Counseling from a Biblical Worldview: Insights from the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

Have you ever felt that counseling sessions sometimes leave you feeling empty or unchanged? It’s an experience many share, often stemming from ineffective counseling methods that either overemphasize spiritual themes or lean too heavily into secular perspectives. In these sessions, we might focus solely on outward suffering while neglecting deeper issues of sin, or we might be so focused on sin that we overlook the accompanying suffering.

To navigate these complexities, adopting a proper Biblical worldview is essential. This worldview anchors our counseling in Scripture, guiding us through the intertwined nature of human existence—sin, suffering, and redemption. The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith offers a transformative framework that embraces a holistic view of individuals, reflecting what Scripture teaches.

In this article, we will delve into how Scripture informs this worldview and examine how the 1689 2LBCF provides a solid theological foundation that can enhance our counseling methodologies.

The Foundation of a Biblical Worldview in Counseling 

Seeing Life Through God’s Lens

To cultivate a Biblical worldview, we must anchor our understanding in the foundational truth that God is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1), including humanity, created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). I previously explored these themes in an article titled “The Imago Dei in Biblical Counseling: Insights from the Second London Baptist Confession.” However, as Genesis 3 reveals, sin and suffering subsequently entered the world, leading to our fallen state (Romans 3:23) and underscoring our desperate need for the restoration that only Christ can provide (2 Cor. 5:17; John 3:16). Beyond these core elements of a Biblical worldview, there are additional key aspects that shape our thoughts and actions, particularly in how we counsel others. In this discussion, we will highlight four crucial dimensions that are vital for enriching our worldview, firmly grounded in Scripture.

First, Scripture is our ultimate authority in counseling and developing a Biblical worldview. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” A reminder that all Scripture is divinely inspired by God and serves as a powerful guide for every aspect of life and godliness. John Stott highlights that Scripture holds significant value for shaping our beliefs and guiding our actions. “As for our creed, Scripture is profitable ‘for teaching the truth and refuting error.’ As for our conduct, it is profitable ‘for reformation of manners and discipline in right living’.” Essentially, Scripture teaches us what is true and how to live according to that truth.

Second, a biblical worldview involves recognizing that sin is the root of all human struggle. Psalm 51:4-5 states, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” In this instance, what applies to David is equally true for us, as Paul points out in Romans 3:23, where he reminds us that every human being has fallen short of God’s glory. This sin-stained condition of humanity leads to a world full of struggles and suffering for all of creation.

Third, despite being fallen humans, we are redeemable through the work of Christ. Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” What God initiated in Genesis 3:15, He will faithfully bring to fruition, honoring His covenant promises every step of the way. Paul goes on to say, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13)” God, through Christ, remains our only true hope for healing from the sin and suffering that permeates this life and the next.

Lastly, a Biblical worldview establishes the identity and purpose of Christians in Christ. Colossians 3:1-3 states, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Our former selves don’t dictate who we are anymore; we’ve experienced death and resurrection in Christ. Paul elaborates on this transformative journey of shedding the old self and embracing the new. This change is fundamental to our identity and dictates our way of living: we are called to kill the sin in our lives and instead live for God’s glory, aiming for the higher purpose. Therefore, it’s evident that a Biblical worldview equips counselors with a guiding compass for their clients. But how can we ensure its consistent application?

The 1689 London Baptist Confession as a Theological Guide

A Historic Framework for Modern Counsel

The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF) carries a profound legacy, originating in the 1600s. It was built upon the Westminster Confession of Faith, which the Westminster divines penned in 1647 and subsequently adopted by churches across England. In 1658, some Congregationalist leaders reacted to the Westminster Confession by drafting the Savoy Declaration, reflecting their differing views on church governance and baptism practices. By 1677, the first edition of the LBCF started to make its rounds; however, it did not feature any signatories to validate its authority and struggled to gain widespread acceptance.

In 1689, following the passage of the Act of Toleration, a key assembly of leaders gathered to enhance the 1677 version of the LBCF, culminating in the official version that continues to be widely recognized and utilized today. Austin Walker reminds us, “One hundred and eight churches were represented at the Assembly. There were thirty-three pastors and messengers who formally signed a Confession of Faith in the name and on behalf of the churches represented at the Assembly. They declared that it was a full statement “containing the Doctrine of our Faith and Practice.”

