Purpose of Confessions of Faith

A confession of faith serves primarily as a summary and exposition of what scripture teaches, rather than being a source of doctrine itself. It aims to provide clarity in teachings, allowing believers to differentiate between orthodox beliefs and heresies. This becomes essential as various groups interpret scripture differently; a confession standardizes these interpretations for a community. Additionally, it serves as a tool for both instruction and memorization, making core Christian beliefs more accessible to laypersons, particularly those who may struggle with the complexity of the Bible.