Originally Posted by Robin
But the Confessing denominations - those which are bound to a Confession or Creed or Statement of Faith - offer a sense of security to members because they must adhere to that confession and are held accountable to it. So-called "Independent" churches offer no such stability, no accountability, and no defense against heresy.
Sorry, but I'm [Linked Image]

You seem to be making a distinction between "Confessing" denominations and "independent" denominations ascribing to the former stability, accountability and a defense against heresy whereas the former doesn't have these things. However, historically there have been several "independent" denominations which have been and continue to be confessional. Such denominations are Congregationalists [Savoy Declaration 1658) and Reformed/Calvinistic Baptists [London Baptist Confession 1689, New Hampshire Confession 1833, and others).

Lastly, practically speaking, confessional churches have had their fair share, if not more so, of apostasy due to their lack of enforcing conscriptionalism among its clergy and administering discipline when required. So, although there are positive aspects to both types of government; Presbyterian/Continental vs. Independent, they both have their weaknesses too. wink

[Linked Image]

simul iustus et peccator

[Linked Image]