Background: History of three confessions:
1644 London Baptist Confession (Baptist – not anabaptist)
1644-1646 Westminster Confession (Presbyterian)
1658 Savoy Declaration (Congregational)
1689 Second London Baptist Confession (drafted in 1677 – not anabaptist)
1729 Philadelphia Confession (Presbyterian)
1742 Philadelphia Confession (Baptist – not anabaptist)
1833 New Hampshire Confession (Baptist – not anabaptist)
1925 New Hampshire Confession (current confession statement of Eastside Baptist Church)
The 1646 Westminster Confession is the “gold standard” concerning protestant reforming churches. All of these historic confessions (Westminster, Savoy, and Baptist) were written and published at a time when great clarity was given to the church coming out of the Great Reformation. The Presbyterian, Congregational, and Baptist churches shared these common statements. The Congregational churches articulated their church polity in their confession. The Baptists articulated their agreement with the Congregational church polity and their difference with the Presbyterians with respect to when and how one should be baptized.
We see from these three confessional statements that the evangelical world is quite narrow or similar. The differences are articulated but are not intended to divide church against church. This was a recognition that there could be a federation of churches that have differences, with respect, within reason.
After a full year of studying the entire 1689 Second London Baptist Confession chapter by chapter, paragraph by paragraph the elders agree to submit the following question.
- The question before us: Should Eastside Baptist Church repeal the 1925 New Hampshire Confession as its Articles of Faith and replace it with the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession with noted amendments? (Including both the original preface and the appendix on Baptism written in 1677)
Yes, means “yes”. No, means “no”. Abstain, means “I will not be casting a vote”.
You have the authority to amend any motion presented to the congregation. You have the authority to request a motion be tabled.
Example of a motion to amend: “I move to amend the motion…” (state your recommendation, you may find it best to write out your amendment to provide as much clarity to your recommendation as possible.) Motions from the floor require a “second”. An amendment would need a majority vote to place the amendment into the motion.
Example of a motion to table: “I move to table the motion until…” (state the date to discuss the motion in the future.) A motion to table the motion “indefinitely” is an option as well. A motion to table a motion requires a second and majority vote to pass (this would take this motion out of consideration.) To table a motion indefinitely does not mean another motion could not be entered in the future that may have similar actions. It means this motion is no longer considered.
It is not required that members hold to every statement in the Articles of Faith. The Articles of Faith help people know what kind of church this is. It should be required that the pastor/elders agree with the Articles of Faith to hold office.
Permission to do so and instructions on how to do so:
ARTICLE VII. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. This constitution shall be considered adopted in immediate effect if and when two-thirds of the members present at the business meeting at which the vote is taken shall vote in favor of the same.
SECTION 2. This constitution may be amended, altered, or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the church; provided, however, that such amendment alteration or repeal must be given to the clerk in writing; and this proposed change shall be presented to the church at least thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken.
If approved, Addendum Number Two would strike the current wording…
ADDENDUM NUMBER TWO
ARTICLES OF FAITH
NEW HAMPSHIRE CONFESSION OF FAITH
As presented to the Convention and adopted in 1925, the New Hampshire Confession of Faith revised certain points and with some additional articles growing out of present needs. (Found in the booklet THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE).
and replace it with the following.
ADDENDUM NUMBER TWO
ARTICLES OF FAITH
1689 Second London Baptist Confession
The following notations were submitted on March 17, 2024, and updated during the following weeks dedicated to questions from the congregation on May 31, April 7, and April 14 for consideration by Eastside Baptist Church (EBC). These notations will be identified here for consideration by the congregation. They will be footnoted in each chapter should EBC adopt the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession as the official Articles of Faith.
Chapter 10 Effectual Calling
In Chapter 10 Paragraph 3
“Elect infants dying in infancy are may be regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit, who works when and where and how He pleases. The same is true of every elect person who is incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.”
John 3:3, 5, 6; John 3:8
Recommend removing “Elect” as the first word and replacing “are” with “may be”.
Chapter 26 The Church
In Chapter 26, Paragraph 4
“The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church as described by the Bible alone. By the Father’s appointment, all authority is conferred on Him in a supreme and sovereign manner to call, institute, order and govern the church.7 The Pope of Roman Catholicism cannot in any sense be head of the church. ; rather, he is the antichrist, the man of lawlessness, and the son of destruction, who exalts himself in the church against Christ and all that is called God. The Lord will destroy him with the brightness of His coming.” 8
7Colossians 1:18; Matthew 28:18–20; Ephesians 4:11, 12. 82 Thessalonians 2:2–9.
