Rooted in Historic Faith: Our Reformed Identity

At Heritage Covenant Church (HCC), our faith is firmly rooted in the historic truths of Scripture and the rich legacy of the Reformation. We uphold the Reformed Confessions and Catechisms, particularly the Three Forms of Unity (the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort) and the Westminster Standards. This foundational commitment ensures that our worship, teachings, and way of life are biblically sound, God-centered, and aligned with the enduring legacy of historic Protestantism, as expressed in our Statement of Faith. In a time when theology and practice are constantly shifting, people are longing for stability. By rooting ourselves in the confessions, creeds, and catechisms of the Reformed faith, we stand on the solid ground of historic Christianity.

Rooted in the Past: The Necessity of Historic Creeds and Confessions

In a world of rapid change and fleeting ideas, rooting ourselves in something timeless is more necessary than ever. There’s a growing return to orthodoxy today, as many Christians feel the impact of a church that, in many places, has drifted from sound doctrine. People are searching for stability and truth, finding renewed value in the rich heritage of Reformed creeds, confessions, and catechisms. These historical documents represent more than tradition—they are essential for guiding and shaping our beliefs, practices, and even our identities as Christians.

The Apostle Paul calls us to “guard the good deposit entrusted to [us]” (2 Timothy 1:14), reminding us that faithfulness to the truth is not only an individual responsibility but a communal one. Historic confessions help us fulfill this responsibility by offering a summary of biblical truth that has been tested and refined through centuries. By rooting ourselves in these confessions, we uphold a faith that transcends generations, connecting us with the larger story of God’s work in the world.

The Landscape of Non-Denominational Churches

In today’s Christian landscape, many churches and pastors, particularly those in non-denominational settings, create their own doctrinal frameworks. While this approach may appear flexible and tailored, it often lacks the depth, structure, and accountability provided by historic confessions. Without the foundation of historical theology, such churches risk being influenced by personal preferences or cultural trends rather than the timeless truths of God’s Word.

When pastors or leaders create their own doctrinal frameworks, they may be unaware of the potential implications of departing from the historic Protestant faith. These frameworks may lack essential doctrines or may fail to connect believers with the larger story of the church. As a result, such churches can inadvertently drift into theological error, and their members may lack a robust understanding of the gospel’s fullness.

The Puritan Thomas Watson emphasized that

“Confessions are the church’s testimony of her faith. A confession helps to maintain unity in the church and protects her from false teaching.”

Without the guiding principles of confessions and catechisms, non-denominational churches may struggle to maintain doctrinal consistency and unity, leaving their congregations vulnerable to the ebb and flow of cultural changes.

A Search for Stability: Why People Are Turning to Established Traditions

In the face of modern theological fragmentation, a growing number of people are returning to traditions like Greek Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism in search of stability, structure, and continuity. These traditions provide a sense of rootedness that many find appealing, offering clear teachings, rituals, and a defined identity. However, while these traditions certainly offer historical depth, they can also depart from central gospel truths, especially concerning issues like justification by faith alone, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers.

The Reformed Protestant faith, rooted in the authority of Scripture and the doctrines of grace, offers a stable alternative to both modern doctrinal instability and the theological errors of other traditions. It provides a way for people to experience the richness of historical Christianity while remaining faithful to the gospel. As RC Sproul said,

“We are reformed because we are persuaded that this faith is rooted in and flows from the Scriptures. We are reformed because we believe the Reformation was right.”

The Reformed tradition gives us a clear, gospel-centered identity that speaks to our deepest needs and answers our search for stability.

The Call to Return to Historic Protestantism

At HCC, we believe the historic Protestant faith provides a compelling, biblically faithful answer to the quest for stability. As we embrace the Reformed confessions and catechisms, we find a rich reservoir of truth that has been tested and refined over the centuries. These documents are not merely intellectual exercises but are life-giving truths that shape our identity, connect us to believers throughout history, and provide guidance for navigating the challenges of modern life.

In his recent work, The Case for Creeds and Confessions, Chad Van Dixhoorn argues that creeds serve as “a lighthouse in the storm of modernity,” offering clarity and direction amidst cultural confusion. As the winds of society shift, the Reformed confessions help us remain rooted and steadfast, ensuring that our faith is consistent with the teachings of Scripture.

