We believe in one God, the eternal Creator of all things, who is infinite in love, wisdom, and power.  

We believe that God’s nature is love, and His justice is always merciful, aiming to heal, purify, and restore all creation.  

We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the eternal Logos made flesh, fully God and fully human.

Through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Christ defeated sin and death, and secured reconciliation for all people and for all creation.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth and life, who convicts, comforts, renews, and guides all into the fullness of life in Christ.  

We believe the Scriptures are divinely inspired, trustworthy, and reveal God’s purpose to redeem the world through Jesus Christ.

We believe that salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ, not by human merit, and that God’s grace will ultimately draw every soul to Himself.

We believe in divine judgment, not as eternal torment, but as a means of correction, purification, and transformation.

We believe in the final restoration of all things (apokatastasis), when every knee shall bow and every tongue joyfully confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel of reconciliation, to be a light to the nations, and to embody God's kingdom of peace, justice, and mercy.

We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the renewal of creation, and the final victory of God, when death shall be no more, every tear shall be wiped away, and God shall be all in all.

Amen.

Explanation

We believe in one God, the eternal Creator of all things, who is infinite in love, wisdom, and power.

Meaning: God is the source of all that exists. He is eternal (without beginning or end), infinitely wise, and His very essence is love.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; 1 John 4:8; Romans 11:33

Note: This establishes monotheism and God’s supremacy.

We believe that God’s nature is love, and His justice is always merciful, aiming to heal, purify, and restore all creation.

Meaning: Unlike human justice (often punitive), God’s justice flows from His love. Divine judgment is always restorative, never vindictive.

Scripture: Micah 7:18; Hebrews 12:6; Isaiah 57:18-19; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28

Universalist insight: Justice is not opposed to mercy—God’s justice is mercy in action.

We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the eternal Logos made flesh, fully God and fully human.

Meaning: Jesus is the divine Word (Logos) who took on humanity. He is both truly God and truly man.

Scripture: John 1:1,14; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:6-8

Through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Christ defeated sin and death, and secured reconciliation for all people and for all creation.

Meaning: Christ’s work is universal in scope, breaking sin’s power and opening the way for the reconciliation of all.

Scripture: Colossians 1:19-20; Hebrews 2:14; Romans 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth and life, who convicts, comforts, renews, and guides all into the fullness of life in Christ.

Meaning: The Spirit works within creation to bring people to Christ, empower the Church, and renew all things.

Scripture: John 14:16-17; John 16:8,13; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:11

We believe the Scriptures are divinely inspired, trustworthy, and reveal God’s purpose to redeem the world through Jesus Christ.

Meaning: The Bible, written under the Spirit’s inspiration, faithfully reveals God’s saving plan.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 15:4; Luke 24:27

We believe that salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ, not by human merit, and that God’s grace will ultimately draw every soul to Himself.

Meaning: No one is saved by works; salvation is God’s gift in Christ. God’s grace is irresistible in the end and will triumph universally.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9; John 12:32; Titus 2:11

We believe in divine judgment, not as eternal torment, but as a means of correction, purification, and transformation.

Meaning: God judges sin, but always with the aim of restoring the sinner. Punishment is not endless but purposeful.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:10-11; Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

We believe in the final restoration of all things (apokatastasis), when every knee shall bow and every tongue joyfully confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Meaning: God’s plan is cosmic reconciliation—all creatures will freely and joyfully acknowledge Christ as Lord.

Scripture: Acts 3:21; Philippians 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 2:4; Colossians 1:20

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel of reconciliation, to be a light to the nations, and to embody God’s kingdom of peace, justice, and mercy.

Meaning: The Church participates in God’s mission by preaching the gospel and living out His kingdom values.

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 4:4-6

We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the renewal of creation, and the final victory of God, when death shall be no more, every tear shall be wiped away, and God shall be all in all.

Meaning: The Christian hope is not disembodied immortality, but resurrection life in a renewed creation where God reigns fully.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:52-55; Revelation 21:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:28

Amen.

