WCF 33: Of the Last Judgment
Studies on the end times can be an exercise in speculation. The prospect of looking into a crystal ball is alluring. But eschatology driven by mere curiosity is a sure…
William Boekestein
WCF 32: Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
WCF 32: Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead Many people are uncomfortable thinking about death. That’s understandable. Death is hauntingly foreign, like…
WCF 31: Of Synods and Councils
WCF 31: Of Synods and Councils Should leaders from multiple churches gather to consider matters of common concern? You might have an opinion on that question. Or it might seem…
WCF 30: Of Church Censures
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant” (Heb. 12:11). We don’t like discipline—in our personal lives, in the family, or at church—because it hurts. No balanced person…
WCF 29: Of the Lord’s Supper
After three years of walking with Jesus the disciples were about to face their greatest trial. God would strike the Shepherd and scatter his sheep (Matt. 26:31). Spiritual darkness would…
WCF 28: Of Baptism
In places with a Christian heritage the weightiness of baptism can easily be underestimated. Many people get baptized, or baptize their children, out of impulse, or as a matter of…
WCF 27: Of the Sacraments
Has the church has missed God’s plan for spiritual growth? Conventional wisdom promotes pragmatic self-help schemes, elaborate church programs, and charismatic leaders. But what if God actually authorized a simpler…
WCF 26: Of the Communion of Saints
The visible church is an institution. Like any other organization the church has structure. Anyone who takes the Bible seriously realizes that the gathered community of God has leaders, doctrine,…
WCF Chapter 25: Of the Church
“A Christian without a church is a Christian in trouble.”[i] Like a lion hoping to snatch prey that wanders alone Satan aims to devour professing Christians who are disconnected from…
WCF 24: Of Marriage and Divorce
The primarily calling of every person is to glorify and enjoy God. And in our pursuit of God we are ultimately responsible for ourselves. But we do not go through…
WCF 23: Of the Civil Magistrate
The topic of civil government is complicated; not so much because of what the Bible says about it but because of our disparate political opinions and experiences. The civic convictions…
WCF 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
The question of the propriety of vows and oaths may not strike us as an urgent matter. All serious religious questions are important but vows and oaths may seem like…