Statement Of Faith
Calvary Chapel has been formed as a fellowship of believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and be conformed to His image by the power of the Holy Spirit.
WE BELIEVE that the only true basis of Christian Fellowship is God’s love (agape), which is greater than any differences we possess and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians. [John 13:34; John 15:12, 17; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 1 John 4:11]
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be Spiritual. We remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship. [Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 6:28]
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be Inspirational. We give a great place to music in our worship. [1 Chronicles 15:16; Psalm 100:2; Isaiah 38:20; Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16]
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be Intelligent. Our services are designed with great emphasis upon teaching the Word of God that He might instruct us how He would be worshipped. [Exodus 18:20; Deuteronomy 6:7; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Proverbs 9:9; 1 Timothy 4:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:2]
WE BELIEVE worship of God is Fruitful. We look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have truly been worshipping Him. [Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 5:3; Jude 21]
WE BELIEVE in one living and true God, eternally existing in one essence (what are), yet co-equal in three persons (who are): The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all. [Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:8; Isaiah 48:16; Matthew 28:19-20; John 1:1-18; John 10:30; John 17:22; Exodus 3:14; John 8:58; Hebrews 1:3]
WE BELIEVE that all 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 that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures. We believe that the Word of God contains the revelation of who God is, the illumination of God’s will and the appropriation for Godly living. [Isaiah 28:13; Nehemiah 8:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Peter 1:21]
WE BELIEVE in the person of God the Father, as infinite Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that 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. [Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; Psalm 102:7; John 3:16; John 4:24; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Titus 1:3]
WE BELIEVE in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, His substitutionary atoning death; bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven; perpetual intercession for His people; and personal, visible return to earth. We believe that He is one and the same as God. He was fully human and fully God. [Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-2; John 8:58; John 10:30; John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 1:2; Revelation 1:8]
WE BELIEVE in the person of 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 in ministry all who believe in Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding Power, Helper, Teacher, and Guide. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all Biblical gifts of the Spirit as reflected through the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every believer. [Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 6:13; John 14:16-17; John 16:8-11; Romans 8:26; Romans 15:13, 16; 1 Corinthians 14; Hebrews 9:14]
WE BELIEVE that all people are sinners by nature, separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness are freely offered to all by the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When a person repents of sin and accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, trusting Him to save them, that person is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit, all of his/her sins are forgiven, and that person becomes a child of God, destined to spend eternity with the Lord. [Isaiah 44:3; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:6; Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10]
WE BELIEVE in the universal Church, the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the Head and all regenerated persons are members. [1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16]
WE BELIEVE that the Lord Jesus Christ committed two Ordinances to the Church: 1) Baptism, and 2) The Lord’s Supper. We believe in Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Communion, both of which are open to all believers in Jesus Christ. [Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; John 2:1-11; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26]
WE BELIEVE in the laying on of hands for the sending out of pastors and missionaries, and in conjunction with the anointing of oil by the elders for the healing of the sick. [Numbers 8:10; Deuteronomy 34:9; Mark 5:23; Acts 5:23; Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; Timothy 4:14; James 5:14]
WE BELIEVE in the personal, visible Return of Christ to the earth and the establishment of His Kingdom; in the resurrection of the body; the final judgment and eternal blessing of the righteous and endless suffering of the wicked. [Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:11-15]
WE BELIEVE in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell and that all those who place their faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord, while those who reject Jesus’ free gift of salvation will spend eternity separated from the Lord. [Psalm 9:17; Matthew 5:3, 22;Matthew 18:9; Matthew 25:31-34; Mark 9:42-49; Luke 12:5; John 3:18; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 14:10-11; Revelation 20:11-15]
WE BELIEVE in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church where all believers will meet the Lord in the air and be taken out of this world prior to the Tribulation that will come upon the earth. [Isaiah 26:20; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:36; Romans 1:18; Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10;1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Peter 2:7-9; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 5:7-10; Revelation 7:13-14]
WE BELIEVE in the creation and in God as the Creator. We believe that God created man and that He created them male and female. As such, He created them different so as to complement and complete each other. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. For this reason, homosexuality, and all other “sexual preferences” and “orientations” are unnatural, sinful and unacceptable to God. Accordingly, this ministry will not perform any marriage ceremonies between two individuals of the same sex. It will not condone or recognize such same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships even if the state passes laws that provide for recognition of such relationships. [Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; John 4:16-18; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-3, 8-9; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-7; 1 Timothy 1:9-11]
WE BELIEVE that legitimate biblical sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities such as, but not limited to adultery, fornication, pre-marital sex, incest, polygamy, homosexuality, transgenderism, bisexuality, cross-dressing, pedophilia and bestiality are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious behavior, the creation, viewing and/or distribution of pornography and efforts to alter one’s physical gender or gender-related appearance are incompatible with a true biblical witness. [Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; John 4:16-18; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-3, 8-9; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-7; 1 Timothy 1:9-11]
We seek to teach the Word of God in such a way that its message can be applied to an individual's life, leading that person to greater maturity in Christ.
