A 37-article Reformed confession written in 1561 by Guido de Brès for the churches of the Low Countries.
Tagged: Creeds and Confessions Reformation
Historical Context
The Belgic Confession was written in French in 1561 by the preacher Guido de Brès, who was martyred for his faith in 1567, and was adopted by the Reformed churches of the Netherlands. Its 37 articles cover Scripture, God, creation, salvation, the church, and the last judgment, and it forms one of the Three Forms of Unity of Dutch Reformed churches. It is a confessional standard of particular Reformed churches, not an ecumenical creed of the whole Church.
Use and Practice
The Confession is used in Reformed catechesis, in the examination of office-bearers, and as a doctrinal standard to which ministers and elders subscribe. Portions are sometimes read in worship.
References
- Creeds of Christendom, Vol. II (CCEL) Free / open access
- Ligonier Ministries Free / open access
Related Prayers and Creeds
- Heidelberg Catechism — A Reformed catechism of 129 questions and answers, published in 1563 and organized around guilt, grace, and gratitude.
- Westminster Confession and Catechisms — The Presbyterian standards produced by the Westminster Assembly in the 1640s: a confession of faith and a Larger and Shorter Catechism.
- Nicene Creed — The creed of the councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381), the central doctrinal confession shared by most Christians.
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