The Presbyterian Church arose from the Reformed Tradition, rooted in particular in the work of John Calvin in Switzerland and John Knox in Scotland.


Triune God

We worship the living and true God—one in essence, existing as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is revealed in both Scripture and creation as sovereign, infinite, and the creator of all things. God is not absent from creation but, in gracious providence, continually upholds and governs creation. At the same time, God has given humanity free will, and because humanity has chosen to turn from God, the result is sin and evil. Though not responsible for the sin and evil we do, God can use all things to work together for good for those who love God. God is a God of love, and in grace God chooses to show love and mercy.


Divinity of Christ

Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human. In the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God uniquely entered human history, becoming a real human being. In looking at the life and ministry of Jesus, we both learn about the nature of God and about what God intends perfect humanity to be. Though tempted as all human beings are tempted, Jesus was without sin. But he took the sins of the world upon himself and was crucified that we might be restored to right relationship with our Creator. In his resurrection, Jesus conquered death and made all who believe in Him heirs to eternal life.

We are sinful and cannot save ourselves

Human beings were created by God in God’s own image, to know, love, and obey God and be righteous stewards of creation. Instead, we continually choose our own desires over God’s, separating us from God and bringing sin and death upon ourselves and all creation. This is a separation no human effort can resolve. Without God’s intervening grace and salvation, we are lost.


Salvation is by grace through faith

Salvation is God’s gracious work through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross to reclaim humankind and all creation from sin and its consequences. Salvation is a gift of God that we receive by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord—we can do nothing to deserve or earn it.


Authority of Scripture

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are God’s uniquely revealed and written Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and are authoritative in all areas of faith and life. We seek to understand and follow God’s Word—both Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, and the Scriptures, the written Word of God—by always interpreting any one part of Scripture in terms of the Scriptural witness as a whole, and with an appreciation of the social and cultural realities of the times during which God’s word was written and compiled.


The Church is called to exhibit the Kingdom

God’s redeeming work in the world was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and continues through the church, the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Church and, as such, calls the Church:

• to be the provisional demonstration of the new reality God intends for humanity;

• to proclaim the good news of salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, leading persons to repentance, acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord, and new life as his disciples;

• to make disciples of all nations;

• to demonstrate new life in Christ tangibly through its love for one another and the quality of its common life together, sharing in worship, fellowship, and nurture, practicing a deepened life of prayer and service under the guidance of the Holy Spirit;

• to participate in God’s activity in the world through its life for others.


Elected to salvation and to service

Our salvation is based entirely on God’s initiative and God’s grace, accomplished through Christ’s death on the cross. It is God’s intention that we be saved—thus, we say we are elected to salvation. In response to what God has done for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are called to live our lives under the Lordship of Christ in service to the Kingdom. Thus, we are also elected to service.


Communion

At First, San Marcos, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper each week as part of our Contemporary Worship service and the first Sunday of each month as part of our Traditional Worship service. The Lord’s Supper is open to all individuals who trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, whether a little or a lot, and want to learn to trust Him more.


Baptism

Please consult with the pastor if you desire baptism for yourself or your children. Individuals may be baptized at any age. The Presbyterian Church recognizes the baptismal rites of all Christian churches that baptize with water in the name of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).


Children in Church

Children are the future of this family of faith—they are welcome in all areas of our work and worship together! Each worship service includes a “Time With the Young Disciples,” after which younger children may leave the service for a time of special activities or remain in worship. Older youth often participate in the service itself; indeed, one Sunday each Spring the youth are responsible for planning and conducting the entire service. There is also a Children's Choir and a Youth Handchime Choir. Quality childcare is available in the nursery during Sunday school and every worship service.