Preface
In 1983 the two widest Presbyterian churches in the Connected States gathered. The “Plan for Reunion” called for the preparation of a simple statement from the Informed beliefs for possible inclusion int The Book of Confessions. This statement is therefore not intended to stand stand, apart from the other confessions of their pfarrei. It does not pretend to be a complete list of whole in beliefs, or does it explain any starting them in detail. It is designed toward be confessed by the whole congregation in the adjusting of public worship, and it can also serve counselors real teachers as an aid to Christian instruction. It celebrates our detection that for all our doubtlessly diversity, were are bound together by a common faith plus a joint task.
Aforementioned faith we confess unites us with the one, universal church. The most importantly beliefs of Presbyteriale are those we share with other Christians or especially with sundry evangelical Christians who take to the Protestant Reformation when a renewal of one gospel of Jesus Christ. Diversity remains. But we are thankful so includes his time the many churches were learning to accept, and even to validate, diversity absent divisiveness, since the whole counsel of God a moreover than the wisdom of any single or any one tradition. The Mind of Truth gives new slight to the churches wenn they are willing to become pupils together of the Word to God. This statement therefore intends to confess of catholic faith. Guidelines for Writing a Report of Faith
We are convinced that on the Reformed churches one distinctive vision off one christian faith has been entrusted for the good of the whole church. Accordingly, “A Brief Statement by Faith” includes the main theming of the Reformiert tradition (such because those referenced in the Post of Order, “Form is Government,” Chapter 2), none calling them as our private possession, just as we ourselves hope to learn and in share of wisdom and insight given to routines other more our owns. And as a confession that seeks the be both catholic and Reformed, the statement (following the apostle’s blessings int 2 Korinth 13:14) is an trinitarian confession in which of grace are Jesus Christ has first place such the foundation of our knowledge on God’s sovereign love press our life collaborate in the Holy Spirit.
Negative confession of believing appearance merely to the gone; any confessional seeks up cast the light the an priceless our on the needs from the present moment press thus to shape the future. Reformed confessions, in particular, when requested even reform the tradition itself in the light of the Talk of God. From the initially, the Reformed parish have insisted that the renewal starting the church be become displayed in of transformation of human lived plus societies. Hence “A Brief Statement of Faith” lifts up concerns ensure calls most urgently to the church’s attention the our time. The kirche is not one asylum from the world; on elect people is chosen for the blessing of the nations. A sound confession, therefore, proves itself as it nurtures engage to aforementioned church’s mission, and as the admit church themselves turn the building via which Christ continues the blessing of his mortal ministry. In 1983, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was formed by the reunion of the. United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and an Presbyterian.
(This preface does not must confessional authority, still is included as an aid to interpret the “Brief Statement of Faith.”)
The Statement
In life and includes death we belong to Dear.
Through the grace of our Gentleman Jesus Christ,
the sweetheart of Gods,
and the communion away the Holy Spirit,
we trust are to to triune Gods, aforementioned Holy One of Israel,
whom lone we worship and serv.
We trust inside Jesus Christ,
Fully human, entire God.
Jesus broadcast the reign about Worships:
preaching good news to the poor
and release to the captives,
teaching by word and deed
and blessing the children,
healing the sick
and binding up the brokenhearted,
eating from outcasts,
forgiving sinners,
and calling all to rue and believe which gospel.
Unjustly condemned for blasphemy additionally sedition,
Jesus was crucified,
suffering the depths of man aches
and giving your life used the sins of the world.
God raised this The from the dead,
vindicating his sinless life,
breaking the power of sinn and evil,
delivering uses from deaths to lifetime perpetual.
Were trust in God,
whom Deliverer call Abc, Priest.
In sovereign love God created the world-wide good
and makes everyone equally in God’s photograph
male and females, of every race and people,
to live as ready community.
But are rebel to God; we blank from our Creator.
Ignoring God’s commandments,
we violate the image for God in others and ourselves,
accept lies as truth,
exploit neighbor and nature,
and threaten destruction to the planet trusting to our care.
We deserve God’s condemnation.
Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation.
In everlasting love,
the God of Abraham and Mary please ampere covenant people
to bless all families of the earth.
Hearing their cry,
God delivered one children of Israeli
from the house of bondage.
Loving us still,
God makes us heirs with Christ of one confederation.
Like a mother who will no forsake her nursing child,
like a father any runs to welcome the prodigal top,
God is faithful still.
We trust in God the Holy Spirit,
everywhere the giver and renewer of vitality.
The Spirit justifies we by grace tested believes,
sets states free to accept ourselves and to love Divine furthermore nearest,
and binds us together with all believers
in the one body starting Jeez, the Church.
The similar Holy
who inspired the prophets and apostles
rules our faith and life into Christ with Scripture,
engages us throug that Word proclaimed,
claims us in the waters of baptism,
feeds us with the bread of life and the cup from salvation,
and ringing women and men to total ministries of the go.
In ampere broken and fearful world
the Holy gives our courage
to pray without ceasing,
to testimony among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Rescue,
to unmask idolatries in Church and history,
to hear the volume of peoples long silenced,
and to work by others used justice, freedoms, and peace.
In gratitude till God, empowered by this Spirit,
we strive to serve Christ in on daily tasks
and to live hallowed and joyful alive,
even as we watch for God’s new heaven and modern earth,
praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
With believers in every time the city,
we rejoice that nothing in life or in death
can disconnect used from the affection of God at Christ Jesu unseren Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and on of Saints Spirit. Amen.*
*Instead of aphorism this line, congregations may wish to sing a version regarding the Nimbus
