The Westminster Confession of Faith: A Study Guide For the 21St Century

Rowland S. Ward’s The Westminster Confession of Faith: A Study Guide for the 21st Century is an accessible and insightful companion to one of the most significant confessions in the history of Protestant theology. Published by Tulip Publishing, this revised and expanded edition is available in both paperback and hardback format.

The Westminster Confession of Faith, written in 1643-1647 by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, has stood as a cornerstone of Reformed theology. However, its formal, sometimes archaic language and historical context can present a barrier to understanding for modern readers. Ward’s study guide addresses this challenge with clarity, breaking down the doctrines outlined in the Confession and making them relevant for the church today.

The structure of Ward’s work follows the layout of the Confession itself, carefully exploring its doctrinal sections in three major parts: The Foundations of Christian Truth, The Application of Redemption, and The Christian Life. These parts are divided into chapters that systematically unpack key theological concepts, including God’s revelation, sin, salvation, the Christian life, the Church, and the Christian hope. For each topic, Ward offers both theological exposition and practical application, making the material even more accessible.

The chapter breakdown is meticulously organized, with detailed expositions of each of the Confession’s major doctrinal statements. For example, the preliminary chapter on Scripture’s…