Our first General Assembly adopted a comprehensive Book of Church Order, drawing heavily from the venerable work of the Westminster Assembly. This historic move reflects the RPCGA’s commitment to preserving the rich theological heritage and doctrinal precision of the original Westminster Assembly. Embracing the foundational principles articulated in the Confession, Larger Catechism, and Shorter Catechism, the RPCGA reinforces its dedication to upholding the timeless standards that have guided Reformed churches for centuries. This reaffirmation not only honors the wisdom of the past but also serves as a steadfast compass for the RPCGA’s continued journey in faith and practice.
- Download Book of Church Order
- View the Westminster Confession of Faith
- View the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Below is a summary of the distinctive nature of those doctrines found in the Westminster Standards:
The Doctrine of Scripture
We believe that the Scriptures, of both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God written. The Bible is the complete revelation of God’s will for salvation, and the ultimate authority on all issues of life, faith, and practice of the Christian religion. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
The Doctrine of God
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinite, perfect, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is sovereign in His power and purpose and has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.
The Doctrine of Creation
We believe that the Holy Scripture speaks of creation as an act by God in six consecutive, twenty-four hour days. The Bible speaks of all things created as originating from God, be it plant, animal, or man. God simply spoke all creation into existence because it is the eternal purpose of God being represented of His Divine handiwork. However, only man is created in the image of God.
The Doctrine of Man
We believe that God created Adam and Eve (our first parents) in His own image. That Adam by the volition of his own free will did sin against God in the Garden and thereby has brought the curse and wrath of God upon all mankind since he was our federal representative (original sin). All men are born in sin, under its bondage, and cannot be reconciled to God apart from the saving work of Jesus Christ being applied to him through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
The Doctrine of Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. He was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to regenerate sinners, and by Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
The Doctrine of Hell
We believe that God has prepared a place of eternal torment for those who reject His offer of salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That hell is literal and a place that in the end of time will ultimately be cast into the lake of Fire at the last judgment.
The Doctrine of the Church
We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone, in Christ alone, for their salvation. The elect are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. Christians are members of the visible Church by being under authority of the Word and Leadership of a particular congregation. There are two sacraments that were given by the Lord Jesus Christ to His Church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these sacraments confirm and nourish the believer as a public means of grace.
The Doctrine of Christian Living (World View)
We believe that God has given to mankind the duty to take dominion over His creation so that in all things God is honored and glorified. From the beginning of creation, God created man to worship and serve Him. As a result of God’s justifying grace, we are called as believers to live a separated life unto God according to the Law of God’s Word. We have been called to make disciples among all the nations of the earth by preaching, teaching, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of believers to seek to apply the principles of God’s Word to every area of life; to bring all things under the Crown Rights of Jesus Christ seeking the transformation of our culture.
The Doctrine of Last Things
We believe in the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ at the consummation of history. The dead, consisting of believers and non-believers, shall be raised up in final judgment. Those who are saved shall be raised up unto everlasting life and those who have rejected Christ unto eternal damnation. We believe that it is the current duty of the Church (Christians) to expand and build the Kingdom of Christ wherein Christ shall be the head of all things unto all men.