Understanding the significance of these documents is crucial. They were crafted to clarify and provide guidance for the church. Each confession presents a structured overview of key doctrines that can often be misunderstood or misrepresented. Personally, I seek to deepen my understanding of them and urge others not to overlook these confessions. Instead, we should engage with them, letting them guide us toward theological clarity. As we’ll explore, these confessions can also shape our counseling approaches within the church.

Key Chapters and Their Counseling Applications

Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scriptures

Chapter one of the confession opens by discussing the doctrine of Holy Scripture, laying a solid groundwork for the authority of Scripture in the lives of believers. The opening statement says, “The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.” Scripture serves as the ultimate authority for imparting knowledge, fostering faith, and guiding obedience, as it reveals the true nature of God. John Reuther notes, “In reverse, the true God reveals a rule by which we must guide our lives.” God has laid down a definitive rule, clearly conveyed through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures we possess. These writings serve as our guide, providing essential insights for saving knowledge, life, and godliness. Consequently, the Scriptures hold relevance for every aspect of our lives.

Paragraph 6 states, “The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture.” When it comes to the sufficiency of Scripture, many Biblical counselors engage in a lively debate over its true meaning. John Reuther is also helpful here stating, “When we speak of the sufficiency of the Bible, we mean that it is sufficient to accomplish God’s purposes in the world, in the church, and in our lives.” The Bible isn’t a textbook for subjects like mathematics, science, biology, or psychology. However, when it touches on these topics, it provides the necessary guidance. While we can seek truth beyond the Scriptures for our everyday lives, such truths fall short when it comes to our need for saving knowledge and faith. Take, for example, the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith; it holds truth, yet it doesn’t possess the same sufficiency or authority that Scripture does.

What does this mean for counselors? Understanding chapter one of the confession provides a foundational framework for grasping the sufficiency of Scripture regarding all aspects of saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. It’s crucial to recognize the significance of Scripture as highlighted in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, depicting it as the divinely inspired Word of God for His people. The Scriptures offer guidance for all facets of life and godliness. Therefore, as Biblical counselors, prioritizing the Word of God in counseling sessions is essential, rather than relying on secular counseling models that stray from biblical teachings.

Chapter 2: Of God and the Holy Trinity

Chapter two of the 1689 offers a wealth of insights, but I will concentrate specifically on the sovereignty of God. Louis Berkhoff states this about the sovereignty of God, “He is clothed with absolute authority over the hosts of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. He upholds all things with His almighty power, and determines the ends which they are destined to serve. He rules as King in the most absolute sense of the word, and all things are dependent on Him and subservient to Him.” God alone holds supreme authority and governs all of creation, being both its Creator and sustainer.

Chapter two, paragraph two states, “He is the only fountain of all being, from whom, through whom, and to whom are all things, and He has supreme dominion over all creatures, to act by them, for them, or upon them, whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3 expresses this very simply: “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” Embracing the reality of God’s sovereignty is both a humbling and uplifting experience. Romans 8:28 beautifully reassures us that our powerful God orchestrates every situation, turning even challenges into opportunities for our benefit and His glory. Truly, we are blessed to serve such a remarkable God!

Chapters 10 & 17: Effectual Calling and Perseverance

Chapter 10 paragraph beautifully explains, “Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, he is pleased in his appointed, and accepted time, effectually to call, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ.” God delivers His people from the sinful death they face. Thinking about this effectual calling, Jim Domm states, “Sinners can do nothing to save themselves. God must act. God must effectually call them. He must give them new life, or they will forever remain apart from Christ.” Without divine intervention, those caught in sin remain spiritually lifeless and are incapable of achieving renewal through Christ. All of creation is inherently reliant on its Creator.

Chapter seventeen paragraph one of the 1689 says, “Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.” The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints beautifully explains that God not only saves His people but also carries them through this life into eternity. Calvin Walden explains it this way, “Not only is the believer kept by the power of God, but he also has the certainty of having been engraved upon the palm of God’s hand.” Nothing can separate us from God once He has embraced us, and what He has begun, He is faithful to bring to completion.

These two chapters on effectual calling and the perseverance of the saints serve as a remarkable reminder of all that God has done and is doing in the lives of every believer. God saves and sanctifies us entirely on His own. This is often a message that people need to hear during their trials, pain, sin, and suffering. In Philippians 1:6 and 3:13, Paul reminds us of this truth: our salvation and lives are solely from God, and they do not depend on works of the flesh or how well circumstances unfold in this world. We often look around and wonder if God has abandoned us because our lives seem so out of control; however, He has not left us and will not forsake us. Counselors, remind your people of this all-important truth and let the Scriptures, along with the confession, be your guide.

