Confessional
Ours is an age marked by numerous assaults of various kinds against foundational truths of God’s Holy Word. Of course, the errors of our day are neither unique nor new; church history has been marked by those who twist and misuse the Scriptures to assert their novel notions of doctrine and practice. We therefore seek to follow the pattern set forth to us in the Scriptures and practiced profitably throughout church history, namely, the adoption and submission to clear creeds and confessions of faith. The Confessional Baptist Association of churches seeks to maintain a fellowship of churches strictly and fully subscribing the Second London Confession of Faith. In an age marked by a minimization of sound doctrine, the churches of CBA stand persuaded by the Scriptures, by our Confession of Faith, and by sound reason and experience of the necessity and usefulness of a robust confession of our faith, both in local churches and within an association of churches.
Firstly, we believe the Scriptures contain and command clear statements of doctrinal belief and practice. We must not minimize or obscure what the Scriptures clearly hold forth as essential and clear. “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13–14 ESV).
Secondly, we observe how creeds and confessions have been a profitable tool throughout church history to guard the clear authority and preserve the doctrines set down and contained in God’s Word.
Thirdly, we are persuaded that a clear and full confession of what we believe increases the unity and fellowship among our churches, and among other churches and associations of churches. We believe that expansive doctrinal agreement leads to expansive fellowship.
Fourthly, we believe a Confession of Faith serves as a helpful tool for our member churches to pass down to the next generation “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3 ESV). To be considered a confessional church, and as a condition of membership in CBA, each and every member church must formally adopt in their local congregation the Second London Confession of Faith as the primary doctrinal standard of that local church, requiring full subscription of the Confession among all elders/pastors. Our Confession of Faith remains an authority that is subordinate to the Word of God, but it is indeed a true authority.
For further reflection upon the necessity and profitability of confessional subscription to churches and to associations, we commend the following:
The Legitimacy and Use of Confessions, by Dr. Robert Paul Martin