There are many reasons to commend Pastor Matthew Everhard's Hold Fast the Faith: A Devotional Commentary on the Westminster Confession of 1647. There are already many commentaries on the Westminster Confession, so to write one for use in devotions makes it an intriguing contribution. His vision came to life, and we may now benefit from an enriching devotional guide through the celebrated confession.
The book is well balanced, engaging both the heart and the mind and compelling us to act. The Westminster Confession was not written just to set theological boundaries, but primarily as a guide to help pious Christians glorify God and enjoy him forever. It was for pilgrims on the journey with Christ. Hold Fast the Faith treats the confession for what it is and what it was intended to be. In my opinion, that is the most important aspect of this work. In our day it is safe to assume that many are not very familiar with Reformation and post-Reformation creeds, such as the Westminster Confession, picturing them as a bit impractical, a little overly complicated, and most likely written by smart men who were out of touch with the common person in the pews. This book will prove theologically and historically useful in overcoming those misunderstandings. It will help orient not only Reformed and Presbyterian readers, but also the innumerable Calvinist evangelicals who have many affinities with the Reformed tradition.
Although the aim of the book is personal devotion, it can easily be used in a variety of settings such as small groups. Its format and design make it manageable, and each chapter can function nicely as a stand-alone unit. Having the full text of the Westminster Confession and the associated Larger and Shorter Catechisms in the volume is convenient as well. Hold Fast the Faith is well organized, biblically grounded, and historically informed. It is definitely accessible to a wide audience and will be helpful to the new and the old in the faith.