Recommend adding “as described by the Bible alone.” at the end of the first sentence.
Recommend placing a . (period) at the end of the word “church” in the third paragraph.
Recommend striking the remainder of the paragraph.
Chapter 29 Baptism
In Chapter 29, Paragraph 2
“Those who personally profess repentance toward God and faith in and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ are the “only” proper subject of this ordinance.”
Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36, 37; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Acts 18:8
Recommend removing “only” in keeping with the spirit of the appendix On Baptism.
“This ancient document is the most excellent epitome of the things most surely believed among
us. It is not issued as an authoritative rule or code of faith, whereby you may be fettered, but as a
means of edification in righteousness. It is an excellent, though not inspired, expression of the
teaching of those Holy Scriptures by which all confessions are to be measured. We hold to the
humbling truths of God’s sovereign grace in the salvation of lost sinners. Salvation is through
Christ alone and by faith alone”
Charles Spurgeon, 1855
FAQ
(1689 Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How does Eastside Baptist Church Benefit by updating Addendum Number Two in our current Constitution and Bylaws?
A: The 1925 New Hampshire Confession (Baptist Faith and Message) is a helpful concise statement. The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession is a more robust confession statement and shows the evangelical proximity with the Westminster (Historic Presbyterian) and Savoy (Historic Congregationalist) brethren while remaining uniquely baptistic. The 1925 New Hampshire Confession may limit our affiliation with other networks and denominations we may choose to associate with in the future. The 1689 Baptist Confession gives us more options to consider. In other words, should EBC ever desire to affiliate with the SBC again, the 1689 Baptist Confession would not forbid this from happening.
Q: Do members have to be in agreement with the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession in order to be members?
A: No. Membership requirements are not based upon a confession statement. The 1689 is not an authoritative rule but rather an attempt to edify the local fellowship. We have a Church Covenant (see attached) that members agree to practice based on our relationship to Christ Jesus.
Q: Does a pastor/elder need to agree with the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession to hold office?
A: Currently, there is no requirement that a pastor/elder hold to any confession statement. Should we adopt the 1689, I recommend we insert a qualification in the Constitution/Bylaws that a pastor/elder should hold to a confession statement requirement of the church.
Q: Does a decon need to agree with the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession to hold office?
A: Currently, there is no requirement that a deacon hold to a confession statement. It would be expected that a deacon be a member of EBC and meet the criteria of a member.
Q: Why remove the word “elect” from Chapter 10, Paragraph 3?
A: I suspect Christians have asked about children dying in infancy for the past two thousand years. I suspect people throughout world history have wondered about the eternal estate of children or anyone incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word. Our Baptist ancestors answer this question in step with others in their time by saying “Elect infants dying in infancy are regenerated and saved…” I agree that all of the elect will be saved. The statement may be sufficient. Many theologians argue that all children are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit. To remove the word “elect” from the statement does not change the confession here. It is an attempt to leave the things of God to God. The things that are man’s, God has been clear to reveal them. This is a statement of submission, we don’t know how God does this, but it is God’s pleasure to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, to whomever he wants. What we have clarity on is that the offspring of Adam who will be saved must repent and believe the gospel.
Q: Can someone baptized as an infant be a member of a Baptist Church?
A: Yes, if the constitution and/or bylaws provide a provision for this. The 1689 Baptist Confession is not a church policy manual per se. We will begin working on an updated constitution and bylaws soon. This decision would be for this local church to weigh in on. Where this is a fair question, it not within the scope of consideration at this time.
Q: Why remove the claim that the Pope is the antichrist?
A: First, the fact is, this is a claim that all of the primary confession statements make. The use of definite articles such as “the” may be misleading. Chapter 26 of the 1689 Baptist Confession is about the church. Paragraph 4 is about the head of the church. Our Baptist ancestors properly state that Jesus Christ is the head of the church. I recommend inserting “as described by the Bible alone.” to clarify we do not believe any temporal man can in any way serve as the representative of Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can do this. The Pope may well be an antichrist but I cannot claim he is the antichrist. This chapter and paragraph are thoroughly protestant, rejecting the Pope of Roman Catholicism as the head of the church.
