What We Believe

The Main Thing

Here at Great Exchange, we want to major on the “main thing.” We believe that there is good news for weary people. What is “of first importance” to us is that “Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

We join with the church around the globe and across time by professing classic summaries like The Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed.

Great Exchange is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church of America. A fuller summary of our theological beliefs can be found in the Westminster Confession of Faith, as well as the Larger and Shorter Catechism.

Scripture

Scripture

The Bible, the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, perfect, final, and sufficient word of God. It is our supreme authority in all matters of faith and life. (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

God

God

There is one God who eternally exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are of the same substance, equal in power and glory. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19-20, 2 Cor. 13:14)

Sovereignty

Sovereignty

This God works all things together according to his eternal purpose. From eternity, God has ordained everything that comes to pass in time, for his own glory, to the praise of his glorious grace. (Ps. 115:3, Acts 4:27-28, Eph. 1:11-12)

Humanity

Humanity

God created mankind, male and female, in his own image. Therefore, all human beings, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or any other identity bear God’s image and have value and dignity. (Gen. 1:26-27, Gen. 9:6, Jam. 3:9)

Sin

Sin

Our first parents fell from the state of innocence by breaking God’s law. In Adam, all mankind is therefore under God’s just wrath and curse, alienated from him. We are unable to remedy this condition. (Gen. 3:6, Rom. 3:23, Eph. 2:1-3)

Jesus

Jesus

Jesus is God’s eternal Son, true God and true man, the promised Messiah. He was born of the Blessed Virgin, lived without sin, was crucified, died, and buried. He rose from the dead on the third day. (Matt. 1:21-23, John 1:1-14, 1 Tim. 2:5).

Salvation

Salvation

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received by faith alone. In Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are clothed in his perfect righteousness. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit and secured for eternal life. (2 Cor. 5:21, Eph. 1:13-14, Eph. 2:8-10)

Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God, eternally proceeding from the Father and Son. He applies the finished work of Christ, regenerating the hearts of sinners. He produces in believers progressive holiness and empowers the church’s witness. (John 14:26, John 15:26, Titus 3:5)

Good Works

Good Works

God has good works prepared in advance for his people to walk in. Guided by his law and empowered by his Spirit, we grow in love for God and for our neighbors. These works earn no favor from God, but are done as a grateful response to his grace. (Mic. 6:8, Isa. 1:17, Eph. 2:8-10)

Church

Church

There is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church, which is the body of Christ in the world. This body is expressed in local congregations, who are called to preach the word, administer the sacraments, and exercise church discipline. (Matt. 16:18-19, Acts 14:21-23, Eph. 2:19-20)

Sacraments

Sacraments

The sacraments are signs and seals of the covenant of grace. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances, instituted by Christ, for the good of his church and for his own glory (Gen. 17:10, Rom. 4:11, Col. 2:11-12).

New Creation

New Creation

We look forward to the resurrection of the dead at Christ’s future second coming. Those outside of Christ will be subject to the just torments of hell. Those who have repented of sin and trusted Christ will be welcomed into the blessed new heavens and new earth. (Isa. 65:17, Matt. 25:31-46, Rev. 21:1-2)
GREAT EXCHANGE CHURCH

LOVE GOD.

LOVE NEIGHBOR.

LOVE NEWARK.

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