Our last article (pp. 10-16) introduced, expounded and documented the dominant view of the Reformed Orthodox of the mid- and late-1600’s on the timing of ensoulment in the womb, namely that not until the fetus takes on essential human characteristics of four limbs, movement, a heart-beat, sensation, having brain-waves and being in principle capable of rationality (namely at around 42 days after conception) is a soul infused into it by God.

This has brought up the question for some what the Westminster standards say, which do speak of conception in numerous places.

So Travis Fentiman, MDiv. has written a brief article demonstrating that the language of the Westminster documents is consistent with the three main views of ensoulment in that era.  As is documented and argued, part of the original, historic intent of Westminster was to allow for the majority Reformed Orthodox view that humans become ensouled persons at around 42 days after conception, which was the time of the personal union of Christ’s two natures.

‘On Westminster & Ensoulment’  at ‘On the Timing of Ensoulment in the Womb, including with respect to Christ’s Incarnation & Gestation’ (RBO)