Chapter 19: Of the Law of God

Chapter nineteen of the 1689 2 LBCF is a reminder that the law God has given applies not only to the justified but also the unjustified, as the God of all has set his laws on all people. “The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof, and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator, who gave it.” While Christ fulfills the law on our behalf, the law is not dissolved, but strengthened and confirmed. Because the law is not dissolved, as Christians, we still strive to uphold the law. Phillip Hughes notes, “The Christian is still under solemn obligation to keep the law of God, but with this difference, that he now has the power, the power of Christ by the Holy Spirit within himself, to keep it.”

As counselors, we aim to ensure that people, especially those in the church, are striving to uphold the law and commands of God. When we fail to do so, there should be a clear path to the cross through repentance. Scripture, along with the law and commands of God, as mentioned in chapter 1 of the confession, serves as a rule of life and authority established by God. While the law does not provide life, it acts as a guideline for living; Christ is the true giver of life. John Reuther puts it this way, “Christ does not give us a new law, but the law of pure and simple love. The Ten Commandments show us how to love God and how to love our neighbor. And, most importantly, they show us how to be holy.”

 Chapter 26: Of the Church

There is much to learn about the church today, but one thing I have noticed is missing in many churches is the focus on people caring for one another. Paragraph 6 in chapter 26 states, “The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.” The local church is one of the most essential aspects of Christian life, and without it, individuals can expect to grow and mature very slowly, if at all. Sam Waldron notes, “Discipleship, baptism, and church membership are intimately connected in the Great Commission. Discipleship, therefore, demands baptism, church membership, and submission to the elders/teachers of the church.”

One of the first questions I ask a new counselee is whether they are engaged with their local church and to what extent. The answer they provide reveals a lot. Simply put, without the community of the local church, discipleship, care, and counseling fall off the radar, preventing people from reaping the benefits of those resources. If you are a counselor, I encourage you to explore this issue deeply and ensure your counselees are actively participating in their local churches. Acts 2:41-42 illustrate this picture of new believers joining the Apostles, breaking bread with them, and learning from them. This is discipleship, and many in the church today are missing out on this crucial aspect of the local church.

Balancing Truth and Grace in Practice

Avoiding the Extremes

In the context of Biblical counseling, we often see two contrasting approaches: over-spiritualizing and over-secularizing. Over-spiritualizing tends to ignore the practical needs of individuals, attributing all their challenges solely to sin. While sin is indeed a factor, we must recognize that our human bodies experience decay and can contribute to various issues as well. Conversely, over-secularizing suffering means neglecting its spiritual aspects. Many of the struggles we encounter arise from the sinfulness and brokenness of our world, which is deeply ingrained in our hearts.

The 1689 2LBCF presents an integrated view of individuals, acknowledging them as embodied souls. This perspective encourages us to tackle life’s challenges with purpose and intentionality. At the heart of this historic confession is the call to keep Christ central to our worldview and our guidance. The Scriptures are our ultimate authority, shedding light on every facet of life and godliness, and reminding us of our identity as beings made in God’s image. Such a viewpoint shapes our understanding of existence, influencing our thoughts about God, life, and our reactions to sin and suffering. Counselors are encouraged to establish clear boundaries in their practice and must integrate confessions and Scripture into their methodologies. Genuine healing is found in Christ, as we engage with God’s unfolding plan of redemption in our lives. However, we cannot fully comprehend this divine plan without a committed effort to pursue it diligently.

Stott, John R. W. Guard the Gospel the Message of 2 Timothy. InterVarsity Press, 1973, p. 103.

Ventura, Rob, editor. A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Mentor, 2022, p. 21.

Reuther, John. “Of the Holy Scriptures.”A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, edited by Rob Ventura, Mentor, 2022, p. 40.

Reuther, John. “Of the Holy Scriptures.”A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, edited by Rob Ventura, Mentor, 2022, p. 52.

Berkhof, L. Systematic Theology. Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938, p. 76.

Domm, Jim. “Of Effectual Calling.”A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, edited by Rob Ventura, Mentor, 2022, p. 190.

Walden, Calvin. “Of the Perseverance of the Saints.”A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, edited by Rob Ventura, Mentor, 2022, p. 319.

Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986), 90.

Reuther, John. “Of the Law of God.”A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, edited by Rob Ventura, Mentor, 2022, p. 370.

Waldron, Sam. “Of the Church.”A New Exposition of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, edited by Rob Ventura, Mentor, 2022, p. 456.