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Doctrinal Standards
The Free Reformed Churches of Australia have adopted a number of doctrinal standards.
You can click on the headings to view each of the doctrinal standards
(courtesy of the
Canadian Reformed Website).
THREE FORMS OF UNITY
The three forms of unity are a summary of what we believe, and are based wholly on the Bible.
Heidelberg Catechism
Drafted in Heidelberg by by the German theologian, Zacharius Ursinus at the request of
Elector Frederick III, it was adopted by the Synod of Heidelberg in 1563
It consists of a number of questions and answers, and is organised into 52 Lord's Days,
allowing the minister to preach on one each Sunday of the year.
Belgic Confession
Adopted in an official Dutch version by the Synod of Dort in 1618-1619 by the Reformed Churches, the
Belgic Confession was written in 1561 by a preacher of the Reformed Churches in
the Southern Netherlands (now Belgium), Guido de Bres, who died a martyr
in 1567.
Its primary purpose at the time was to protest against the cruel oppression
by the Roman Catholic government, and to prove to the persecuters that the
adherents of the Reformed faith were not rebels, but law-abiding citizens.
Canons of Dort
Also known as the Five Articles against the Remonstrants, the Canons
of Dort were adopted at the Synod of Dort in 1618-1619, and are statements
of doctrine written to define the Reformed doctrine and reject that of
Arminius and his followers.
ECUMENICAL CREEDS
We confess the ecumenical creeds to be true and accurate summaries of the Bible.
The Apostles' Creed
This creed is called the Apostles' Creed, not because it was written by the apostles
themselves, but because it contains a brief summary of their teachings.
It sets forth their doctrine, as has been said,
"in sublime simplicity, in unsurpassable brevity, in beautiful order,
and with liturgical solemnity."
The Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian church,
in opposition to certain heresies, especially Arianism.
These heresies concerned the doctrine of the Trinity and of the
person of Christ and were refuted at the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325).
The Athanasian Creed
This creed is named after Athanasius (A.D. 293-373), the
champion of orthodoxy over against Arian attacks on the doctrine of the Trinity.
The teachings of Augustine (A.D. 354-430) in
particular form the background to the Christological section.
last updated 24 Apr 2015
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