The Second Helvetic Confession

The Second Helvetic Confession

by Heinrich Bullinger


The Second Helvetic Confession was written by Bullinger in 1562 and revised in 1564 as an exclusive exercise. It stumbled on the notice of Elector Palatine Frederick III, who had it translated into German and published. It gained a great hold on the Swiss churches, who had found the First Confession too short and too Lutheran. It had been adopted by the Reformed Church not just throughout Switzerland however in Scotland (1566), Hungary (1567), France (1571), Poland (1578), and following the Westminster Confession of faith, the Scots Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism is probably the most generally recognized confession of the Reformed Church. The Second Helvetic Confession was also within the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.' s Book of Confessions, in 1967, and remains in the Book of Confessions adopted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).


Something of Bullinger's mature thought, this second confession presents Calvinism as evangelical Christianity, in conformity with the teachings of the ancient church. Though scholastic and lengthy, it's moderate in tone. Harmony with the teachings of the ancient church is very important; variety in nonessentials is allowable. The teachings of the Greek and Latin theologians of early days are valuable, though tradition must often be subordinated to Scripture. The ecumenical creeds of early undivided (pre-Roman) church are scriptural. The Roman claim to be the actual successor of early church is vigorously assailed. The doctrine of election from eternity is affirmed, as befitted a Calvinistic confession. Against the Anabaptists, the Confession defends baptism of children, participation in civil life, and taking on arms under certain conditions. Only in self- defense and only as a last resort.