What Is 1679 Baptist Confession of Faith

Overview

The 1679 Baptist Confession of Faith is a significant doctrinal statement produced by the General Baptists of England during a time of religious and political transformation. Unlike the more widely known 1689 London Baptist Confession, which reflects Calvinist theology, the 1679 Confession articulates an Arminian soteriology, emphasizing human free will and a general atonement. It was authored primarily by Hanserd Knollys, a leading figure among early English Baptists and a former Puritan who became a committed believer in believer’s baptism by immersion.

Emerging in the wake of the English Civil War and during the brief period of religious tolerance under the Declaration of Indulgence (1672), the 1679 Confession was a response to both external persecution and internal theological diversity among Baptists. It aimed to unify General Baptists around a common doctrinal standard while distinguishing themselves from both the Church of England and the Particular (Calvinistic) Baptists. The document was published in London in 1679, a time when Nonconformists faced renewed pressure following the lapse of the Indulgence.

The 1679 Confession holds historical significance as one of the clearest expressions of Arminian theology within the Baptist tradition. It affirms doctrines such as the general atonement—that Christ died for all people—and conditional perseverance, meaning believers can fall from grace. Though it never achieved the widespread adoption of the 1689 Confession, it remains a foundational text for General Baptist churches and a testament to the diversity of early Baptist thought.

How It Works

The 1679 Baptist Confession of Faith functions as a systematic summary of theological beliefs, organized into 31 distinct articles covering topics such as Scripture, God, salvation, the church, and the end times. Each article is written in clear, confessional language intended for use in teaching, preaching, and church governance. The structure reflects Reformation-era confessional patterns, drawing influence from earlier Protestant statements like the Thirty-Nine Articles and the Westminster Confession, though with distinct Baptist emphases.

• Scripture: The Confession upholds the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice, rejecting traditions not grounded in Scripture. It affirms the divine inspiration and sufficiency of the Old and New Testaments.
• God: It teaches the existence of one eternal, self-existent God revealed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, consistent with historic Christian orthodoxy.
• General Atonement: Unlike Calvinist Baptists, the 1679 Confession teaches that Christ died for all humanity, not just the elect, reflecting its Arminian roots.
• Free Will: It emphasizes human moral responsibility, asserting that individuals have the liberty to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation.
• Baptism: The Confession affirms believer’s baptism by immersion as the only valid form, rejecting infant baptism and linking baptism to personal faith.
• Church Autonomy: Each local congregation is considered independent, governed by Christ through Scripture, without hierarchical oversight from bishops or denominational bodies.
• Religious Liberty: It advocates for freedom of conscience and opposes state interference in matters of faith, a radical stance in 17th-century England.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison between the 1679 and 1689 Confessions highlights a fundamental divide within early Baptist life: the tension between Arminian and Calvinist soteriology. While both confessions affirm believer’s baptism and congregational polity, their views on predestination and atonement are diametrically opposed. The 1679 Confession’s Arminian stance was rooted in the theology of John Smyth and Thomas Helwys, early General Baptist leaders, whereas the 1689 Confession aligned with Reformed Protestant orthodoxy. This contrast underscores the diversity of early Baptist identity and the role of confessions in defining doctrinal boundaries.

Real-World Examples

The 1679 Baptist Confession was used by congregations in Nottingham, Norwich, and London during the late 17th century as a doctrinal standard for preaching and membership. For example, the General Baptist Church in Norwich adopted the confession to clarify its beliefs amid growing scrutiny from Anglican authorities. It also served as a tool for evangelism, with ministers using its articles to instruct new converts and defend Baptist distinctives in public debates. Though General Baptists were a minority, their commitment to this confession helped preserve their theological identity.

Over time, the confession influenced later Baptist groups, particularly in America. The Free Will Baptists, founded by Paul Palmer in 1727, adopted similar Arminian views and can be seen as theological descendants of the 1679 tradition. Even today, some small General Baptist associations in the U.S. and UK reference the 1679 Confession in their doctrinal statements.

1. The Nottingham General Baptists used the 1679 Confession to train pastors and catechize members.
2. Hanserd Knollys’ own congregation in London formally adopted the document in 1679.
3. The 1693 revised edition was printed and distributed to churches across East Anglia.
4. It was cited in theological disputes with Calvinistic Baptists during the 1680s.
5. Modern Free Will Baptist denominations trace doctrinal roots to this confession.

Why It Matters

The 1679 Baptist Confession of Faith remains important for understanding the breadth of Baptist theology and the historical development of evangelical doctrine. Its articulation of free will and general atonement offers a counterpoint to the dominant Calvinist narrative in Baptist history, reminding modern readers that early Baptists were not monolithic in their beliefs.

• Historical Significance: It documents the beliefs of a significant minority within early English Dissent, preserving Arminian Baptist thought.
• Theological Diversity: It demonstrates that Baptists have long held varying views on predestination and grace.
• Religious Liberty Advocacy: The confession’s defense of conscience influenced later movements for separation of church and state.
• Global Influence: Its ideas indirectly shaped Arminian Baptist groups in America and beyond.
• Educational Use: Modern seminaries studying Baptist history include the 1679 Confession in curricula on Reformation theology.

Ultimately, the 1679 Baptist Confession of Faith is more than a historical artifact—it is a testament to the courage of early believers who risked persecution to define their faith in Scripture alone. While overshadowed by the 1689 Confession, its legacy endures in churches that continue to affirm free will, general atonement, and congregational autonomy.