Meaning: “So be it.” A declaration of trust and final affirmation of all that has been confessed.

We believe that the Holy Scriptures were written by human authors,

moved and inspired by the Holy Spirit,
so that what they wrote is the true and faithful Word of God.

We believe that the Church, guided by the Spirit,
gathered and recognized these sacred writings,
but did not give them their authority;
for their authority comes from God alone,
who breathes life into His Word.

We believe the Scriptures stand above every human authority,
as the supreme rule of faith and life,
revealing God’s saving purpose in Jesus Christ,
and bearing witness to His truth for all generations.

We affirm the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments,
as divinely inspired and entirely trustworthy,
profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness.

We confess that all Scripture finds its fulfillment in Christ,
the crucified and risen Lord,
through whom God purposes to reconcile all things to Himself.

Amen.

Explanation

“We believe that the Holy Scriptures were written by human authors, moved and inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that what they wrote is the true and faithful Word of God.”

Meaning: The Bible is both divine and human — men wrote in their own voice, yet the Spirit ensured every word faithfully conveyed God’s truth.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21

Takeaway: The ultimate author of Scripture is God Himself.

“We believe that the Church, guided by the Spirit, gathered and recognized these sacred writings, but did not give them their authority; for their authority comes from God alone, who breathes life into His Word.”

Meaning: The Church’s role was to receive and recognize what God had already inspired, not to decide what counts as Scripture.

Analogy: A miner does not create gold—he only uncovers it.

Scripture: John 10:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Takeaway: The Bible’s authority is intrinsic, not bestowed by councils or traditions.

“We believe the Scriptures stand above every human authority, as the supreme rule of faith and life, revealing God’s saving purpose in Jesus Christ, and bearing witness to His truth for all generations.”

Meaning: The Bible is the highest authority for faith and conduct—every teaching, practice, and tradition must be tested by it.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105; John 5:39; Hebrews 4:12

Takeaway: Scripture is not just historically true, but living and active, pointing all people to Christ.

“We affirm the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, as divinely inspired and entirely trustworthy, profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness.”

Meaning: The canon is fixed, consisting of 39 Old Testament and 27 New Testament books, which together form the complete witness of God’s Word.

Scripture: Joshua 1:8; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Takeaway: These writings are sufficient for salvation and godly living.

“We confess that all Scripture finds its fulfillment in Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, through whom God purposes to reconcile all things to Himself.”

Meaning: The Bible’s center is Christ—every page ultimately points to Him and His work of reconciling the world.

Scripture: Luke 24:27; Hebrews 1:1–3; Colossians 1:19–20

Takeaway: The Scriptures are not merely informational but redemptive, leading all creation into the reconciliation secured in Christ.

“Amen.”

Meaning: A final affirmation of trust—“so be it.”

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy universal Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Explanation

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”

Meaning: We affirm belief in one God who is the sovereign Father over all creation. God is all-powerful, eternal, and the origin of everything.

Scripture references: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:28; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16

Universalist insight: God’s creation is not only purposeful but destined for eventual reconciliation; all things are under His loving authority.

“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord”

Meaning: Jesus is the divine Son of God, fully God and fully human, who is central to salvation. “Lord” affirms His authority over all creation.

Scripture references: John 1:14; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:9-11

Universalist insight: Jesus’ lordship ensures that every being will ultimately be brought into harmony with God.

“Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary”

Meaning: Jesus’ birth was miraculous, emphasizing both His divinity (from the Holy Spirit) and humanity (from Mary).

Scripture references: Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:26-35

Theological note: This affirms the mystery of the Incarnation—God entering human history to restore all creation.

“Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and was buried”

Meaning: Jesus’ historical suffering and death show His real humanity and the cost of redemption.

Scripture references: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19

Universalist insight: His suffering was redemptive for all people, and the scope of His victory is universal.

“He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead”

Meaning: Jesus fully experienced death, including its consequences, and triumphed over it by resurrection.

