A Statement of Faith – The Church of Scotland

This statement of Faith was authorized for use in worship and teaching by the General Assembly of The Church of Scotland in 1992.  I think this is one of the best creedal statements I have ever read.

We believe in one God:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God is love.
We praise God the Father: who created the universe and keeps it in being.
He has made us His sons and daughters to share his joy,
living together in justice and peace,
caring for His world and for each other.

We proclaim Jesus Christ, God the Son:
born of Mary,
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
He became one of us,
sharing our life and our death.
he made known God’s compassion and mercy,
giving hope and declaring forgiveness of sin,
offering healing and wholeness to all.
By His death on the cross and by His resurrection,
He has triumphed over evil.
Jesus is Lord of life and of all creation.

We trust God the Holy Spirit:
who unites us to Christ and gives life to the church;
who brings us to repentance and assures us of forgiveness.
The Spirit guides us in our understanding of the Bible,
renews us in the sacraments,
and calls us to serve God in the world.

We rejoice in the gift of eternal life:
we have sure and certain hope of resurrection through Christ,
and we look for His coming again to judge the world.
Then all things will be made new;
and creation will rejoice in worshipping the Father,
through the Son,
in the power of the Spirit,
One God, blessed for ever.
Amen.

 

The Church and Preaching

A church that suffers no persecution but enjoys the privileges and support of the things of the earth – beware! – is not the true church of Jesus Christ. A preaching that does not point out sin is not the preaching of the gospel. A preaching that makes sinners feel good, so that they are secured in their sinful state, betrays the gospel’s call.” – Archbishop Oscar Romero