Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Reformed?"

1. "Reformed" churches by and large accept the ecumenical creeds of the early church (Apostles Creed, Nicene-
                  Constantinopolitan Creed, Athanasian Creed) as normative for the beliefs of the church.

2. "Reformed" churches are part of the larger body of reformation churches that believe that
               -the only rule of faith and life is the Holy Scripture; that
               -humankind is not saved by any work of its own goodness,
                              but only by the grace of God in Christ; and that
                -faith is not a matter of outward guarantee, but of inner certainty,
                        requiring wholehearted personal trust in God.

3. "Reformed" in the title means that the Reformed Church is always being reformed by the Word of God as
            Christ speaks to the church through the proclamation of the Scriptures. The Scriptures are the only rule
            of faith and life for us, and while many other sources (tradition, secular science, etc.) are held in high honor
            as being very informative, in the end it is the voice of Scripture itself that is definitive.

4. The Reformed Church in America is part of a large body of reformed churches. This greater fellowship
              includes the Presbyterian churches, most congregational churches (U.C.C.), some Baptist churches, and
              many independent congregations.

5. A "Reformed" accent on the Christian faith declares that in every question of faith and life the overriding
                concern of every believer is to give glory to God alone. We do not aim to save our own souls, or to do
                good, or to improve our own character, or anything that has its ultimate reference point within
                ourselves. Our chief purpose in life is to glorify God.

6. At the same time, a "Reformed" accent declares that our only comfort in life is that we have been claimed by
                  God in Christ to be God's own dearly beloved sons and daughters. God watches over us as a parent
                  guards the child, and makes all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). Since we belong to
                  God, the Holy Spirit lives within us to draw us ever nearer into the fulness of Christ.