We reject: (1) The belief that true Christians can be demon possessed; (2) "five-point Calvinism" (i.e., a fatalistic
Calvinistic view that leaves no room for free will; specifically, we reject the belief that Jesus' atonement was limited, instead we believe that He died for all people, and we reject the assertion that God's wooing grace cannot be resisted or that He has elected some people to go to hell; instead we believe that anyone who wills to come to Christ may do so); (3) "positive confession" (the faith movement belief that God can be commanded to heal or work miracles according to man's will); (4) human prophecy that supersedes the Scripture; (5) the incorporation of humanistic and secular psychology and philosophy into Biblical teaching; and (6) the over-emphasis of spiritual gifts, experiential signs and wonders to the exclusion of Biblical teaching. In our services, we focus on a personal relationship with God through worship, prayer, and the teaching of the Word of God. We teach both expositorily and topically. We do not allow speaking in tongues loudly during services, nor prophecy while a Bible study is in progress because we do not believe that the Holy Spirit would interrupt Himself.
History
Calvary Chapel began in the late 1960's as a small non-denominational church of 25 members, pastored by Chuck Smith. As of the beginning of the 21st century, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa is home to some 30,000 believers. The Word for Today publishes Bible study books and media all over the world. Calvary Chapel's Bible College provides Bible education to thousands at its home campus in Murrieta, California, and at over 20 extension campuses worldwide.
Because of its size and influence, many Christians have asked what exactly does Calvary Chapel believe? What is distinct about it, and what sets it apart from other Christian groups? At Calvary Chapel, we have always hesitated to try and answer those questions. This is not because we are unsure of our beliefs, but because we are cautious to avoid division within the Body of Christ. After all, what really matters is what we have in common as Christians. These things are the "essential" doctrines of Calvary Chapel: the infallibility of God's Word, the virgin birth of Christ, His sinless life, death for our sins, bodily resurrection, ascension to glory, and personal return to rule the earth. These things are the essence of Christianity, and agreed upon by virtually all born again believers.
In moving away from essential doctrines to those less essential, we risk setting up barriers in the church. This is something we at Calvary Chapel have no desire to do. Still, Calvary Chapel is distinct from denominational churches and other Protestant groups. People want to know what those distinctions are. We have addressed those questions here.
The Balance
In a broad general sense, Calvary Chapel is the middle ground between fundamentalism and Pentecostalism in modern Protestant theology. In fact, we believe that this is at least part of the reason why God has raised up this ministry.
Fundamentalism is that portion of Protestantism which holds to the literal interpretation of the Scriptures. It holds they are divinely inspired and inerrant. Hence, the "fundamentals" of the faith are emphasized. The modern news media and the liberal church may scorn fundamentalists as backward and ignorant. The truth is fundamentalism has preserved the integrity of God's Word. Fundamentalism has held to the essential doctrines of the orthodox faith.
Pentecostalism grew out of the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, as a modern movement at the turn of the 20th century. It has spawned denominations emphasizing the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the exercise of spiritual and Scriptural gifts of the Spirit. These things had fallen dormant in the mainstream churches. Pentecostalism is also criticized by the liberal church and news media as being emotionally driven. However, the movement has restored to the church the importance of gifts of the Spirit and the power of God for today's believer.
Fundamentalism, while it clung to the integrity of God's Word, tended toward legalism, rigidity, and unacceptance of spiritual gifts. Pentecostalism, on the other hand, became enthusiastic and emotional at the expense of the teaching of God's Word.
Calvary Chapel finds a balance between fundamentalism and Pentecostalism. At Calvary Chapel we believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible. We encourage their exercise, but always decently and in order. Our main emphasis is on the Word of God, which we look to as our primary rule of faith. Because of this focus on balance, Calvary Chapel services are designed to be centered around the verse-by-verse teaching of God’s Word.
