What do Orthodox Presbyterians Believe?
Orthodox Presbyterians, also known as Reformed Presbyterians, are a branch of Protestant Christianity that adheres to the principles of the Reformation. This denomination is rooted in the teachings of the Protestant Reformation, particularly those of John Calvin and the Scottish Reformer John Knox. Understanding what Orthodox Presbyterians believe requires an exploration of their core theological beliefs, church governance, and practices.
Core Theological Beliefs
Orthodox Presbyterians hold to the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, including the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the concept of salvation by grace through faith. They believe in the sovereignty of God, the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s work in regeneration, and the importance of the church as the community of believers.
The Trinity
One of the central beliefs of Orthodox Presbyterians is the doctrine of the Trinity. They affirm that God is one in essence but eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This belief is foundational to their understanding of God’s nature and work in the world.
Divinity of Jesus Christ
Orthodox Presbyterians hold that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. They believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death on the cross, resurrection from the dead, and ascension into heaven. They also affirm His second coming as the Lord of lords and King of kings.
Authority of the Bible
The Bible is the ultimate authority for Orthodox Presbyterians. They believe that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God and are to be interpreted in their plain and ordinary sense. The Old and New Testaments are considered equal in authority, and the teachings of the church are to be in harmony with the Bible.
Salvation by Grace through Faith
Orthodox Presbyterians emphasize the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. They believe that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort. This belief is rooted in the teachings of the apostle Paul, who wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Church Governance
Orthodox Presbyterians follow a form of church governance known as the Presbyterian system. This system is based on the principle of representative church government, where elders (also known as presbyters) are elected by the congregation to oversee the church’s affairs. The church is divided into sessions, presbyteries, and synods, each with its own responsibilities and authority.
Practices
Orthodox Presbyterians engage in various practices that reflect their beliefs. These include weekly worship services, which often include the reading of Scripture, prayer, and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They also emphasize the importance of personal and corporate spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and service to others.
In conclusion, Orthodox Presbyterians hold to a rich and robust theological framework that emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and salvation by grace through faith. Their church governance and practices are designed to foster a community of believers who are committed to living out their faith in all aspects of life.
