In the life and ministry of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, we uphold the following beliefs which we consider

essential truths of the Christian faith:

Who Is God?

God the all-glorious and sovereign Creator of all things. He is one God who exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Trinity). God is a Spirit, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the second Person of the Trinity. Jesus is fully human and fully God, united in one Person forever. He became flesh (incarnation), through his miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary (virgin birth). Jesus, the Son of God, lived in perfect obedience to God the Father and then died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (atonement). On the third day he was bodily resurrected to new life--a prelude to our own bodily resurrection when Christ returns. After ascending into heaven, he is now seated at the right hand of God the Father and is our Mediator.

Why do people live so destructively?

As a result of Adam's sin (the Fall), all humanity has become tragically marred by sin (original sin) and is therefore unable to live as God requires. Our sin nature has left us guilty before God, estranged from Him, and entirely unable to save ourselves from God's just punishment for our sins.

What does it mean to be saved?

While God was not obligated in any way to save us, out of His great love and mercy He willed the salvation of those whom He predestined for faith through the redemptive work of His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5). When we put our faith in Christ as our Savior and Lord, all of our sins are applied to him through his work on the cross. At the same time, his perfect righteousness is credited (imputation) to us so that we may know the full joy of God's acceptance and forgiveness (justification). Thus, salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone and no other. The Holy Spirit brings this work of faith to the human heart when he causes a person to be spiritually reborn (regeneration).

How do I grow as a believer?

Having been spiritually reborn, justified by faith, and adopted by God as His sons and daughters, we now begin the Christian life in which we join with the Holy Spirit in the daily process of having our lives shaped and remade in the image and likeness of Christ (sanctification). We assist in the process of sanctification and spiritual growth by availing ourselves of the means of grace God has given us, namely the preaching of the Word, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. In addition, we are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, fasting, service, etc. to strengthen us in our pilgrimage of faith.

What is the purpose of the church?

Christ calls his disciples into the Church, which is his body. The Church is commissioned by Christ himself to continue his ministry by sharing his good news in word and deed, and making visible the ways of his invisible Kingdom. While the Church is not perfect, we strive to become more like our Lord. The Church will be made perfect only at the return of Christ.

Will this world have a definite conclusion?

Jesus has promised that he is coming again at a day and time which none of us can know. At that time will be the great day of resurrection, the final judgment of all humanity, and the consummation of the Kingdom of God. Until then, our calling in the present is to be faithful citizens of that Kingdom even while we pray, "Come Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)

What will guide me in the way of truth?

To teach us what we are to believe concerning God and what He requires of us, God has given us the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, breathed out by the Holy Spirit into the hearts and minds of the biblical writers. As such, we affirm that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are without error and perfect in truth. It alone has the authority to bind our consciences.

A more complete expression of our faith is set forth in the

Westminster Confession of Faith with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.

The distinctives of our Reformed faith can be found here.