What we confess
The Three Forms of Unity
The historic confessional standards of the Reformed churches — the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort.
What we confess
Redeemer Reformed is a confessional church in Reno, Nevada. That means we do not simply say we believe the Bible — we also confess what the Bible teaches, using the language the church has refined over centuries of careful study and hard-won controversy.
The Three Forms of Unity are the confessional standards of the historic Reformed churches. Together, the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort form a comprehensive, pastoral, and doctrinally precise summary of what Scripture teaches about God, humanity, salvation, and the church.
We subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity without reservation — not because they replace Scripture, but because they faithfully summarize it. They connect us to the broader Reformed tradition and protect the congregation from doctrinal drift.
1561 · Guido de Brès
Belgic Confession
A thorough summary of Reformed doctrine
Written by Guido de Brès in 1561, the Belgic Confession is one of the most comprehensive summaries of Reformed doctrine ever produced. It covers the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, the creation and fall of humanity, the person and work of Christ, justification by faith alone, the church, the sacraments, and the final judgment.
Why it matters
The Belgic Confession gives Redeemer Reformed a shared doctrinal foundation — a common language for what we believe about God, salvation, and the church. It is not a creed invented by men, but a careful distillation of what Scripture teaches.
Key sections
The two means by which we know God: creation and Scripture
Scripture alone is the rule of faith — sola Scriptura
Justification by faith alone in Christ alone
The marks of the true church
1563 · Zacharias Ursinus & Caspar Olevianus
Heidelberg Catechism
The most beloved catechism of the Reformed tradition
Composed in 1563 at the request of Elector Frederick III of the Palatinate, the Heidelberg Catechism is organized around three themes: guilt, grace, and gratitude. It is warm, pastoral, and personal — written in the first person so that every believer can own its truths as their own.
Why it matters
The Heidelberg Catechism is the primary tool Redeemer Reformed uses for Christian education and discipleship. Its 129 questions and answers walk through the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer — covering the whole of the Christian life.
Key sections
"What is your only comfort in life and death?"
What is true faith?
How are you righteous before God?
Why do good works if we are saved by grace alone?
1619 · Synod of Dort
Canons of Dort
The doctrines of grace, carefully defined
Produced by the Synod of Dort (1618–1619) in response to the Arminian controversy, the Canons of Dort define and defend the doctrines of grace — what are sometimes called the five points of Calvinism: total depravity, unconditional election, definite atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints.
Why it matters
The Canons of Dort remind us that salvation is entirely God's work from beginning to end. They guard against any teaching that makes human will the decisive factor in salvation, and they anchor the church's confidence in the sovereign grace of God.
Key sections
Unconditional election — God's sovereign choice, not based on foreseen faith
Definite atonement — Christ died to actually save His people
Total depravity and irresistible grace
Perseverance of the saints — those God saves, He keeps
Want to learn more?
We'd love to walk through these confessions with you. Join our core group gathering in Reno, Nevada and meet the people behind Redeemer Reformed.