Nineveh Presbyterian Church

A Look at the "Essential Tenents" of the Reformed Faith

From the Book of Order, G-2.0300-500

In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) gives witness to the faith of the Church catholic. The confessions express the faith of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church in the recognition of canonical Scriptures and the formulation and adoption of the ecumenical creeds, notably the Nicene and Apostles' Creed with their definitions of the mystery of the triune God and of the incarnation of the eternal Word of God in Jesus Christ.

In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) identifies with the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation. The focus of these affirmations is the rediscovery of God's grace in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. The Protestant watchwords - grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone - embody principles of understanding which continue to guide and motivate the people of God in the life of faith.

In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love. Related to this central affirmation of God's sovereignty are other great themes of the Reformed tradition:

1. The election of the people of God for service as well as for salvation.

2. Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church according to the Word of God.

3. A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God's creation.

4. The recognition of the human tendency to idolatry and tyranny, which calls the people of God to work for the transformation of society by seeking justice and living in obedience to the Word of God.

 

Thus, the creeds and confessions of this church reflect a particular stance within the history of God's people. They are the result of prayer, thought, and experience within a living tradition. They serve to strengthen personal commitment and the life and witness of the community of believers.

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Ordination Vows for Elders

Book of Order, W-4.4003

These are the vows taken by an Elder of our church on the day of her/his installation.

The office of Elder is perpetual, so your affirmation of these vows continues after you step down from service on the Session.

The Moderator of the governing body for those to be ordained, installed, or commissioned shall ask them to stand before the body of membership and answer these questions.

a. Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him Lord and Head of the Church, and through him believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

b. Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God's Word to you?

c. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by those confessions as you lead the people of God?

d. Will you fulfill your office in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and be continually guided by our confessions?

e. Will you be governed by our church polity ( defined: a particular form or system of government: civil polity; ecclesiastical polity ) and will you abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God's Word and Spirit?

f. Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world?

g. Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the church?

h. Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination and love?

i. Will you be a faithful elder, watching over the people, providing for their worship, nurture, and service? Will you share in government and discipline, serving in governing bodies of the church, and in your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ?