Statement of faith

Shekinah Presbyterian Church Tanzania (SPCT) professes this faith in communion with the one holy universal Church of Christ, according to the Holy Scriptures and the heritage of Reformed Theology. While acknowledging the Apostles’ Creed and the Westminster Confession of Faith together with its Catechisms, SPCT summarizes its fundamental doctrines as follows:

1) The Holy Scriptures

We believe the Bible (the 66 canonical books of the Old and New Testaments) is the fully inspired Word of God, the final authority and only rule of faith and life for believers, inerrant in its original writings. We reject the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books as part of the inspired canon. (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 19:7–9; John 17:17).

2) God and the Trinity

We believe in one true and eternal God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three persons, each fully God, yet one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1–3,14).

3) Creation and the Fall

We believe God created all things by His Word for His glory. Humanity was created in God’s image, but fell into sin through disobedience; as a result, all mankind is corrupted by nature and unable to save themselves by their own power.( Genesis 1:26–27; Colossians 1:16; Romans 3:10–12,23; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1–3).

4) Eternal Election

We believe God, by unconditional love, chose those who would be saved in Christ before the foundation of the world—an election not based on works or foreseen faith, but on God’s eternal purpose. (Ephesians 1:4–5,11; Romans 9:11–16; John 6:37,44; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

5) Salvation

We believe salvation is the free gift of God, received by grace through faith in Christ alone—not by human works. Justification is by faith alone, and sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:23–24,28; Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11).

6) The Perseverance of the Saints

We believe all who are truly saved by God’s grace will persevere in faith and holiness to the end, by God’s power. (John 10:27–29; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:30,38–39; 1 Peter 1:3–5).

7) The Church and the Sacraments

We believe the Church is the body of Christ, with Christ as its Head. Christ instituted two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.(Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18; Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41–42; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

8) Worship and the Christian Life

We believe true worship is in spirit and truth according to God’s Word, not human tradition. Sunday is the principal day of corporate worship, and Christians are called to a life of faith, holiness, service, and witness. (John 4:23–24; Colossians 2:8; Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Matthew 5:16).

9) Marriage and Family

We believe marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, ordained for God’s glory and the permanence of the family; divorce is not God’s will, but a consequence of human hardness of heart. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6,8; Ephesians 5:31–33; Hebrews 13:4).

10) Civil Government

We believe civil authorities are ordained by God to maintain justice, peace, and social order. Christians are to obey civil authorities and honor lawful leaders, including those in Tanzania  (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; Titus 3:1).

11) The Final State of Man and the Return of Christ

We believe believers who die enter the rest of Christ, awaiting resurrection. We believe Jesus Christ will return in glory and power to bring full salvation to His people and execute righteous judgment. (Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; John 5:28–29; Revelation 20:11–15; Acts 1:11).