what we believe
Learn more about us!
About Us
Covenant Reformed Church believes in the authority and power of the Word of God and the wonder of the good news that God saves sinners through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and changes lives through His Word and Spirit.
We are a member of the United Reformed Churches of North America. We follow the church order of the URCNA.
vision
Our vision is to be a Christ-centred community dedicated to authentic worship, rooted in genuine reverence, praise, and commitment to God. Upholding the teachings of Scripture, we proclaim the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and seek transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are committed to fostering a relational and welcoming environment, characterized by discipleship, prayer, care, joy, and hospitality. As a church, we are deeply connected to our city of Toronto, bringing God’s love to those who have yet to experience it.
Our Creeds and confessions
We confess Jesus Christ as the only Saviour and the Sovereign Lord over all of life, and are fully committed to the Bible in its entirety as the Word of God written, without error in all its parts, and to its teaching as set forth in the historic Reformed standards (the Three Forms of Unity) and in the Ecumenical Creeds. Read an introduction to the creeds and confessions.
What does it mean to be Reformed?
understanding the reformed faith
If someone wanted us to explain the reformed faith in just three words, we would answer, “God saves sinners.” This means that God does ALL the work in saving His people. And this is the most basic idea of the Reformed Faith. Read on to learn more.
In October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses (statements) against the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. This started the Reformation. “Reform” simply means a change of beliefs to follow the teaching of the Bible.
These 12 points summarize the basic reformed faith
1. Soli Deo Gloria – Glory of God Alone
2. Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone
3. Solus Christus – Christ Alone
4. Sola Fide – Faith Alone
5. Sola Gratia – Grace Alone
6. Sovereignty of God
7. Holiness of God
8. Total Depravity (or Total Inability)
9. Unconditional Election
10. Limited Atonement
11. Irresistible Grace
12. Perseverance of the Saints
we believe
• That all glory belongs to God alone, not man (Romans 11:36).
• That scripture alone has the final authority to determine our beliefs (2 Timothy 3:16).
• That we are saved by Christ alone (John 14:6).
• That we are saved by faith alone, not by our works (Eph 2:8).
• That we are saved by grace alone (Eph 2:5).
• In a clearly defined doctrine of salvation according to God’s sovereignty. We believe that God is sovereign (in control) in all things, including saving His people (Jonah 2:9).
• That God is Holy. God is different from man. God always does what is right. God never does what is wrong. He is pure. (Psalms 96:9)
• In total depravity (or total inability). Everyone is born in sin, and no one can or will come to God by themselves (Romans 3:10-11,23, John 6:65).
• In unconditional election. God chose us before the world began. He did not chose us based on our works (Eph 1:4, Rom 9:11).
• In limited atonement (or particular redemption). Christ died for His sheep (believers) only (John 10:11).
• In irresistible grace (or efficacious grace). God draws the sheep (believers) to Christ (Ezek 36:26-27, John 6:44). This means that God brings his people towards Him to save them.
• In perseverance (and preservation) of believers. When a person is saved, he cannot lose his salvation. A truly saved believer will live his life in obedience to God (John 10:28-29, 14:15).
• That the Reformed Faith gives all glory to God. Soli Deo Gloria!