Our Theology

Holly Ridge Presbyterian Church is a confessional Reformed congregation committed to the authority and sufficiency of Holy Scripture. We hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and the Westminster Catechisms as faithful summaries of biblical doctrine. Our theology is covenantal, Christ-centered, and rooted in the historic Protestant and Presbyterian tradition. While our primary authority is always Scripture itself, the Westminster Standards help provide clarity, unity, and continuity with the historic Reformed faith.

Theonomy

We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord over every area of life and that God's law reveals His righteous standard for individuals, families, churches, and nations. While recognizing the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ, we affirm the continuing relevance of God's moral law and believe that all civil governments are accountable to God's justice and righteousness. Our desire is to see every sphere of life brought into joyful submission to the kingship of Christ.

Postmillennialism

We hold to a postmillennial hope, believing that the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to advance throughout the world before His final return. Through the ordinary means of grace—the preaching of the Word, the administration of the sacraments, prayer, and faithful discipleship—Christ is building His kingdom among the nations. Though the church will face opposition and suffering, we believe Scripture teaches the progressive expansion of Christ's kingdom in history as the nations are discipled under His reign.

Covenant Communion

We practice covenant communion, welcoming baptized covenant children to the Lord's Table under the oversight and discipleship of the church and their families. We believe the Supper is a covenant meal given to nourish and strengthen Christ's people, including the children whom He has received into His visible covenant community. Participation in the Table is not based solely upon intellectual maturity, but upon covenant membership and the ongoing nurture of faith within the life of the church.

Covenant Baptism

We practice covenant baptism, administering baptism to believers and to their children as members of God's covenant community. Just as the children of believers were included in God's covenant promises under the Old Covenant, so also the children of believers belong to the visible church under the New Covenant. Baptism is a sign and seal of God's covenant promises and marks entrance into the visible body of Christ and His church.