Truths We Confess: A Laymen's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith

R.C. Sproul
Review by Jeremy Smith, Assistant to the Editorial Director

Phillipsburg: P&R, 2006

---

Nearly all you would need to know about the first of a schedule three-volume set is immediately apparent from its title – it is a guide to the WCF, aimed at the laity, written by a pre-eminent doctor of the faith, longtime seminary professor, favored apologist of the Reformed faith, and imminently readable author. A use not suggested by the title though immediately apparent to this reviewer would be the training of church officers. For those churches that adhere to the WCF, here is a companion that could easily be implemented in the initial or ongoing training of elders and other officers of the church.

Three characteristics in particular stand out:

First, the book is both a guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith and is an interesting read, two characteristics not typically found in the same volume. Part of this is explained by the nature of the work – this is not a commentary on the WCF (in the line of Hodge and others), but rather, a guide. The reader will find less phrase by phrase exposition (though the book is organized around each section and subsection of the confession) and more a running commentary on the theology expressed by the various sections. Sproul meanders through the Confession, and seems to camp on the points of theology that strike his fancy, interspersing explanation with the kinds of illustrations that have made him an effective teacher for decades. The 279 pages are not a burden, and should be capable of holding the attention of the novice as well as the more seasoned theologian.

Second, Sproul proves himself to be a capable theologian that is at the same time competent in philosophy and science. Time after time, the points of contact between the history of ideas, theology, and science are satisfactorily and accessibly explored. Sproul is at his best as he delves into the philosophical difficulties that accompany the doctrine of providence or the modern day understandings of science and how they relate to the doctrine of creation.

Third, the first volume leaves you wanting more. It is the first of an anticipated three volume guide to the WCF, covering the chapters 1-8 (Scripture, the Trinity, the eternal decree, creation, providence, the Fall, the covenants, and Christ the Mediator). A striking, though typical Sproul story closes the first volume, one involving John Gerstner, the reprobate, and rejoicing in heaven. It is a challenging concept explaining the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man, compellingly argued, but not the kind of paragraph you would expect to close a book (though explainable by the nature of a three-volume work). It leaves the reader wanting more.

Whether you are looking for a readable introduction to the doctrines contained in the WCF, reflections on the WCF from one of the finest theologians of the last 50 years, or training materials for church officers, Truths We Confess is to be commended.