Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Calvary Church based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
About the Bible
- God's unique revelation to people.
- It is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the supreme and final authority on all matters upon which it teaches.
- No other writings have such divine authority.
- References: Psalms 119:9-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20
About God
- There is only one God, Creator of heaven and earth.
- Exists eternally as three persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each fully God yet each personally distinct from the other.
- References: Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:18; 14:15-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About People
- All people are created in God's image and matter deeply to Him.
- Central to the message of the Bible is that God loves people, and invites them to live in connection with Himself and in community with each other.
- References: Genesis 1:26-27; Psalms 8:5-6; Acts 17:28
About Sin
- Apart from Jesus Christ, all people are spiritually lost and, because of sin, deserve the judgment of God.
- However, God gives salvation and eternal life to anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ and in His sacrifice on their behalf.
- Salvation cannot be earned through personal goodness or human effort.
- Salvation is a gift that must be received by humble repentance and faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.
- References: Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-9
About Jesus
- Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, was born of the virgin Mary and lived a sinless human life.
- Jesus Christ willingly took upon Himself all of our sins, died and rose again bodily, and is at the right hand of the Father as our Advocate and Mediator.
- Some day, He will return to consummate history and to fulfill the eternal plan of God.
- References: Mark 8:27-29; John 8:51-59; 10:30-38; 20:26-29; Acts 2:36; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Peter 1:1
About the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit, third Person of the Trinity, convicts the world of sin and draws people to Jesus Christ.
- He indwells all believers.
- He is available to instruct, guide, and empower followers of Jesus to lead Christ-like lives.
- He gives spiritual gifts with which to serve the church and reach out to a lost and needy world.
- References: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 104:29-30; Ezekiel 37:1-10; John 14; Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
About Believers
- All believers are members of the body of Christ, the one true church universal.
- The local church is a community of believers who gather for worship, prayer, instruction, encouragement, mutual accountability with each other.
- In the church, believers invest time, energy, and resources to fulfill the Great Commission.
- References: John 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 12:1-31; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:3-6; 1 Peter 2:9
About Baptism and Communion
- Our Lord Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the church: Water Baptism and Communion.
- These are available to all believers, but should not be considered a requirement for salvation.
- References: Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:2-4; 1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:23-26
About Final Judgement
- Death seals the eternal destiny of each person.
- At the final judgment, unbelievers will be separated from God into condemnation.
- Believers will be received into God's loving presence and rewarded for their faithfulness to Him in this life.
- References: Romans 8:34-39; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 1:23; 2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 21 & 22