In our confessions, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) also affirms the central beliefs of other Protestant denominations. The focus of these affirmations is the rediscovery of God’s grace in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. The Protestant watchwords—grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone— embody principles which continue to guide and motivate the people of God in the life of faith. 
 
(1)   We believe that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ through the grace of God rather than by anything we might do.  This is not an original doctrine of Presbyterians.  It is present in the Bible.  It was God who delivered the Hebrew people from Egypt rather than any action the Hebrews did.  Salvation by grace is strongly taught by Paul in the New Testament, as in Ephesians 2:8.  It was affirmed by Augustine and others long before Luther and Calvin reemphasized it.  But Christians seem to have to discover that good news again and again.  That is why we gather on the Lord’s Day each week to worship and to hear the gospel preached.

(2) Scripture is the inspired Word of God, the unique revelation to Jesus Christ, and the final authority for our faith.  The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are considered to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal.  We believe the Bible was written by persons who were inspired by God to record the story of God’s calling and interaction with humankind.