As a congregation of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, we subscribe to the doctrines of Scripture as they are summarised in the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
View of Scripture
We believe in the plenary, verbal inspiration of the Old and New Testament. We believe the Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God. It is the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
World and Life View
We believe that Jesus is Lord over all creation and that all things created are to be used for the glory of God. We believe that all of life is to be interpreted and understood through the written revelation of God, the Bible.
Trinity
We believe the doctrine of the Trinity as it is expressed in the three creeds: the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed.
Person and Work of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, fully God and fully man. He possesses these two natures in one person, yet without sin. He is our mediator and exercises the offices of prophet, priest, and king.
Justification
We believe that justification is an act of God's free grace, whereby He pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Sanctification (View of Law)
We believe that Sanctification is the work of God, whereby He conforms us to the image of Christ. God's will for us is expressed in the law. We are sanctified in the same way that we are justified by faith in Christ.
Covenant Theology
We believe that covenant theology is the understanding that the Word and work of God are structured by the way of covenant. The covenant is God's way of relating to His people, and thus the Scriptures (Old and New Testament), which are God's revelation to His people, are united by the theme of the covenant.
Baptism
We believe that covenant baptism is the New Testament covenant sign and seal which superseded the Old Testament sign and seal of circumcision. Covenant baptism is a sign and seal of the righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is theirs when it is appropriated by faith. We believe that the teaching and preaching in the home and church must warn against the errors of presumption and despising the privileges of God's covenant dealings.
Covenant of Works and Grace
We believe that as in Adam all died, so all who are in Christ shall be made alive.
Worship
We believe that the preaching of the Word is to be the centre of the worship service. We believe that the worship service is a matter of the family and therefore have our children attend service at the earliest possible age. We hold two services each Lord's Day and meet during the week for prayer meeting. We attempt to have as few programs in our church life as possilbe.
Leadership
We believe that Christ is the head of the church and that He rules His Church through the offices of elders (minister) and deacons. We believe that those called to the offices are men (excluding women) who are gifted and qualified by God as stated in Scripture (ie. Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3). As well, we believe that the husband is to fill the office of prophet, priest, and king in his home. We believe that the purpose of a denomination is to serve the local congregation and not the other way around.
Evangelism
We believe that one of the Church's tasks is to evangelise in the local community and those we come in contact with. This must be part of each Christian's personal witness.
The above is an overview of our theological position and practices. However, we realise that we must continually examine our stance in the light of Holy Scripture. A truly Reformed church is always reforming. We desire God's glory only and to enjoy Him forever. This is our desire by God's grace in and through Jesus Christ.
While the above defines our doctrinal beliefs, it does not define the boundaries of our fellowship.
