About Covenant

Our Beliefs

Our beliefs did not originate with us. They are as old as the Bible itself. They can especially be traced back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, and to its 17th century doctrinal statement, the Westminster Confession of Faith (with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms). Our understanding of the great doctrines of the Bible are set forth in these standards.

We also recognize that the Bible is not a dogmatic textbook, but a history of the unfolding and establishment of God’s kingdom. Therefore, our teaching and preaching demonstrate how the Bible, from beginning to end, points us to Jesus Christ who inaugurates the kingdom of God by his death and resurrection. In short, our church believes in:

  • Scripture Alone - We believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of the true and living God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We affirm the completeness, finality, and sufficiency of revelation given to us in the Bible.
  • Faith Alone - We believe that the only way sinners can draw near to a holy God is to have their sins pardoned and receive the imputed righteousness of Christ. Not even the best of our works can merit this. Justification is by faith alone and is a once-for-all act.
  • Grace Alone - We believe in the sovereignty of God in salvation and all things. We affirm the Calvinist doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, definite atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
  • Christ Alone - We believe that the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is about Jesus Christ, the only hope of salvation. Therefore, we preach Christ and not moralism, legalism, or politics. Only when we focus on Christ can we walk worthy of the calling with which we have been called.

 

Our Worship

Our worship flows out of what the Bible teaches about who God is, what He has done for us in Christ, and who we are as His people. The character of our worship is determined by these beliefs, and not by techniques to appeal to contemporary culture. The way we worship God is a reflection of all that we believe. Our worship is:

  • Scriptural - We seek to worship God in a manner acceptable to Him, and not according to the imaginations and devices of men. His Word is the rule of our worship.
  • Reverent and Joyful - Because God is holy we approach Him with reverence and awe. Our service reflects that worship is entering into His heavenly throne room. We also rejoice as we draw near to God because our sins have been forgiven in Christ.
  • Responsive - Worship, above all else, is a meeting of the triune God with his people. Therefore worship is a dialogue. God speaks to His people in the reading and preaching of the Word and in the sacraments, and God’s people respond with thankful singing, prayer, and cheerful giving.
  • A Family Event - God calls families to come and worship Him together. We encourage parents to train their children to worship God from tender years and bring them into the service. We are patient with a little noise in the service. There is also a cry room available for those who may need it.