Presbyterian congregations live out their faith not only through a form of government
which they hold in common, but also through a shared faith anchored in the theological
convictions of the Reformed tradition. The gift of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
is the foundation of a person’s membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Beyond that, there is a distinctive ethos of the Presbyterian Church. The theological
beliefs of the Presbyterian family of Christians can be accessed through our
denomination’s web site. Please click to learn more.
Our beliefs are identified in ten “essential tenets.” The first two we share with Christians
everywhere and in all time:
1. The mystery of the triune God who is revealed as Creator, Redeemer, and
Sustainer (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
2. The incarnation—that God became flesh and blood in the person of Jesus Christ.
The next two we share with those who also were a part of the Reformation that dared to
challenge the Roman Catholicism of the 16th century:
3. Justification by grace through faith—we are put right before God by accepting in
faith the gift of forgiveness made possible through the life, death, and resurrection
of Jesus Christ.
4. Scripture is the Word of God—The Bible is the standard that directs our faith and
practice.
The remaining six tenets emerged out of our Reformed Tradition:
5. God creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign
righteousness and love.
6. God elects (chooses) people for service as well as for salvation;
7. God is involved in the covenant of community life, marked by a disciplined concern
for order in the church according to the Word of God;
8. God calls us to a faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use
of the gifts of creation;
9. Humans have a tendency toward the sin of idolatry and tyranny;
10. God calls his people to work for the transformation of society by seeking justice
and by living in obedience to the Word of God.