To quote Pastor Chuck Smith, "We believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Scriptures, and that they are valid for today if they are exercised within the Scriptural guidelines. We as believers are to covet the best gifts, seeking to exercise them in love that the whole Body of Christ might be edified. We believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without this love all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless."
Church Government
Calvary Chapel also differs from most mainline churches in its style of church government. Most denominational churches maintain a congregational form of church government, a Presbyterian form, or an Episcopal form. These three terms should not be confused with denominations bearing the same names. Other churches of different names may share the same styles of government.
The congregational form of church government is an American invention, appealing to our "American" sense of democracy. Basically, the congregation as a whole in this style of church government makes all decisions by voting on matters of importance. It appoints committees from its ranks to run the daily operation of the church. Most Congregational, Baptist, Pentecostal, Brethren, and non-denominational churches are thus organized. The congregation votes on hiring a pastor, on spending money, and on all other important matters. Though democratically oriented people may like the idea of congregational government, it is not without its flaws. At best, it often causes the pastor to be directed by the sheep he is supposed to lead. At worst, the pastor is reduced to a hireling.
The Episcopal form of church government is used by Episcopalian, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, and Methodist churches (and others). It is controlled by a church hierarchy which may have differing names. Basically, there is a bishop, or someone of similar stature, called by a different name. This person oversees the churches, appoints pastors to pulpits, sets policy, and guides the vision of the local congregations. This style of church government grew out of European monarchies. It unfortunately leaves little freedom for the local pastor or congregation to follow the leading of the Spirit.
The Presbyterian form of church government is typical of the Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Decisions of church policy are placed in the hands of a select group of elders. These "presbytery” are appointed in by various means, depending on the church. The congregation is responsible to the pastor. The pastor is, in turn, responsible to the elders. This system, too, places the God-appointed leader, the pastor, under the leadership of some of those he is supposed to lead.
Calvary Chapels are differently organized. Church government at Calvary Chapel is very simple, not a complex bureaucracy. Committees and sub-committees are essentially non-existent. Basically, at Calvary Chapel we believe the pastor is responsible for the church, and responsible to hear from God. The pastor is responsible to faithfully feed and love God's people. Elders are appointed in the larger churches to help the pastor care for the spiritual needs of the congregation. Appointed deacons help the pastor to care for the material needs of the church.
In addition, our churches have church boards, as required by most states. Our church boards vary in size, depending on the size of the church. These boards are usually made up of mature Christian businessmen who can advise the pastor on church decisions. Board members also provide advice on business matters, such as property management and investments. At Calvary Chapel, church organization is de-emphasized. Only the organization needed to run the church is instituted. The pastor guides the church as he is led by the Holy Spirit. We trust God to put pastors where He wants them to be.
Doctrine
We at Calvary Chapel believe in all the fundamental doctrines of the evangelical Protestant church.
For example, we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture - that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
We believe that God is eternally existent in three separate persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God the Father is the personal, transcendent, and sovereign creator of all things.
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human; that He was born of a virgin; lived a sinless life; provided for the atonement of our sins by His vicarious death on the Cross; was bodily resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit; ascended back to the right hand of God the father; and ever lives to make intercession for us. Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit on the believers in Jerusalem after He ascended to Heaven. This enabled His believers to fulfill His command to preach the Gospel to the entire world, an obligation shared by all believers today.
We believe all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin. By the grace (unmerited favor) of our Lord Jesus Christ, all are freely offered salvation, redemption, and forgiveness of sins. A person who repents of sin, placing trust for salvation in Jesus Christ, as personal Savior and Lord, is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit. All that person's sins are forgiven, as he/she becomes a child of God, destined to spend eternity with the Lord.
As previously mentioned, we believe in the proper Scriptural exercise of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, the greatest gift of all being God's love.
What We Do Not Believe
At Calvary Chapel, we reject some popular doctrines of some Christian groups, believing them to be in error Scripturally. This does not mean that we will not fellowship with those holding these views. It simply means such views are outside the boundaries of what constitutes a Calvary Chapel church.
For example, we reject, as we have already mentioned, "amillennialism", post-millennialism, as well as a mid- or post-tribulation rapture view. At Calvary Chapel, we are strongly pre-millennialists and pre-tribulation rapturists.
We also reject the belief, held by some Pentecostals and charismatics, that Christians can be demon-possessed.
The Scripture says "greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world." This makes no sense if a believer can be simultaneously indwelt by both the Holy Spirit and evil spirits. Christians can be attacked by demons, but they cannot be possessed or controlled by them.
