What we believe

God
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). God is sovereign, holy, and the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1). He is loving, just, and merciful, in His perfect balance of His perfect attributes. He is good, and only can do Good (Psalm 199:68). As the Father, He cares for His creation (Psalm 103:13) and governs all things according to His will (Ephesians 1:11). The Son, Jesus Christ, is the image of the invisible God and firstborn (Inheriting King) over all creation (Colossians 1:15). The Holy Spirit works to bring glory to Christ by guiding believers to the Son (John 14:26; 16:7-15). God is the epicentre of our worship, and our lives are to glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Creation
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth in perfect goodness, by the power of His word (Genesis 1:1-2:3). The universe reflects God’s majesty, wisdom, and power (Psalm 19:1). Humanity, made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), are entrusted with stewardship of His creation (Genesis 2:15). All creation was originally good, but it now groans under the curse of sin (Romans 8:20-22). Creation awaits renewal, where God will restore everything (Revelation 21:1). We affirm the responsibility to care for the earth as God’s stewards, acting with reverence and responsibility towards the environment (Psalm 24:1).

Sin
We believe that sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3), leading to separation from God (Isaiah 59:2). All people inherit a sinful nature (Romans 5:12) and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Sin affects every aspect of human life, corrupting our relationships with God, others, and creation. It brings death and eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). However, God, in His mercy, offers redemption through Jesus Christ (John 3:16), calling all to repentance and faith in Him for salvation (Acts 3:19).

God's Revelation
We believe that God reveals Himself in two primary ways: through creation and Scripture. General revelation, seen in nature (Psalm 19:1), shows God's power and divinity, leaving humanity without excuse (Romans 1:20). Special revelation comes through God’s Word, the Bible, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). Scripture is authoritative and reveals God's plan of salvation in Jesus Christ (John 5:39). God also revealed Himself through prophets, apostles, and supremely in His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2), who is the full and final revelation of God’s character and will.

The Person of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God (John 1:1,14). Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35). He is the promised Davidic King (2 Samuel 7) who lived a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling the law (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), and through Him, all things were created (Colossians 1:16). He is the Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5) and the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). Jesus willingly suffered, died, and rose again for the salvation of sinners (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

The Work of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ's death and resurrection are central to God's plan of salvation (Romans 4:25). Through His substitutionary atonement on the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for sin, satisfying God’s justice (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). His resurrection from the dead confirms His victory over sin, death, and Satan (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). By grace, through faith in Christ, believers are justified, forgiven, and reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus ascended into heaven, where He reigns as King and intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). He will return to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1; Acts 17:31).

The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), made up of all believers who are united in faith by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Church is called to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and grow in holiness (Matthew 28:19-20). As a community of faith, believers gather for worship, teaching, prayer, and fellowship (Acts 2:42). The Church serves as Christ’s ambassadors, reflecting His love and mercy to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). It is both universal, comprising all believers, and local, manifesting in individual congregations.

Baptism
We believe that baptism is a sacrament instituted by Christ (Matthew 28:19), symbolizing the washing away of sins through faith in Jesus (Acts 22:16). It marks entry into the covenant community of the Church and signifies union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). In the Reformed tradition, both believers and their children are baptized, acknowledging God's covenant promises (Acts 2:39). Baptism points to the inward reality of spiritual renewal and the believer’s identification with the body of Christ (Galatians 3:27). We will nevertheless gladly baptise adults, and welcome into our community those who hold to believer’s baptism. In belonging to the CRCA and requiring integrity in adherence to our confessions, there are some limitations for Credobaptists when it comes to church leadership, though service is welcomed and encouraged.

The Lord's Supper
We believe that the Lord's Supper, also called Communion, was instituted by Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) as a means of grace for believers. It is a memorial of Christ’s death and a proclamation of His return. The bread and cup symbolize His body and blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 22:19-20). By faith, believers participate in the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice, receiving spiritual nourishment and being united to Him and one another (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). The Lord’s Supper strengthens our faith and reminds us of our hope in Christ.

The Return of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ will return visibly and gloriously at the end of the age (Acts 1:11). His return will mark the final judgment, where the righteous will enter eternal life, and the wicked will face eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:31-46). Christ will establish a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more death, mourning, or pain (Revelation 21:1-4). Until then, believers are called to live in obedience and readiness, proclaiming the gospel and looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s kingdom (2 Peter 3:10-13).

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
Sola Scriptura affirms that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice, inspired by God and sufficient for salvation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This principle emphasizes the importance of Scripture over church tradition and human authority, empowering believers to interpret God's Word directly. The Reformation underscored that all teachings must align with biblical truth, establishing Scripture as the ultimate guide for Christian living and doctrine.

Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
Sola Fide teaches that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works (Romans 3:28). This principle asserts that salvation is a gift received through faith, which itself is granted by God (Ephesians 2:8-9). During the Reformation, it rejected the idea that human efforts or adherence to the law could achieve salvation, emphasizing reliance on Christ's redemptive work as sufficient for forgiveness and acceptance by God.

