Guido de Bres, author of the Netherlands’ Confession, was born in Mons in the year 1522. He was born a Roman Catholic, but was converted to Protestantism before the age of 25 after a careful study of the Scriptures. When persecution broke out in 1548, he was banished from his country, and went to England for a time where he studied for the ministry. He soon came back and settled in Ryssel as a preacher. Persecution became so intense that his congregation was scattered and he fled to Frankfurt in Germany and later to Switzerland. In 1559 he returned and served various churches in the southern part of what is now Belgium, but often in disguise for safety’s sake. It was at this time that the confession was composed with the help of other spiritual men of the area. In 1561, when a new investigation of Protestantism was instituted, de Bres presented his confession to the authorities to prove that he was not a revolutionist, but that the protestant doctrines were founded upon the Word of God. It had no effect upon the authorities at all, and the life of de Bres was in constant danger. He was forced to flee from place to place seeking refuge, until in 1566 he settled in Valenciennes, a protestant stronghold, where he served as minister. But shortly thereafter the city was besieged by the Roman Catholic governor who forced the city to surrender. Guido and several ministers fled, but were captured in a few hours, and brought back to the city. It was but the work of a few hours to try him, convict him and hang him (1567). So the author of this confession died in the public place of Valenciennes for the faith he had so valiantly defended.
The creed itself (first written in French) was soon accepted by the reformed churches in the Netherlands. It was first printed in 1566 after revisions, and afterwards translated in German, Dutch, and Latin. It was approved and adopted by several Synods, and was finally revised and adopted by the great Synod of Dordrecht together with the Canons, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Church Order. Since then, it has been recognized by the Reformed churches in the Netherlands, Africa, and America as part of their confession.
QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED FOR CLASS:
1. List our three Creeds and briefly explain the content of each.
2. Explain (see dictionary) the meaning of the following words:
a. Creed
b. Confession
c. Standard
d. Form of Unity
3. What is the relationship between Scripture and the Creeds?
4. Argue against the slogan: “No creed but Christ (or: the Bible)”.
5. List reasons why we need the creeds.
6. Since the creeds are over 400 years old, are they not out-of-date today?
7. Are creeds infallible? Explain.
8. Give a general outline of the Netherlands Confession.