblical stance on the role of the state and how it relates to churches.

CHAPTER 24 - OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE

Paragraph One

"God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end has armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers." (Romans 13:1-4)

Paragraph Two

"It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace (2 Sam. 23:3; Ps. 82:3,4), according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions (Luke 3:14)."

Paragraph Three

"Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience’ sake (Rom. 13:5-7; 1 Pet. 2:17); and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty (1 Tim. 2:1,2)."



TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Civil Government: Answerable to God

2 Civil Government: Called by God

3 Civil Government: Empowered by God

4 The Godly Magistrate

5 The Godly Citizen

ENDORSEMENTS

"Christians must take seriously the lordship claims of the Mediator, Jesus Christ. He alone has power and authority over the church. Intrusions by any human agency must be rejected and where necessary resisted. In this short book, Oliver calls believers to show reverence to Christ before all, especially in a day when others seek to place themselves on His royal throne." -Dr. James Renihan, minister and President of International Reformed Baptist Seminary in Mansfield, Texas, USA.

"The past few years have made clear the pressing need for the Church to recover a biblical approach to the divinely-intended purposes and function of civil government; it’s powers, spheres of authority and the limits of its jurisdiction. Here, Oliver Allmand-Smith undertakes this task by carefully mining from the treasures of the 2LBCF. I heartily commend this volume." -Enoch Adekoya, MA Applied Theology, currently pursuing a PhD in Political Theology at the University of Manchester and member of Trinity Grace Church, Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, UK.

"The events of the past few years force us to consider afresh at the subject of the Civil Government.  Christians will do it based on Scripture and not political theory.  But we also need to examine what Christians of a previous age have stated in their most considered writings, their Confessions of Faith.  The Baptists framers of the 1689 London Confession had to grapple with this subject having faced far more governmental overreach than we have so far experienced.  What was their view of civil government?  Oliver helpfully blends the two, always taking us back to Scripture.  I recommend this relevant study, not only because it establishes God’s intentions with which every Christian ought to be conversant as we all live under such government, but also because it clearly directs us as to our attitude towards any future and increasing overreach.  May the Lord use what is in your hands so that on the one hand you will gladly “be subject to the governing authorities”, and on the other hand you will know when to “obey God rather than men.” -Keith Underhill, minister, trustee of Trinity Pastor’s College in Nairobi and former missionary to Kenya from 1975-2015.

"This book is of immense value to anyone unsure of the relationship between civil authorities with all its anomalies and Christian faith and practice. Much of the author’s work is based on the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith applied and made relevant to the twenty-first century. This book will be of great assistance in determining how we face up to challenging times that lie ahead. May God, by his grace, help us to honour him that he may honour us as we shine the light of truth in a darkened world." -Les Yates, former elder at Trinity Grace Church in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, UK.

"This is an excellent piece of work; I have much enjoyed reading it, because of its relevance and the way it uses the Confession in subjection to Scripture. We have so long enjoyed relative tranquillity that we have become pragmatists in our attitude to authority, adopting either an unhealthy acceptance of all that the state proposes or an aggressive belligerence. Chapter 5 most helpfully maintains a clear distinction between active rebellion and civil disobedience. The difference between the spheres of authority is most important here. It is also important to be able to remind the magistrate of his duty to uphold righteousness which is defined by God's Law. This may prove costly. We are facing an imminent challenge from those who would restrict our praying and counselling against sin.  Clearly our opponents are fearful of the spiritual weapons given to us; which are mighty in God to the pulling down of strong holds.’ -Dr. Robert Oliver, minister, former lecturer in Church History at London Theological Seminary and former pastor of Bradford On Avon Baptist Church, UK.