Scripture references: 1 Peter 3:18-20; Acts 2:31; Romans 6:9

Note: “Hell” here (Hades) indicates His solidarity with the dead; resurrection affirms victory over sin, death, and the power of evil.

“He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty”

Meaning: Jesus now reigns with God in authority, interceding for humanity.

Scripture references: Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3

Universalist insight: Christ’s reign ensures all creation will ultimately be restored.

“From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead”

Meaning: Jesus’ future return will bring final judgment, both corrective and restorative.

Scripture references: Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12

Universalist emphasis: Judgment is redemptive, designed to bring every being to reconciliation with God, even those who initially resist.

“I believe in the Holy Spirit”

Meaning: The Spirit is God’s active presence, guiding, sanctifying, and empowering believers.

Scripture references: John 14:16-17,26; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11

Insight: The Spirit works universally to draw all creation toward renewal.

“The holy universal (catholic) Church, the communion of saints”

Meaning: The Church is the body of Christ, including all believers across time. “Catholic” means universal.

Scripture references: Ephesians 4:4-6; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Universalist insight: The Church participates in God’s reconciling work for all humanity.

“The forgiveness of sins”

Meaning: God forgives sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Scripture references: 1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14

Universalist view: God’s mercy is ultimately unlimited; all sin will be purged and reconciled.

“The resurrection of the body”

Meaning: At the end of time, all will be bodily resurrected—believers to eternal life, and the rest for final redemption.

Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; John 5:28-29; Philippians 3:21

“And the life everlasting. Amen.”

Meaning: Eternal life is promised for all creation, culminating in perfect communion with God.

Scripture references: John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 21:1-5

Universalist insight: Life everlasting reflects God’s ultimate plan of restoration for every soul.

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds;
Light of Light, very God of very God;
begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried;
and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;
and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father;
and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son];
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified;
who spoke by the prophets.

And we believe one holy universal and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

Explanation

God the Father Almighty

God is the all-powerful Creator of everything, visible and invisible. He sustains and governs all creation.

Scripture: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1); “The LORD is King forever and ever” (Psalm 10:16).

Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Jesus is fully God and fully human, eternally begotten of the Father, through whom all things were created.

He lived, died, and was resurrected to redeem all humanity.

His incarnation and sacrifice make salvation possible for all, and ultimately, all will be reconciled to God.

Scripture: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22); “He is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).

Jesus’ Death, Resurrection, and Return

Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate, died, was buried, and rose again to defeat sin and death.

His second coming will bring judgment, not eternal condemnation, but the final restoration of all creation.

Scripture: “Christ died for all” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15); “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14); “God will be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).

The Holy Spirit

The Spirit empowers, convicts, teaches, and regenerates believers. The Spirit’s work leads to sanctification and ultimate reconciliation.

Scripture: “The Spirit of God will lead you into all truth” (John 16:13); “He will renew your life and guide you in all righteousness” (Titus 3:5).

The Church

The Church is the body of Christ, called to worship, proclaim the Gospel, and administer the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

It is a vehicle for God’s redemptive work and the spiritual nurture of all people.

Scripture: “You are the body of Christ, and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Baptism and Forgiveness

Baptism is a sign of God’s grace and entrance into the community of faith.

Forgiveness is promised to all who repent and believe in Christ, ultimately extending to all creation.

Scripture: “Be baptized and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16); “He is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

Resurrection and Eternal Life

There will be a resurrection of all people, followed by restoration, renewal, and eternal communion with God.

Hell is understood as restorative, not eternal, purifying souls until they are reconciled.

Scripture: “God will bring every deed into judgment… and all shall be made alive in Christ” (Ecclesiastes 12:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22).

✅ Summary:
The Nicene Creed affirms the eternal power and love of God, the universal work of Christ, the sanctifying work of the Spirit, the mission of the Church, and the ultimate reconciliation of all creation—grounded in Scripture and consistent with Evangelical Anglican teaching.

