What We Believe


As a Presbyterian congregation we are part of the world-wide Reformed Tradition.  A tradition emerging for the 16th century Reformation in Wester Europe, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.  To say we are part of the Reformed Tradition means that we are continually looking for God's work within our lives and the world.  Also, we are continually rethinking the theological identity of the church as revealed in the scriptures of the Old and New Testament in light of our historical circumstances and context.
 
As a Presbyterian congregation, New Hope Presbyterian Church is a confessional church.  In our worship of God, we remind ourselves what it is we believe.  Most often we use the Apostles' Creed for the 2nd century, and sometimes the Nicene Creed for the 4th century.  Both of these confessions are in our worship hymnal. 
 
The Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church USA is part of the Constitution of the Church, along with the scriptures of the Old & New Testament and the Book of Order.  Every confession in the Book of confessions emerged when the church was in a crisis theological turmoil.  Contained in the Book of Confessions are the 10 essential tenents or doctrines of the Reformed Faith.
 
  1. We believe that God is manifest as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  2. We believe that Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God and is the eternal Word of God.
  3. We believe the scriptures of the Old & New Testament are the final authority for salvation and the life of faith.  They are the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit the Word of God that speaks to individuals and communities of faith.
  4. We believe that a person is saved by the grace of God through their faith in Jesus Christ.
  5. We believe that God is sovereign of higher authority over our personal and community life that the allegiances of our nation or family.
  6. We believe that God calls people for salvation and service.
  7. We believe the covenant life of the church, ordering itself according to the Word of God.
  8. We believe persons are called by God to faithful stewardship of God's creation.
  9. We believe the sin of idolatry.
  10. We believe obedience to the Word God who alone is Lord of the individual conscience and calls us to work for justice in the transformation of society.

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