In addition, we reject "five-point Calvinism". For our purposes here, it suffices to say Calvary Chapel rejects two of the five points of five-point Calvinism. First, Calvinism teaches that Jesus' atonement on the Cross was limited. Limited atonement is the tenet that Jesus died only for a chosen group, His "elect", not for the sins of the entire world. At Calvary Chapel, we believe that Jesus died on the Cross for the sins of all people. Anyone who wants to can accept Him as Lord and Savior and be born again. Strict five-point Calvinists believe only the elect can be saved, and God has elected others to spend eternity in hell.
Secondly, we reject the Calvinistic teaching called "irresistible grace". This is the belief that man cannot, even if he wants to, resist the wooing and calling of God to salvation. Instead, at Calvary Chapel we believe man has a free will, and can resist the call of God if he so chooses. Therefore, those who hold to five-point Calvinism are outside of the borders of what defines Calvary Chapel.
At Calvary Chapel, we also reject the teaching of "positive confession". This is the doctrine put forth by the faith movement teachers, stating we as human beings can have unlimited health and wealth. The doctrine teaches if a person confesses health and wealth consistently, that is what they will have. Conversely, the Christian living in sickness or poverty is settling for less than his full inheritance in Christ.
At Calvary Chapel, we observe that many believers, both in daily life, and of the Bible, are often afflicted. This is, we believe, not because their confession is wrong, but simply because believers live in a foreign world. We believe the "health and prosperity doctrine" is a perversion of Scripture, and is often used to fleece the flock of God. We believe we must always submit to His perfect will, even in affliction. Man cannot command God to heal or provide.
We also reject teachings using human prophecy to supersede the Word of God. Some "Christian" groups claim to have prophets and apostles whose stature is greater than those who wrote the Bible. These groups claim the teachings of their prophets and apostles are more valid than, and take precedence over, the Word of God.
At Calvary Chapel, we believe the Bible is the final authority and the complete Word of God for His church today. No prophecy or teaching can ever supersede it.
Again, Calvary Chapel rejects the over-emphasis of spiritual gifts and experiential signs and wonders, when it diminishes or excludes Biblical teaching. We are a Bible-based ministry, avoiding programs and gimmicks in favor of the simple teaching, in love, of the Word of God to His people. Our services focus on a personal relationship with God through worship, prayer, and the teaching of God's Word. We offer both expository and topical studies. We do not allow speaking in tongues loudly during services because we do not believe the Holy Spirit would interrupt Himself.
Worship
Most Calvary Chapels utilize a form of contemporary worship, though a great variety of styles of music is found. Some worship teams are very traditional and conservative, with organs or pianos and hymns. Other worship teams incorporate electric guitars and drums. There is no set style of worship. This makes a Calvary Chapel unique, as there is wide latitude in worshipful expression. All of us desire that whatever the style of worship, it comes from our hearts.
Some of our churches are filled with elderly people in suits and ties, some are filled with young people in jeans and t-shirts. Many are a combination of all different ages, styles, and races of people. We come together with one common focus: our love for Jesus Christ, and the desire to know Him more intimately.
Conclusion
By clarifying some of what we believe at Calvary Chapel, our purpose has been to help others less familiar with the movement to gain insight into who we are. It is not our intention to say we are right and others are wrong, nor is it our intention to argue our position with any Christian believer. We are content to agree to disagree. We desire to have nothing but love and fellowship with anyone who calls on the name of our Lord in truth and sincerity.
There are many additional areas of policy and doctrine we could discuss. While we could write volumes in an effort to defend all our positions against other positions, this is not our desire. Our desire is to simply adore Jesus, and we invite all God's people to join us.
On the other hand, others have started churches and called them Calvary Chapel, while holding views and practices very different from what we have described. In our opinion, it would be better if these churches would take a different name more accurately reflecting their beliefs and practices. This would help to avoid confusing people looking for a ministry in accordance with what we have described.
Many different kinds of people attend and pastor Calvary Chapel affiliated churches. Still, all Calvary Chapels agree on the essential elements of the basic tenets of Calvary Chapel, as explained here. Their individual styles of ministry, methods of preaching, and visions for outreach vary greatly.
As an individual believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we welcome you to our churches and Bible College programs, regardless of your background or doctrinal position.
We seek the unity of the Spirit in a bond of peace and love, and believe that God has called us to a unique ministry that fulfills His special purpose in this generation. May God bless you as you seek to draw near to Him in love.
