These Statements of Faith define the foundational doctrines and core
beliefs of the Christian Church. They
are central to our understanding of Scripture regarding the Christian faith,
and all members of Mount Calvary Church are required to attest to their
agreement with these statements.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of our
church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the
congregation and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by
our ministry, or who serve our ministry as volunteers in a leadership capacity,
agree to and abide by these statements of faith. Bible References: Matthew
5:16; Philippians 2:14-16
Those Statements marked with an asterisk cover topics that often cause
scholarly disagreement among believers, and while Mt. Calvary Church takes a
clear position on these statements, it is our desire that our position on these
specifically identified statements should not cause division among our fellow
believers nor be a test for membership.
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The
Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final
authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the
sole and final source of all that we believe.
Scripture
We believe the Scriptures of the Bible, both the Old and the New
Testaments are: God-breathed, verbally inspired by God in every word, without
error, and infallible. We believe God spoke in His written Word by a process of
dual authorship, by which the Holy Spirit directed the human authors, through
their individual personalities and writing styles, such that they composed and
recorded God’s Word to man without error in their original writings.
We believe that God’s intentions, revealed in the Bible, are the supreme
and final authority in all matters of faith and life, and in testing all claims
about what is true and right. In matters not specifically addressed in the
Bible, what is true and right should be determined based upon the consistent
teachings of Scripture which gives us all we need for life and godliness.
We believe that, while there may be several applications of any given
passage of Scripture, there is only one true interpretation of what God really
said, which is applicable to all people of all generations. It is the
responsibility of believers to carefully ascertain the true intent and meaning
of Scripture, through the literal interpretation within the grammatical and historical context of each passage and
within the whole of Scripture, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The
truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men, never men in judgment of
Scripture as truth.
Bible References: Matthew
5:18; Matthew 24:35; John 7:17; John 10:35; John 16:12- 15;
1 Corinthians 2:7-15; II Timothy 3:15-17, II Peter 1:20-21; 1 John 2:20
The Trinity
We believe in one God: infinite, eternal,
almighty and perfect in holiness, truth and
love. In the unity of the Godhead, there are three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – who are co-existent,
co-equal and co-eternal. We call this triune nature of God, the Trinity.
Bible References: Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14
We believe in God the Father, an infinite,
personal spirit, who is perfect in holiness,
wisdom, power and love. We believe He is the only absolute ruler of the universe and the Creator of all things
through Christ, His son. He infallibly foreknows all that will come to pass, and works all things according
to His own purpose, glory, and
grace. He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, hears and answers our prayers, and saves from sin and death
all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
We believe His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As
Creator, He is the father of all mankind, however
He is the spiritual Father only to believers.
Bible References: Genesis 1:1-31; 1 Chronicles 29:11;
Psalm 103: 19; Psalm
145:8-9; Matthew 23:9; Luke 10:21-22;
John 1:12; John 3:16;
John
6:27; Romans 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6; II
Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 4:5;
Ephesians 1:4-5, 11; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians
4:6; Colossians 1:15-17; I Timothy 1:1-2; I Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews
12:5-9; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only
begotten Son of the Father, that he became
man by the miracle of birth through the virgin Mary, and at the same time has always been and always will be fully
God. As a man, he was tempted just as we are,
yet he did not commit any sin or rebellion against God. As the sinless and perfect Lamb of God, He
voluntarily shed his blood as a sacrifice for man, taking on the punishment for
sin when
he died on the cross. Three days after
His death, he physically rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven, where he
is our High Priest, Intercessor, and Advocate in the presence of God the Father. Jesus is the one and only
Christ, eternally God, not as a result of any attainment, consciousness,
evolution, or spiritual process.
Bible References: Luke
1:26-35; John 1:1–18; Acts 1:9-11; I Corinthians 15:3-4;
Hebrews 4:14-16; I John 2:1- 2;
We believe in the Holy Spirit who convicts
the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness,
and of His coming judgment. He regenerates, sanctifies, and empowers all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit
indwells every believer in Christ at
the moment of Salvation, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide.
Bible References: John
14:16-17 & 26; John 15:26-27; John 16:8-14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 1
Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26
Creation
We believe that the creation account found in
Genesis 1 and 2 is history and not to be
taken as myth, allegory, or legend. We believe that God created the universe, and everything in it, out of nothing, by
His Word and power. Having no deficiency or incompleteness
in Himself, God was pleased in creation to display His everlasting glory for the joy of His people.
Bible References: Genesis 1-2; Psalm 24:1-2; John 1:3; Acts
17:25; Hebrews
1:2; Hebrews 11:3
We believe angels are created beings and are
therefore not to be worshiped. Although
they are a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve God and to worship Him.
Bible References: Luke 2:9-14; Hebrews 1:6-7 & 14;
Hebrews 2:6-7; Revelation
5:11-14; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9
We believe Satan
is a created angel. He incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against Him, taking numerous angels with him in his fall,
and by introducing sin into the human
race by his temptation of Eve. He is the author of sin, the prince of demons, the great enticer and deceiver, and
has temporary power over unbelievers
in the world. Unbelievers are in bondage to him, and he has blinded their minds so that they cannot see
the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Satan is the adversary of Christ and His Church. His destiny
is eternal punishment in Hell.
