Those Things Most Surely Believed: Reflections on the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

FORTHCOMING TITLE, ETA OCTOBER 2026

Discover the timeless wisdom of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) with Pastor Joey Tomlinson in Those Things Most Surely Believed. This accessible yet theologically rich guide walks readers through all thirty-two chapters of this historic baptist confession, offering pastoral reflections, prayers, and practical insights for modern Christians.

Perfect for pastors, individual study, group discussion, and family worship, this book equips readers with a robust theological vocabulary, deepens understanding of biblical doctrines, and encourages worshipful engagement with the Triune God. Whether you’re new to Reformed Baptist theology or seeking a devotional companion to the 1689 Confession, this guide makes centuries-old wisdom relevant and applicable today.

What’s included:

• Comprehensive coverage of all 32 chapters of the 1689 Confession in 81 individual studies
• Pastoral reflections and prayers to guide personal and group study
• Clear, accessible explanations of classic Reformed doctrines

This book serves to help Christians grow in biblical knowledge, theological understanding, and spiritual worship and is ideal for Bible study groups, Sunday school classes, and personal devotion.

Contents:

Foreword by Thomas K. Ascol

Introduction

Chapter 1: On the Holy Scriptures

The Authority of Scripture
The Necessity of Creeds and Confessions
God’s Two Books
The Necessity of the Holy Spirit in Bible Intake

Chapter 2: On God and the Holy Trinity

Knowing God
The Only Living and True God
The Holiness of God
God is Simple: The Doctrine of Divine Simplicity (Part 1)
God is Simple: The Doctrine of Divine Simplicity (Part 2)
The Truth of the Trinity

Chapter 3: Of God’s Decree

All Things that Come to Pass
The Beauty of Predestination

Chapter 4: Of Creation

The Theological Interpretation of Scripture
He Made Them Male and Female
A Positive Law

Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence

Not the god of the Deists
How Far Does Providence Reach

Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and the Punishment Thereof

The Covenant of Works
What We Inherited from our First Parents

Chapter 7: Of God’s Covenant

The Covenant of Grace
Covenant Theology
The Covenant of Redemption

Chapter 8: Of Christ The Mediator

Jesus: Truly God and Truly Man
How Far Christ Went To Redeem Us
The Sufficiency of Christ
Prophet, Priest, and King

Chapter 9: Of Free Will

We Are Free According to Our Nature

Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling

The Word, The Spirit, and Regeneration
What Happens to Those who Cannot Understand the Gospel

Chapter 11: Of Justification

For Christ’s Sake Alone
The Instrument of our Justification is Faith
How Were Those in the Old Testament Saved

Chapter 12: Of Adoption

What it Means to be in God’s Family

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification

You Will Be Sanctified
A Continual War

Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith

How Our Faith Is Strengthened
The Principle Acts of Saving Faith
When Your Faith is Weak

Chapter 15: Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation

Worldly Sorrow Versus Godly Sorrow
Repent Specifically and Thoroughly
No Sin Is Outside of the Reach of God’s Grace

Chapter 16: Of Good Works

The Standard of Our Good Works
Good Works Won’t Save You
The Necessity of Good Works
Good Works and the Unbeliever

Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints

No One Can Snatch You
Our Perseverance Depends upon God

Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

Is There Such Thing as Temporary Believers?
An Infallible Assurance
What If I Don’t Feel Saved?

Chapter 19: Of the Law of God

The Ten Commandments Didn’t Start at Mount Sinai
The Three-Fold Division of the Law
The Three-Fold Use of the Law

Chapter 20: Of the Gospel and of the Extent Of the Grace Thereof

According to the Sovereign Will and Good Pleasure of God
Irresistible Grace

Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

What is the Liberty Christ Has Secured?
God is the Lord of the Conscience
Christian Liberty is Not a License to Sin

Chapter 22: Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

All Must Worship the One True God
The Primacy of Prayer
The Lord’s Day
The Regulative Principle: What We Must Do When We Gather

Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Lawful and Unlawful Oaths

Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate

Civil Magistrates are Servants of God
Our Duties Toward the Civil Magistrate: Lawful Submission and Prayer

Chapter 25: Of Marriage

Marriage Was Invented by God
The Purpose of Marriage

Chapter 26: Of the Church

catholic with a little “c”
Visible Saints
The Pope as that Antichrist
The Work of Pastors
The Duties of Church Members
The Discipline of the Church
Associating with Other Churches

Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints

Gather and Give

Chapters 28-30: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Two Ordinances of God (Part 1)
Two Ordinances of God (Part 2)
Two Ordinances of God (Part 3)

Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead

What Happens When We Die?
What Happens When Christ Returns?

Chapter 32: Of the Last Judgement

The Appointed Day
Come Lord Jesus

Conclusion: Believe the Whole Counsel of God’s Word