Statement of Faith

Inheritance Christian Academy is a ministry of Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship. Messiah’s is Reformed in doctrine and Presbyterian in government. Elected Elders rule the church, and members may appeal Elders’ decisions to a superior council (known as an ad hoc Classis). Messiah’s subscribes to the system of doctrine found in the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort. Copies of these symbols are available at our website (MerfNYC.org) or in booklet form (upon request).

Inheritance seeks to educate our children so that they grow up “to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with [our] God.”  Most Christian schools agree on fundamentals. Still, they differ widely in quality of offerings, standards, theology and practice. It is important for parents to read the “fine print” of any school to which they entrust their child(ren).  Below you will find six components of the faith/practice of Inheritance Academy which we believe make our approach to education distinct. 

1. We believe that the Bible clearly instructs parents—not, ordinarily, the Church or the State—to “bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” The Church’s commission is to spread the Gospel, conduct worship services, administer the sacraments, do good deeds, defend the downtrodden and oppressed, and train believers in keeping all Christ’s commandments so that every sphere of life may be infused with the aroma of Christ (Matt.28:18-20, et al.). The State has been  directed to enforce God’s laws and protect the innocent (Romans 13). The Family raises and educates children (Eph.6:1-4).  Therefore, under the delegation of the family, we seek to teach and discipline in a manner consistent with the Bible and a godly home environment.

2. We believe that God’s character is revealed not only in His Word but also in every facet of the creation.  Therefore, we teach that all knowledge is interrelated (integrated) and can instruct us about God himself.

3. God wants us to love Him with our minds, as well as with our hearts, souls, and strength (Deut. 6 and Matt. 22).  Therefore, we seek to individually challenge children at all levels and teach them how to learn, by using the centuries-old, proven classical method. 

4. We want to help parents teach their children that all they do should be done “heartily, as unto the Lord.”  Therefore we require a high standard of academic work. We also maintain high standards of proper conduct.  This necessarily includes the application of discipline according to biblical principles.

5. Since God created man male and female, Inheritance seeks to honor both the similarities of and differences between between boys and girls. We do this by providing single-gender classes (to honor the differences), with equally rigorous academic challenges (honoring the similarities).