Bible References: Genesis 3:1-15; Isaiah 14:12-17;
Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew
25:4; Romans 16:20; II Corinthians 4:3-4; II Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 2:2; 2
Timothy 2:26; I Peter 5:8; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:1-14; Revelation 20:10
We believe that Adam and Eve, the first man
and woman and historical parents of the
human race, were created directly by God,
in His own image, morally upright, and
without sin. They were created to glorify God by trusting Him, fellowshipping with Him, and obeying His all-wise
counsel. We believe they were led astray from God
by Satan’s deceit, and chose to take what was forbidden, thus declaring their independence from, distrust for, and rebellion against God. This
rebellion (sin) against God
resulted in not only physical
death, but also in spiritual and eternal death,
which is separation from God.
We believe this spiritual death has
consequently been transferred to the entire human
race (man), with Jesus Christ (as man) being the sole exception. Therefore, all humans are born with a sinful
nature, are sinners by choice, and are under condemnation
for sin. Mankind is totally depraved, and apart from God’s grace in drawing us to Himself, no man is good in
the eyes of God, possesses any spark of divine
life, nor seeks Him. Because of our sinful nature that is opposed to the things
of God, we are his enemies, under the
power of Satan, and must be born again to be
accepted by God and made righteous (in right relationship) before Him.
Because of the sin of mankind, God has
subjected the creation to futility. The adversity
and suffering in the world is a result of, and witness to, the exceedingly great evil in the heart of mankind.
Every new day of life is a God-given,
merciful reprieve from imminent
judgment, calling us to repentance and reconciliation with God.
Bible
References: Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7-22; Genesis 6:5; Psalm
14:1–3; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; John
3:1-21; John 5:40; John
6:35; Romans 3:9-20; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:6-7; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1
Tim 5:6; 1 John 3:8
Salvation
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died
for our sins, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, taking on
himself the just punishment all men deserve for sin. Those who believe and
place their full faith in Jesus Christ as the Only God, Lord, and Savior and
repent from sin are forgiven their sins; justified on the ground of Christ’s
shed blood; and granted salvation from eternal condemnation, punishment, and
separation from God in Hell... At the moment of salvation, they are born again,
indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit, secured to eternal life, and unable to
lose their salvation. Salvation is a gift from God; granted by grace, through
faith; wholly apart from human merit, virtue, or works.
We further believe that no one can be
reconciled to God, nor in communion with Him apart from salvation through Jesus
Christ. Salvation and God’s Word provide all we need for life and godliness,
and no spiritual gift, spiritual discipline, prayer or meditation lead to union
with God or to a greater portion of Him. While we strive to be like Christ,
growing in character and the Fruit of the Spirit, we will never become gods.
Bible
References: John 1:12; John 3:14; John 10:28-29; Acts
3:19-21; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8-9; Romans 8:1; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians
6:19-20; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians
4:30; Philippians 1:6; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 9:22
The Christian Church
We believe in the one true
church consisting of all true believers in Jesus Christ, who at conversion are
placed into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. We believe the body of
Christ is called to meet in local assemblies for Christian fellowship, accountability,
and divine worship. This one true Church is a spiritual organism whose members
are endowed with spiritual gifts for the maturing and building up of the saints
for outreach in Christian service. We
believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task
of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world,
and discipling all believers to maturity and wisdom in their relationship with
Him. We further believe that the Church is to worship and glorify God in all
that we do both individually and corporately.
Bible
References: Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 12:12-13;
Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 4:11-16; Ephesians 5:23-32;
Hebrews 10:23-25
We believe that a Christian
should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his
conduct should be blameless before the world, abstaining from all ungodly and
sinful practices., He should be a faithful steward of his possessions, and he
should seek, for himself and others, full maturity in Christ and holiness in
the fear of God. He should seek God’s
will through prayer and the study of God’s Word.
We believe that every person
must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and
harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be
repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of our
church.
Bible
References: Matthew
15:18-20; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31; John 14:15-24; Romans 12:1-3; I Corinthians 4:2; I
Corinthians 10:31; II
Corinthians 6:14 -7:1; II Corinthians 9:6-9; Colossians 1:9-10; Colossians 3:1-17; I Thessalonians 5:22; Hebrews
12:1-2; I John 2:3-6; I
John 2:15-17
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ has
commanded the local church to observe two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s
Supper.
We believe that Baptism is a public
demonstration, testimony, and witness of a person’s faith in Jesus Christ.
Baptism portrays and proclaims the believer’s union with Him and our death to
sin and resurrection to a new life through His death, burial and resurrection.
Baptism is commanded in Scripture as an initial act of obedience following
salvation.
We believe that Jesus Christ commanded
believers to partake in the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His death until He
returns. Moreover, we believe that neither water baptism nor the Lord’s Supper
has any saving merit, nor are a means of mystical or other union with God, but
rather are demonstrations of our faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and God.
*While we understand and accept that other
Christians practice believer’s baptism in various modes, we believe that
baptism by immersion is the biblical model and, therefore, that which we will
practice.
