Our Standards of Faith
London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689
The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 is not Scripture, but was written by men. We find it to be a useful summary of the doctrines the Bible teaches. As Baptist believers, we are not bound by confessions, but we use them with great profit to guide our understanding of Scripture and explain to others what we believe and why. We find our Confession to be so useful that we subscribe to it fully, without reservation or changes of any kind. We teach the Confession so that we might preserve the doctrines taught in Scripture and historic Baptist faith for generations to come.
Baptist Catechism
Often called "Keach's Catechism," this question-and-answer guide to the essential elements of our faith was originally used to teach children and new believers. We use it for general instruction of all church members. For young children, we have adopted "A Confession for Girls and Boys," copies of which are available from the pastor.
Semper Reformanda - Always Being Reformed
This Latin expression means that we reject the teachings and traditions of men as having anything to do with our faith or the worship of God, who is sovereign over all His creation. We are always being reformed by the Word of God and affirm the five "solas" of the Reformation:
Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone
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God's Word is our only Rule for faith and life in Christ. God's Word teaches us what we are to believe concerning Him, and what duty He requires of us. God's Word is perspicuous, or clear enough for even a child to understand. God's Word is inspired, or given to mankind word by word by His Spirit through the pens and personalities of men He chose. God's Word is authoritative, meaning that it contains everything God requires us to believe and do. God's Word is sufficient, meaning that we need no other word, tradition of men, tool, science, or belief to govern any matter of faith and Christian life.
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Sola Fide - Faith Alone
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Ephesians 2:8-9 says "for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (ESV). Faith is the gift of God that enables us to know Him and receive His grace. Without faith, the Word of God has no meaning. Faith enables us to accept Christ's virgin birth, death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. It enables us to receive from God the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins. On the contrary, our works will never earn our righteousness.
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Sola Gratia - Grace Alone
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Adam's sin changed the world and our very nature. He went from being in a loving relationship with God to hating Him. We were born into his sin and thus hate Him as well, apart from His grace. Our sin prevents us from returning to right relationship with God. It is God's grace alone that enables our salvation from sin.
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Solus Christus - Christ Alone
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"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,'" John 14:6 (ESV). Jesus the Christ, fully God and fully man, is the only man who could perfectly obey the Law of God and make Himself a sacrifice for our sins. Only Christ, as God, could raise Himself from the dead, defeating sin and death for our sake. For this reason, God alone has the power to save. No religion, no other power can save anyone from certain punishment for their sins.
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Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God Alone
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The First Commandment (Exodus 20:3) teaches, "You shall have no other gods before Me." There is but one God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. God brought the universe into existence, created the world in six days, and guides and protects His people. Man is a created being, the pinnacle of God's creation, made for His enjoyment and to enjoy Him forever in loving relationship. It is God who provides the means of salvation, that we might live with Him forever, a salvation given to those who believe in the name of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
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Church Government
Constitution
The Constitution of the Reformed Baptist Church of Pittsburgh directs how we operate as a body in conformance with Scripture and our Standards of Faith. We are a congregational church, meaning that we are self-governed under Christ by our own members, under the leadership of elders with the support of the deacons.
safe church policy
As part of the universal church of Jesus Christ, we believe that everyone who enters the space given to us--from the youngest to the eldest--has the right to be safe from all harm or threat of harm. As Christ's undershepherds in the church, the elders are responsible for protecting the flock and therefore administer this policy. Please feel free to ask for a copy of our Safe Church Policy at any time.
Church Covenant
After being interviewed and receiving instruction arranged by the elders, those who have been baptized as a professing believer by immersion in water and wish to join RBCP and agree to abide by our church covenant may be received into membership during a public service of worship. All are welcome to worship with us.
Vision
The Reformed Baptist Church of Pittsburgh will make disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ through every part of our worship, teaching, missions, fellowship, and service. (See 2 Tim. 2:2)