The Importance of Creeds and Confessions

Confessions and catechisms are more than mere relics of the past; they are tools for discipleship, unity, and doctrinal integrity that remain relevant today. Let’s explore some of the benefits of embracing these historic documents:

1. Clarity and Unity: Confessions provide a unified expression of what we believe, creating a common ground for the church. They articulate essential doctrines such as the nature of God, salvation by grace alone, and the authority of Scripture. The Westminster Divines emphasized that “confession of faith and catechism were drawn up to maintain unity in the truth, for the edification of the church, and for the defense of the faith.”

2. Guardrails Against Error: Confessions serve as safeguards, protecting the church from theological error. In every age, new ideas emerge, some beneficial and others harmful. The confessions offer a reliable summary of biblical truth, helping us discern what aligns with Scripture and what strays from it. Joel Beeke explains,

“Historic Reformed confessions act as both a shield and a sword: they shield the church from error and provide her with a ready tool to proclaim the truths of Scripture.”

1. Discipleship and Teaching: Creeds and catechisms are invaluable tools for discipleship, especially for new believers. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, with its question-and-answer format, is designed to teach the basics of the faith in a way that is accessible to all. RC Sproul highlighted the value of catechisms, saying, “A catechism is like a GPS for theology; it keeps us from losing our way in understanding God’s truth.”

2. Connection to the Historic Church: By upholding the confessions, we affirm that our faith is not a new invention but part of a larger story that stretches back centuries. We are connected to a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) who have held the same truths, lived faithfully, and passed down the faith we now carry. As RC Sproul put it,

“The historic creeds of the church anchor us in the past, connecting us to the wisdom of those who have gone before us.”

1. A Public Witness: Confessions and creeds also serve as a testimony to the watching world, declaring what we believe. They provide a clear witness to the truth of the gospel in an age of confusion. The Puritan John Owen argued that confessions are essential for defending the faith, stating,

“Confessions are the church’s public statement against the errors that oppose the truth.”

Standing Firm in a Shifting World

Our commitment to Reformed theology gives us a steady foundation, reminding us that God’s Word does not change, and neither do His promises. In a culture that often exalts individualism and relative truth, HCC’s commitment to Reformed doctrine calls us to embrace God’s sovereignty, the authority of His Word, and the importance of sound doctrine.

As a Reformed church, our calling is not to conform to the world but to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Reformers often spoke of the church as a “city on a hill,” a light in the darkness. This vision drives us to proclaim the gospel clearly and without compromise.

How Our Reformed Identity Shapes HCC

Our Reformed identity informs every aspect of church life—our worship, preaching, community, and mission.

Worship that Honors God

Worship at HCC is centered on God, designed to exalt Him rather than entertain. Reformed worship focuses on the means of grace, particularly the preaching of the Word and the sacraments, as the primary ways God works in His people. “Our worship is designed not for our pleasure but for God’s glory,” writes RC Sproul.

Preaching Grounded in Scripture

Preaching at HCC is expository, meaning we aim to faithfully explain and apply God’s Word. The Reformers viewed the pulpit as the place where God’s Word is proclaimed with authority. Martin Luther declared, “The pulpit is the throne for the Word of God.” Reformed preaching doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of Scripture; it exalts God’s holiness, reveals the depth of human sin, and points us to the only remedy—Jesus Christ.

Building a Community Anchored in Truth

Our Reformed identity also shapes our community. We seek to be a church where believers are discipled, equipped, and supported as they grow in their faith. The Reformers understood the church as a covenant community, bound together by shared faith. Thomas Watson described the church as “a community of saints knit together by love and truth.”

Mission Driven by Sovereignty and Grace

Because we believe in God’s sovereignty, we have great confidence in the power of the gospel. Reformed theology reminds us that God is at work in every nation, tribe, and tongue. We share the gospel boldly, confident that God will accomplish His purposes. As Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Embracing Our Identity in the Modern Age

In a world that fluctuates with culture, HCC remains steady by being rooted in the historic Reformed faith. Our commitment to these timeless truths enables us to speak into culture with clarity and compassion, offering the gospel as the unchanging answer to life’s deepest questions. As RC Sproul aptly said, “Truth is not determined by majority vote.”

Conclusion: Standing Firm on Historic Faith

Heritage Covenant Church’s commitment to the Reformed creeds and confessions is a commitment to the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the past, we draw from the rich wells of the Protestant Reformation, embracing a theology that has been tested over centuries. As we remain rooted in these truths, we invite others to join us on the solid ground of historic Christianity, united by a common confession of faith and driven by a desire to glorify God. Together, let us continue in the Reformed tradition, “holding fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).