The Scots Confession of 1560

by George David Henderson (Editor), James Bulloch (Translator)

The classic text now available in a new format

The Scots Confession of 1560, written by John Knox, John Winram and four other ministers, is 'the warm utterance of a people's heart.' It states the Christian beliefs and principles at the heart of the Reformation. Simple, straightforward and frank, The Confession is essential reading for anyone interested in the Reformation or in Scottish history.

This edition includes:

- a version in original Scots
- a valuable Introduction which explains the background and recent history to this key historical document
- a full, modern translation by the Reverend James Bulloch

Genres: Theology

74 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1560

About the author

George David Henderson (26 March 1888 – 28 May 1957) was a Scottish historian and a minister of the Church of Scotland

Reviews

[Sam Oxby]

I've just started to look at Scottish church history as a personal project and this was one of the first books that I could find on the subject at my local library (Inverness).

I must admit that though I read the whole of the extensive introduction and actual confession, I did only read the newly translated version by James Bulloch rather than that and the original transcript in oldie English.

As stupid as it sounds, I was surprised how much of the confession I could personally add an 'amen' to. Stupid because the confession merely states the exact belief of reformers in Scotland in 1560 which is all based solely on Scripture. Which as a non-denominational, Bible believing Christian myself is precisely what I believe.

I know that this is no new form of Christianity and is in fact the way God ordained it through the establishment of the early church, which is the model that we follow. But sometimes this simplistic Bible based form of Christianity can get lost in the public perception of Christianity, based around the established churches of Catholicism, Church of Scotland/England etc. It was a nice realisation to me that Scotland was founded in 1560 on the basic principles of following Scripture and recognising God's plan in all things.

What a foundation for us to work from now, as we try to reintroduce the importance of Godly principles in a Scotland that is changing and advancing as quickly as the rest of the world, and floundering under the pressure of commercialism and hedonism.

My research and studies continue...

[David Clifton]

John Knox, "the Thundering Scott," was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1514 and was ordained into the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church about 15 40. However, he converted to Protestantism sometime around 1547 and became a leader in the Protestant Reformation of Scotland in 1560. In addition to "The Scots Confession," he helped author the "First Book of Discipline" and the "Book of Common Order."
Sometimes I struggle with the language of the devotional "classics," but Knox has a down-to-earth style.

An excerpt about why we should pray:
"But some will object and say, 'Although we do not understand what we pray for, yet God, who knows the secrets of our hearts, understands; He knows also what we need, even though we do not expressly declare our needs unto Him.' Such men reveal that they have no understanding of what perfect prayer means, nor to what end Jesus Christ commands us to pray. Namely, He does this first that our hearts may be inflamed with continual fear, honor and love of God, to whom we run for support and help whenever danger or necessity may require; that we, so learning to make known our desires in His presence, may be taught by Him what is to be desired and what is not. Again (Jesus Christ commands us to pray) that we, knowing our petitions to be granted by God alone, must give thanks and praise only to Him; and that we, ever having His infinite goodness fixed in our minds, may constantly endeavor to receive that which we desire with fervent prayer."

[Wade]

A great Confession of Faith from the reformers in Scotland.