Westminster Study Center

The Original 1647 Westminster Confession

All thirty-three chapters, with direct access to the historical wording and its Scripture proofs.

This index uses the original Westminster text, without the American revisions. The chapter links open Bible Reading Helps at the relevant chapter. That companion displays the original historical text and its proofs, with a link to The Westminster Standard (opens in a new tab), the sole source used for the Standards on Gentle King.

Each chapter is paired with an existing article that helps explain its subject. Some articles address a broad theme rather than every paragraph of the chapter. Read the Confession and Scripture for the full treatment. Scripture is the supreme and infallible rule of faith.

Read the Confession from chapter 1 Follow the foundations lessons

God, Scripture, and the Fall

1. Chapter 1. Holy Scripture

   Read the original text and Scripture proofs · Study related doctrine

2. Chapter 2. God and the Holy Trinity

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3. Chapter 3. God's Eternal Decree

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4. Chapter 4. Creation

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5. Chapter 5. Providence

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6. Chapter 6. The Fall of Man and Sin

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The Covenant and Salvation

1. Chapter 7. God's Covenant with Man

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2. Chapter 8. Christ the Mediator

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3. Chapter 9. Free Will

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4. Chapter 10. Effectual Calling

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5. Chapter 11. Justification

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6. Chapter 12. Adoption

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7. Chapter 13. Sanctification

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8. Chapter 14. Saving Faith

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9. Chapter 15. Repentance unto Life

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10. Chapter 16. Good Works

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11. Chapter 17. Perseverance of the Saints

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12. Chapter 18. Assurance of Grace and Salvation

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The Christian Life and the Church

1. Chapter 19. The Law of God

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2. Chapter 20. Christian Liberty and Conscience

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3. Chapter 21. Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

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4. Chapter 22. Lawful Oaths and Vows

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5. Chapter 23. The Civil Magistrate

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6. Chapter 24. Marriage and Divorce

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7. Chapter 25. The Church

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8. Chapter 26. The Communion of Saints

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9. Chapter 27. The Sacraments

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10. Chapter 28. Baptism

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11. Chapter 29. The Lord's Supper

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12. Chapter 30. Church Censures

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13. Chapter 31. Synods and Councils

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Death, Resurrection, and Judgment

1. Chapter 32. The Resurrection of the Dead

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2. Chapter 33. The Last Judgment

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The Larger and Shorter Catechisms

Both catechisms are available in full, with the original question and answer wording and their Scripture proofs.

Why the Edition Matters

The original Confession's chapters 20, 23, and 31 teach duties concerning Christian liberty, the magistrate, and synods that were changed in later American editions. Gentle King follows the original text. When reading a later denominational constitution or historical commentary, identify its edition rather than assuming every paragraph is identical.

For an explanation of the relationship between Scripture and confessional subscription, see The Westminster Standards.