What We Believe
What we believe about The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Our official doctrinal statement is the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms
The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms are a faithful exposition and systematization of the major doctrines found in Scripture. In an age of individualism and brief statements of belief, the rich tradition of corporate confessions of faith, such as found in the Westminster Confession, provide a vital link to the church of ages past and the saints of all ages. Confessing Christ involves confessing sound doctrine, therefore we are unashamed to state what we believe.
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
"The following Statement affirms this inerrancy of Scripture afresh, making clear our understanding of it and warning against its denial. We are persuaded that to deny it is to set aside the witness of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit and to refuse that submission to the claims of God's own Word which marks true Christian faith. We see it as our timely duty to make this affirmation in the face of current lapses from the truth of inerrancy among our fellow Christians and misunderstanding of this doctrine in the world at large."
We hold to the Five "Solas" of the Reformation:
Position statements of the ARP Church: 5. Slavery and Racism
The Directory of Public Worship (ARP)
We believe that "the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture." (WCF XXI, I)
Pleasing God in Our Worship - Dr. Robert Godfrey
Our official doctrinal statement is the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms
The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms are a faithful exposition and systematization of the major doctrines found in Scripture. In an age of individualism and brief statements of belief, the rich tradition of corporate confessions of faith, such as found in the Westminster Confession, provide a vital link to the church of ages past and the saints of all ages. Confessing Christ involves confessing sound doctrine, therefore we are unashamed to state what we believe.
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
"The following Statement affirms this inerrancy of Scripture afresh, making clear our understanding of it and warning against its denial. We are persuaded that to deny it is to set aside the witness of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit and to refuse that submission to the claims of God's own Word which marks true Christian faith. We see it as our timely duty to make this affirmation in the face of current lapses from the truth of inerrancy among our fellow Christians and misunderstanding of this doctrine in the world at large."
We hold to the Five "Solas" of the Reformation:
- Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone is the Standard
- Solo Christo: Salvation by Christ’s Work Alone
- Sola Gratia: Salvation by Grace Alone
- Sola Fide: Justification by Faith Alone
- Soli Deo Gloria: All Things for the Glory of God Alone
Position statements of the ARP Church: 5. Slavery and Racism
The Directory of Public Worship (ARP)
We believe that "the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture." (WCF XXI, I)
Pleasing God in Our Worship - Dr. Robert Godfrey
Turning to Jesus Christ
Turning to Christ brings us into fellowship with God. Through repentance and faith we are spiritually united to Jesus and become children of God the Father. Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) As we come to the Father through Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and hearts to know him, and we are born again spiritually to new life. To continue to live faithfully as Christians, we must rely upon the power and gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to God’s people. When the disciple Thomas encountered the risen Jesus, he acknowledged him by saying, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) To be a Christian you must, like Thomas, wholeheartedly submit to the living Christ as your Lord and God. Knowing the Lord Jesus means personally believing in him, surrendering your life to him, and living as one of his joyful followers. A clear way to make this commitment of faith and repentance is to offer to God a prayer in which you confess your sins to God, being as specific as possible, and repent by turning from them; thank God for his mercy and forgiveness given to you in Jesus Christ; promise to follow and obey Jesus as your Lord; ask the Holy Spirit to help you be faithful to Jesus as you grow into spiritual maturity. One example of such a prayer is the following:
Almighty Father, I confess that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions (especially __________). I am truly sorry and humbly repent. Thank you for forgiving my sins through the death of your Son, Jesus. I turn to you and give you my life. Fill and strengthen me with your Holy Spirit to love you, to follow Jesus as my Lord in the fellowship of his Church, and to become more like him each day. Amen.
(To Be a Christian, p. 21)
Turning to Christ brings us into fellowship with God. Through repentance and faith we are spiritually united to Jesus and become children of God the Father. Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) As we come to the Father through Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and hearts to know him, and we are born again spiritually to new life. To continue to live faithfully as Christians, we must rely upon the power and gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to God’s people. When the disciple Thomas encountered the risen Jesus, he acknowledged him by saying, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) To be a Christian you must, like Thomas, wholeheartedly submit to the living Christ as your Lord and God. Knowing the Lord Jesus means personally believing in him, surrendering your life to him, and living as one of his joyful followers. A clear way to make this commitment of faith and repentance is to offer to God a prayer in which you confess your sins to God, being as specific as possible, and repent by turning from them; thank God for his mercy and forgiveness given to you in Jesus Christ; promise to follow and obey Jesus as your Lord; ask the Holy Spirit to help you be faithful to Jesus as you grow into spiritual maturity. One example of such a prayer is the following:
Almighty Father, I confess that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions (especially __________). I am truly sorry and humbly repent. Thank you for forgiving my sins through the death of your Son, Jesus. I turn to you and give you my life. Fill and strengthen me with your Holy Spirit to love you, to follow Jesus as my Lord in the fellowship of his Church, and to become more like him each day. Amen.
(To Be a Christian, p. 21)
