What We Believe
The Burns Lake Community Church (a Calvary Chapel) is a body of believers that desires, and is learning, to be in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and to be conformed into His image by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to do the will of God.
We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their overemphasis of doctrinal differences which have led to the division of the Body of Christ.
We believe that the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ’s love which is greater than any difference we possess and with His love we cannot claim ourselves as Christians.
We believe the worship of God should be spiritual. Therefore, we remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our worship.
We believe the worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore, we give great place to music in our worship.
We believe the worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, our services are designed with a major emphasis upon teaching through the Word of God.
We believe worship of God should be truthful. Therefore, we look for His love as the supreme manifestation that we have been truly worshipping the Lord.
Doctrinal Positions Explained
1. The infallibility and authority of the Bible
God’s word is “truth” (John 17:17). The Bible, as we have it, was inspired by God and infallible. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." Being inspired by God, it is inerrant, and completely authoritative for the Christian church and the Christian life. Jesus and the Apostles quoted the Old Testament as the Scriptures. In 2 Peter 3:15-16, Peter recognizes the writings of Paul as Scriptures.
We also believe that the Holy Spirit led the early church to recognize which writings were to be included in the canon of the New Testament---in other words, which writings were truly the Holy Word of God. Also, throughout history, the Bible has proven to be "living and powerful" (Heb. 4:12), and its message has led to multitudes of lives transformed.
This belief in the Scriptures is important because if even one part of the Bible is not considered inspired and authoritative, then the whole Bible could be questioned as to its inspiration and authority.
2. The Trinity
The Bible clearly teaches that God is triune---Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The sum total of the following references is a strong argument for God being triune: (John 14:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 12-4-6; 2 Cor. 13:13; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; Rev. 1:4-6).
In Genesis, the Bible introduces God as a plurality of persons. "Let us make man in our image" (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7).
Jesus' words in Matthew 28:19-20 instruct the disciples to "Go...and baptize" in the one "name" (singular) of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit".
We strongly believe that the Scriptures demonstrate and teach that God is Father, but no one has seen God (John 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:17). Then Jesus came, who was God in the flesh (John 1:1-18; Matt. 1:23; Col.1:18); after which Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts---who is God in us and Christ in us (John 14:16-17; Col.1:27).
3. The deity of Jesus Christ
Though Jesus was fully human, He was also fully God. The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 says of Jesus, "For unto us a child is born...and His name shall be called...Mighty God, Everlasting Father..." Also, in Matthew 1:23, he is called, "Immanuel", which means, "God with us".
Jesus, himself claimed equality with God (John 8:24, 58; John 14:7-11; John 10:30). The Pharisees understood that this was what He claimed, and wanted to kill him because of it (John 10:33).
Paul confirms this claim of Jesus, saying of him, "who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God" (Phil. 2:6). Paul also wrote in Col. 1:15, "He is the image of the invisible God" Then in Col. 1:19 & 2:9, we see that "the fullness of God was in Christ in bodily form".
John 1:1-18 clearly tells us that Jesus was the Word who was with God and was God. And the Word (that is, God) became flesh and lived among us. And the writer of Hebrews declares that Jesus was the "exact representation" of God. (Heb. 1:3). (Compare also Rev. 1:8 with Rev. 22:13.)
4. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ
Isaiah 7:14 prophesied, 700 years in advance, that the Messiah would be born of a virgin, and this prophecy was fulfilled. Luke confirms that Jesus was born of a virgin (Mary) who had become pregnant by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-35). Matthew adds further confirmation (1:18-23 & 25).
5. The sinless life of Jesus Christ
Being born of holy seed, Jesus was the sinless, holy, Son of God. If Jesus would have been born of human seed, he would not have been without sin. He lived his life fully as a man (being tempted as all humans are) and yet did not sin (Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15). He was unblemished by sin---"without spot" (Heb. 9:14). He "knew no sin", but was made "sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).
6. The miracles of Jesus Christ
We believe that every miracle that is credited to Jesus were all literal miracles. They were demonstrations of the love and power of God. They were also signs, proving He was the Son of God---stirring the hearts of many to believe in him. The primary miracle, of course, was His literal, physical resurrection from the dead.