Calvary Chapel has been formed as a fellowship of believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and be conformed to His image by the power of the Holy Spirit.
WE BELIEVE that the only true basis of Christian Fellowship is God’s love (agape), which is greater than any differences we possess and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians. [John 13:34; John 15:12, 17; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 1 John 4:11]
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be Spiritual. We remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship. [Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 6:28]
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be Inspirational. We give a great place to music in our worship. [1 Chronicles 15:16; Psalm 100:2; Isaiah 38:20; Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16]
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be Intelligent. Our services are designed with great emphasis upon teaching the Word of God that He might instruct us how He would be worshipped. [Exodus 18:20; Deuteronomy 6:7; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Proverbs 9:9; 1 Timothy 4:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:2]
WE BELIEVE worship of God is Fruitful. We look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have truly been worshipping Him. [Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 5:3; Jude 21]
WE BELIEVE in one living and true God, eternally existing in one essence (what are), yet co-equal in three persons (who are): The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all. [Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:8; Isaiah 48:16; Matthew 28:19-20; John 1:1-18; John 10:30; John 17:22; Exodus 3:14; John 8:58; Hebrews 1:3]
WE BELIEVE that all 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 that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures. We believe that the Word of God contains the revelation of who God is, the illumination of God’s will and the appropriation for Godly living. [Isaiah 28:13; Nehemiah 8:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Peter 1:21]
WE BELIEVE in the person of God the Father, as infinite Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that 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. [Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; Psalm 102:7; John 3:16; John 4:24; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Titus 1:3]
WE BELIEVE in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, His substitutionary atoning death; bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven; perpetual intercession for His people; and personal, visible return to earth. We believe that He is one and the same as God. He was fully human and fully God. [Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-2; John 8:58; John 10:30; John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 1:2; Revelation 1:8]
WE BELIEVE in the person of 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 in ministry all who believe in Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding Power, Helper, Teacher, and Guide. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all Biblical gifts of the Spirit as reflected through the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every believer. [Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 6:13; John 14:16-17; John 16:8-11; Romans 8:26; Romans 15:13, 16; 1 Corinthians 14; Hebrews 9:14]
WE BELIEVE that all people are sinners by nature, separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness are freely offered to all by the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When a person repents of sin and accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, trusting Him to save them, that person is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit, all of his/her sins are forgiven, and that person becomes a child of God, destined to spend eternity with the Lord. [Isaiah 44:3; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:6; Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10]
WE BELIEVE in the universal Church, the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the Head and all regenerated persons are members. [1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16]
WE BELIEVE that the Lord Jesus Christ committed two Ordinances to the Church: 1) Baptism, and 2) The Lord’s Supper. We believe in Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Communion, both of which are open to all believers in Jesus Christ. [Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; John 2:1-11; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26]
WE BELIEVE in the laying on of hands for the sending out of pastors and missionaries, and in conjunction with the anointing of oil by the elders for the healing of the sick. [Numbers 8:10; Deuteronomy 34:9; Mark 5:23; Acts 5:23; Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; Timothy 4:14; James 5:14]
WE BELIEVE in the personal, visible Return of Christ to the earth and the establishment of His Kingdom; in the resurrection of the body; the final judgment and eternal blessing of the righteous and endless suffering of the wicked. [Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:11-15]
WE BELIEVE in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell and that all those who place their faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord, while those who reject Jesus’ free gift of salvation will spend eternity separated from the Lord. [Psalm 9:17; Matthew 5:3, 22;Matthew 18:9; Matthew 25:31-34; Mark 9:42-49; Luke 12:5; John 3:18; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 14:10-11; Revelation 20:11-15]
WE BELIEVE in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church where all believers will meet the Lord in the air and be taken out of this world prior to the Tribulation that will come upon the earth. [Isaiah 26:20; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:36; Romans 1:18; Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10;1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Peter 2:7-9; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 5:7-10; Revelation 7:13-14]
WE BELIEVE in the creation and in God as the Creator. We believe that God created man and that He created them male and female. As such, He created them different so as to complement and complete each other. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. For this reason, homosexuality, and all other “sexual preferences” and “orientations” are unnatural, sinful and unacceptable to God. Accordingly, this ministry will not perform any marriage ceremonies between two individuals of the same sex. It will not condone or recognize such same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships even if the state passes laws that provide for recognition of such relationships. [Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; John 4:16-18; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-3, 8-9; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-7; 1 Timothy 1:9-11]
WE BELIEVE that legitimate biblical sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities such as, but not limited to adultery, fornication, pre-marital sex, incest, polygamy, homosexuality, transgenderism, bisexuality, cross-dressing, pedophilia and bestiality are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious behavior, the creation, viewing and/or distribution of pornography and efforts to alter one’s physical gender or gender-related appearance are incompatible with a true biblical witness. [Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; John 4:16-18; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-3, 8-9; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-7; 1 Timothy 1:9-11]
We seek to teach the Word of God in such a way that its message can be applied to an individual's life, leading that person to greater maturity in Christ.