"Oliver has provided a careful consideration of the Christian’s relationship to civil government from a confessional perspective. His book is a timely treatment of the jurisdictional limits of civil government in comparison with the government of the church, and a needful reminder of the believer’s call to submission even in the face of persecution. Reformed churches the world over would do well to prayerfully study this wonderful work." -Steve Crampton, Constitutional attorney at the Thomas More Society and elder at Albany, Mississippi, USA

AUTHOR

Oliver Allmand-Smith is married to Alison, and they have been blessed with six children. He is also a trustee of International Reformed Baptist Seminary (IRBS), Reformation Today and African Pastor’s Conferences. He has been a pastor at Trinity Grace Church, Ramsbottom, for over twenty years.

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1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH AND THE 1695 BAPTIST CATECHISM
With Introductory Essays by Dr. James Renihan



SADLY, OUR FOURTH PRINTING IS NOW COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. PLEASE PRAY THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO PRINT A FIFTH EDITION SOMETIME SOON!!!



THIS BONDED-LEATHER EDITION IS EXACTLY LIKE THE 1st PRINTING WITH A HARDCOVER WRAPPED WITH THE ARIZONA BONDED-LEATHER. MADE TO LAST!

If you appreciate sound theology in a quality volume you will love to be able to have the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism in a handy and durable leather binding. We are using the accepted editions of both Confession and Catechism along with the Scripture Proofs for both. We have also included a brief Introduction by Dr. Jim Renihan, and the original Appendix on Baptism.

ENDURING VALUE: Finally the Reformed Baptists have their most important doctrinal statements in a form that will endure for generations to come. This beautiful edition sends the right message to the watching world about the enduring value of these documents. Be a part of history!

FEATURES:

1) Arizona Bonded Leather Black 4475 Llama

2) 55# paper (360 ppi for long-lasting durability)

3) Smyth-sewn case binding

4) Gold stamping on both spine and front cover

5) 1/4" marker ribbon, black, bound into the book

BOOK INCLUDES:

Historical Introduction by Jim Renihan

Original Letter to the Reader (CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ)

The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689

Original Appendix on Baptism

The Baptist Catechism with Scripture Proofs

This is NOT a modernized version of the Confession or the Catechism.

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JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF REFORMED BAPTIST STUDIES - 2014 & 2015
Edited by Richard Barcellos

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION - The Journal of the Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies (JIRBS) is published to explain and support the theology of Holy Scripture as it is summarized in the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. The journal will be published annually.

JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF REFORMED BAPTIST STUDIES - 2014

Table of Contents

ARTICLES

1. COMMUNION AT THE LORD'S SUPPER: 1 Corinthians 10:16 in its Exegetical and Confessional Context by Richard C. Barcellos

2. SEPARATING GOD'S TWO KINGDOMS: Two Kingdom Theology among New England Baptists in the Early Republic by Ronald Baines

3. 'THAT STRONG HOLD OF THEIR COMMON FAITH': Salvation in Christ Alone among Seventeenth-Century Baptists by James M. Renihan

4. OF THE NATURE OF GOD: The Inter-Relation of Essence and Trinity in Edward Leigh's A Systeme or Body of Divinity (1662) by Stefan T. Lindblad

5. STILL IMPASSIBLE: Confessing God without Passions by James E. Dolezal

6. Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants, A Review Article by Samuel Renihan

BOOK REVIEWS

A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship, Michael S. Horton, reviewed by Douglas VanderMeulen

Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books, Michael J. Kruger, reviewed by James P. Butler

Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry, Paul David Tripp, reviewed by Jeffrey A. Massey

God, Heaven, and Har Magedon: A Covenantal Tale of Cosmos and Telos, Meredith G. Kline, reviewed by Douglas Van Dorn

Natural Law and the Two Kingdoms: A Study in the Development of Reformed Social Thought, David VanDrunen, reviewed by Micah Renihan

Seditious Sectaries: The Baptist Conventiclers of Oxford 1641-1691. 2 Vols. Studies in Baptist History and Thought 30.1 and 30.2, Larry J. Kreitzer, reviewed by James M. Renihan

