What is Reformed?

We at Second Street consider ourselves to be "Reformed." You may wonder exactly what we mean when you hear us say this.

Although our denomination (Presbyterian Church in America - PCA) was started in 1973, it's roots are traced back to the Reformation (that began on October 31, 1417 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany). This document outlined the errors of the Catholic Church on baptism and forgiveness.

The word "reformed" can be defined simply in two ways: 1) It is a reference to our historical link to the Reformation of the 16th century and intends to describe us as the heirs of that tradition which comes from Luther, Calvin, Knox and other reformers. 2) The word "reformed" is used most commonly to refer to certain theological beliefs which have marked reformation believers, particularly those in the Calvinist tradition.

 
Reformed beliefs can be summarized by our glad affirmation of the responsibility of every person to repent and believe, and that it is God who, by His sovereign electing grace, draws men and women, otherwise dead in sin, to faith in His Son. By this faith alone are God's people justified.
Reformed beliefs include the sovereignty of God in His creation, providence and election of believers apart from any merit of their own; the irresistible grace of God provided for and preceding the faith of the individual; the sufficiency of God's grace apart from which man is dead in sin and wholly defiled in all his faculties of soul and body; the efficacy of Christ's death for all those who believe in Him by grace; the safe-guarding of all those for whom Christ died for eternal life.
We seek to hold to our reformed convictions humbly, recognizing the sincerity and earnestness of Godly men and women who have other positions.

Some of Our Reformed Beliefs:

God is sovereign, meaning all of reality falls under the supreme rule of God.

Scripture alone is the guide for the Church and Life and the Bible is God's Word to humanity, without error, inspired by God, authoritative in every area it addresses.

Salvation is summed up in Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints.

Baptism symbolizes entry into the covenant body for both children and adults. It is not to be equated with Salvation.

Lord's Supper is taken in faith, and Christ is spiritually present in a unique way to build up the believers, remind them of what He has accomplished, what He is doing presently, and what He will do in the future.

Government: Elders are elected by the church and they are to teach and oversee the church. Deacons are also elected by the church and serve the congregation.

GOD

There exists only one true God.

He eternally exists in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Each Person possesses equally all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality.

These three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and in glory.

By His power He created the universe and by His sovereignty He sustains it, and by His providence He orders the affairs of people and nations according to His own wise, eternal plan.

God is made known to us through Creation - For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

The main source of this revelation is Scripture. It is from this source that we must derive our ideas of God and not from personal opinion, feeling or common beliefs.

God has a plan for Second Street Presbyterian Church and you.

JESUS CHRIST

Jesus = Yeshuah (Joshuah) = "YHWH is Salvation/Deliverer"
Christ = Messiah (Heb.), Annointed (Grk.)
Jesus Christ means "YHWH is Salvation, the Anointed"

The saving object of faith is Jesus Christ, the eternal second Person of the Trinity.

Jesus Christ was fully God and fully human by a miraculous conception and virgin birth.

He lived a life of perfect obedience to God the Father - without sin.

He is God. He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. Hebrews 1:3
He is the image of the invisible God. Col. 1:15

He voluntarily atoned for the sins of men by dying on the cross as their substitute, satisfying God's justice and accomplishing the only means of salvation for all who trust in Him.

He rose from the dead in a glorified body; He ascended bodily into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of the Father where He is today.

In Jesus Christ we see over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled. Isa. 52:13-53:12

He is the only Mediator between God and man, continually making intercession for His own.

Jesus Christ will return personally, visibly, and bodily to judge all mankind and to receive His people unto Himself.

John 1:1-2, 14; Philippians 2; Colossians 1-2; Hebrews

Jesus Christ needs to be at the center of every member's life.

HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is a person, the third person of the Trinity.

He provides the desire and power to live a life that is distinctly holy and obedient to Christ.

He was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to apply to people the saving work of Christ.

He enlightens the minds of sinners, awakens them to their need of a Savior, regenerates them, and at the point of salvation, permanently indwells every believer.

He is the source of assurance, reveals and discloses the Scripture, and gives strength, wisdom, and guidance.

He is the provider of the Fruits of the Spirit and Spiritual Gifts.

He inspired the writers of the Scriptures and ensured their infallibility.
2 Sam. 23:2-3

He helps in Prayer. We do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.
Rom. 8:26

He quips individuals for leadership, skills and creativity
(Gen 41:38; Num. 11:17; 70; Ex. 31:1-11,1 Kings 7:14 )
J.I. Packer

The Holy Spirit has gifted you. Use your gifts in the ministries of Second Street Presbyterian Church.

SCRIPTURE

Scripture is foundational because it defines our beliefs.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Tim. 3:16

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:20

The Bible is our infallible and divine authority in all matters of faith and life.

Every member needs to be reading, meditating and studying the Scriptures.