Could the Westminster Confession of Faith contain error in it, or is it considered to be inerrant like the Bible? And if it can or does contain any errors. who would be the one to correct it? Do those in the Presbyterian Church hold to the WCOF as being equal with the Bible or as a help added to it for understanding it. just wondering.
In reply to:[color:"blue"]Could the Westminster Confession of Faith contain error in it, or is it considered to be inerrant like the Bible?
Here's what the Confession says about itself, albeit by inference, in Chapter I, Article X:
X. The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.
Clearly, the writers of the Confession did not consider it to be inspired nor the ultimate authority, but rather subservient to the Scriptures, which is the sole and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. In Chapter 31, Article III it says,
III. All synods or councils, since the Apostles' times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.
In reply to:[color:"blue"]Do those in the Presbyterian Church hold to the WCOF as being equal with the Bible or as a help added to it for understanding it.
Well, as in any denomination, you are going to find a variety of views. Doubtless, there are some who act and speak as if the WCF was inspired of God and is the ultimate authority in all things. And, you will surely find that there are Presbyterians who haven't even heard of the Westminster Confession of Faith. It is hoped, of course, that the majority views and uses the Confession as it was intended, i.e., a subordinate authority, a true summary of the Scriptures' doctrines, a means to maintain uniformity of doctrine and order among the churches and as an aid to prevent the entrance of heresy, among other things.
A GREAT QUESTION! Many Presbyterians HAVE admitted error, at least implicitly, by removing the section about the Pope being THE antichrist. Similarly, many Reformed folks have footnoted Article 36 of the Belgic Confession, dealing with the magistrates and the relation to the church.
Of course, just because these sections are omitted or further clarified via footnotes casts no doubt upon the rest of the Confession. With 400+ years of usage, the Belgic Confession has stood the test of time (as has the WCF for nearly 400 years).
The main reason for asking about the WCOF is that I have heard that a certain sect within the Presbyterian Church had elevated the WCOF to equality with the Bible itself. I believe that the WCOF contains the Word of God but is not the Word of God it self. In other words I do not believe it to be inspired or inerrant as some seem to do.
In reply to:The main reason for asking about the WCOF is that I have heard that a certain sect within the Presbyterian Church had elevated the WCOF to equality with the Bible itself.
As I pointed out to you in my other reply, you are going to find, not only in Presbyterian circles but in every realm of Christendom, e.g., hard Dispensationalists and Scofield's notes, Rome and its "Oral Tradition" (which has never been brought forth for examination, etc., those who elevate subordinate documents to a place equal to or even above the authority of Scripture. However, you said you have "heard" about an alleged "sect with Presbyterianism" and I'm curious 1) who told you this? and 2) the identity of this alleged "sect"?
Hi Pilgrim,<br><br>Maybe the term 'sect' is wrong. Not my place to judge, just going by what I have read/heard in different web forums and groups. if not mistaken, I believe that they are called Covenanter's or by others as Steelite Covenanter's.<br>Here is a url to one group that I have read most of my info about them: <br><br>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecalvinlivesclub/message/10271<br><br>Peace