February 7, 1649 - Parliament Ratifies Westminster Confession of Faith

February 7, 1649 marks one of the most pivotal days in Protestant church history. On this day, the British Parliament formally ratified the Westminster Confession of Faith. The confession was produced by the Westminster Assembly during the English Reformation, and it articulated the core doctrines of Reformed theology. In addition, it established a clear commitment to the authority of Scripture alone (sola Scriptura) and affirmed that the Bible is the holy, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. The confession rejected the idea that other writings, such as the Apocrypha, was Scripture, and it went on to form Presbyterian theology, worship, and confessional standards throughout Britain, Europe, and North America.

The Westminster Confession of Faith provides a foundational framework for understanding biblical authority, doctrine, and Christian living. It emphasizes the sufficiency and reliability of Scripture, which guides believers through navigating theological confusion, cultural pressures, and competing claims of truth. Today, this confession continues to reinforce the conviction that faith is rooted in God’s Word as opposed to tradition or trends. The Westminster Conviction serves as a lasting reminder of the centrality of Scripture in shaping faithful Christian belief.

Assertion of Liberty of Conscience by the Independents of the Westminster Assembly. Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons / Wikivisually.