WHAT WE BELIEVE
What we believe as Anglicans is firmly rooted in Scripture and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. The ancient creeds of the Church, principally the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed, give voice to our belief.
Our faith centers on the saving and redeeming acts of Jesus. We rejoice in the Good News of the Christian Faith. In spite of the fact that we have all sinned and fallen short of what God desires for us, Jesus has made forgiveness and new life possible for us. We, who have been separated from God, can now know the loving Father personally as we live into this free, undeserved offer of reconciliation with God through Christ. Furthermore, this free gift of grace, forgiveness and reconciliation is forever; we, therefore, rejoice in the “Blessed Assurance” that comes through our trust that Jesus has indeed done this for us.
The Holy Spirit is present to all who confess the Faith and are “In Christ,” as St. Paul says. The Holy Spirit seeks to change us and develop in us a Christ-like character. The Holy Spirit also enables us to do the work that God calls us to do in His name, which is sharing the Good News about Jesus and “being Christ” to others.
Within the nurturing fellowship of the Church and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called upon to grow in our knowledge and love of God. The Christian life is journey. Christ has shown us the way. Baptism, as instituted by Jesus, is the beginning of this journey. The Lord’s Supper, The Holy Eucharist, is strengthening food for the journey and the assurance of Christ’s presence. The journey involves our day-by-day being made holy (sanctified). We, as God’s Church, make this pilgrimage together, supporting, loving and encouraging one another along the way.
Anglican Core Beliefs
There are five core commitments that unite Anglicans around the world. They are:
- The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament “contain all things necessary for salvation,” and are the rule and ultimate standard of our common faith.
- The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds are the sufficient statements of the Christian faith.
- There are two sacraments ordained by Christ himself – Baptism and Holy Communion. These Sacraments are “the outward sign of an inward grace.”
- The 3 Anglican Formularies guide our belief, practices and governance. They are the 39 Articles of Religion, The Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordinal. In addressing the particular concerns of the English Reformation, the Articles of Religion set forth a precise articulation of faith on many of the great points of Christian doctrine, in concert with the Creeds.
- The ministry of the historic episcopate. All Anglican churches are under the spiritual leadership of a chief pastor, the bishop.
What is the point?
Why do we do what we do? What is the point of Christian worship? Why do we gather together as a church family? While there may be a good number of answers to the above questions, there is one point — the point that lays the foundation to all of them.
Why do we do what we do? What is the point of Christian worship? Why do we gather together as a church family? While there may be a good number of answers to the above questions, there is one point — theThe point is Jesus Christ, and serving God the Father through Him as Christians. But, just what does it mean to be a Christian? How can you experience the love of God as known through Jesus? What does it take to receive the forgiveness of God for everything you’ve ever done wrong (AKA sin) and be promised a life in His kingdom? point that lays the foundation to all of them.
The Point A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
How does it happen?
How can you know that you have received this blessing?
What must you do?
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18
The point is that even though we have sinned, each and every one of us (Romans 3:23), God has a plan to make us righteous (seen as if without sin). The absolutely perfect nature of Jesus Christ, can be applied by His grace to each of us through faith. And, in this way our relationship to God — as intended at the creation — is restored (Ephesians 2:8-10).
How does it happen? How can you know that you have received this blessing? What must you do?
Repent Of Sin – This means to recognize and admit the wrong you have done and turn from it asking God to assist you in not sinning again.
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
Jesus said to the disciples: “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
Believe – Salvation is a gift of God’s grace delivered to you through faith. Therefore, you must actually believe the good news has been explained to you.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)
That is what it takes to become a Christian. Repentance, an admitting to and turning away from sin, followed by Faith in God’s promise to see His own Son’s perfection in you.
Frequently this turning to God is a time marked by prayer. There is no one particular prayer which everyone must pray, but there are many prayers that people have offered as a guide to those seeking God’s forgiveness. What follows is one of those samples. If you are seeking God’s forgiveness, and would like to feel His love towards you, we urge you to pray this prayer or one like it.
ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, judge of all people; I admit and regret my many sins and shortfalls, which I have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against Your Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly Your anger and judgment against me. I earnestly repent, and am sorry for my misdoings; The remembrance of them is hurtful to me; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon me, most merciful Father; For Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive me all that is past; And grant that I may ever hereafter serve and please You in newness of life, To the honour and glory of Your Name; Through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Did you pray that prayer right now? If so, you’ve taken the first step in your Christian journey. We at the Church of the Holy Trinity would like to hear from you. Please go to the contact us page for information on how to reach us by e-mail, telephone, or in person at one of our regularly scheduled events.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.