Catechism: Section I – Holy Scripture

Q1. What is Holy Scripture?
Holy Scripture is the written Word of God, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. It is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative rule for faith and life.
References: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 19:7–11

Q2. Why do we affirm only the 66 books of the Bible as canonical?
Because these books alone have been providentially preserved, consistently recognized by the faithful church, and bear the marks of divine inspiration. They are sufficient and complete for doctrine, correction, and training in righteousness.
References: Jude 1:3; Revelation 22:18–19; Luke 24:44; Romans 3:2

Q3. What does it mean that Scripture is inspired?
It means that God breathed out the words of Scripture through human authors, ensuring that what they wrote is trustworthy and true in all it affirms.
References: 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Hebrews 1:1–2

Q4. How should we interpret Scripture?
Scripture must be interpreted in light of its context, literary genre, and the whole counsel of God, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Scripture interprets Scripture.
References: Acts 17:11; Luke 24:27; 1 Corinthians 2:12–14

Q5. Is Scripture sufficient for salvation and godly living?
Yes. Everything necessary for knowing God, trusting Christ, and living a godly life is revealed in Scripture.
References: 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Psalm 119:105; John 20:31

Catechism: Section II – God and the Holy Trinity

Q6. Who is God?
God is the one, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable Creator and Sustainer of all things, perfect in holiness, justice, wisdom, power, and love.
References: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 90:2; Revelation 4:11

Q7. How many persons are in the one God?
There are three distinct persons in the one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial, one in essence and will.
References: Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16–17; John 10:30

Q8. What is the role of God the Father?
The Father is the source of all that exists. He eternally begets the Son, sends the Holy Spirit, and works all things according to the counsel of His will.
References: Ephesians 1:3–5,11; John 5:26; 1 Corinthians 8:6

Q9. Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became truly human while remaining truly God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, and rose bodily from the dead.
References: John 1:1–14; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:6–8; Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Q10. What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father through the Son. He is the Lord and Giver of life, who regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, empowers, and unites believers to Christ.
References: John 14:26; Romans 8:9–11; Titus 3:5–6; 1 Corinthians 12:13

Q11. May we speak of the Holy Spirit using maternal imagery?
Yes. While the Holy Spirit is not female, Scripture and Christian tradition permit the use of maternal metaphors for the Spirit’s nurturing and comforting work, in a way that honors the fullness of God’s self-revelation.
References: Isaiah 66:13; Genesis 1:2; John 3:5–8

Catechism: Section III – Creation, Providence, and Human Nature

Q12. What did God create?
God created all things out of nothing by His word, both visible and invisible, and declared them very good. This includes the heavens, the earth, angels, and humanity.
References: Genesis 1:1, 31; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3

Q13. Why did God create the world?
God created the world to display His glory, to share His love, and to bring His creatures into fellowship with Himself.
References: Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11; Acts 17:24–27

Q14. What is God's providence?
God’s providence is His continual involvement with all creation, whereby He sustains, governs, and directs all things according to His perfect wisdom and sovereign will.
References: Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17; Proverbs 16:9; Romans 8:28

Q15. Who are human beings?
Human beings are created in the image of God, male and female, with dignity, reason, will, and moral responsibility. They are made to reflect God’s character and live in communion with Him.
References: Genesis 1:26–27; Psalm 8:4–6; James 3:9

Q16. What happened to humanity through the fall?
Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, and all people became subject to sin, death, and separation from God. Human nature was corrupted, but not totally destroyed.
References: Genesis 3:6–19; Romans 5:12–19; Ephesians 2:1–3

Q17. What is the condition of fallen humanity?
All people are sinners by nature and by choice. They are spiritually dead, unable to save themselves, and in need of God's grace.
References: Romans 3:10–12, 23; Psalm 51:5; John 6:44; Ephesians 2:1–5

Catechism: Section IV – Jesus Christ and Redemption

Q18. What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?
The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, rose again on the third day, and now reigns as Lord, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe.
References: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Romans 1:16; Acts 2:36–39

