Reformed churches, most importantly, are Christian churches, rooted in the most ancient and biblical expressions of faith. But we also identify closely with the concerns and confessions which drove the historic Protestant Reformation. The Latin term reformation means to return or be renewed. The goal of reformation is to be “always returning” (semper reformanda) to God’s inspired Word, the Bible, as the supreme standard and source of spiritual life.

Some Key Reformed Teachings:

Biblical Authority:

We believe that Scripture is the inspired, infallible, and sufficient Word of God, the ultimate authority in faith and life.

2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21

Belgic Confession Articles 2-7

Sovereign Grace in Salvation:

Salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace, from election to final glorification. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 8:28-30

Belgic Confession: Articles 16, 22-24

Heidelberg Catechism: Q&As 33, 56. 63

Canons of Dort: First Head of Doctrine, Articles 6-7

Justification through Faith Alone in Christ Alone:

We are declared righteous before God not by our works, but solely through faith in Jesus Christ, whose righteousness is imputed to us.

Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:8-9

Belgic Confession: Articles 22-23

Heidelberg Catechism: Q&As 60-61

Canons of Dort: Second Head of Doctrine, Article 8

Covenant Theology:

God has one unified and unfolding plan of redemption. According to this plan, He graciously relates to His people through covenants, culminating in the New Covenant in Christ.

Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:31-34

Belgic Confession: Article 34

Heidelberg Catechism: Q&A 74

Plurality of Elders:

The church is to be shepherded by a plurality of elders, who are called to lead and care for the congregation.

Acts 14:23; 20:28-31; 1 Peter 5:1-4

Belgic Confession: Articles 30-31

Historic Consciousness:

We value the wisdom of the church throughout history, standing on the shoulders of those who have faithfully confessed and defended the truth.

Psalm 78:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Belgic Confession: Article 27

Heidelberg Catechism: Q&A 54

Missional Orientation:

The church is called to proclaim the gospel to all kinds of people, making disciples and advancing God’s Kingdom in the world.

Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-17

Canons of Dort: Second Head of Doctrine, Article 5

God, in His great love, offers forgiveness and everlasting life to all who turn from unbelief and trust in Jesus Christ. We were made to know and enjoy God, but we’ve all turned away from Him. We stand under His judgment. Yet God, rich in mercy, sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us.

Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn’t, died for our sins, and rose again in victory. Now, He calls us to trust in Him. When you do that, God forgives you completely, counts Christ’s righteousness as your own, and gives you new life by His Spirit. One day, Christ will return to set all things right and bring His people into everlasting joy. If you want to know more about the gospel, visit this page.

Many of us didn’t grow up with this practice, but through studying Scripture, we became convinced it reflects God’s covenantal way of working. We don’t baptize children assuming they’re already saved, and we don’t believe baptism itself saves them, just as circumcision didn’t automatically save Abraham’s descendants. Instead, baptism is a beautiful sign of God’s promise to His people: that He saves and transforms everyone who trusts in Jesus. Just as Abraham’s children received the sign of God’s covenant, so do our children, as part of God’s visible family, the church. Of course, only God knows the heart. That’s why we call our children to trust in Christ, to live out their faith, and to make their calling sure. And where faith is lacking, we earnestly urge them to turn to Jesus. Baptism is about proclaiming God’s faithfulness and inviting the next generation to walk in it.

For more on this topic you can read what we confess in the Belgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism and visit this page.

God designed us for fellowship (Acts 2:42-47), and at IURC, community is at the heart of our life together. The best place to start is by attending Sunday worship. Relationships grow naturally before, during, and after worship. Informal gatherings throughout the week are another great way to connect.

Giving is a vital part of the Christian life. It’s an act of worship and a response to God’s generosity toward us. To support God’s work, we give not only our time and talents (1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:7) but also our material resources (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). In the New Covenant, there’s no set percentage we’re required to give as there was in the Old. This isn’t an excuse to give less, but an invitation to give joyfully and generously, as God has blessed us. Rather than giving out of obligation, we now give out of gratitude, reflecting the lavish grace God has poured out on us in Christ.

At IURC, there are many opportunities to give. Our church supports local benevolence, home and foreign missions, Christian education, disaster relief, and more. Our deacons carefully oversee these gifts, ensuring they are used wisely and faithfully.

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