Begin With Christ
This path starts with the gospel and follows the main teachings of the original 1647 Westminster Standards. It's for someone learning the Christian faith, or returning to its foundations.
Begin with the gospel even if you aren't yet sure what you believe. The readings are meant to be done with a Bible open. You can take one at a time. Each step links to the complete article, a passage of Scripture, and the relevant paragraph of the original Confession with its Scripture proofs.
The pathway can't replace the public preaching of the Word, the sacraments, or the care of your elders. Find a faithful congregation as you study. If Christ is calling you through his Word, don't postpone repentance and faith until you've finished these lessons.
Sixteen Lessons in Order
1. Hear the gospel
Who Christ is and why sinners must come to him now.
Read Mark 1:14-15 (KJV) and WCF 7.3.
2. The God who speaks
Why Scripture is our only infallible rule.
Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (KJV) and WCF 1.4.
3. God, our Creator
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one living God.
Read Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV) and WCF 2.3.
4. The fall and our need
What Adam's sin did and why we can't rescue ourselves.
Read Romans 5:12-19 (KJV) and WCF 6.3.
5. Christ our Mediator
The person and work of our Prophet, Priest, and King.
Read Hebrews 7:23-28 (KJV) and WCF 8.2.
6. Repentance and faith
Turning from sin and believing the freely offered Savior.
Read Acts 2:37-41 (KJV) and WCF 15.1.
7. Justification
Accepted for Christ's righteousness, received by faith.
Read Romans 4:1-8 (KJV) and WCF 11.1.
8. Union and adoption
Belonging to Christ and received into the Father's family.
Read Romans 8:14-17 (KJV) and WCF 12.1.
9. A holy life
The Spirit's work in the ongoing fight against sin.
Read Galatians 5:16-25 (KJV) and WCF 13.1.
10. Baptism and the covenant
Christ's sign, believing households, and the visible church.
Read Acts 2:38-39 (KJV) and WCF 28.4.
11. Worship and the Lord's Day
How the Lord gathers and nourishes his people.
Read Acts 2:41-42 (KJV) and WCF 21.1.
12. Joining a church
Membership, elders, and caring for the congregation.
Read Hebrews 10:23-25 (KJV) and WCF 25.2.
13. The Lord's Supper
The spiritual nourishment Christ gives his people.
Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (KJV) and WCF 29.7.
14. Assurance and perseverance
Trusting the Savior through weakness and doubt.
Read John 10:27-29 (KJV) and WCF 18.3.
15. Prayer, family, and work
Daily devotion and service in the place God has assigned.
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (KJV) and WCF 21.6.
16. Christ's return
The resurrection, judgment, and everlasting life.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (KJV) and WCF 33.1.
How to Use the Lessons
Read the Scripture passage in context before the article. Take notes on the text, especially where an explanation surprises you. Open the original Westminster paragraph and examine its proofs. Ask your pastor or an elder about anything you can't settle from Scripture.
If you've already read a lesson, go to the next. If an earlier doctrine becomes difficult, return to it. There's no account, progress score, or badge to earn. The purpose is to learn God's Word and obey him.
For a complete chapter-by-chapter view of the Confession, see the Westminster study index. For practical help finding a congregation, read How to Find a Faithful Church.