What Presbyterians Believe
Presbyterian History
Presbyterianism is a part of the Reformation movement started by Luther and continued by John Calvin. John Knox, a Scottish Protestant who studied with Calvin, established Presbyterianism in Scotland. Presbyterians had a large part in the founding of the United States and the writing of the Constitution. The first presbytery in the U.S. was established in Philadelphia in 1706. During the Civil War era, the church split into a northern and southern branch. The two reunited in 1983 to form the Presbyterian Church USA.
Presbyterians Believe in the Trinity:
- God is the creator of the universe.
- Christ is the incarnation of God on earth.
- The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world and in the believer.
The Way of Salvation is in Jesus Christ:
- God sent his son that the world might be saved through him.
- Christ’s death was offered as a sacrifice for our sins. His resurrection shows the power of God over sin and death.
- Whoever believes in Jesus as savior and Lord receives the gift of eternal life that begins now.
- Sin is forgiven in Christ and life is renewed also in him.
- God grants the gift of grace which enables us to gain the faith necessary to believe and live a new life.
The Road Map to Life in Christ is Found in the Bible:
The Church is the “Body of Christ” on Earth
- The church is for everyone.
- It offers a community of believers who help one another grow in Christ.
- Preaching, teaching, mission, and community are found in the church.
- The sacraments are administered in the church body. Baptism and Communion are the two sacraments of the church Presbyterians govern themselves by
- A representative, democratic form of government
- The session is the elected governing body that oversees the business of the church.
- Elders are members of session.
- Deacons oversee the caring ministries of the church.
At University Place Presbyterian Church we have people from many faith backgrounds and no faith background worshipping, growing and serving together. The bottom line for us is that Jesus is Lord and invites us to reach out to others in compassion, grace and authenticity.