We reject: (1) The belief that true Christians can be demon possessed; (2) "five-point Calvinism" (i.e., a fatalistic
Calvinistic view that leaves no room for free will; specifically, we reject the belief that Jesus' atonement was limited, instead we believe that He died for all people, and we reject the assertion that God's wooing grace cannot be resisted or that He has elected some people to go to hell; instead we believe that anyone who wills to come to Christ may do so); (3) "positive confession" (the faith movement belief that God can be commanded to heal or work miracles according to man's will); (4) human prophecy that supersedes the Scripture; (5) the incorporation of humanistic and secular psychology and philosophy into Biblical teaching; and (6) the over-emphasis of spiritual gifts, experiential signs and wonders to the exclusion of Biblical teaching. In our services, we focus on a personal relationship with God through worship, prayer, and the teaching of the Word of God. We teach both expositorily and topically. We do not allow speaking in tongues loudly during services, nor prophecy while a Bible study is in progress because we do not believe that the Holy Spirit would interrupt Himself.
History
Calvary Chapel began in the late 1960's as a small non-denominational church of 25 members, pastored by Chuck Smith. As of the beginning of the 21st century, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa is home to some 30,000 believers. The Word for Today publishes Bible study books and media all over the world. Calvary Chapel's Bible College provides Bible education to thousands at its home campus in Murrieta, California, and at over 20 extension campuses worldwide.
Because of its size and influence, many Christians have asked what exactly does Calvary Chapel believe? What is distinct about it, and what sets it apart from other Christian groups? At Calvary Chapel, we have always hesitated to try and answer those questions. This is not because we are unsure of our beliefs, but because we are cautious to avoid division within the Body of Christ. After all, what really matters is what we have in common as Christians. These things are the "essential" doctrines of Calvary Chapel: the infallibility of God's Word, the virgin birth of Christ, His sinless life, death for our sins, bodily resurrection, ascension to glory, and personal return to rule the earth. These things are the essence of Christianity, and agreed upon by virtually all born again believers.
In moving away from essential doctrines to those less essential, we risk setting up barriers in the church. This is something we at Calvary Chapel have no desire to do. Still, Calvary Chapel is distinct from denominational churches and other Protestant groups. People want to know what those distinctions are. We have addressed those questions here.
The Balance
In a broad general sense, Calvary Chapel is the middle ground between fundamentalism and Pentecostalism in modern Protestant theology. In fact, we believe that this is at least part of the reason why God has raised up this ministry.
Fundamentalism is that portion of Protestantism which holds to the literal interpretation of the Scriptures. It holds they are divinely inspired and inerrant. Hence, the "fundamentals" of the faith are emphasized. The modern news media and the liberal church may scorn fundamentalists as backward and ignorant. The truth is fundamentalism has preserved the integrity of God's Word. Fundamentalism has held to the essential doctrines of the orthodox faith.
Pentecostalism grew out of the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, as a modern movement at the turn of the 20th century. It has spawned denominations emphasizing the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the exercise of spiritual and Scriptural gifts of the Spirit. These things had fallen dormant in the mainstream churches. Pentecostalism is also criticized by the liberal church and news media as being emotionally driven. However, the movement has restored to the church the importance of gifts of the Spirit and the power of God for today's believer.
Fundamentalism, while it clung to the integrity of God's Word, tended toward legalism, rigidity, and unacceptance of spiritual gifts. Pentecostalism, on the other hand, became enthusiastic and emotional at the expense of the teaching of God's Word.
Calvary Chapel finds a balance between fundamentalism and Pentecostalism. At Calvary Chapel we believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible. We encourage their exercise, but always decently and in order. Our main emphasis is on the Word of God, which we look to as our primary rule of faith. Because of this focus on balance, Calvary Chapel services are designed to be centered around the verse-by-verse teaching of God’s Word.
