Theological Statement
For a more in depth statement of faith click here

We Believe, 

God the Father Son and Holy Spirit:  We believe in the only true and living God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who is holy love, eternal, unchangeable in being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Scripture:   We believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the infallible rule of faith and practice, the authoritative guide for Christian living. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Salvation:   We believe that God's mighty act of reconciling love was accomplished in Jesus Christ, the divine Son who became flesh to be the means by which the sins of the world are forgiven. Salvation is freely offered to all. (John 3:16)

Baptism:   We believe that water baptism symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit and is the external sign that marks forgiveness of sins and membership in the community of faith and is for all.   We practice sprinkling as our mode, but acknowledge any mode of baptism.  One does not need to be (re) baptized  when uniting with First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. (Acts 2:38-41)  Baptism signifies
 

      *       the faithfulness of God,
*       the washing away of sin,
*       rebirth,
*       putting on the fresh garment of Christ,
*       being sealed by God's Spirit,
*       adoption into the covenant family of the Church,
*       resurrection and illumination in Christ.

The Lord's Supper:   We believe this sacrament is a means by which the church remembers Christ's suffering and death on the cross. It is also a means of spiritual nourishment and growth, an act of grateful obedience to Christ, and a commitment to the work and service of Christ's church. We have open communion and invite to the Lord's table all Christians regardless of denominational affiliation. (Matthew 26:26-29).

We believe in ;

the sovereignty of God,

the authority of the scripture,

 justification by grace through faith

 and the priesthood of all believers.

 

 Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ.

Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments.

It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the whole world.

That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.