Along with our agreement with the "Apostles
Creed", the following Statement of Faith is given as what we believe
to be that which defines our basic Christian beliefs and in some areas
distinguishes us particularly as a Calvary Chapel. Although we consider
these beliefs to be extremely important and clearly Biblical, we believe
that two people who are truly "born again" can hold differing
positions. The Scripture verses given are definitely not all inclusive
of those that would apply, but are given as a starting point for study
and discussion.
Point #1: THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is the inspired and only infallible
and authoritative written Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1: 21)
Point #2: THE GODHEAD
We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three
Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each one
distinguishable from the other, yet indivisible as God. (Matthew 28:
19; I Peter 1:2)
Point #3: THE NATURE AND WORK OF CHRIST
We believe in the full deity and full humanity of our Lord
Jesus Christ; in His virgin birth and sinless life; in His complete and
finished work on the cross and His bodily resurrection from the dead.
(Luke 1:26-35; Hebrews 2:14-15, 9:12, 10:11-12; John 1:12)
Point #4: SALVATION BY FAITH AND THE INDWELLING
SPIRIT
We believe that the only means by which we can be forgiven
of our sin is to personally accept the death of Jesus Christ as the
only payment for our own penalty, and to receive Him as Savior and Lord.
Further, we believe that anyone who believes and accepts Christ as
Savior becomes the recipient of God's Holy Spirit, by which he/she is
born again.
(John 3:3-9; 20:22; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Point #5: WATER BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe our Lord gave to us the two ordinances of Water
Baptism by immersion and a regular observance of the Lord's Supper -
not for salvation but because of salvation - to fulfill the command of
Christ.
(Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:34-36, Luke 22:14-20; I Cor.
11:23-30)
Point #6: THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe there is a work of the Holy Spirit separate
from and additional to the regenerative work. This Baptism enables the
believer to enter into a new and powerful realm of service, praise,
worship, personal edification and witnessing.
(Acts 1:8, 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:2-6)
Point #7: CURRENT OPERATION OF THE GIFTS OF THE
SPIRIT
We believe the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as
manifested in the early Church and recorded in the book of Acts and
various letters of the New Testament. All things are to be done decently
and in order.
(1 Corinthians 12,13,14)
Point #8: CHRIST IS OUR SOURCE AND PROVIDER
We believe that in Christ there is found healing for the
broken physically, spiritually and emotionally.
(Psalms 103:3, 147:3; Isaiah 53:4-12; Luke 9:42; James
5:14-15)
Point #9: RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH, SECOND COMING OF
JESUS CHRIST AND FINAL JUDGEMENT
We believe the Church is the Bride of Christ, and will be
translated (raptured) to meet the Lord in the air. This includes
believers who have died in Christ as well as those living on the earth
at that time. We believe the Church will be hidden with Christ during
the Great Tribulation which will come upon the whole earth and then
return with Him after that time in what the Bible refers to as "the
Second Coming." We believe in the thousand year reign of Christ upon the
earth, the final resurrection and judgment, eternal life for believers
and eternal punishment for unbelievers.
(I Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:9; Revelation 20:1-6)
Point #10: OUR ROLL IN THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ on the earth
and God's chosen instrument to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, and be a
restraint to sin. By this statement, we proclaim our alliance with and
prayerful support of every Bible-believing, Christ-honoring fellowship
worldwide.
(Matthew 16:18; Matthew 5:13-14; John 13:35)
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