7. The atoning death of Jesus Christ
His death was sufficient as a sacrifice for all (Heb. 2:9). There is no other sacrifice needed. Hebrews tells us, "...he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (9:12). Also, "he appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself" (9:26). And, further along in Hebrews, "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (10:10). It is only through Jesus that we are made right with God. "There is only one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men" (1 Tim. 2:5-6). "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to me by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
8. The bodily resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ
Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. (See 1 Cor. 15:3-8, and all 4 Gospels.) He was raised to life with a glorified body. This body was solid, that could be touched by the disciples, and could eat food, but yet could appear in a room without an open door.
After appearing to the disciples and others over a period of 40 days, Jesus ascended to heaven in bodily form (Acts 1:3-9). And, the saints (all who trust in Jesus to save them) will one day receive such a glorious body (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:42-49).
9. The Person and work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of our triune God. He is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Jesus. Before salvation the Holy Spirit is with a person seeking to convict and lead to salvation (John 16:8). But, when a person becomes a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to live within the new believer (Acts 2:38).
He is our seal and assurance of eternal life (Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 8:15-16); our Counselor, Teacher and Guide (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13).
He speaks to believers and reveals the will of God to us (John 16:14), with the purpose of drawing attention to Jesus and glorifying God (John 15:26; 16:13-14). He also enables the believer to live a life of victory over sin (Romans 8:5-14); He fills believers with courage to be witnesses for Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8; 4:31); and He gives gifts to believers, such as those listed in 1 Cor. 12 and Romans 12, to aid the body to become mature in Christ.
10. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when the Holy Spirit comes upon a believer. This may occur when a person is saved (Acts 10:44-46), but often happens subsequent to salvation (Acts 8:14-16; 9:17; 19:1-6). This baptism produces an overflow in the life of a believer (John 7:38-39) so that he/she can live a victorious, fruitful Christian life. The baptism of the Holy Spirit needs to be desired (John 7:37; Luke 11:13), and is received by faith (Gal. 3:2-5), often through the laying on of hands by other believers (Acts 8:14-16; 9:17; 19:1-6).
11. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are miraculous and will be in operation throughout the church age. These need to be exercised in wisdom and love--- not to be flashy or draw attention to the one exercising the gift, but to build up the body of Christ in love and to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 13-14).
Believers need to be taught about the appropriate use of these gifts so that they do not become a distraction or deterrent to the true working of the Holy Spirit. Many of the gifts function best in smaller groups and in our lives throughout the course of the week.
12. Water baptism
Water baptism is an outer picture of what has taken place internally in a believer's heart. It is not necessary for salvation, nevertheless, it should take place as soon as a person becomes a Christian (Acts 2:38; 8:12; 8:36-37; 9:18; 10:44-48; 16:31-33). Baptism becomes a public declaration (testimony) of a person's surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is done out of obedience to Christ (Matt. 28:19-20).
The word "baptize" means "to immerse" or "submerge in water", and is a beautiful picture of the death, burial and resurrection that takes place when a person is born of the Spirit (Romans 6:3-4).
13. The Lord's Supper
We observe "communion" as a reminder that we are made partakers of Christ's body and blood, and without the body and blood of Christ, there would be no forgiveness of sins or salvation (1 Cor. 10:14-17).
Observation of the Lord's Supper was encouraged by Jesus, and should be done as often as desired. This involves bread and wine (juice) as symbols of the body of Jesus (which was broken for us) and of the blood of Jesus (which was shed for our sins) (Matt.26:26-28; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20 & 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
14. The nature and purpose of the church
The church is the body of Christ---his hands and feet to do the will of God on this earth (1 Cor. 12:12-27). The church is also the family of God---called to love one another, and by our love, represent to the world, the true nature of God's love for mankind (Eph.2:19; John 13:34-35; 17:20-21). And, the church is a dwelling (made of living stones) in which God lives and through which he expresses himself (Eph. 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5).
As a body, family and building in which God lives, we are called to gather regularly together for worship and mutual encouragement in the faith (1 Cor. 14:26; Heb. 10:25). Each part needs the other parts (members) in order to become mature and properly represent Christ to the world.
The church’s mission is to glorify God in all that we do, and to take the message of Christ and his salvation to our communities and to the ends of the earth (Rom. 12:1-2; Matt. 28:19-20).
15. The personal return of Jesus Christ
Jesus will return just as the disciples saw him go---bodily---in the flesh (Acts 1:11). We believe that He will set His feet on the earth after the "Rapture" and the Great Tribulation. At that time, He will establish His thousand-year reign on the earth. Then, after His thousand-year reign, the final "Great White Throne" judgment will take place (Rev. 20).