To quote Pastor Chuck Smith, "We believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Scriptures, and that they are valid for today if they are exercised within the Scriptural guidelines. We as believers are to covet the best gifts, seeking to exercise them in love that the whole Body of Christ might be edified. We believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without this love all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless."
Church Government
Calvary Chapel also differs from most mainline churches in its style of church government. Most denominational churches maintain a congregational form of church government, a Presbyterian form, or an Episcopal form. These three terms should not be confused with denominations bearing the same names. Other churches of different names may share the same styles of government.
The congregational form of church government is an American invention, appealing to our "American" sense of democracy. Basically, the congregation as a whole in this style of church government makes all decisions by voting on matters of importance. It appoints committees from its ranks to run the daily operation of the church. Most Congregational, Baptist, Pentecostal, Brethren, and non-denominational churches are thus organized. The congregation votes on hiring a pastor, on spending money, and on all other important matters. Though democratically oriented people may like the idea of congregational government, it is not without its flaws. At best, it often causes the pastor to be directed by the sheep he is supposed to lead. At worst, the pastor is reduced to a hireling.
The Episcopal form of church government is used by Episcopalian, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, and Methodist churches (and others). It is controlled by a church hierarchy which may have differing names. Basically, there is a bishop, or someone of similar stature, called by a different name. This person oversees the churches, appoints pastors to pulpits, sets policy, and guides the vision of the local congregations. This style of church government grew out of European monarchies. It unfortunately leaves little freedom for the local pastor or congregation to follow the leading of the Spirit.
The Presbyterian form of church government is typical of the Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Decisions of church policy are placed in the hands of a select group of elders. These "presbytery” are appointed in by various means, depending on the church. The congregation is responsible to the pastor. The pastor is, in turn, responsible to the elders. This system, too, places the God-appointed leader, the pastor, under the leadership of some of those he is supposed to lead.
Calvary Chapels are differently organized. Church government at Calvary Chapel is very simple, not a complex bureaucracy. Committees and sub-committees are essentially non-existent. Basically, at Calvary Chapel we believe the pastor is responsible for the church, and responsible to hear from God. The pastor is responsible to faithfully feed and love God's people. Elders are appointed in the larger churches to help the pastor care for the spiritual needs of the congregation. Appointed deacons help the pastor to care for the material needs of the church.
In addition, our churches have church boards, as required by most states. Our church boards vary in size, depending on the size of the church. These boards are usually made up of mature Christian businessmen who can advise the pastor on church decisions. Board members also provide advice on business matters, such as property management and investments. At Calvary Chapel, church organization is de-emphasized. Only the organization needed to run the church is instituted. The pastor guides the church as he is led by the Holy Spirit. We trust God to put pastors where He wants them to be.
Doctrine
We at Calvary Chapel believe in all the fundamental doctrines of the evangelical Protestant church.
For example, we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture - that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
We believe that God is eternally existent in three separate persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God the Father is the personal, transcendent, and sovereign creator of all things.
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human; that He was born of a virgin; lived a sinless life; provided for the atonement of our sins by His vicarious death on the Cross; was bodily resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit; ascended back to the right hand of God the father; and ever lives to make intercession for us. Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit on the believers in Jerusalem after He ascended to Heaven. This enabled His believers to fulfill His command to preach the Gospel to the entire world, an obligation shared by all believers today.
We believe all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin. By the grace (unmerited favor) of our Lord Jesus Christ, all are freely offered salvation, redemption, and forgiveness of sins. A person who repents of sin, placing trust for salvation in Jesus Christ, as personal Savior and Lord, is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit. All that person's sins are forgiven, as he/she becomes a child of God, destined to spend eternity with the Lord.
As previously mentioned, we believe in the proper Scriptural exercise of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, the greatest gift of all being God's love.
What We Do Not Believe
At Calvary Chapel, we reject some popular doctrines of some Christian groups, believing them to be in error Scripturally. This does not mean that we will not fellowship with those holding these views. It simply means such views are outside the boundaries of what constitutes a Calvary Chapel church.
For example, we reject, as we have already mentioned, "amillennialism", post-millennialism, as well as a mid- or post-tribulation rapture view. At Calvary Chapel, we are strongly pre-millennialists and pre-tribulation rapturists.
We also reject the belief, held by some Pentecostals and charismatics, that Christians can be demon-possessed.
The Scripture says "greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world." This makes no sense if a believer can be simultaneously indwelt by both the Holy Spirit and evil spirits. Christians can be attacked by demons, but they cannot be possessed or controlled by them.
