Acknowledgments

The 1677/89 BCF Assistant is by no means the effort of a single person, but rather the concert of the labours of many who share a love of the Confession and historic Christianity. Deep thanks and gratitude go to the following persons:

Pastor Samuel Waldron (Grand Rapids, Michigan). For permission to use the Chapter Outlines from his book, A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, (Evangelical Press, 1989).

Pastor Greg Nichols (Grand Rapids, Michigan). For permission to use his Overview⁴⁹⁴⁴⁹⁴Overview and Development of the 1689 Confession of Faith Chapt. 1-8 Division 1: The foundations of Christian thought 1 Unit 1 — The Scriptures 2-3 Unit 2 — God 2 I. God’s nature 3 II. God’s decree 4-6 Unit 3 — The Original Creation 4 I. Creation 5 II. Providence 6 III. Sin 7 Unit 4 — God’s Covenant 8 Unit 5 — Christ’s Person and Work 9-20 Division 2: Experimental religion: salvation applied 9 Unit 1 — The Setting — Free Will 10-18 Unit 2 — The Blessings and Graces 10-13 I. The blessings God bestows 10 A. Effectual calling 11 B. Justification 12 C. Adoption 13 D. Sanctification 14-18 II. The graces man exercises 14 A. Faith 15 B. Repentance 16 C. Good works 17 D. Perseverance 18 E. Assurance 19-20 Unit 3 — The Means 19 I. God’s law 20 II. God’s gospel 21-30 Division 3: The divine institutions 21 Unit 1 — Liberty of Conscience 22-23 Unit 2 — Religious Worship 22 I. Overview of religious worship 23 II. Religious vows 24 Unit 3 — Civil Government 25 Unit 4 — Marriage 26-30 Unit 5 — The Church 26 I. Overview of the church 27 II. The fellowship of the church 28-30 III. The sacraments of the church 31-32 Division 4: The world to come 31 Unit 1 — The Intermediate and Resurrection State 32 Unit 2 — The Final Judgement    This outline was developed by Pastor Greg Nichols (Grand Rapids) and taken from: Samuel E. Waldron, A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, (Evangelical Press, 1989), pp. 433-434. Used by permission. and Doctrinal Distinctives of the Confession.

Dr James Renihan (Escondido, California). For permission to use his material on the Historical and Theological Context and Origins of the Confession, as well as his contributions of the “mini biographies” on those who subscribed the Confession and his many helpful discussions and encouragements.

Miss Elva Hinchliffe, Miss Viviene and Miss Yvonne Ward who willingly gave many hours to the tedious task of proof reading.

The elders of the Stanmore Baptist Church, Sydney, Australia: Pastors Andew Elliott, Ian O’Harae, Robert Harrod, James Hogg, and Russell Matthews; who have been faithful shepherds of my soul and a constant source of encouragement and example.

To my darling wife, Carmel, and my wonderful children, Jessica, Ellen, Matthew, Isaac, Stephen and Claire who have put up with my many hours in front of the keyboard.

Thanks also to those who “tested” this program and have offered comments on how it could be improved.