16. The rapture of the church
We believe that the Rapture (described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) will occur before the Great Tribulation, because the Great Tribulation is described as God's wrath being poured out on the earth (Rev. 6:16-17), and believers have been given a sure word that God has not appointed us for wrath (1 Thes. 5:9), but has saved us from His wrath (Rom. 5:9).
17. Israel and the Church in end times history and prophesy
Israel has always been God's chosen people, through whom He brought the Messiah and Savior Jesus Christ into the world to bless all peoples of the world (Romans 9:4-5).
During this time in which the Jews have largely rejected Jesus (the past 2000 years), God has arranged for the Gospel to be preached to all the Gentile world (Romans 11:11). But when the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled (Luke 21:24), the Jews' hearts will be more open to respond to the Gospel, and will one day experience a great revival (Romans 11:25-28) ---most likely during the Great Tribulation.
18. The believer's security of salvation
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are made right with God, are adopted into His family, and are completely secure in Christ. We have this assurance in 1 John 5:13, which says, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" Various other Scriptures give a believer complete security, such as: John 10:28-29; John 5:24; Rom. 8:35-39). There are, however, various warnings given of how a believer can fall away or turn away from the faith. So, some of our security is also maintained through perseverance in obedience and faith.
19. The demon possession of Christians
We do not believe that both the Holy Spirit and demons can inhabit the same person. 2 Cor. 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" 2 Cor. 6:15 also tells us that there is no harmony between Christ and Satan.
There are no indications in the Scriptures that show us that a Christian can be possessed by a demon. Whenever a believer is in bondage to a bad habit or behavior, we believe that he/she needs to seek the Lord's aid through repentance rather than seeking for deliverance from demons. (What people sometimes think is demon possession is demonic oppression or depression etc.)
20. The Word Faith, New Apostolic, and Signs and Wonders movements
The "good" in these movements are an emphasis on the Word of God as being living and powerful. We also believe that the New Testament indicates that signs and wonders are a work of the Holy Spirit that sometimes accompany the preaching of the Word of God and sometimes occur through the functioning of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Some "excesses and extremes" however, which concern us, are:
1. Using the Word as if to manipulate God. The "name it and claim it" idea of getting whatever you say.
2. The emphasis on prosperity that has come with this movement taking people's attention away from God and places it onto "things".
3. An interpretation of Scripture that leads people to think that they should never have to suffer sickness and if they are not healed, it is due to their own lack of faith.
4. Prioritizing dramatic experiences over the word of God.
5. Too much focus on signs and wonders limits people's growth in Christ. as they often move from one spectacular meeting or experience to another, until they become disillusioned and leave the church entirely.
21. Divorce and remarriage
First of all, God hates divorce. But, divorce happens, and God can redeem any divorced situation for his glory. In our understanding of the Scriptures, God permits divorce for two reasons:
1. Adultery (marital unfaithfulness) – Jesus said, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matt. 19:9). Based upon these words, divorce and remarriage by a partner who has not committed adultery, is considered acceptable.
2. If an unbelieving partner insists on leaving marriage – Paul wrote, "But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife" (1 Cor. 7:15-16). Our understanding of the words "is not bound" is that the believer is not bound to the marriage commitment if the unbeliever wants to end the marriage. In fact, the believer should be willing to let the other go.
22. The balance between God's grace and personal accountability.
God's grace is available to all, and it is only "by grace that we are saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8-9). A verbal assent to the Lordship of Jesus, however, is not enough. James teaches that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17-26).
Paul said that he went everywhere preaching that people "should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds" (Acts 26:20). And, Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15). Repeatedly, the Scriptures teach that faith and obedience must go hand in hand (see Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus gave many warnings to believers to "watch" and "be ready", and be found doing our Master's will when he returns (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21). This reminds us that though we are saved by grace, we must remain faithful by our obedience.
23. Church government
We believe that congregationally led churches provide opportunity for everyone to be the boss. This often creates endless confusion and disunity. It's very hard on the pastor.
Also, having pastor appointed from outside (such as by a Regional Bishop); or having a pastor who can be hired and fired by a church board (elders) is not practical nor biblical.
The New Testament indicates that the best style of leadership is a small group of elders with one who is Overseer. We, therefore, have chosen to have the pastor be the leader with a support team of elders (board members). The pastor, therefore, gives oversight to a leadership team, among whom there is mutual respect and submission. In this leadership position, he agrees that he must (and will) step aside if he has become immoral, a thief, or begun to teach false doctrines (seriously different than the Calvary Chapel statement of faith).
