|
God has always been faithful to the people
of Israel and to the church. Presbyterians believe God has offered
us salvation because of God's loving nature. It is not a right
or a privilege to be earned by being "good enough." No one of
us is good enough on our own--we are all dependent upon God's
goodness and mercy. From the kindest, most devoted churchgoer
to the most blatant sinner, we are all saved solely by the grace
of God.
Out of the greatest possible love and
compassion God reached out to us and redeemed us through Jesus
Christ, the only one who was ever without sin. Through Jesus'
death and resurrection God triumphed over sin.
Presbyterians believe it is through the
action of God working in us that we become aware of our sinfulness
and our need for God's mercy and forgiveness. Just as a parent
is quick to welcome a wayward child who has repented of rebellion,
God is willing to forgive our sins if we but confess them and
ask for forgiveness in the name of Christ.
God further sent the Holy Spirit to be
our companion, counselor and guide in living a life of service
to God.
"The Spirit justifies us by grace
through faith,
sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor,
and binds us together with all believers
in the one body of Christ, the church."
(Brief Statement of Faith, Lines 54-57)
|
