Reformed means that we stand in the rich tradition of the Protestant Reformation. Our faith heritage includes the following:
The absolute sovereignty of God as Creator, Lord and Redeemer. He is in full control of the destiny of humankind, all things, and all events. We submit to His sovereign rule. Although God is sovereign, He still holds us responsible for all we do.
The authority of the sacred Scriptures, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, the infallible and inerrant Word of God, the Bible. This Word not only shows us how to be saved; it also teaches us how to live. It is our only and all-sufficient rule for faith and conduct. We demonstrate our belief in the Bible through our worship, in our education, in our homes and family life, and through missions in our community and abroad.
Article IX of our Confession of Faith names three statements of belief, or "Creeds," which "we do willingly receive." These creeds, dating from the very early years of the Christian Church, are accepted not only by the United Reformed Churches in North America, and by this church, but by Christian churches throughout the ages.
The first of these creeds is called "The Apostle's Creed, because it concisely summarizes the teaching of the Apostles (it was not written by the Apostles themselves). This creed is recited, usually every week and often from memory, in Christian church services around the world.
The second of our creeds is the Nicene Creed, based on the work of the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) and the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381). Though very similar to the Apostle's Creed, this creed clarified some doctrines against heresies which had arisen.
Third among our creeds is one named after Athanasius (though not written by him) and commonly known as the Athanasian Creed. This creed especially defends the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
In common with all other United Reformed Churches in North America, and with most churches of the Reformed faith, Cornerstone United Reformed Church recognizes as true a group of historic Church documents referred to as "The Three Forms of Unity." These documents do not have, or even approach, the authority of God's Holy Word, the Bible, but explain some Biblical concepts in a way which we believe to be their clear meaning.
The Three Forms of Unity are the Heidelberg Catechism, a simple and elegant study of the primary themes of Scripture; the Belgic Confession, an explanation of the Reformed Faith; and the Canons of Dordt, which deals with five errors which have misled Christians from time to time.