In addition, we reject "five-point Calvinism". For our purposes here, it suffices to say Calvary Chapel rejects two of the five points of five-point Calvinism. First, Calvinism teaches that Jesus' atonement on the Cross was limited. Limited atonement is the tenet that Jesus died only for a chosen group, His "elect", not for the sins of the entire world. At Calvary Chapel, we believe that Jesus died on the Cross for the sins of all people. Anyone who wants to can accept Him as Lord and Savior and be born again. Strict five-point Calvinists believe only the elect can be saved, and God has elected others to spend eternity in hell.
Secondly, we reject the Calvinistic teaching called "irresistible grace". This is the belief that man cannot, even if he wants to, resist the wooing and calling of God to salvation. Instead, at Calvary Chapel we believe man has a free will, and can resist the call of God if he so chooses. Therefore, those who hold to five-point Calvinism are outside of the borders of what defines Calvary Chapel.
At Calvary Chapel, we also reject the teaching of "positive confession". This is the doctrine put forth by the faith movement teachers, stating we as human beings can have unlimited health and wealth. The doctrine teaches if a person confesses health and wealth consistently, that is what they will have. Conversely, the Christian living in sickness or poverty is settling for less than his full inheritance in Christ.
At Calvary Chapel, we observe that many believers, both in daily life, and of the Bible, are often afflicted. This is, we believe, not because their confession is wrong, but simply because believers live in a foreign world. We believe the "health and prosperity doctrine" is a perversion of Scripture, and is often used to fleece the flock of God. We believe we must always submit to His perfect will, even in affliction. Man cannot command God to heal or provide.
We also reject teachings using human prophecy to supersede the Word of God. Some "Christian" groups claim to have prophets and apostles whose stature is greater than those who wrote the Bible. These groups claim the teachings of their prophets and apostles are more valid than, and take precedence over, the Word of God.
At Calvary Chapel, we believe the Bible is the final authority and the complete Word of God for His church today. No prophecy or teaching can ever supersede it.
Again, Calvary Chapel rejects the over-emphasis of spiritual gifts and experiential signs and wonders, when it diminishes or excludes Biblical teaching. We are a Bible-based ministry, avoiding programs and gimmicks in favor of the simple teaching, in love, of the Word of God to His people. Our services focus on a personal relationship with God through worship, prayer, and the teaching of God's Word. We offer both expository and topical studies. We do not allow speaking in tongues loudly during services because we do not believe the Holy Spirit would interrupt Himself.
Worship
Most Calvary Chapels utilize a form of contemporary worship, though a great variety of styles of music is found. Some worship teams are very traditional and conservative, with organs or pianos and hymns. Other worship teams incorporate electric guitars and drums. There is no set style of worship. This makes a Calvary Chapel unique, as there is wide latitude in worshipful expression. All of us desire that whatever the style of worship, it comes from our hearts.
Some of our churches are filled with elderly people in suits and ties, some are filled with young people in jeans and t-shirts. Many are a combination of all different ages, styles, and races of people. We come together with one common focus: our love for Jesus Christ, and the desire to know Him more intimately.
Conclusion
By clarifying some of what we believe at Calvary Chapel, our purpose has been to help others less familiar with the movement to gain insight into who we are. It is not our intention to say we are right and others are wrong, nor is it our intention to argue our position with any Christian believer. We are content to agree to disagree. We desire to have nothing but love and fellowship with anyone who calls on the name of our Lord in truth and sincerity.
There are many additional areas of policy and doctrine we could discuss. While we could write volumes in an effort to defend all our positions against other positions, this is not our desire. Our desire is to simply adore Jesus, and we invite all God's people to join us.
On the other hand, others have started churches and called them Calvary Chapel, while holding views and practices very different from what we have described. In our opinion, it would be better if these churches would take a different name more accurately reflecting their beliefs and practices. This would help to avoid confusing people looking for a ministry in accordance with what we have described.
Many different kinds of people attend and pastor Calvary Chapel affiliated churches. Still, all Calvary Chapels agree on the essential elements of the basic tenets of Calvary Chapel, as explained here. Their individual styles of ministry, methods of preaching, and visions for outreach vary greatly.
As an individual believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we welcome you to our churches and Bible College programs, regardless of your background or doctrinal position.
We seek the unity of the Spirit in a bond of peace and love, and believe that God has called us to a unique ministry that fulfills His special purpose in this generation. May God bless you as you seek to draw near to Him in love.
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