Q19. What did Jesus accomplish by His death on the cross?
Jesus offered Himself as the once-for-all atoning sacrifice for sin, satisfying divine justice, defeating the powers of evil, and reconciling the world to God.
References: Romans 3:24–26; Colossians 2:14–15; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Hebrews 9:26

Q20. For whom did Christ die?
Christ died for all people, without exception, as a demonstration of God’s universal love and redemptive purpose. His atonement is sufficient for all and will ultimately be effective in reconciling all things to God.
References: 1 Timothy 2:5–6; Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 2:2; Colossians 1:19–20

Q21. What does it mean to be reconciled to God?
Reconciliation is the restoration of peace and fellowship between God and humanity, made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
References: Romans 5:10–11; Ephesians 2:13–18; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20

Q22. Will all people eventually be saved?
Yes. We believe that through Christ, God will ultimately reconcile all beings to Himself, including those who suffer just judgment in the age to come. This is the hope of apokatastasis—the final restoration of all things.
References: 1 Corinthians 15:22–28; Philippians 2:10–11; Romans 11:32; Acts 3:21

Q23. Does this mean judgment and hell are denied?
No. We affirm the reality of divine judgment and the suffering of the wicked after death. Yet we also believe God’s justice serves His redemptive purposes, and His mercy will triumph in the end.
References: Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:12–15; Isaiah 57:16–18; James 2:13

Q24. What must one do to be saved now?
Each person must repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in His finished work. This brings justification, new birth, and the assurance of eternal life.
References: Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9–10; John 3:16–18; Ephesians 2:8–9

Catechism: Section V – Salvation Applied

Q25. What is regeneration?
Regeneration is the gracious act of the Holy Spirit whereby a person is spiritually reborn, receiving a new heart and becoming a new creation in Christ.
References: John 3:3–8; Ezekiel 36:26–27; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Q26. What is justification?
Justification is God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous in His sight, based entirely on the righteousness of Christ, received through faith.
References: Romans 3:24–28; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9

Q27. What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in believers, making them more like Christ in heart, thought, and conduct through obedience and spiritual growth.
References: 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 6:19, 22

Q28. What is the role of faith in salvation?
Faith is the gift of God and the means by which we receive Christ and His benefits. It involves trusting in His promises, relying on His work, and surrendering to His lordship.
References: Ephesians 2:8–9; Hebrews 11:1; Galatians 2:20

Q29. What is repentance?
Repentance is a turning from sin and self to God, involving godly sorrow, confession, and a sincere desire to walk in obedience to Christ.
References: Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Isaiah 55:6–7

Q30. Can salvation be lost?
True believers are kept by the power of God through faith. While some may fall away temporarily, God is faithful to complete the work He began, and in the end, His grace will prevail for all.
References: John 10:28–29; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:38–39; 2 Timothy 2:13

Q31. What is the role of good works in the Christian life?
Good works do not earn salvation but are the fruit of a living faith. They are evidence of God's transforming grace and bring glory to Him.
References: Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17–18; Matthew 5:16

Catechism: Section VI – The Church and the Christian Life

Q32. What is the Church?
The Church is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic people of God, composed of all believers in every age who are united to Christ by the Holy Spirit.
References: Ephesians 4:4–6; 1 Peter 2:9–10; Hebrews 12:22–24

Q33. What is the purpose of the Church?
The Church exists to worship God, proclaim the gospel, make disciples, practice love and justice, and bear witness to God’s coming kingdom.
References: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:42–47; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Q34. What are the visible signs of the Church?
The true Church is marked by the faithful preaching of the Word, the right administration of the sacraments, and the pursuit of holiness and discipline.
References: Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 18:15–20

Q35. What is baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the covenant community, symbolizing union with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the washing away of sins.
References: Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21

Q36. What is the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of remembrance and communion in which believers share the bread and the cup in faith, proclaiming Christ’s death until He comes.
References: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20; John 6:53–56

Q37. What is Christian worship?
Worship is the reverent response of the people of God to His glory, expressed through praise, prayer, Scripture, sacraments, fellowship, and obedience.
References: John 4:23–24; Psalm 95:1–7; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 12:28–29

