At Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, we hold to the rich heritage of the Reformed faith, a tradition deeply rooted in the Bible and shaped by the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Our faith stands on the core principles rediscovered during the Reformation that continue to guide our worship, teaching, and life together as a church community.
Reformed Identity
As part of the Canadian and American Reformed Churches, we hold firmly to the Bible as the foundation of our faith and life, and we are rooted in the rich heritage of the Protestant Reformation.
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5 Solas
We are a Reformed church, meaning that our beliefs and practices stem from the biblical teachings emphasized during the Protestant Reformation. The Reformers, including key figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, brought the church back to the fundamentals of the Christian faith. At the heart of their message was the teaching that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone, and based on Scripture alone.
By Grace Alone – Sola Gratia
Salvation is a free and unearned gift from God, bestowed upon believers because of what Christ has done on their behalf. As the Bible says, “God saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace”
2 Timothy 1:9
By Faith Alone – Sola Fide
We believe that salvation is not earned by human virtue or good works but is received through faith in Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8
In Christ Alone – Solus Christus
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, is the sole basis for our salvation. His life, death, and resurrection are the means by which our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled to God. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy”
Titus 3:5-7
By Scripture Alone – Sola Scriptura
The Bible is the final and supreme authority for all matters of faith and life. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness”. We believe that all of our doctrine and practice must align with God’s revealed Word.
2 Timothy 3:16
To the Glory of God Alone – Soli Deo Gloria
We affirm that everything we do is ultimately for the glory of God alone. Our worship, service, and lives are to reflect His majesty and grace. As the Apostle Paul writes, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36). We recognize that our existence, purpose, and hope find their fulfillment in bringing glory to God in all things.
Revelation 21:1-4
Church Government
Our church believes that the governance of the church must be based solely on the Holy Scriptures. This biblical foundation leads us to uphold the following principles:
Autonomy of the Local Church
Each congregation governs itself under the Word of God.
Biblical Bond
We covenant (come together, cooperate) with other faithful local churches to promote good order, encourage mutual support, and collaborate according to our confession in Christ.
Biblical Offices
The local church is led by ordained ministers, elders, and deacons, who serve in their respective roles.
Church Discipline
We practice church discipline as a necessary measure to maintain the purity and order of the church.
Family & Education
The Reformed perspective emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, shaping how believers live within the church, home, and school. This holistic approach ensures that the biblical foundation for faith and life is nurtured and passed through the generations.
Covenant Theology Overview
In Reformed theology, the covenant of grace reveals God’s redemptive plan to bring His people into a lasting relationship through Christ. This covenant includes believers and their children instilling an inter-generational responsibility to nurture faith in all spheres of life.
Genesis 17:7 Acts 2:39
The Church
as the Covenant Community
At Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, we value the biblical foundation of family and the union of man and woman as designed by God.
Genesis 2:24 Ephesians 5:22-33
We believe that children are a heritage from the Lord, entrusted to parents, and included in the covenant promises.
Psalm 78:4-6 Matthew 19:14
The church plays a central role in supporting families, encouraging covenantal living, and providing sound doctrinal teaching. Our worship services invite families to glorify God together, fostering inter-generational participation. Through the Catechism and teachings of the Christian faith, we affirm and pass on a biblical worldview to the next generation.
1 Timothy 4:6
The Home
as the Covenant’s Foundation
Parents bear the primary responsibility for raising their children in the covenant. This involves diligent teaching of God’s Word, daily family worship, and modeling godly behavior.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Ephesians 6:4
We affirm that households should meditate on Scripture day and night, cultivating faith through prayer and godly habits.
Psalm 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The home is an extension of the church’s mission, reinforcing its teachings and nurturing children’s understanding of their place in God’s covenant.
The School
as reinforcement of the Covenant
Christian education is an integral aspect of covenantal life, partnering with the home and church to teach children a biblical worldview. Members of Bethel Canadian Reformed Church support institutions like Beacon Hill Christian Academy, Guido de Brès Christian High School and homeschooling families, providing children with an education that integrates faith and academics.
Psalm 78:4-6 Matthew 19:14
We adhere to the Church Order that provides practical guidelines for how these biblical principles should be implemented within our congregation. This order addresses the structure of the church, the role of its offices, the practice of worship, the administration of sacraments, and the application of church discipline.