Our Beliefs

Introduction

The highest standard by which the Church's belief and practice is to be measured is the Word of God; the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

So that others can clearly understand what the Presbyterian Church of Australia believes is taught in the Bible, the Church has adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith (with two minor amendments) as a statement of its key doctrines.

While the Church believes the Confession sets forth Biblical doctrines accurately and reliably, the Confession is always referred to as the subordinate standard, and the Bible is the supreme standard.

You will find the Church's doctrine of the Bible defined in Chapter 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith. The Confession of Faith is quite detailed, and explains the Bible's teaching on God, Creation, the wonder of being human and the awfulness of sin, and the whole work of God in salvation.

The Confession is careful to emphasise that this salvation is by the sovereign Grace of God. It also sets out clear positions on living the Christian Life, and worshipping as a part of the Church in society. The Confession ends with a simple statement on the expectation that Christ will one day return.

Summary

While the Westminster Confession of Faith (read in the light of the Declaratory Statement) is a full confessional statement of beliefs, the following is a useful summary:

The Bible

We believe that the Bible, as originally given, is the divinely inspired and infallible word of God and it is the supreme and sufficient authority in all matters of faith and life. (Scripture References: 2Timothy 3:16; 2Peter 1: 20-21; Matthew 4: 4-10; Matthew 5: 17-19; 1Corinthians 4:6)

God

We believe that God is one God and three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Scripture References: Isaiah 45: 5-7; 1Corinthians 8:4; Deuteronomy 6: 4; Isaiah 48: 16; Matthew 3: 16-17; Matthew 28: 19; 2Corinthians 13:14)

Revelation

We believe that God is a personal God and that he has revealed himself to mankind through his creation and the bible. (Scripture References: Romans 1: 18 - 2: 16; 2Timothy 3: 16-17; 2Peter 1:20-21)

God's Activity In The World

We believe God is living and active in the world as both creator and sustainer. He rules the world and all people in love, justice, grace and truth. (Scripture References: Genesis 1-2; Hebrews 1: 3; Psalm 135: 6; Acts 17: 25-26; Psalm 103: 8; Daniel 4: 37; Psalm 86: 15; Isaiah 45: 19)

Sin

We believe all people since the fall of Adam & Eve, by their very nature, are enemies of God (ie: sinners) and therefore, are under the condemnation of God. (Scripture References: Romans 1: 18; Romans 3: 10-11; Romans 5: 10)

The Incarnation Of Jesus

We believe Jesus Christ is the living Son of God, both fully God and fully man. We believe he humbled himself to live as one of us on earth and to be our servant; an event called the incarnation. We believe that while on earth he lived a sinless life. (Scripture References: John 1: 1-14; 2Corinthians 5: 21; Galations 4: 4; Philippians 2: 5-11; Hebrews 2: 14-18; Hebrews 4: 15)

Reconciliation

We believe that Jesus' death purchased forgiveness of sins for those who put their faith in him, because he has become their representative and substitute in death. Such a person is no longer God's enemy, but is reconciled to God, not on the basis of good works, but because he or she is united with Christ by faith. (Scripture References: Romans 3: 21-26; Romans 5: 1-11; Romans 8: 1; 1Corinthians 5: 21; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Hebrews 10: 10)

The Resurrection & Ascension Of Christ

We believe Christ rose from the dead and on the third day appeared in his human, glorified body to more than 500 people before ascending to sit at the right hand of God the Father. We believe that in his resurrection he conquered death for mankind and now intercedes on behalf of his people and that one day he will come again as judge of all mankind. (Scripture References: Luke 24: 50-53; Acts 17: 31; Romans 8: 34; 1Corinthians 15: 3-8; Hebews 9: 23-28)

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the work of the Holy Spirit is necessary for the salvation and life of every believer for it is he who illuminates the sinner to the things of God, convicting them of sin, who helps the believer in daily life, and who bears fruit in the believer's life, making him/her more Christ-like. The believer receives the Holy Spirit, or is baptised by the Holy Spirit, when he or she is converted. (Scripture References: John 16: 4-15; Acts 2: 1-13; Acts 5: 32; 1Corinthians 2: 9-11; Galations 5: 16-26)

The Christian Life

We believe that genuine commitment to Jesus Christ manifests in obedience to his word and a character in keeping with the internal work of the Holy Spirit. Such a person lives by the Spirit. (Scripture References: Luke 9: 23-24; Romans 8: 5; Romans 12: 1-2; 1John 2: 3; 1John 5: 3)