The Creedal Imperative, Carl R. Trueman, reviewed by Donald R. Lindblad

The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology: A Comparison Between Seventeenth-Century Particular Baptist and Paedobaptist Federalism, Pascal Denault, reviewed by Samuel Renihan

Union with Christ: In Scripture, History, and Theology, Robert Letham, reviewed by James E. Dolezal

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an, James R. White, reviewed by John A. Brown

William Kiffen and His World Parts 1 and 2, Larry J. Kreitzer, reviewed by James M. Renihan

JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF REFORMED BAPTIST STUDIES - 2015

Table of Contents

ARTICLES

1. SCOPUS SCRIPTURAE: John Owen, Nehemiah Coxe, our Lord Jesus Christ, and a Few Early Disciples on Christ as the Scope of Scripture, Richard C. Barcellos

2. PRAEDICATIO VERBI DEI EST VERBUM DEI: 'The Preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God' - Heinrich Bullinger and The Second Helvetic Confession, Ronald Baines

3. SUFFICIENT, CERTAIN, AND INFALLIBLE: The Inscripturated Word, James M. Renihan

4. 'DOLPHINS IN THE WOODS': A Critique of Mark Jones and Ted Van Raalte's Presentation of Particular Baptist Covenant Theology, Samuel Renihan

5.CHRIST SPIRITUALLY PRESENT AND BELIEVERS SPIRITUALLY NOURISHED: The Lord's Supper in Seventeenth-Century English Particular Baptist Life, G. Stephen Weaver, Jr.

6.ETERNAL CREATOR OF TIME, James E. Dolezal

BOOK REVIEWS-

Divine Covenants and Moral Order: A Biblical Theology of Natural Law, David VanDrunen

(Grand Rapids: W. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2014, 545 pp.),

reviewed by Micah Renihan

God with Us: Divine Condescension and the Attributes of God, K. Scott Oliphint

(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2012, 302pp.),

reviewed by Charles J. Rennie

Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton, 1845-1929, Bradley J. Gundlach (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2013, 374 pages),

reviewed by James M. Renihan

The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate,

Michael J. Kruger (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2013, 256pp.),

reviewed by James P. Butler

The Theology of the Westminster Standards: Historical Context and Theological Insights,

John V. Fesko (Wheaton: Crossway, 2014, 441 pages), and

Confessing the Faith: A ReaderÆs Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith,

Chad Van Dixhoorn (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2014, 484 pages),

reviewed by James M. Renihan

Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologiae: A Guide and Commentary, Brian Davies

(New York: Oxford University Press, 2014, xvi + 454pp.),

reviewed by James E. Dolezal

Thomas Grantham: GodÆs Messenger from Lincolnshire, John Inscore Essick

(Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 2013, 246 pages),

reviewed by James M. Renihan

JIRBS


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THE CHILDREN OF CHURCH MEMBERS
RICHARD FURMAN

The subject matter taken up in the following article ought to be of great interest to Baptists in particular as well as all who long to see the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the hearts of those children whose faces adorn their congregational times of worship and study. It is here reprinted in the hope that those who have Baptist convictions concerning the matter of membership in Christ’s church might be strengthened in their position as well as challenged to be diligent to make use of all responsible means in the evangelism of the children God has given them as an inheritance. Originally written as a circular letter to the Charleston Baptist Association, this article demonstrates the definite theological character of the union enjoyed among the Baptists in days gone by. It was the custom of Baptist associations to appoint various ministers to write on a particular subject of Christian doctrine and the finished product was distributed among the churches as a means of instruction and edification. This, of course, necessitated a basic doctrinal agreement as well as a basic understanding of biblical and theological matters. Certainly our generation would be blessed if such a practice were to be re-instituted in our day.