Bible References: Matthew 28:18-20; John 1:12-13; Romans 6:3-4; I
Corinthians 11:23-26
Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably
creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary
genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological gender at birth
is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that God created and defined
marriage as a holy relationship between one man and one woman, and that He
designed and intended it to be a lifetime commitment. We believe that the marriage
union is to be honorable and undefiled, and that all sexual relations are
reserved for a husband and his wife only within the context of marriage. We
believe that the marriage relationship represents the relationship between
Christ and the Church. As such, its
strengthening, sanctification, and protection are of prime importance to the
Church for the wellbeing of the individual, the home, the Church, and the
World.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality
(including, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior,
bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, use of pornography, polygamy, transgender
mutilation) is sinful and offensive to God.
Bible References: Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:18-25; Ecclesiastes 9:9;
Matthew 19:4-9; I Corinthians 6:9-11, 18; I Corinthians 7:3-5;
Ephesians 5:22-23; I Thessalonians 4:3-7; Hebrews 13:4
Spiritual Gifts
We believe Spiritual Gifts are special graces
or abilities given by the Holy Spirit according to God’s sovereign will, in
order to prepare God’s people for Christian service, and for building up and
edifying the body of Christ – the Church. We believe these gracious gifts from
God are not intended to draw attention to individuals nor to be used for
self-promotion or self-profit, but to be used to bring Glory to God alone.
There is misunderstanding and disagreement in
the contemporary Church with regard to some spiritual gifts, their workings and
purpose, and whether all gifts are for all periods of the Church Age. Mount
Calvary Church wishes to make known our beliefs on the Scriptural truths
regarding the most controversial spiritual gifts.
We believe God’s Word, the Bible, is all we
need for life and godliness, and is God’s final revelation to the Church. We
believe only the biblical prophets and authors of the 66 books of the Bible
were given true divine revelation, to be captured in Scripture as all of God’s
Word for the Church "once for all delivered to the saints", and that such revelation is different
from the “gift of prophecy”. Scripture warns us not to accept any new
“revelation” as on par with Scripture, or anything that contradicts God’s
revealed truth in Scripture. We further believe there are groups within the
contemporary Church that teach a use of certain gifts, especially tongues and
prophecy, in a way that is unbiblical and emphasizes “new revelation” for the
Church age.
The Bible teaches that
prophecy is for the purpose of teaching, edifying, exhorting, and consoling the
Church. Scripture teaches that all
prophecy and prophets are to be tested and judged objectively by the
Scriptures, because “many false
prophets have gone out into the world”.
We believe God’s Word teaches that the gift
of tongues was a supernatural ability to speak a foreign language, as a sign
for unbelievers, and for the purpose of advancing the Gospel. The Bible also
refers to Christians praying to God in their spirits, in utterances that may
not be understood by their own minds, nor by others. While the purpose for
speaking in tongues in a church service is a subject of debate, the Bible is
clear that this gift was neither essential to proving the presence of or
communication by the Holy Spirit, nor an indication of deep spiritual
experience.
Bible
References:
Deuteronomy 29:29; Isaiah 8:20; Acts 2; Romans
8:26-27; Romans 12:6-8; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 1:4-7; 1 Corinthians
4:6-7; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14: 2-33; Ephesians
2:5; Ephesians 4:11-16: 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2
Timothy 3:16-17 ; 2 Timothy 4:1-3; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3; Jude 1:3
End Times
We believe in the personal,
bodily, visible, and glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth for His
saints, and for the establishment of His kingdom. We believe that the coming of
Christ will occur at a time known only to God and demands our constant
expectancy. We believe that this “blessed hope” motivates the believer to godly
living, sacrificial service, and energetic missions.
*While Christ is clear that
He is returning and all members of Mt. Calvary Church must attest to this
biblical truth, we recognize that there remains scholarly disagreement on the
interpretation of Scripture dealing with the timing of Christ’s return in
relation to the Great Tribulation and the Millennial Reign of Christ. Mt.
Calvary’s view is that of Christ’s pre-millennial return and a pre-tribulation
rapture.
Bible
References:
Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:27-30; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; I Corinthians 4:5; I Corinthians 15; I
Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; II Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:11-14;
Philemon 3:20; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 20:4-6 &11-15
We believe that God has a special
relationship with Israel as a nation and her children, the Jewish people. While
Israel was hardened and cut off from God’s special grace through rejection of
Christ as Messiah and Lord, we believe that one day the nation of Israel will
be restored, and a great many Jewish people will come to salvation through
acceptance of Christ as their long awaited Messiah.
Bible
References:
Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 11; Revelation 7:1-8
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all
men to stand before God in judgment. Those judged righteous by God through
Christ’s sacrifice for their sins will be granted everlasting salvation and a blessed relationship with God in
Heaven. Those who remain apart from Christ and lost in their sin will be judged
guilty before God and will receive everlasting conscious punishment in Hell
apart from God.
Bible
References:
Matthew 25:41-46; John 5:28-29; II Thessalonians 1:6-10; Hebrews 11; Revelation
20:4-6; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:1-8