WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that there is one true and living God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; with equal power and glory; that the triune God created everything, upholds everything, and governs everything.
We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice.
We believe in God the Father; an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We also believe He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's unique only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teaching. We believe in His substitutional atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people and His personal, visible return to earth.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Jesus Christ; we believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher and Guide. We believe in the continuing and present ministry of the Holy Spirit, and in the exercise of all the Biblical gifts of the Spirit.
We believe that all men are sinners by nature and choice and, therefore, are under condemnation. We believe through the Holy Spirit, God regenerates those who repent of their sins and confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
We believe that Jesus Christ baptizes the seeking believer with the Holy Spirit and empowers that believer for works of service.
We believe in the universal Church, the living spiritual body of Christ, who is the Head of the body which is comprised of all born-again and regenerated persons.
We believe that there are two ordinances committed to the church by Jesus Christ:
1. Water Baptism by Immersion; and,
2. The Lord's Supper (Communion)
...both of which are open to all believers in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the laying on of hands for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for the ordination of Pastors, Elders, and Deacons, for receiving the gifts of the Spirit, and for healing according to the scriptures.
We believe in what is termed "The Apostles' Creed" as embodying the primary doctrines of orthodox and historical Christianity.
THE APOSTLES' CREED
"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucifed, died, and was buried. He descended into hades (the grave).
The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of the Father Almighty,
whence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen."
*catholic meaning universal, and not Roman Catholic
Marriage Policy: Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, this local church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the pastors and staff of Calvary Chapel shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Calvary Chapel shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.
• Genesis 2:22-24
• Ephesians 5:25-33
• Hebrews 13:4-7
Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
Though He is gracious, God is also holy and 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. We believe that the term "marriage" has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are biblically married to each other. We believe that outside of this any form of sexual activity (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God.
• Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:18-25
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5
• Matthew 15:18-20;
• Hebrews 13:4
Statement on the Sanctity of Human Life
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life.
• Psalm 139:1-24
• Romans 13:9
• Proverbs 24:11-12
Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct
The 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.