What We Believe | |
 | GOD is the creator of the universe. |
| CHRIST is the incarnation of God on earth. |
| HOLY SPIRIT is the presence of God in the world and in the believer. |
| THE CHURCH is a universal company of Christ's followers. |
| FORGIVENESS OF SIN is made possible by the crucifixion and atoning death of Jesus. |
| LIFE EVERLASTING is shown by the resurrection of Jesus. |
| BIBLE is the inspired word of God and the most authoritative source for faith and practice for all people. |
Some Presbyterian Beliefs | |
| THE TRINITY - God exists in the trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. |
| CHRIST - Presbyterians believe that Christ is the Son of God, the Revealer of God, and the Savior of humanity. |
| HEAVEN - The souls of the faithful are reunited with God in a warm and loving relationship. |
| HELL - separation from God which may exist now as well as in the Hereafter. |
| VIRGIN BIRTH - Presbyterians believe that Jesus' birth was miraculous. |
| MARY - She is honored as the mother of Jesus, the special person chosen to bear the Son of God. |
| RESURRECTON - For Presbyterians, the resurrection of the body refers to the reuniting of the spiritual body and physical body. |
| CONFESSION - voluntary, and made directly to God, although it may be made in the presence of pastor. |
| SALVATION - God grants the gift of grace, which enables us to gain the faith necessary for salvation. |
| THE CROSS - The empty cross symbolizes the risen Christ who opened the kingdom of Heaven. |
| MARRIAGE - Presbyterians believe in the sacredness of marriage. They attempt to curb divorce by encouraging young people to seriously prepare for marriage. |
| CHANGE - Presbyterians believe that the Holy Sprit constantly heightens truth, and thus admit different understandings of the Confession of Faith. |
| PARENTHOOD - There is nothing in the church's teaching which discourages intelligent, unselfish family planning. |
| EDUCATION - Education is stressed by Presbyterians, both for the ministry and the laity. |
| THE "ONLY" CHURCH - Presbyterians believe that no Christian church has exclusive possession of the church government authorized by Christ. |
| THE SACRAMENTS - Presbyterians recognize two sacraments as described in the Bible, Baptism and Communion. |
Baptism | |
| - | unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God's family, the Church. |
| - | does not guarantee access to heaven - unbaptized people are not denied salvation. |
| - | can be performed in another church - there is no need to be rebaptized in a Presbyterian church. |
Communion | |
| - | is also called the Lord's supper, Holy Communion or the Eucharist. |
| - | is a time to renew faith and strengthen participants for the duties and privileges of Christian service. |
| - | the Bread and Cup represent the sacrificial body and blood of Christ and recall the last meal shared with the Apostles. Together they symbolize the New Covenant between God and all people. |
| Learn more about the Presbyterian Church at the following links: | |
| Home Page of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) | |
| The Book of Confessions, contains historical statements of what we as a church believe | |
| The Book of Order, contains the Form of Government, Directory for Worship and Rules of Discipline | |
| Home Page of the Presbytery of Santa Barbara | |