WHAT PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is a confessional church. This means that it identifies itself with certain affirmations of Christian faith that have been made in the course of history. According to the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA), our faith is catholic, protestant, and reformed.

Faith of the Church Catholic
"In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) gives witness to the faith of the Church catholic. The confessions express the faith of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church in the recognition of the canonical Scriptures and the formulation and adoption of the ecumenical creeds, notably the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, with their definitions of the mystery of the triune God and the incarnation of the eternal Word of God in Jesus Christ" (Book of Order, G-2.0300).

Faith of the Protestant Reformation
"In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) identifies with the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation. The focus of these affirmations is the rediscovery of God's grace in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. The Protestant watchwords -- grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone -- embody principles of understanding which continue to guide and motivate the people of God in the life of faith" (Book of Order, G-2.0400).

Faith of the Reformed Tradition
"In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God, who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love.

"Related to this central affirmation of God's sovereignty are other great themes of the Reformed tradition:

1. The election of the people of God for service as well as for salvation;
2. Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church according to the Word of God.
3. A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God's creation;
4. The recognition of the human tendency to idolatry and tyranny, which calls for the people of God to work for the transformation of society by seeking justice and living in obedience to the Word of God.

Reflects a Particular Stance
"Thus the creeds and confessions of this church reflect a particular stance within the history of God's people. They are the result of prayer, thought, and experience within a living tradition. They serve to strengthen personal commitment and the life and witness of the community of believers" (Book of Order, G-2.0500).