What We Believe
The HPC family is made up of unique individuals who bring to the table a variety of lived experiences and perspectives. Our identity as a church comes from unity in Christ, not uniformity. The threads that bind us together are our love for God and for others. What follows are some of our central beliefs.
Our Mission Statement
Grounded in faith and guided by the Holy Spirit, we are sent as faithful ambassadors to reflect the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.
A few, important understandings we have of Scripture:
The Sovereignty of God
God, the creator, is the supreme authority over all the universe and life. God alone is worthy of worship. Psalm 24:1-2
The Priesthood of All Believers
In 1 Peter 2:9, we are called a royal priesthood, which means that ALL of us, not just pastors, have been tasked with participating in God's ministry to the world. Throughout God's Word it is clear that our ministry is to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Matthew 22:37-40
The Role We Play as Ambassadors
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, we are called ambassadors for Christ. We are not Christ, but rather we are called to represent Christ and to be spokespeople for Him in the communities and locations God has placed us. Our lives and actions should point others to Christ.
The Five Solas of Reformed Theology
These five statements of faith, first shaped during the Reformation in the 16th century, guide our beliefs.
1
Sola Scriptura
Scripture Alone
The Bible is the primary and faultless authority for faith and practice. The Bible is above the opinions of persons or councils because the Bible is the written word of God. As it says in
2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed..."
2
Sola Fide
Faith Alone
Christ's death on the cross and our faith in this act make us righteous before God. This faith then produces good works, but these works do not save us. Salvation comes from
God through Christ.
3
Sola Gratia
Grace Alone
Salvation is a free gift of God's which we did nothing to earn or deserve. In fact Scriptures remind us that when we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
4
Solus Christus
Christ Alone
We have access to God only through Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. The author of John records Jesus saying, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one come to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
5
Soli Deo Gloria
Glory to God Alone
We receive our salvation because of God. Therefore, God should receive all our glory and honor. When discussing our purpose as human beings, the Westminster Confession states that the purpose of humans is to glorify God and enjoy God forever.