What We Believe
The Burns Lake Community Church (a Calvary Chapel) is a body of believers that desires, and is learning, to be in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and to be conformed into His image by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to do the will of God.
We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their overemphasis of doctrinal differences which have led to the division of the Body of Christ.
We believe that the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ’s love which is greater than any difference we possess and with His love we cannot claim ourselves as Christians.
We believe the worship of God should be spiritual. Therefore, we remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our worship.
We believe the worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore, we give great place to music in our worship.
We believe the worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, our services are designed with a major emphasis upon teaching through the Word of God.
We believe worship of God should be truthful. Therefore, we look for His love as the supreme manifestation that we have been truly worshipping the Lord.
Doctrinal Positions Explained
1. The infallibility and authority of the Bible
God’s word is “truth” (John 17:17). The Bible, as we have it, was inspired by God and infallible. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." Being inspired by God, it is inerrant, and completely authoritative for the Christian church and the Christian life. Jesus and the Apostles quoted the Old Testament as the Scriptures. In 2 Peter 3:15-16, Peter recognizes the writings of Paul as Scriptures.
We also believe that the Holy Spirit led the early church to recognize which writings were to be included in the canon of the New Testament---in other words, which writings were truly the Holy Word of God. Also, throughout history, the Bible has proven to be "living and powerful" (Heb. 4:12), and its message has led to multitudes of lives transformed.
This belief in the Scriptures is important because if even one part of the Bible is not considered inspired and authoritative, then the whole Bible could be questioned as to its inspiration and authority.
2. The Trinity
The Bible clearly teaches that God is triune---Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The sum total of the following references is a strong argument for God being triune: (John 14:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 12-4-6; 2 Cor. 13:13; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; Rev. 1:4-6).
In Genesis, the Bible introduces God as a plurality of persons. "Let us make man in our image" (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7).
Jesus' words in Matthew 28:19-20 instruct the disciples to "Go...and baptize" in the one "name" (singular) of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit".
We strongly believe that the Scriptures demonstrate and teach that God is Father, but no one has seen God (John 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:17). Then Jesus came, who was God in the flesh (John 1:1-18; Matt. 1:23; Col.1:18); after which Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts---who is God in us and Christ in us (John 14:16-17; Col.1:27).
3. The deity of Jesus Christ
Though Jesus was fully human, He was also fully God. The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 says of Jesus, "For unto us a child is born...and His name shall be called...Mighty God, Everlasting Father..." Also, in Matthew 1:23, he is called, "Immanuel", which means, "God with us".
Jesus, himself claimed equality with God (John 8:24, 58; John 14:7-11; John 10:30). The Pharisees understood that this was what He claimed, and wanted to kill him because of it (John 10:33).
Paul confirms this claim of Jesus, saying of him, "who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God" (Phil. 2:6). Paul also wrote in Col. 1:15, "He is the image of the invisible God" Then in Col. 1:19 & 2:9, we see that "the fullness of God was in Christ in bodily form".
John 1:1-18 clearly tells us that Jesus was the Word who was with God and was God. And the Word (that is, God) became flesh and lived among us. And the writer of Hebrews declares that Jesus was the "exact representation" of God. (Heb. 1:3). (Compare also Rev. 1:8 with Rev. 22:13.)
4. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ
Isaiah 7:14 prophesied, 700 years in advance, that the Messiah would be born of a virgin, and this prophecy was fulfilled. Luke confirms that Jesus was born of a virgin (Mary) who had become pregnant by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-35). Matthew adds further confirmation (1:18-23 & 25).
5. The sinless life of Jesus Christ
Being born of holy seed, Jesus was the sinless, holy, Son of God. If Jesus would have been born of human seed, he would not have been without sin. He lived his life fully as a man (being tempted as all humans are) and yet did not sin (Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15). He was unblemished by sin---"without spot" (Heb. 9:14). He "knew no sin", but was made "sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).
6. The miracles of Jesus Christ
We believe that every miracle that is credited to Jesus were all literal miracles. They were demonstrations of the love and power of God. They were also signs, proving He was the Son of God---stirring the hearts of many to believe in him. The primary miracle, of course, was His literal, physical resurrection from the dead.