Q: Does removing the word “only” in Chapter 29, Paragraph 2 mean we may consider the practice of infant baptism?
A: No, as a matter of fact, the paragraph would remain a strong statement about who should be baptized. My conscience would not allow me to baptize an infant. My conscience is convinced by Scripture that the proper subjects for the ordinance of baptism are disciples. I believe the statement is clear without the word “only” and by removing the word we are keeping with the spirit of the appendix On Baptism which called those who baptized their infants “brethren”. I agree, they are brothers and sisters. We do not forbid them from the Lord’s Table with us, we should not view them as unequal in Christ. We think our Westminster and Savoy brothers and sisters are wrong to apply the practice of “baptism” to their infants. To be clear, with respect, we do not agree with them on this practice, but at the same time, we are not saying that they are practicing heresy.
Apply the reasoning in other areas. We hold to primary thoughts on eschatology with many considerations – giving room for brothers and sisters to think differently, even disagree over. We are with brothers and sisters throughout church history who may or may not agree upon everything related to eschatology. In our fellowship alone, we have many members who hold different views.
I think we can hold our position on Baptism and be respectful at the same time, for the glory of God. I am thankful that our brothers and sisters among us who view baptism differently than we do have extended this same kindness toward us.
Q: Is it true that you’ve been baptizing infants?
A: This is outside the scope of this action, but I consider it a fair question and one I’m willing to give clarity. First, it is not true that I’ve been baptizing infants. Whoever has spread this is misinformed, a blatant liar, or worse. I desire to serve the local church with conviction and humble zeal as a man under the authority of Christ, the head of the church. There have indeed been infants from our church baptized at Westminster and Dutch Reformed churches. I am aware of each of them. The fathers of these children have met with the elders to discuss this. These parents have expressed their convictions to have their infants baptized. We have not agreed to do any such baptism or participate in the ceremony of any of these baptisms. I have been present for two of these at a CREC church in Meridian, ID (Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches – a denomination that allows for both Westminster and Baptist churches to be in Christian fellowship without violating the conscience of either). I’m willing to make this accommodation so as to not violate the conscience of either. Should EBC want to affiliate with the CREC in the future we could continue as a confessionally baptistic church without violating our Baptist confession.
Q: Why act on adopting the 1689 before appointing additional elder(s)?
A: We began the consideration of this confession statement before the need for additional elder(s) presented itself. Leaving the SBC is what presented the question of our Constitution and By-laws in the first place. A reworked Constitution and By-laws is past due. I think the Articles of Faith (Confession) will set the course for the elders we appoint and the Constitution we work on. I’m appealing to God to give us the grace to work on this with unity and I beseech the congregation for patience.
Q: Why are we becoming more liturgical and does it have anything to do with the 1689 Baptist Confession?
A: The word liturgical is simply a recognized order of a public gathering, usually attached to a religious service. We have always been a liturgical church. The difference is that we have not published the order of service giving the idea that we don’t have a liturgy. Our liturgy has changed over the years. A few examples: We rarely have special (solo) music in our worship service because we believe the worship service is a corporate worship service. We give an opportunity to believing men to edify the church body at the conclusion of our worship services. We extend communion on a weekly basis as part of our covenant renewal. We open every service singing a Psalm, reading that Psalm, and confessing private and corporate sins. We stand for the reading of Scripture. We kneel or sit while confessing sins to signify humility, we stand to read Scritpure and sing to signify respect for God. We lift our hands during the doxology to represent our worship and devotion to God. We say “amen” at the end of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to express agreement. We have at least five times in any given Sunday service where we pray. We catechize the children in theology with a rhetorical methodology. It may be fair to say we have been liturgical for a very long time, It is also true that we have not been in the practice of publishing the liturgy. Expect this to become more normal. The order of our service has little to do with the 1689 Baptist Confession.
Some have asked for a reminder of the Membership Covenant.
Addendum Number One
Eastside Baptist Church
Membership Covenant
Having, as we trust, been brought by Divine Grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as described by the Bible alone and to give up ourselves to Him, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with each other.
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
We will walk together in brotherly love, as become members of a local Christian Church; exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness of each other and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require.
We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and each other.
We will endeavor to bring up such as may at any time be under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends.
We will rejoice at each other’s happiness, and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows.
We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life.
We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in his church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
Eastside Baptist Church
Twin Falls, Idaho.
