The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed statement of Christian belief, finished by the Westminster Assembly in the 1640s. It has 33 chapters covering Scripture, God, Christ, salvation, the church and the last things. The PCEA holds it as its standard of doctrine, as a subordinate standard: it is only as good as it agrees with the Bible, which is the supreme authority.
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
— 2 Timothy 1:13
Ask a PCEA member what the church believes and you may hear “the Westminster Confession.” Many have never read it. Here is what it is, where it came from and why it still matters.
Where It Came From
In the 1640s, during the English Civil War, Parliament called a gathering of clergy and laymen to Westminster Abbey in London to reform the church of England. They became the Westminster Assembly, joined by delegates from Scotland. Among their work were the Confession of Faith (completed in 1646), the Larger and Shorter Catechisms and a directory for worship. The Church of Scotland adopted the Confession in 1647.
Through Scottish missionaries, this heritage reached Kenya. The PCEA grew out of the Church of Scotland Mission and has kept the Confession as its standard. See What Does PCEA Stand For?
What Is Inside
The Confession has 33 chapters. Roughly, it moves through:
- Scripture (chapter 1): the Bible is God’s Word and the final authority.
- God and creation (chapters 2-5): one God in three persons, who made and rules everything.
- Sin and salvation (chapters 6-18): the fall, Christ the mediator, free grace, faith, repentance and assurance.
- The Christian life (chapters 19-26): God’s law, Christian liberty, worship, the Sabbath, marriage and the church.
- Sacraments and church government (chapters 27-31): Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, church discipline and church councils.
- The last things (chapters 32-33): death, the resurrection and the final judgment.
Why Have a Confession at All?
Some Christians say, “We only need the Bible.” Presbyterians agree that the Bible is the final authority, and that is exactly why a confession exists: it states what a church believes the Bible teaches, so that members, elders and new ministers all know where the church stands. A confession is like a map drawn from the land; the Bible is the land itself.
Confessions also guard against error. Elders and ministers are asked to affirm that they sincerely hold the church’s teaching, which keeps a congregation from drifting.
Does the Confession Replace the Bible?
No. The Confession itself says that all church councils and creeds “may err, and many have erred” and so are not to be made “the rule of faith or practice” (chapter 31). Scripture alone has that place. That is why Presbyterians call the Confession a subordinate standard.
Is It Hard to Read?
The language is 17th-century English, so sentences are long, but each chapter is short and ends with Bible references in support. A good way to start is one chapter a week with your Bible open. The Apostles’ Creed is a shorter place to begin; read it line by line in our guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Westminster Confession of Faith?
A Reformed statement of Christian belief, completed in 1646 by the Westminster Assembly, with 33 chapters.
Does the PCEA hold the Westminster Confession?
Yes. It is the PCEA’s confessional standard, alongside the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds.
Is the Confession higher than the Bible?
No. Only Scripture is the final authority; the Confession summarises what the church believes Scripture teaches.
Where can I read it?
It is freely available online and in many church libraries. Ask your pastor or elder for a copy with Bible references.
Final Thoughts
The Confession will not give you faith, and it does not need to. What it gives is a clear, Bible-rooted account of the faith we already hold, handed down through generations. Read it slowly, check it against Scripture and let it deepen what you believe.
General doctrinal content (2 Timothy 1). Historical facts about the Westminster Assembly (1643 onward), the Confession (1646) and its adoption by the Church of Scotland (1647) are standard church history. Chapter 31 quotation is from the Confession. Checked against the PCEA doctrine standard. Compiled by the Editorial Desk.