Confessions & Creeds

Historic statements of Christian faith — from the ancient ecumenical creeds to the great Reformed confessions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. All Scripture references are linked and can be previewed or opened in the Reader.

Ecumenical Creeds

Apostles' Creed

c. 2nd century (traditional form)

The oldest summary of the core Christian faith, used universally in worship and catechesis.

Nicene Creed

325 & 381 AD

Formulated at Nicaea and Constantinople to define Trinitarian orthodoxy against Arianism.

Athanasian Creed

c. 5th century

A detailed exposition of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ, affirming that the faith is necessary for salvation.
Three Forms of Unity (Continental Reformed)

Heidelberg Catechism

1563

129 questions and answers organized around comfort in life and death, organized into 52 Lord's Days.

Belgic Confession

1561

37 articles of faith written by Guido de Brès, affirming Reformed doctrine against Roman Catholicism and Anabaptism.

Canons of Dort

1618–1619

Five heads of doctrine affirming particular grace against the Arminian Remonstrance (TULIP).
Westminster Standards (Presbyterian Reformed)

Westminster Confession of Faith

1646

33 chapters of systematic Reformed theology, the most comprehensive English-language confession.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

1647

107 Q&As for catechizing children, opening with the famous question: "What is the chief end of man?"

Westminster Larger Catechism

1648

196 Q&As with full exposition of the Ten Commandments and Lord's Prayer, for mature Christians.

London Baptist Confession

1689

32 chapters closely following the WCF, adapted for Particular Baptist doctrine of believers' baptism.
Other Protestant Confessions

Augsburg Confession

1530

28 articles presented to Emperor Charles V — the founding document of Lutheran theology.

39 Articles of Religion

1563 (final form 1571)

The doctrinal standard of the Church of England, combining Reformed theology with episcopal polity.