Presbyterians — a comparison of the doctrine of 17 current religions
Prepared by and presented by Rex Bennett
An overview of the beliefs of the Presbyterians
- Presbyterians:
- Atonement — The Atonement was for universal and personal sins. Sin results in separation of man from God. Sin came through Adam, and Christ atoned for this original sin.
- Baptism — Baptism is done by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, whichever method is preferred by the recipient. Baptisms performed in other churches are accepted. Baptism is not needed for salvation. Infants are baptized.
- Did Christ organize a church while on earth? — The majority of members do not believe that Christ organized a church while on earth. He appointed apostles and other leaders, and they taught Christian living to those interested. This did not require a church organization.
- Ecclesiastical authority — This authority is given in the priesthood of each individual. The Bible is also the authority of the church. Other churches that are branches of Christianity may also have authority, in addition to the Presbyterian Church.
- God — God is a spirit and has no form or shape. Man is a created in the image of God only in a moral or spiritual sense, and not in the physical sense.
- Heaven and Hell — Heaven is being in the presence of God and having a happy state of mind as a result. Hell is the opposite of heaven, literally.
- Holy Bible — The word of God contains all known scripture. The Bible is the infallible rule of faith and religious practice. The Bible provides spiritual guidance.
- Holy Ghost — The Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, is God operating as one of God’s personages. The spirit functions for the one and only God. The Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, which is one substance.
- Holy Trinity — The Trinity consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are of one substance but are three separate personages. They constitute the Godhead and are one in power and glory. They are manifestations of the One Godhead.
- Is membership in a church needed for salvation? — They do not believe there is only one true church. Faith in Christ is the only thing one needs for salvation. All true believers belong to the universal Church of Jesus.
- Life after death — They believe we all continue to progress after death. There are different degrees of salvation. We will all recognize each other in the next life.
- Marriage — The spiritual part of marriage will be consummated, although the physical side of marriage will not be continued. The idea of ‘sacrament conception’ is becoming accepted.
- Miracles — They believe in the miracles as recorded in the Bible. Praying helps the sick, and healings can occur through faith. Miracles can affect anyone.
- Future status of non-believers in Christ — They do not have a firm stance on this. God will determine their status.
- Pre-existence of man — No doctrine exists concerning this. There is only speculation.
- Purpose of life — Our purpose is to become Christ-like in word and deed, and to glorify God and prepare to be with Him forever.
- Resurrection — We will take up the material composing our bodies now, but the material will be glorified and transformed. We will have the same personality and identity as we had in earth life.
- Revelation — They believe in ancient miracles and revelation but there is no need for such now. Christ is the final word.
- Sacrament — The sacrament is taken in remembrance of Christ’s death. It is administered using bread and wine, and is a means of grace. The time and frequency of observation varies with each individual congregation.
- Satan — Satan is the source of all evil. He is an actual, real spiritual force, seeking to destroy man. He is a personage of spirit.
- Second Coming of Christ — No one knows when, where, or how Christ will come again, but He will. He may come before the Millenium, or possible after, as beliefs within the church vary.
- Vicarious work for the dead — They do not have any form of ‘work for the dead’. Men on earth do not have the power to do anything for the dead.
- Virgin birth, immaculate conception — They believe in the virgin birth, as Christ had no earthly father. Conception was brought about by the Holy Spirit working upon Mary.
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