7. The atoning death of Jesus Christ
His death was sufficient as a sacrifice for all (Heb. 2:9). There is no other sacrifice needed. Hebrews tells us, "...he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (9:12). Also, "he appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself" (9:26). And, further along in Hebrews, "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (10:10). It is only through Jesus that we are made right with God. "There is only one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men" (1 Tim. 2:5-6). "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to me by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
8. The bodily resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ
Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. (See 1 Cor. 15:3-8, and all 4 Gospels.) He was raised to life with a glorified body. This body was solid, that could be touched by the disciples, and could eat food, but yet could appear in a room without an open door.
After appearing to the disciples and others over a period of 40 days, Jesus ascended to heaven in bodily form (Acts 1:3-9). And, the saints (all who trust in Jesus to save them) will one day receive such a glorious body (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:42-49).
9. The Person and work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of our triune God. He is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Jesus. Before salvation the Holy Spirit is with a person seeking to convict and lead to salvation (John 16:8). But, when a person becomes a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to live within the new believer (Acts 2:38).
He is our seal and assurance of eternal life (Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 8:15-16); our Counselor, Teacher and Guide (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13).
He speaks to believers and reveals the will of God to us (John 16:14), with the purpose of drawing attention to Jesus and glorifying God (John 15:26; 16:13-14). He also enables the believer to live a life of victory over sin (Romans 8:5-14); He fills believers with courage to be witnesses for Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8; 4:31); and He gives gifts to believers, such as those listed in 1 Cor. 12 and Romans 12, to aid the body to become mature in Christ.
10. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when the Holy Spirit comes upon a believer. This may occur when a person is saved (Acts 10:44-46), but often happens subsequent to salvation (Acts 8:14-16; 9:17; 19:1-6). This baptism produces an overflow in the life of a believer (John 7:38-39) so that he/she can live a victorious, fruitful Christian life. The baptism of the Holy Spirit needs to be desired (John 7:37; Luke 11:13), and is received by faith (Gal. 3:2-5), often through the laying on of hands by other believers (Acts 8:14-16; 9:17; 19:1-6).
11. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are miraculous and will be in operation throughout the church age. These need to be exercised in wisdom and love--- not to be flashy or draw attention to the one exercising the gift, but to build up the body of Christ in love and to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 13-14).
Believers need to be taught about the appropriate use of these gifts so that they do not become a distraction or deterrent to the true working of the Holy Spirit. Many of the gifts function best in smaller groups and in our lives throughout the course of the week.
12. Water baptism
Water baptism is an outer picture of what has taken place internally in a believer's heart. It is not necessary for salvation, nevertheless, it should take place as soon as a person becomes a Christian (Acts 2:38; 8:12; 8:36-37; 9:18; 10:44-48; 16:31-33). Baptism becomes a public declaration (testimony) of a person's surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is done out of obedience to Christ (Matt. 28:19-20).
The word "baptize" means "to immerse" or "submerge in water", and is a beautiful picture of the death, burial and resurrection that takes place when a person is born of the Spirit (Romans 6:3-4).
13. The Lord's Supper
We observe "communion" as a reminder that we are made partakers of Christ's body and blood, and without the body and blood of Christ, there would be no forgiveness of sins or salvation (1 Cor. 10:14-17).
Observation of the Lord's Supper was encouraged by Jesus, and should be done as often as desired. This involves bread and wine (juice) as symbols of the body of Jesus (which was broken for us) and of the blood of Jesus (which was shed for our sins) (Matt.26:26-28; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20 & 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
14. The nature and purpose of the church
The church is the body of Christ---his hands and feet to do the will of God on this earth (1 Cor. 12:12-27). The church is also the family of God---called to love one another, and by our love, represent to the world, the true nature of God's love for mankind (Eph.2:19; John 13:34-35; 17:20-21). And, the church is a dwelling (made of living stones) in which God lives and through which he expresses himself (Eph. 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5).
As a body, family and building in which God lives, we are called to gather regularly together for worship and mutual encouragement in the faith (1 Cor. 14:26; Heb. 10:25). Each part needs the other parts (members) in order to become mature and properly represent Christ to the world.
The church’s mission is to glorify God in all that we do, and to take the message of Christ and his salvation to our communities and to the ends of the earth (Rom. 12:1-2; Matt. 28:19-20).
15. The personal return of Jesus Christ
Jesus will return just as the disciples saw him go---bodily---in the flesh (Acts 1:11). We believe that He will set His feet on the earth after the "Rapture" and the Great Tribulation. At that time, He will establish His thousand-year reign on the earth. Then, after His thousand-year reign, the final "Great White Throne" judgment will take place (Rev. 20).
