Statement of Faith

Preamble

Tulip Publishing Ltd is established to promote the Christian faith in accordance with the Reformed theological tradition. Our doctrinal foundation is drawn from the historic confessions of the Reformation, which we affirm as subordinate standards under Holy Scripture. Our primary doctrinal standard is the A New Confession of Faith (1654), which we believe offers a succinct, comprehensive, and gospel-rich summary of core Reformed doctrine.

In addition, we affirm the doctrinal unity of the following Reformed confessions, recognising their theological harmony and shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of the gospel:

  • The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646)
  • The Savoy Declaration (1658)
  • The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689)
  • The Three Forms of Unity:
    • The Belgic Confession (1561)
    • The Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
    • The Canons of Dort (1618–19)

These confessions shape the theological commitments, publishing priorities, and doctrinal integrity of Tulip Publishing.

Summary Doctrinal Articles

We affirm the following foundational doctrines, with citations corresponding to the Reformed confessions listed above. These articles are not exhaustive but represent the core theological commitments that govern the ministry and publishing work of Tulip Publishing.

1. The Holy Scriptures

The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God and the only rule by which He may be savingly known and rightly served in all holiness and righteousness. In them we must rest. Whoever does not believe the Scriptures, but instead rejects them and turns to any other way of discovering the mind of God, cannot be saved.

  • WCF 1; Savoy 1; 1689 LBCF 1; Belgic Conf. 2–7
 
2. The One True God

There is one only God, who is a Spirit—all-sufficient, eternal, infinite, unchangeable, almighty, all-knowing, just, merciful, most holy, good, true, faithful, and only wise—working all things according to the counsel of His own will; the Creator, Governor, and Judge of the world. The knowledge of God by faith is necessary for salvation, and every other way of knowing Him is insufficient to save.

  • WCF 2.1; Savoy 2.1; 1689 LBCF 2.1; Belgic Conf. 1; Heidelberg Q/A 24–25
 
3. God’s Distinct Being and Blessedness

This God is infinitely distinct from all creatures in His being and blessedness.

  • WCF 2.2; Savoy 2.2; 1689 LBCF 2.2; Belgic Conf. 1
 
4. The Holy Trinity

This one God exists in three persons or subsistences: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

  • WCF 2.3; Savoy 2.3; 1689 LBCF 2.3; Belgic Conf. 8–11; Heidelberg Q/A 25
 
5. Creation of Man, Gender, and Calling

God created mankind, male and female, in His image and for His glory. Male and female are two distinct and immutable sexes, determined by God. While equal in worth and dignity, men and women are called to distinct, complementary roles in the home, church, and society. Man’s chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.

  • WCF 4.2; 24.1; 1689 LBCF 4.2; Belgic Conf. 14; Heidelberg Q/A 6

 

 6. The Fall and Total Depravity

Man, who was thus created, has fallen into a state of sin and misery, so that our nature is wholly corrupted, disabled for all that is spiritually good, enslaved to sin, at enmity with God, and inclined to all evil. As long as we remain in that state, the wrath of God abides on us.

  • WCF 6; Savoy 6; 1689 LBCF 6; Belgic Conf. 14–15; Canons of Dort III/IV.1–3; Heidelberg Q/A 7–8

 

7. Sin and Its Wages

Every transgression of the law of God is sin, and the wages of sin is eternal death.

  • WCF 19.1; Savoy 19; 1689 LBCF 19.1; Heidelberg Q/A 10

 

8. Christ the Only Mediator

Out of His love, God sent Jesus Christ to be the only Mediator between God and man. Without the knowledge of Christ through the revelation of the Gospel, there is no salvation.

  • WCF 8.1; Savoy 8.1; 1689 LBCF 8.1; Belgic Conf. 20–21; Heidelberg Q/A 15–18

 

9. The Person of Christ

This Jesus Christ is God by nature—the only and eternally begotten Son of the Father—and also true man, united in one person.

