“But seek His kingdom.” (Luke 12:31) — this is the command of our Lord Jesus. The “Kingdom of God” is our hope, because the promise of victory in the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ—the King who has conquered death—is the source of eternal life, limitless courage and encouragement, and unfailing strength. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

The Reformed Church in Japan began its journey with its “Founding Declaration,” which proclaimed two essential convictions: a “theistic view of life and the world,” and “a visible church equipped with confession of faith, church polity, and a godly life.” Serving the God who lives and works in every area of life and of the world, and building up a church worthy of God’s saving grace, remain our unchanging mission.

Yet today, eighty years after our founding, it is not easy to perceive God’s work in a world shaken by repeated natural disasters and wars. Our churches too, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, struggle with declining membership and many other difficulties. Within our denomination—where people of different generations and backgrounds gather—our denominational identity is being questioned anew.

Therefore, to step forward with renewed strength, we proclaim this 80th Anniversary Declaration. Through it, we affirm what kind of church the Reformed Church in Japan is, and what it is called to do—speaking through the vision of the Kingdom of God. It is also a challenge for us to fight against the sin that remains within us and to be renewed again. The Kingdom of God, here and now.

We lift our eyes to the vast and mighty Kingdom of God that will be fully realized on the Last Day—transcending nation, race, and language. And even now we confess, together with people of all nations and generations: “FOR HIS KINGDOM — all for the Kingdom of God.” We live by this faith.

Into this dark world has dawned the shining morning star—the Kingdom of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. “The time has come; the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” Through His words and deeds the Lord revealed its coming, and the apostles continued this work, “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, no matter how difficult the times, we do not turn our eyes from this hope. Praying “Your kingdom come,” we “look for and hasten the coming of the day of God,” pressing forward toward the church’s mission—to manifest on earth the Kingdom of God that will be completed in the end time.

Click here to read the full declaration.