Reformed Theology

Theology is a way of thinking about God and God's relation to the world. Reformed theology evolved during the 16 th century religious movement known as the Protestant Reformation. It emphasizes God's sovereignty over everything and humanity's chief purpose as being to glorify and enjoy God forever. In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God, who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love. Related to this central affirmation of God's sovereignty are other great themes of the Reformed tradition:

• The election of the people of God for service as well as for salvation;
• Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church according to the Word of God;
• A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God's creation

Ten Major Doctrines of the Presbyterian Church

1. The Self-revealing God – One God manifest in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
2. The Incarnation of the eternal Word of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
3. Justification by grace through faith – We are made right with God by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
4. Scripture as the final authority for salvation and the life of faith.
5. God's Sovereignty – the majesty, holiness and providence of God who creates, sustains, rules and redeems the world in freedom of complete righteousness and love.
6. God's Choosing (Election) of the people of God for salvation and service – We are children of God – special and chosen for a life of service.
7. The Covenant Life of the Church – Ordering of the church according to the Word of God.
8. A Faithful Stewardship of all God's Creation – A response to God's gifts that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of those gifts.
9. The Sin of Idolatry – The making of anything created ultimate instead of worshipping only God the Creator.
10. The importance of Obedience to the Word of God – Obedience that challenges and calls us to work for justice seeking the transformation of society.