Forest Park Community Church

What We Believe

Everybody believes something, and we’re no different. We confess and believe the historic teachings of Christianity, such as the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. But more specifically, we are a church that was born of the Reformed tradition. Rev. Jim Osterhouse, in his book Faith Unfolded, has done a great job conveying a concise statement of what Reformed Christians believe. A good way to remember it is with the acrostic F.A.I.T.H.

Fallen Humanity. We believe the Bible when it teaches that Adam (Genesis 3:1-7), the first man created by God, represented all of humanity (Romans 5:12). In this representative role he disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the forbidden fruit. When he disobeyed he fell into a condition that the Bible refers to as sin. It became a part of his nature, and he began passing that nature on to his descendents (Romans 3:23), who, in turn have passed it on to their children. All around us we see rampant sinful behavior, which is part of the evidence of humanity’s fallen state. Traditionally, this has been called “Total Depravity”.
Adopted By God. We believe the Bible when it teaches that, because of humanity’s fallen condition (Romans 3:9-18), the only way we can to get back to God is if He does something to bring us into relationship with Him. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 1 (and other places!) that God took the first step and adopted some of us long before we were born; long before we could do anything to make ourselves appear worthy of His affection. Even as a child, when he is adopted, does not initiate the process, neither can a man initiate the process with God. God chooses him. Traditionally, this has been known as “Unconditional Election”.
Intentional Atonement. We believe the Bible when it teaches that Jesus’ death was purposeful and intentional; i.e. it accomplished salvation for His people (John 6:37-40; 10:17-18). He did what He set out to do. He atoned for (covered over) the sins of His people. His death did not provide an opportunity for salvation, it actually provided salvation for His chosen ones. He died to pay for the sins of a specific group of people which Scripture refers to as “elect” Matthew 24:22), “chosen” (Psalm 33:12), “my sheep” (John 10:14-15), etc. Traditionally, this has been known as “Limited Atonement”.
Transformed By The Holy Spirit. We believe the Bible when it teaches that once the atonement has been made it can only be applied by the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). This means that God first changes the heart of the sinner so he can respond to His love (Jeremiah 17:9,10). He gives us a new heart which enables us to respond to the good news of the gospel. Traditionally, this teaching has been known as “Irresistible Grace.”
Held By God. We believe the Bible when it teaches that God doesn’t save part way; i.e. we do not believe we can slip from the hands of our gracious, loving Father. Some call this “once saved, always saved” (John 10:24-30). Traditionally, it has been known as “the Perseverance of the Saints”.

In a nutshell, the Reformed tradition embraces the Biblical notion of an all powerful, loving God, who has graciously provided salvation through Christ for people who did not deserve it. We call that AMAZING GRACE.