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
Sola Gratia emphasizes that salvation is entirely by God's grace, a free gift (Ephesians 2:5). It asserts that humans cannot earn salvation through their actions or merit; rather, it is through God’s unmerited favour that they are saved. This principle highlights God’s initiative in the salvation process, reassuring believers that their security lies in God's grace and mercy, fostering a spirit of gratitude and dependence.

Solus Christus (Christ Alone)
Solus Christus declares that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity (Acts 4:12). This principle emphasizes that salvation comes solely through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, rejecting reliance on any other mediators, such as saints or church leaders. It underscores the sufficiency of Christ's work for redemption, reinforcing that faith in Him is essential for a restored relationship with God.

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be the Glory)
Soli Deo Gloria states that all glory belongs to God alone (Isaiah 42:8). This principle emphasises that every aspect of life, including creation and redemption, should reflect God's glory. It counters the elevation of human achievements and calls believers to live in a manner that honours God’s sovereignty. This doctrine fosters humility and purpose, reminding Christians that their lives are meant to glorify God in all things.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary,
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead and was buried;
He descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communions of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
    maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
    begotten from the Father before all ages,
        God from God, Light from Light,
        true God from true God,
        begotten, not made;
    of the same essence as the Father.
    Through Him all things were made.
    For us and for our salvation
        He came down from heaven;
        He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
        and was made human.
        He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
        he suffered and was buried.
        The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.
        He ascended to heaven
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
        He will come again with glory
        to judge the living and the dead.
        His kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.
    He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
    and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
    He spoke through the prophets.
    We believe in one holy catholic* and apostolic church.
    We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
    We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
    and to life in the world to come. Amen.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

Anyone who does not keep it whole and unbroken will doubtless perish eternally.

Now this is the catholic faith:

That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity,
    neither blending their persons
    nor dividing their essence.
    For the person of the Father is a distinct person,
    the person of the Son is another,
    and that of the Holy Spirit still another.
    But the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one,
    Their glory equal, Their majesty coeternal.

What quality the Father has, the Son has, and the Holy Spirit has.
    The Father is uncreated,
    the Son is uncreated,
    the Holy Spirit is uncreated. 

    The Father is immeasurable,
    the Son is immeasurable,
    the Holy Spirit is immeasurable. 

    The Father is eternal, 
    the Son is eternal,
    the Holy Spirit is eternal.

    And yet there are not three eternal beings;
    there is but one eternal being.
    So too there are not three uncreated or immeasurable beings;
    there is but one uncreated and immeasurable being.

Similarly, the Father is almighty,
    the Son is almighty,
    the Holy Spirit is almighty.
        Yet there are not three almighty beings;
        there is but one almighty being.

    Thus the Father is God,
    the Son is God,
    the Holy Spirit is God.
        Yet there are not three gods;
        there is but one God.

    Thus the Father is Lord,
    the Son is Lord,
    the Holy Spirit is Lord.
        Yet there are not three lords;
        there is but one Lord.

 Just as Christian truth compels us
 to confess each person individually
as both God and Lord, 
so catholic* religion forbids us
to say that there are three gods or lords.

The Father was neither made nor created nor begotten from anyone.
The Son was neither made nor created;
He was begotten from the Father alone.
The Holy Spirit was neither made nor created nor begotten;
He proceeds from the Father and the Son.

Accordingly there is one Father, not three fathers;
there is one Son, not three sons;
there is one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits.

Nothing in this trinity is before or after,
nothing is greater or smaller;
in Their entirety the three persons
are coeternal and coequal with each other.

So in everything, as was said earlier,
we must worship Their trinity in their unity
and Their unity in Their trinity.

Anyone then who desires to be saved
should think thus about the trinity.

But it is necessary for eternal salvation
that one also believe in the incarnation
of our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully.

Now this is the true faith:

    That we believe and confess
    that our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son,
    is both God and human, equally.

    He is God from the essence of the Father,
    begotten before time;
    and He is human from the essence of his mother,
    born in time;
    completely God, completely human,
    with a rational soul and human flesh;
    equal to the Father as regards divinity,
    less than the Father as regards humanity.

    Although he is God and human,
    yet Christ is not two, but one.
    He is one, however,
    not by his divinity being turned into flesh,
    but by God’s taking humanity to Himself.
    He is one,
    certainly not by the blending of His essence,
    but by the unity of His person.
    For just as one human is both rational soul and flesh,
    so too the one Christ is both God and human.

    He suffered for our salvation;
    He descended to hell;
    He arose from the dead;
    He ascended to heaven;
    He is seated at the Father’s right hand;
    from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
    At his coming all people will arise bodily
    and give an accounting of their own deeds.
    Those who have done good will enter eternal life,
    and those who have done evil will enter eternal fire.

This is the catholic* faith:
one cannot be saved without believing it firmly and faithfully.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places