What We Believe
Presbyterians believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. That is the single theological statement made at the time of baptism into the church.
But that statement is simply the foundation for a rich theological history that dates to the time of the Reformation, during which John Calvin and John Knox, among others, left the Roman Catholic Church to develop a type of Protestantism that became known as the Reformed family of faith.
Today’s Presbyterian Church draws on these roots, but isn’t content to rest in the past. Presbyterians believe that our church is reformed, and always being reformed by a God who is alive and active in this world.
Let’s take a look at some of the things that we believe, as Presbyterians:
Jesus Christ
Jesus is the CenterPoint, the touchstone of Reformed theology, as evidenced by the baptismal statement above. Presbyterians believe that God loved humankind enough to come to earth in the person of Jesus, our Messiah -- the true embodiment of God, fully human and fully divine. Jesus was born, lived an exemplary life, died, and rose from the dead for us and for our salvation.
God
We believe that God, while in three persons (a word that does not do justice to the concept), is one. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are of the same substance, continually unified in perfect community.
We believe that this Trinitarian God creates, redeems, and sustains us. Unique among Presbyterian belief is an emphasis on the sovereignty of God. This sovereign God rules over all, is more powerful than any human -- or any malevolent force -- and is the creative source of all things. We believe God remains active in the world. The good news of this theology is that our sovereign God is ultimately in control.
The Human Condition
We believe that God created the world good. Humans, as God’s created children, are intended to worship the one true God who is the source of all things, but (by our own choice) we turn to idols of our own creation. This is sin. In following our own will rather than that of God, we not only move out of right relationship with God, but also diminish our relationships with one another. Our choices leave us and our relationships broken and in need of healing.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that God sent us an advocate in Christ’s name, the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the world and leads us in joyous discipleship. We believe that all that we do, in worship, in mission, and in our daily lives, depends on this living Spirit and the strength and hope it provides.
Scripture
Presbyterians believe that God speaks to us through biblical scripture, the authoritative Word of God that points us toward God’s living Word, Jesus Christ.
Grace
Since God is the one who initiates all relationship, only God’s grace can reconcile broken relationship. Thus, we can enjoy true communion with God and God’s people through Christ. We are saved through God’s sacrificial love in Jesus Christ alone. This is a free gift, which we cannot earn. We can only accept this grace with gratitude and respond to it in love for God and neighbor.
Worship and Sacraments
Presbyterians worship joyfully each Sunday, or Lord’s Day, and on special occasions. Services focus on us:
• coming before our Lord with praises and confession.
• hearing the Word of God both read and proclaimed (or preached).
• responding to the Word with song, prayer, and offerings.
• carrying the Word of God out into the world.
We recognize two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Both were instituted by God and commanded by Jesus during his time on earth. Both are outward, visible signs of God’s inward, invisible grace. The Lord’s Supper (communion) is shared on the first Sunday of each month and on other designated occasions.
If you want to know more about our beliefs or have questions about what you have read here, please contact our pastor.
About the Presbyterian Church (USA)
St. Philip Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (PCUSA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, representing more than 1.05 million people worshiping in 8,432 congregations.
The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek, meaning “ruled by elders.” Elders – ruling elders and ministers (called teaching elders) – make up governing bodies of Presbyterian churches. This is true for all levels, from individual congregations to regional and national bodies.
St. Philip is a member of Grace Presbytery, which is, in turn, part of the Synod of the Sun. This connectivity makes it possible for every member of every congregation to serve Christ locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The important thing about Presbyterian structure is that we all work together as a priesthood of believers, striving to discern God’s will and to serve God by living out the love of Christ among our neighbors, near and far.
To learn more about the PCUSA, please check out the following links:
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Contact
If you would like to know more about our beliefs or have questions about what you have read here, please contact our pastor: