At its meeting on August 15th, 2001, the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Escondido, California, moved to confess and affirm the following historic truths of the Christian faith: This confession is renewed by Session each August).

The Centrality of Jesus Christ

That Jesus Christ, the Son of God, alone is Lord of all and “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). [John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:15-20]

The Authority of Scripture

The Bible, as God’s revealed word, is authoritative in all matters of faith and life. When we teach, preach and exercise church discipline in areas related to character, theological doctrine, ethical behavior, and lifestyle choices, we are to follow God’s word above all earthly experiences, authorities, thought systems, and ideologies. [2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13]

The Life of Discipleship

Disciples of Jesus are called to holiness and wholeness in all aspects of life. This call includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of obedience to God’s word:

• Attention to the life of the Spirit through the disciplines of study, prayer, reflection, worship, stewardship, and service. [Exodus 20:8; Acts 2:42; Romans 12:11-13; Ephesians 6:18]

• Honesty and truthfulness in relationships with others. [Exodus 20:16, Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 4:25]

• Sexual purity and relational integrity which includes fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. [Genesis 2:23-24; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 7:8-14; 1 Corinthians 6:18]

• Treating all persons with equal respect and concern as beloved children of God. [Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:15; Matthew 25:37-40, Acts 10:34-35]

• Refraining from abusive, addictive, or exploitative behavior, and seeking help to overcome such behavior if it occurs. [Exodus 20:15; Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29- 35; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Galatians 5:13-15]

• Refraining from gossip and abusive speech. [Exodus 20:16; Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 20:19; James 4;11-12]

• Rejecting the idolatry of our present culture which places worldly success, sexual fulfillment, national interest, entertainment, appearance, and self, above God. [Exodus 20:3-5; Romans 1:24-25, Matthew 19:16-24]

• Walking with God with an attitude of repentance, humility, and forgiveness. [Psalm 51, Mark 1:15; James 1:21; Philippians 2:3]

• Bearing witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ with courage and compassion, in word and in deed. [Mark 1:17; James 2:15-17; Matthew 28:18-20]

• Love for God and for all people. Matthew 22:37-40, 1 John 4:7-8]
  We call special attention to these areas of obedience because they are areas which have been undermined by our culture and neglected by many who call themselves Christians.

  The confession of these beliefs is here specifically declared because of a growing theological, spiritual, and moral confusion within the Presbyterian Church (USA). We, the session, therefore announce our commitment as a Confessing Church in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and register Westminster’s commitment to and participation with other congregations who join us in affirming the above theological declarations.