What Do Presbyterians Believe?

Presbyterianism is a distinct Christian tradition that holds its roots in the Reformation and stands out for its structured organization, theological convictions, and devotion to scripture. Presbyterians belong to a larger group of Reformed churches, which trace their theology to the teachings of John Calvin.

This tradition has a rich history and continues to shape the beliefs of millions of people worldwide. Let’s examine key aspects of Presbyterian belief, such as polity, predestination, covenant theology, sacraments, and confessional tradition.

Presbyterian Polity

Church Governance Through Elected Elders

Presbyterians place a strong emphasis on the way their church is governed, following a polity known as Presbyterian polity. This structure is marked by representative leadership, with elders elected by the congregation.

These elders, both teaching and ruling, work together to make decisions about the spiritual and practical matters of the church. Each local congregation is led by a body known as the session, which is made up of these elected elders, along with the minister or pastor.

The Role of Local and Regional Bodies

Above the session is a broader governing body known as the presbytery, which oversees multiple congregations within a region. The presbytery is responsible for ordaining ministers, maintaining theological integrity, and providing guidance on issues that affect the entire church.

Synods are larger bodies that represent a group of presbyteries, and finally, the General Assembly serves as the highest governing body within the denomination. Decisions made at the General Assembly level impact the entire church and are considered binding for all congregations under its authority.

Decision-Making by Consensus

One of the hallmarks of Presbyterian polity is that decisions are made collectively by groups of elders rather than by a single leader. This method of governance reflects the belief in the priesthood of all believers, where each member of the church plays an important role in the decision-making process. This structure ensures that leadership is both accountable and representative of the wider body of believers.

Predestination Is Important to Presbyterianism

The Doctrine of Election

At the heart of Presbyterian theology is the doctrine of predestination, a belief rooted in the teachings of John Calvin. Predestination asserts that God, in His sovereign will, has chosen certain individuals to be saved and others to remain in their sinful state. This concept, known as election, is not based on any merit or action on the part of the individual but solely on God’s will.

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Presbyterians believe that this doctrine highlights God’s supreme authority and grace, demonstrating that salvation is an act of divine mercy rather than human effort.

The Assurance of God’s Sovereignty

For Presbyterians, predestination is not simply a theological concept but an assurance of God’s sovereignty. It gives believers confidence that their salvation is secure, not because of anything they have done, but because it rests in God’s eternal plan.

Human free will exists within the context of God’s sovereign will, yet God’s election remains the ultimate determining factor in salvation. This belief fosters a sense of humility, as believers recognize that their redemption is the result of God’s grace rather than personal merit.

Impact on Daily Life

While the doctrine of predestination emphasizes God’s choice in salvation, it does not negate the importance of living a faithful Christian life. Presbyterians hold that their actions, while not the basis of salvation, serve as evidence of God’s work within them.

This belief leads to a life of gratitude, service, and commitment to God’s commandments, with the understanding that one’s calling is to reflect the grace that has been extended to them.

Presbyterians Value Covenant Theology

The Central Role of Covenants

Covenant theology plays a significant role in Presbyterian belief, shaping their understanding of God’s relationship with humanity. In this framework, covenants are binding agreements that God has made with His people throughout history, and they are seen as the foundation of God’s interactions with humanity.

Presbyterians believe that the Bible reveals a series of covenants, from the Covenant of Works in the Garden of Eden to the Covenant of Grace established through Christ.

The Covenant of Grace

Central to Presbyterian theology is the Covenant of Grace, which emphasizes that salvation has always been offered to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ. Presbyterians believe that this covenant was foretold in the Old Testament through figures like Abraham and fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

This covenant binds believers to God in a relationship of grace, not through adherence to the law but through faith in Christ’s redemptive work.

Covenant Life and Community

Covenant theology is not just a matter of belief but influences the entire life of the Presbyterian community. Presbyterians view the church as a covenant community, where individuals are called to live in fellowship with one another, reflecting God’s covenantal love.

This sense of community extends to baptism and communion, sacraments that are seen as signs and seals of the covenant, symbolizing the inclusion of believers in God’s gracious promises.

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What Sacraments Do Presbyterians Practice?

Baptism

Baptism is one of the two sacraments that Presbyterians hold as sacred. Baptism is a sign of the Covenant of Grace, symbolizing an individual’s initiation into the Christian community. Presbyterians practice both infant baptism and adult baptism, viewing it as a sign of God’s promise that extends to believers and their children.

The water in baptism represents spiritual cleansing and renewal, and for infants, it is a sign that they are included in the covenant community, with the expectation that they will one day make a public profession of faith.

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper, also known as communion, is the second sacrament in Presbyterianism. Presbyterians believe that in this sacrament, believers spiritually partake of Christ’s body and blood, even though the bread and wine remain physically unchanged.

This meal is a means of grace, nourishing the faith of those who partake in it. Presbyterians hold that communion should be taken seriously, with a focus on reflection, repentance, and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice.

Sacraments as Signs and Seals

For Presbyterians, sacraments are not just rituals but are considered signs and seals of God’s grace. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper serve as outward symbols of an inward grace, reminding believers of God’s promises.

While Presbyterians do not believe that the sacraments themselves impart salvation, they see them as crucial components of the Christian life, deepening faith and offering a tangible connection to God’s covenantal promises.

Confessional Tradition

The Importance of Confessions and Creeds

Confessional tradition is a key component of Presbyterian belief, reflecting their commitment to scriptural truth and the teachings of the church. Presbyterians have a rich history of producing confessions and creeds that articulate their theological beliefs.

These documents, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Scots Confession, serve as statements of faith that guide the church’s doctrine and practice.

Acknowledging the Historic Christian Faith

Presbyterians hold their confessions in high regard because they believe that these documents faithfully reflect the truths of scripture. While the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice, confessions provide a systematic way of understanding and applying biblical teaching.

These documents connect Presbyterians to the historic Christian faith, offering continuity with the broader Christian tradition while also expressing the distinctives of Reformed theology.

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Confessions as Tools for Teaching

In Presbyterian congregations, confessions are often used as teaching tools to instruct believers in the faith. They serve as a way to affirm what the church believes and to provide a foundation for theological discussion and growth.

Presbyterians believe that their confessions offer clarity on essential Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the nature of Christ, and the means of salvation. These statements help guide believers in their understanding of faith and how to live out that faith in the world.

Presbyterian Beliefs and Christian Life

Scripture as the Final Authority

One of the most foundational beliefs in Presbyterianism is the authority of scripture. Presbyterians hold that the Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God and serves as the ultimate guide for faith and life. Every aspect of Presbyterian theology, from predestination to covenant theology, is grounded in biblical teaching.

Presbyterians are committed to studying scripture and using it to inform every decision made by the church, whether at the local level or in broader governing bodies.

Living Out Faith in Community

Community is an integral part of the Presbyterian faith, and believers are encouraged to live out their faith within the context of the church. This commitment to community is seen in the church’s governance, sacraments, and even its confessional tradition.

Presbyterians believe that they are called to serve one another and the wider world, reflecting the love of Christ in their actions. This sense of communal responsibility shapes not only the individual lives of believers but also the mission of the church as a whole.

The Call to Justice and Mercy

Presbyterians have a strong commitment to justice and mercy, rooted in their belief that the church is called to engage with the world in meaningful ways. This belief drives many Presbyterian congregations to be actively involved in social issues, from caring for the poor to advocating for peace and justice.

Presbyterians see this as an outworking of their faith, reflecting the teachings of Christ and the call to love one’s neighbor. This emphasis on justice is woven throughout Presbyterian theology and practice, inspiring believers to live out their faith with compassion and integrity.