1689 London Confession and 1677 Catechism

The Mall Baptist Church adopt as the fullest expression of our faith the “London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689”. We believe that this historic document is an excellent summary of the fundamental truths of God’s Word. We accept it, not as an authoritative rule or code of faith, but as an aid to us in a confirmation of what we believe.

The Mall Baptist Church hold to the truths of the 1677 Baptist Catechism for the catechising of children by parents and for the teaching of new believers in the Faith. We feel the following slightly revised version and commentary by Dr John Piper below is best suited for our church and homes today. This 1677 Baptist Catechism was patterned after the Heidelberg and Westminster catechisms to teach Reformed doctrine from a Baptist perspective. 

WHAT IS A CATECHISM? 

In 1 Corinthians 14:19 Paul says, “In the church I would rather speak  five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” In Galatians 6:6 he says, “Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.” Acts 18:25 says that Apollos “has been instructed in the way of the Lord.” In each of these verses the Greek word for “instruct” or “teach” is katecheo. From this word we get our English word “catechize.” It simply means to teach biblical truth in an orderly way. Generally this is done with questions and answers accompanied by biblical support and explanation.