There is no strict set of beliefs which unites
Presbyterians or separates them from other followers of Christ. For inspiration
and guidance in their faith, Presbyterians have two main sources:
Like other Christians Presbyterians believe in:
|
God |
Creator of the Universe |
|
Christ |
the incarnation of God on earth |
|
Holy Spirit |
the presence of God in the world and in the
believer |
|
The Church |
a
universal company of Christ's followers |
|
Forgiveness of Sin |
made possible by the crucifixion of Jesus |
|
Life Everlasting |
shown by the resurrection of Jesus |
|
Bible |
the inspired word of God |
Presbyterians interpret the Bible very much like
other Protestants do. Ultimately, however, every Presbyterian must find a
personal set of beliefs through study, contemplation and worship.
Some other Presbyterian Beliefs:
The Trinity
God exists in the trinity of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Christ
Presbyterians believe that Christ is the Son of God,
the Revealer of God, and the Savior of humanity.
Heaven
The souls of the faithful are reunited
with God in a warm and loving relationship.
Hell
- separation from God which may exist
now as well as in the Hereafter.
Virgin Birth
Presbyterians believe that Jesus' birth
was miraculous.
Mary
She is honored as the mother of Jesus, the special
person chosen to bear the Son of God.
Resurrection
For Presbyterians, the resurrection of
the body refers to the reuniting of the spiritual body and physical body.

Confession
Confession is voluntary, and made directly to God,
although it may be made in presence of pastor.
Salvation
God grants the gift of grace, which
enables us to gain the faith necessary for salvation.
The
Cross
The empty cross symbolizes the risen Christ
who opened the Kingdom of Heaven.
Marriage
Presbyterians believe in the sacredness
of marriage. They attempt to curb divorce by encouraging young people to
seriously prepare for marriage.
Change
Presbyterians believe that the Holy
Spirit constantly heightens truth, and thus admit different understandings of
the Confession of Faith.
Parenthood
There is nothing in the church's
teaching which discourages intelligent, unselfish family planning.
Education
Education is stressed by Presbyterians,
both for the ministry and for the laity.
The "Only" Church
Presbyterians believe that no Christian
church has exclusive possession of the church government authorized by Christ.
The Sacraments
Presbyterians recognize two sacraments
as described in the Bible:
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Excerpted from:
About Being Presbyterian...a guide to
more effective church membership. 2001 ed. South Deerfield: Channing L. Bete
Co., Inc., 1974.