At the heart of our faith lies our unwavering commitment to the Bible as the inerrant and infallible Word of God. We believe that Scripture, as given by divine inspiration, provides complete authority for faith and life. As 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches us, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." This foundational truth guides every aspect of our worship and practice.
We confess and worship the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - three persons in one divine being. As affirmed in 1 John 5:7, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one." This profound truth shapes our understanding of God's nature and His relationship with His people.
We acknowledge our complete inability to save ourselves, recognizing that we are born in original sin and stand under God's righteous judgment. Salvation comes only through God's grace, received by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Christ's sacrifice was perfect and complete, sufficient for all who trust in Him for salvation. We joyfully proclaim His bodily resurrection on the third day, which confirms His victory over sin and death and assures our hope of eternal life.
Our doctrinal understanding is faithfully expressed in the Westminster Standards - the Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms - along with the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. These documents systematically present biblical truth, helping us understand vital doctrines like God's sovereignty, human depravity, Christ's atonement, and justification by faith.
In worship, we practice exclusive psalmody, singing only the inspired songs of Scripture without instrumental accompaniment. This practice reflects our commitment to worship God according to His Word, believing that He has prescribed in Scripture how He is to be worshipped. Through psalm singing, we express the full range of human emotion and experience while using God's own words to praise Him.
We confess Christ as Lord over every area of life, recognizing His mediatorial kingship over all creation. This conviction leads us to seek the advancement of His Kingdom on earth, applying biblical principles to all aspects of life - personal, family, church, and society. Our allegiance to Christ shapes our understanding of civil government, believing that nations should acknowledge Christ's sovereignty and govern according to God's will.
This commitment to Christ's Lordship has historically led our denomination to take bold stands for biblical justice, as evidenced by our early opposition to slavery. The RPCNA was among the first denominations to prohibit slaveholding within the church, demonstrating our commitment to applying biblical principles to social issues.
As a covenant community, we emphasize the importance of family worship, congregational life, and mutual support among believers. Our understanding of covenant theology shapes how we view relationships within the family, church, and society. We are committed to nurturing the next generation in the faith, supporting missions both locally and globally.
Our heritage as Reformed Presbyterians, also known as Covenanters, connects us to the rich tradition of the Protestant Reformation, particularly through the influence of reformers like John Calvin and John Knox. This legacy continues today through our commitment to biblical truth, and the advancement of Christ's Kingdom. We maintain this heritage while actively engaging with contemporary challenges, providing resources to equip God's people for faithful service.