What We Believe

Confessionally Reformed

Doctrine is important, it is vital for the health of the church. Without good doctrine the church decays. Throughout history, the church has confessed what it believes by faithfully summarizing the truths of the Bible in written forms known as creeds and confessions. These confessions do not hold the same authority as the Bible, but they help to summarize the Bible's teaching. 


We confess the ecumenical creeds of the ancient church which have expressed what the church believes for hundreds of years, you can read the Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed) here. 


The Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession and Canons of Dort) are essential confessions to our Reformed distinctives. These confessions are committed to the historic teachings of the Protestant Reformation. They express how the Word of God is the center of all that happens in the life and practice of the church and what it means for Jesus to be at the center of the Church's life and thought. 

Doctrinal Summary


THE BIBLE

Is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is without error. God's Word is infallible and the authoritative revelation for faith and practice. The source and foundation of all that the church does. 



GOD

God is the sovereign Creator of the heavens and earth and all that they contain. He upholds and governs all things and orchestrates all things with great care and perfection. There is only one true and living God who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is an invisible spirit, eternal, incomprehensible, he does not change, self-sufficient, perfectly holy, just, loving, merciful, powerful, wise, and good. He knows all things and everywhere present. 



THE FALL

All people are created in the image of God, made to reflect God's glory and character. But because of the first man's sin: Adam, all people are born sinners, dead, and enemies of God. Human beings are corrupt, they have sinned against God in thought, word and deed. They have broken God's law. Humans are totally unable to save themselves from God's wrath, unless God by his mercy and grace provides what He requires.



SALVATION

God determined that sinners may receive forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. He alone sovereignly chooses those whom He will save. No human merit will bring redemption. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. 



JESUS CHRIST

Jesus the eternal Son of God who took upon himself a human nature, by being born of a Virgin. He has both a divine and human nature--united in one person. He lived an obedient, perfect, and sinless life. A life of suffering and service, died a sacrificial death, bore the sins of His people and undertook the wrath of God. He rose from the dead and was raised for the justification of His people, ascended to the right hand of God, and there He intercedes, mediates, and governs perfectly. He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth by the Father.

 


KINGDOM

He will come again to judge the living and the dead, bringing his people into His eternal kingdom. Christ is renewing all things. At His second coming, He will cosign His enemies to eternal judgement. Christ continues His mission as a reigning King by seeking and saving the lost through His church as she proclaims the Gospel. He has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:16-20).