What Do Presbyterians Believe?![]()
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The word "presbyterian" describes a form of church organization overseen by elected elders, but Presbyterianism is also a well-defined system of beliefs ("doctrines"). The exaltation and interpretation of the Bible reached its zenith in the teachings and writings of John Calvin during the Protestant Reformation. Thus Presbyterianism - sometimes called Calvinism or "the Reformed faith" - follows his interpretation of the Bible. The Calvinism of Presbyterians is described in the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
II. Total Depravity
IV. Election
VI. The Church Because Presbyterians believe in the holy catholic church, they also believe in the Communion of the Saints; the corporate practices of the Christian life. Christian living is not a solitary thing. We believe it to be the Lord's will that Christians congregate in churches for worship, for service, for growth in grace and mutual edification. The Church universal is reflected in those corporate manifestations of Christ's Body in which the ministry of the Word, the administration of the sacraments, and the exercise of government and discipline according to the New Testament pattern establish and enlarge the household of faith.
VII. The Sacraments |