16. The rapture of the church
We believe that the Rapture (described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) will occur before the Great Tribulation, because the Great Tribulation is described as God's wrath being poured out on the earth (Rev. 6:16-17), and believers have been given a sure word that God has not appointed us for wrath (1 Thes. 5:9), but has saved us from His wrath (Rom. 5:9).
17. Israel and the Church in end times history and prophesy
Israel has always been God's chosen people, through whom He brought the Messiah and Savior Jesus Christ into the world to bless all peoples of the world (Romans 9:4-5).
During this time in which the Jews have largely rejected Jesus (the past 2000 years), God has arranged for the Gospel to be preached to all the Gentile world (Romans 11:11). But when the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled (Luke 21:24), the Jews' hearts will be more open to respond to the Gospel, and will one day experience a great revival (Romans 11:25-28) ---most likely during the Great Tribulation.
18. The believer's security of salvation
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are made right with God, are adopted into His family, and are completely secure in Christ. We have this assurance in 1 John 5:13, which says, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" Various other Scriptures give a believer complete security, such as: John 10:28-29; John 5:24; Rom. 8:35-39). There are, however, various warnings given of how a believer can fall away or turn away from the faith. So, some of our security is also maintained through perseverance in obedience and faith.
19. The demon possession of Christians
We do not believe that both the Holy Spirit and demons can inhabit the same person. 2 Cor. 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" 2 Cor. 6:15 also tells us that there is no harmony between Christ and Satan.
There are no indications in the Scriptures that show us that a Christian can be possessed by a demon. Whenever a believer is in bondage to a bad habit or behavior, we believe that he/she needs to seek the Lord's aid through repentance rather than seeking for deliverance from demons. (What people sometimes think is demon possession is demonic oppression or depression etc.)
20. The Word Faith, New Apostolic, and Signs and Wonders movements
The "good" in these movements are an emphasis on the Word of God as being living and powerful. We also believe that the New Testament indicates that signs and wonders are a work of the Holy Spirit that sometimes accompany the preaching of the Word of God and sometimes occur through the functioning of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Some "excesses and extremes" however, which concern us, are:
1. Using the Word as if to manipulate God. The "name it and claim it" idea of getting whatever you say.
2. The emphasis on prosperity that has come with this movement taking people's attention away from God and places it onto "things".
3. An interpretation of Scripture that leads people to think that they should never have to suffer sickness and if they are not healed, it is due to their own lack of faith.
4. Prioritizing dramatic experiences over the word of God.
5. Too much focus on signs and wonders limits people's growth in Christ. as they often move from one spectacular meeting or experience to another, until they become disillusioned and leave the church entirely.
21. Divorce and remarriage
First of all, God hates divorce. But, divorce happens, and God can redeem any divorced situation for his glory. In our understanding of the Scriptures, God permits divorce for two reasons:
1. Adultery (marital unfaithfulness) – Jesus said, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matt. 19:9). Based upon these words, divorce and remarriage by a partner who has not committed adultery, is considered acceptable.
2. If an unbelieving partner insists on leaving marriage – Paul wrote, "But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife" (1 Cor. 7:15-16). Our understanding of the words "is not bound" is that the believer is not bound to the marriage commitment if the unbeliever wants to end the marriage. In fact, the believer should be willing to let the other go.
22. The balance between God's grace and personal accountability.
God's grace is available to all, and it is only "by grace that we are saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8-9). A verbal assent to the Lordship of Jesus, however, is not enough. James teaches that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17-26).
Paul said that he went everywhere preaching that people "should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds" (Acts 26:20). And, Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15). Repeatedly, the Scriptures teach that faith and obedience must go hand in hand (see Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus gave many warnings to believers to "watch" and "be ready", and be found doing our Master's will when he returns (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21). This reminds us that though we are saved by grace, we must remain faithful by our obedience.
23. Church government
We believe that congregationally led churches provide opportunity for everyone to be the boss. This often creates endless confusion and disunity. It's very hard on the pastor.
Also, having pastor appointed from outside (such as by a Regional Bishop); or having a pastor who can be hired and fired by a church board (elders) is not practical nor biblical.
The New Testament indicates that the best style of leadership is a small group of elders with one who is Overseer. We, therefore, have chosen to have the pastor be the leader with a support team of elders (board members). The pastor, therefore, gives oversight to a leadership team, among whom there is mutual respect and submission. In this leadership position, he agrees that he must (and will) step aside if he has become immoral, a thief, or begun to teach false doctrines (seriously different than the Calvary Chapel statement of faith).