Beliefs

Essential Tenets of Presbyterian Reformed Faith

I. Presbyterians as Christians – Shared beliefs with other Christians.

A. The mystery of a triune God

We share with Protestants, Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. One God who Scripture shows is creator, reconciler and sustainer.

B. The incarnation of the eternal Word of God in Jesus Christ

That we are not alone, Emmanuel, God is with us.

II. Presbyterians as Protestant – Shared beliefs with other Protestants.

A. Justification by Grace through Faith

We have not fulfilled God’s law of loving God with all our heart, mind and soul, and neighbors as ourselves. So we are not justified in and of ourselves to approach God. We are not righteous.

B. Authority of Scripture

Sits at the center of the Christian faith. The lens through which we know God, who we are and how we must live. Points to the truth. But God’s love in Jesus Christ saves us and draws us back to God.

III. Presbyterians as Reformed – Beliefs emphasized for Reformed Presbyterians

A. God’s Sovereignty

God, and God alone, is the source and power of all that exists

B. Election of God’s People for Service and Salvation

One important characteristic of our heritage is that the law comes after our grace, which is a way to show our gratitude for the grace given to us.

C. God’s Covenant with Chosen People

God called ordinary people and entrusted them to follow God’s guidance in spreading God’s love and living holy lives. “I will be your God, you will be my people.” And, “I will be with you till the end of the age. ” We are all chosen.

D. Faithful Stewardship of Creation

Responsibility on us to care for each other as well as creation.

E. Recognizing Human Tendency Toward Idolatry and Tyranny, Which is Sin

We do not believe in atheism because we believe that everyone believes in something, it just may be wrong.

F. That God’s People Work Toward the Transformation of Society by Seeking Justice and Living in Obedience to the

Word of God.

Our task is not to be successful in bringing in the Kingdom of God, but to be obedient to trying.

Great Ends of the Church…..

The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind;

The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God;

The maintenance of divine worship;

The preservation of the truth;

The promotion of social righteousness;

The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.