Our Core Beliefs

These ten brief statements reflect our theological convictions based on scripture and our historical confessions within the Presbyterian tradition which are a summary of the Essential Tenets and Reformed Distinctives adopted by the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church's Session and the Presbytery of San Diego.

The Bible

We believe the scriptures are the inpired word of God and have authority in all areas of faith and life.

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (TNIV)

God

We believe in one God who exists in three persons--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit-whom we worship as the living and true God.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (TNIV)
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11 (TNIV)

Humanity and Sin

We believe human beings were created in God's own image in true righteousness and holiness, but because of our rebellion against God, we are separated from God's abundant and eternal life.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-3 (TNIV)

Jesus

We believe Jesus was fully God and fully human and now is head of the Church and Lord over all creation. We believe Jesus' death on the cross paid the penalty for our sin that separates us from relationship with God. And we believe he will come again to establish a new heaven and a new earth, and to reign for all eternity.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. Colossians 1:15-19 (NIV)

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 (NIV)

Salvation by Grace

We believe salvation is a gift of God's grace alone through faith in Jesus. We are forgiven and brought into relationship with God. We believe our salvation and sanctification are based entirely on God's initiative and God's grace--it is not primarily about our choice but God's choice.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (TNIV)

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. Ephesians 1:4-7 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is the power of God present in followers of Jesus to connect us in relationship with God and each other and to transform us more and more like Christ from the inside out, and empowers followers to continue God's work in the world.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TNIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NIV)

The Church

We believe those who put their faith in Christ are spiritually united with Christ, enter into the new covenant where there is salvation and redemption and become members of the covenant community called the church.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (TNIV)

Priesthood of All Believers

We believe all followers of Jesus, not just ordained ministers, are called to participate in the work of ministry, using their spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personalities and experiences to communicate the gospel in word and deed.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV)

Stewardship

We believe God has given to us bodies, abilities, gifts, possessions, resources, and money with the responsibility to extend the influence of God in the world.

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1 (NIV)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Sacraments

We believe the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper are signs of God's grace and real presence within the community of faith.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (TNIV)

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 (TNIV)