We Believe in the Holy Catholic Church
We believe in that church that is holy and catholic. That is – we believe the church, those called out and elect, are a people sanctified by the work of Christ through the moving action of the Spirit. These people, considered throughout the world at any given time or throughout all time and all ages and places, are thus “catholic” – found in all lands and nations.
Such “churches” which deny the triune God, the deity of Jesus, and the person of the Spirit are false and condemned.
The church is regarded both in its universal existence at any given time and place over all the earth and extending through time and in its local existence gathering in homes or tents or forests or buildings identified as an associated community in cities, counties, states, nations, and the world.
The church is recognized by its affirmation of Creedal truth: the triune God and salvation through Jesus alone, and sustainability by the Holy Spirit. It is governed by its pastor/elders and deacons who sustain it through internal service, sound doctrine and mission to the world.
The Nicene Creed serves as a simple and long-standing summary:
We believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father;
By whom all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
He came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
Who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
Who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
We confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and We look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
In this creed, it must be noted, the term “catholic” refers to the universality of the Christian faith which includes, among its adherents, people of all nations and all races. It is affirmed by the Orthodox, Protestants, and Roman Catholics. It is not a reference to the Roman Catholic Church exclusively.
MBray on 30 June, 2022
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