The Charleston Baptist Association

In 1749, Mr. Oliver Hart became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina. He had been active in the Philadelphia Baptist Association, and subsequently he gave great impetus to the formation of the Charleston Baptist Association (October 21, 1751), the first association in the South. It is this association which might rightly be called the “womb” from which the Southern Baptist Convention was born. Beginning with four churches, this association was thoroughly Calvinistic in its doctrinal position, adopting the London Baptist Confession of 1689 as its confession of faith. In later years (1813) this association would commission the printing of a document for use in the churches which came to be known as The Charleston Manual, consisting of The London Baptist Confession, A Summary of Church Discipline, and The Baptist Catechism. In considering the importance of this association, it should be acknowledged that no discussion of “Southern Baptist heritage” can be either meaningful or honest without examining the doctrine and practices of the Charleston Association.

Dr. Richard Furman

"The author of this article was born in New York in 1755, though his family moved to South Carolina while he was still an infant. Cathcart says of his childhood, “Before he could hold the family Bible he would lay it on a stool and ask to be taught to read it, and as soon as he acquired the art, reading it was his chief delight.” He played a very influential part in the Revolutionary War, as did many Baptists of his day. Among those who regularly sat under his ministry during this time was Patrick Henry.

In 1787 he became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where he labored faithfully for 37 years. His ministry was greatly blessed by God. In 1814 he was unanimously elected the first president of the Triennial Convention. During his life he championed the cause of ministerial education. Cathcart says, “… he gave a powerful impulse to the convictions from which have sprung Furman University, in South Carolina, Mercer, in Georgia, Hamilton, in New York, and finally the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.” Furman died in August, 1825, having made an indelible mark for the cause of God and truth." -Bill Ascol

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A FAITH TO CONFESS: The 1689 London Baptist Confession in Modern English
modernized by S.M. Houghton

THIS IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE!! WE ARE TRYING TO GET THEM!!!

A NEW EDITION OF THIS MODERNIZED 1689 CONFESSION HAS JUST ARRIVED FROM THE UK.

This is an updated version of the Baptist Confession of 1689. Very helpful to use with those who find the language of the original 1689 to be too difficult.

A FAITH TO CONFESS is designed to present a clear outline of Biblical truth to all interested persons. Since the Bible, the fully inspired Word of God, does not change from one age to another, the truths contained in the Confession, wholly based as they are upon Scripture, are as relevant today as when 'the Elders and Brethren of many congregations of Christians, baptized upon profession of their Faith' stated them in 1677. Charles II was then upon the British throne. It was a time of persecution.

Between the years 1644 and 1648 an Assembly of Puritan Divines of England and Scotland had drawn up the Westminster Confession which was and is highly esteemed by believers. But its church Order was that of Presbyterianism, and Baptists differed from it on important matters such as the nature of the gathered church, baptism, the Lord's supper and church government. Hence, when opportunity arose, they drew up their own Confession of Faith, accepting the fundamental doctrines of the Westminster Confession but making such adjustments to, and correction of, that Confession as seemed to their minds and consciences to be demanded by the pure Word of God. Thus a comparison of the two Confessions will reveal many word-for-word similarities but also sundry changes.

A dozen years after the Baptist Confession was drawn up by persecuted ministers a new era of liberty dawned, and in 1689 thirty-seven leading Baptist ministers re-issued the Confession. In England and Wales it became the definitive Confession of the Particular or Calvinistic churches and remained so for the next two centuries. Its alternative title was the Old London Confession. In 1744 it was adopted by the Calvinistic Baptists of North America, and called by them the Philadelphia Confession of Faith.

The youthful C. H. Spurgeon had been minister of the New Park Street Chapel, London, for a few months only when, in 1855, he determined to strengthen the doctrinal foundations of that and other churches by the re-issue of the 1689 Confession. In this way it was given a new lease of life. The twentieth century has also witnessed to its relevance and usefulness, for in 1958 it was again reprinted, with further editions in 1963, 1966, 1970 and 1974. Recent decades have seen a revival of the Reformed Faith, not least among Baptists. The revivifying of old churches and the planting of new churches in various parts of the world has given renewed emphasis to the need for a Confession which sets forth fundamentals of the Faith in clear and concise language.

