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| Like other Christians, Presbyterians believe in: God – Father and Creator of the universe Jesus Christ – the incarnation of God and Saviour of the world The Holy Spirit – the presence of God in the world and in the believer The Church – a universal fellowship of Christ's followers Forgiveness of sin – made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Life everlasting – promised by Jesus to all who believe in Him Bible – the inspired word of God Sacraments – God's means of grace. Presbyterians accept two sacraments only: baptism and holy communion. Special Presbyterian Emphases Justification by grace through faith: With other churches of the Reformation we stress that human beings are saved from aimlessness and self-centeredness to the life which is God's will for them. In Biblical terms this is spoken of as eternal life, salvation or life in God's Kingdom. We find it, not by our own efforts, but by God's acceptance of us. This is spoken of as justification by grace through faith. God does not judge us on our perfection. If He did, none of us would stand a chance. He accepts us not because of our worth, but because of His love shown in His Son, Jesus Christ. The place of the Bible: The Presbyterian Church accepts the Scriptures as the supreme standard – its rule for faith and life. Some people may select parts to suit themselves and so distort its central teaching. We do believe that the Holy Spirit working in the church through years of struggle, debate and discussion, gives guidelines and leads the church as it endeavours to discover and to proclaim the truth. The priesthood of all believers: The division between priests and people as two different grades of Christians led to the Reformed assertion that Jesus Christ calls all His followers to serve Him in His church. Whatever their daily work, all of God's people are ministers or priests. By showing other human beings the sort of life God has given them, they invite them to share in this new relationship with God. We speak, then, of the priesthood of all believers, not just of a priestly class. No one Christian has more access to God than any other. Sovereignty of God: In a world where there is so much doubt and speculation, we affirm that God is in control, our only hope is in Him, and He has made men and women that they find full meaning in life only as they acknowledge His rule. The God we worship is powerful and just, but He is also merciful and loving. Thus we strongly assert the sovereignty of God. God's covenant: The Bible speaks of God's covenant. This is a solemn agreement in which God takes the initiative. In this, God makes both an offer to men and woman and places a demand upon them. He calls, or elects, those who respond to His gift of life in Jesus Christ into His family and church. |
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