  • WCF 8.2; Savoy 8.2; 1689 LBCF 8.2; Belgic Conf. 18–19; Heidelberg Q/A 16–17

 

10. Christ’s Atoning Work

This Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and Surety, who died in our place, laid down His life as a ransom for us, and bore our sins, having made full satisfaction for them.

  • WCF 8.4–5; Savoy 8.4–5; 1689 LBCF 8.4–5; Canons of Dort II; Belgic Conf. 21; Heidelberg Q/A 37–40

 

11. The Exaltation and Heavenly Intercession of Christ

This same Lord Jesus Christ was crucified at Jerusalem, was buried, rose again, and ascended into heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. He remains forever a distinct person from all saints and angels, notwithstanding their union and communion with Him.

  • WCF 8.4, 8.6; Savoy 8.4, 8.6; 1689 LBCF 8.4–6; Heidelberg Q/A 49–51

 

12. Justification by Faith

All true believers are partakers of Jesus Christ and all His benefits, freely by grace, and are justified by faith in Him—not by works—He being made righteousness to us by God.

  • WCF 11.1–3; Savoy 11; 1689 LBCF 11.1–3; Belgic Conf. 22–23; Heidelberg Q/A 21, 56, 60–61

 

13. Regeneration and Conversion

No one can be saved unless he is born again by the Holy Spirit, repents, believes, and walks in holy conduct and godliness.

  • WCF 10.1–2, 13.1–3; Savoy 10, 13; 1689 LBCF 10.1–2, 13.1–3; Canons of Dort III/IV; Heidelberg Q/A 88–90

 

14. Christ Above All

Whoever does not prize and love Jesus Christ above himself and all other things cannot be saved.

  • WCF 22.2; Larger Catechism Q104–105; Savoy 22; 1689 LBCF 22.2; Heidelberg Q/A 1, 30

 

15. The Danger of Sin

Whoever allows himself to live in any known sin, under any pretense or principle whatsoever, is in a state of condemnation.

  • WCF 18.1, 20.3, 24.6; Savoy 18, 20; 1689 LBCF 18.1, 20.3; Heidelberg Q/A 87

 

16. Worship According to God’s Will

God is to be worshipped according to His own will, and only in and through Jesus Christ.

  • WCF 21.1–5; Savoy 22; 1689 LBCF 22.1; Belgic Conf. 7, 32; Heidelberg Q/A 96–98

 

17. The Resurrection

All the dead shall rise again.

  • WCF 32.1–2; Savoy 31; 1689 LBCF 31.1–2; Belgic Conf. 37; Heidelberg Q/A 57

 

18. Final Judgment

On the last day, God will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ and will reward each one according to his works.

  • WCF 33.1–2; Savoy 32; 1689 LBCF 32.1–2; Belgic Conf. 37; Heidelberg Q/A 52

 

19. Eternal Life

All believers shall be brought into an everlasting state of blessedness and an inheritance of glory in the kingdom of heaven.

  • WCF 32.2; Savoy 31.2; 1689 LBCF 31.2; Belgic Conf. 37; Heidelberg Q/A 58–59

 

20. Eternal Punishment

All the wicked and unbelieving shall be cast into everlasting torments with the devil and his angels in hell.

  • WCF 33.2; Savoy 32.2; 1689 LBCF 32.2; Canons of Dort I.15; Belgic Conf. 37; Heidelberg Q/A 84

 

21. Civil Government and the Kingdom of Christ

Civil government is ordained by God for justice and peace. Christians are to honour rulers and participate in civic life faithfully. The church and state hold distinct roles under God: the state preserves civil order, while the church proclaims the Gospel. Christ rules His kingdom by Word and Spirit, not through political power.

  • WCF 23.1–4; Savoy 24.1–2; 1689 LBCF 24.1–3; Belgic Conf. 36 (revised); Heidelberg Q/A 104