Book Review: Truths We Confess

R.C. Sproul's Truths We Confess is an exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith.  Originally published as a 3-volume set in 2006-2007, it has now been combined and re-released in this one-volume edition.  Though the 720 pages of theologically-rich material may seem daunting, I challenge you to consider a slow and thorough reading of this book.

In his foreword, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson explains the importance of the Westminster Confession to the everyday Christian.  "The Westminster Confession of Faith

was written not to be dissected by academics but to guide the church and to instruct Christians and help them grasp the structure of the gospel.  It does for us what, sadly, is no longer done as a matter of course either in the church or in the educational system: it teaches us first principles, and it shows us how to think through everything in light of them."

Sproul writes, "The Westminster Confession is the most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity ever set forth in a creedal form."  He goes on to explain the 33 tenets of the confession in a format that is accessible to the lay reader.  Each tenet is listed at the beginning of a chapter, then broken down and further explained throughout the chapter.  Appendices contain the full content of both the larger and shorter Westminster Catechism.

It is important to note that Sproul writes from a Reformed background, explaining a Reformed confession.  While I do not agree with the view of baptism presented, most other chapters were consistent with my Baptist/Bible church beliefs.

This very thorough book is best taken in small sections.  This might best be read as a reference when studying different doctrines, or a challenge to read one chapter a week over the course of time.  In full transparency, I am not yet finished reading this book myself.  My survey thus far has given me confidence to recommend this book and to finish reading it in the future.

Rachel's Rating:
★★★★★

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.