What is the Reformed Presbyterian Church?

by
Bill Edgar

IT IS ONE

In the words of the ancient Nicene Creed, the Reformed Presbyterian Church is part of the “one holy catholic apostolic church” of Jesus Christ. Although sin has broken the visible unity of the church, Christ Himself is not divided, and He includes in His one church all churches who trust and obey Him. We have one Lord, Jesus Christ, one Spirit, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church is united to the church of Peter and Paul, the church of the Roman Empire, and the church of the Protestant Reformation. It has been organized in North America since 1798, and it belongs to the National Association of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches.

IT IS HOLY

The church of Jesus Christ consists of people who were guilty of damning sins, such as evil thoughts, adultery, greed, envy, theft, pride, drunkenness, and lying. It contains people who once despaired of life, who were lonely, who were without hope and without God. But God has washed us clean by the blood of Christ. Therefore, by God’s grace and not our own goodness or wisdom, the Reformed Presbyterian Church is a holy church, dedicated to God’s service both now and for eternity.

IT IS CATHOLIC

“Catholic” means “universal.” The Reformed Presbyterian Church holds to the true Gospel preached and believed everywhere by all Christians of all times. We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church includes people from many nations, all gathered into the universal church of Jesus Christ. There are Reformed Presbyterian Churches in the United States, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Cyprus, France, and Uganda.

IT IS APOSTOLIC

The Reformed Presbyterian Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. The “Reformed” in our name means that we teach the Gospel as it was recovered at the time of the Protestant Reformation: 1) Salvation is entirely due to God’s kindness to us, and it is received through faith alone; and 2) The inspired Word of God is our only infallible authority for truth and life. The “Presbyterian” in our name means that we are governed by elders (“presbyters” in Greek) who are organized in local courts, called sessions, regional courts, called presbyteries, and a national court, called a synod.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church in our day is particularly known for proclaiming the kingship of Jesus Christ over all the nations of the world, and for using only the primary hymnal of the Christian church, the Book of Psalms, in its worship. We emphasize the important role of Christian families in the Kingdom of God. We stress that Christ’s disciples grow and mature as they participate in the worship and life of the church. We teach that obedience to the Ten Commandments is central to personal, familial, and national peace. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep My commandments.”

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH?

Ask any of our members about our church; speak with one of the elders or the pastor; join us in worshiping God each Lord’s Day morning and again in the afternoon if you like; eat lunch with us; read our Confession of Faith and Testimony. To all who need rest, comfort, and hope; to all who sin; to all who need a savior, this church opens its doors and in the name of Jesus Christ repeats His invitation, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”