Q38. What is the Christian’s calling in daily life?
Christians are called to love God and neighbor, to walk in holiness, to serve with humility, and to seek the justice, peace, and reconciliation of God’s kingdom in all areas of life.
References: Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37–40; Romans 12:1–2; Colossians 3:17

Q39. How should Christians relate to one another?
Christians are to live in unity, bearing one another’s burdens, encouraging one another in faith, and forgiving as Christ forgave.
References: Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:1–3; Colossians 3:12–15

Catechism: Section VII – Last Things (Eschatology)

Q40. What is the Christian hope?
The Christian hope is that Jesus Christ will return visibly and bodily to raise the dead, judge the world in righteousness, and bring the fullness of His kingdom.
References: Titus 2:13; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 22:12

Q41. What happens when people die?
At death, the body returns to dust, but the soul continues in a conscious intermediate state—either in joyful anticipation of Christ or in separation awaiting judgment.
References: Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 16:22–23; Philippians 1:23; Revelation 6:9–11

Q42. What is the resurrection of the dead?
At Christ’s return, all the dead will be raised bodily—both the righteous and the unrighteous—and will stand before Him in judgment.
References: John 5:28–29; Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52

Q43. What is the final judgment?
God will judge every person according to their works, revealing the truth of their lives. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the wicked will face correction and purification in accord with divine justice.
References: Matthew 25:31–46; Romans 2:6–11; Revelation 20:11–15; Hebrews 9:27

Q44. What is hell?
Hell is the real and terrible consequence of rejecting God, a state of conscious sorrow and separation. Yet it is not eternal in duration but serves God’s redemptive purposes, leading to eventual restoration.
References: Isaiah 57:16–18; Lamentations 3:31–33; Matthew 10:28; 1 Corinthians 15:26

Q45. Will God reconcile all things in the end?
Yes. In the fullness of time, through Christ’s victory, God will reconcile all things to Himself, so that God may be all in all.
References: Colossians 1:20; 1 Timothy 4:10; Romans 11:32; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28

Q46. What is the New Creation?
The New Creation is the renewed heavens and earth where righteousness dwells, where death, pain, and sorrow are no more, and God dwells fully with His redeemed creation.
References: Revelation 21:1–5; Isaiah 65:17–25; 2 Peter 3:13; Romans 8:19–21

Q47. What will eternal life be like?
Eternal life is knowing God and living in unbroken fellowship with Him and all His redeemed, in a restored creation, forever glorifying and enjoying Him.
References: John 17:3; Psalm 16:11; Revelation 22:3–5; Isaiah 25:6–9

Catechism: Section VIII – The Character of God and His Ultimate Purpose

Q48. Who is God in His deepest nature?
God is love—perfect in holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. All His actions flow from His eternal being as a triune communion of love.
References: 1 John 4:8–10; Exodus 34:6–7; Psalm 103:8–14; John 17:24

Q49. Is God both just and merciful?
Yes. God’s justice and mercy are not in conflict but are perfectly united in His redemptive work. His justice is restorative, and His mercy is steadfast and triumphant.
References: Psalm 85:10; James 2:13; Isaiah 30:18; Romans 11:32

Q50. Does God desire the salvation of all?
Yes. God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but wills that all be restored.
References: 1 Timothy 2:3–4; 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23; John 12:32

Q51. Will God’s purpose in creation succeed?
Yes. God, who began creation in love and goodness, will bring it to completion through Christ, so that all things are made new and every creature praises Him.
References: Isaiah 45:22–23; Romans 8:19–21; Revelation 5:13; Philippians 2:10–11

Q52. What is the ultimate end of all things?
The ultimate end is that God will be all in all—His glory filling all creation, His love fully known, and every creature reconciled in Christ to the praise of His glorious grace.
References: 1 Corinthians 15:28; Revelation 21:22–27; Ephesians 1:9–10; Habakkuk 2:14