Reformed in Doctrine

The Protestant Reformation

At the time of the Reformation, two major branches of thought and practice emerged: the Lutheran branch under the leadership of Martin Luther, Melancthon and others; and the Reformed branch under John Calvin, Theodore Beza, John Knox and others. The Reformation under the Reformed movement took the positive position that the Word of God alone was infallible and authoritative in matters of faith and practice. As such, only those things commanded and directed in scripture were permissible in worship.

Basic Evangelical truths

The divine inspiration and infallibility of the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God contained in the Old and New Testaments.

One living and true God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and in glory.

The deity of Jesus, the Christ. Though Jesus of Nazareth was in His human nature born of a virgin, He in His person was the Divine Son of God. He is therefore God and Man in two distinct natures in one divine person forever.

The sinful nature and estate of man. Man is a sinner transgressing God’s law, and in rebellion of God’s authority. He is under the wrath and curse of God, condemned by his just judgment. He is therefore in a lost condition unable to save himself.

Salvation and forgiveness of man only in Christ, who by His death on the cross paid the penalty of our sin in full and who by His resurrection is victorious over death and the grave.

Salvation by grace, only through the merit and righteousness of Christ, which is put to our account and received by faith alone.

The Church as the Body of Christ of which all true believers in Christ are a part, dwelling together in unity of the spirit and in the bond of Christian love.

Christ as the King and Head of all the church abiding in Him; we are in the true apostolic succession of the Christian Faith. Christ Himself will provide His church with necessary gifts and fullness needed for this day.

Our confession

The Associate Reformed Church has sought faithfully to hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the catechisms as her standards.