Carey Publications Limited felt, however, that the Confession of 1689 in its original form presented certain difficulties. An essential of any doctrinal statement is that it should be capable of being clearly understood by those who are invited to use it. As far as possible its language must be that of the time of its issue; ambiguities must be avoided; clarity must be its hallmark. After nearly three hundred years the Confession of William III's reign no longer meets these requirements, and Mr. S. M. Houghton of Charlbury, Oxford, was invited by the Publishers to rewrite the Confession in a modern style, retaining the exact sense of the original-this is guaranteed!-but transposing phrases and changing words, to render the meaning, as far as possible, crystal clear. It is believed that, in this new form, the Confession will have a still greater usefulness wherever the English language is spoken.

Baptist ministers need experience no hesitation in recommending the Confession to their members as a document that maintains doctrinal precision with a reasonable degree of fullness. It is not, of course, to be held as an infallible and authoritative rule. Believers are bound by Scripture, by the whole of Scripture, and by nothing but the Scripture. At the same time, however, it is highly necessary and undeniably useful to have a clear statement in modern language of the Faith we believe and practice and commend to all men.

Those newly converted to the Christian Faith are not expected at the outset either to know or understand all the great doctrines set out in the Confession. But acquaintance with all facts of the Faith is something to be pursued from the moment of conversion, and the more so because there are many winds of false doctrine in the modern world ready to blow young plants out of the ground. The modern idiom will aid young Christians, and the texts to which they are directed will be a guide for them in Bible study. We have not followed the method of inserting, after every other sentence or so, a figure to guide to a Biblical text, but have adopted the more modern practice of giving textual references at the end of the paragraphs. Those who use the Confession are requested to compare the statements made with the texts to which attention is called, but at the same time to remember-and this is a very important matter-that statements in the Confession do not hinge upon any one text, but are keyed to 'the whole counsel of God'.

While it is hoped that all members of churches will steadfastly believe the doctrines of the Confession, it is unlikely that they will all become expert theologians. But the Reformed awakening of today has given renewed thrust to the Biblical teaching concerning Elders, who are, by definition, expected to possess an aptitude to teach and to be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince gainsayers (Titus 1:9). Here, then, is a Faith for churches to be founded upon, and a Faith for church officers to teach, defend, and hand on to future generations (1 Tim. 3:15,16).

We can rightly claim that well-established believers of the Baptist persuasion will find little, if any, difficulty in giving assent to the great truths which are covered by the Confession. Such fundamental doctrines as those of the Trinity, Providence, the Fall of Man, the Atonement, Justification, and Repentance are the common heritage of all who worthily bear the name of Christian. On the other hand, there are matters to which the Confession makes reference which do not command such universal assent, and on which, indeed, opinions are divided. This very fact reminds us that the Confession is not acclaimed as an infallible statement on a par with Scripture. But certainly it expresses in up to date language the sum and substance of the ancient Gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers and saints, and, as Spurgeon said of the Confession when he republished it in 1856, 'it is the truth of God, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail'.

CHAPTERS

1. The Holy Scripture

2. God and the Holy Trinity

3. God's Decree

4. Creation

5. Divine Providence

6. The Fall of Man: Sin and its Punishment

7. God's Covenant

8. Christ the Mediator

9. Free Will

10. Effectual Calling

11. Justification

12. Adoption

13. Sanctification

14. Saving Faith

15. Repentance unto Life and Salvation

16. Good Works

17. The Perseverance of the Saints

18. The Assurance of Grace and Salvation

19. The Law of God

20. The Gospel and its Gracious Extent

21. Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

22. Religious Worship, and the Lord's Day

23. Lawful Oaths and Vows

24. Civil Government

25. Marriage

26. The Church

27. The Fellowship of Saints

28. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

29. Baptism

30. The Lord's Supper

31. The State of Man after Death and The Resurrection of the Dead

32. The Last Judgment

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