Calvary Chapel adheres to foundational evangelical Christian doctrines, distinguishing itself with a strong emphasis on expository Bible teaching and a unique approach to spiritual gifts and end-times prophecy. At its core, Calvary Chapel believes in one God who is the Creator of heaven and earth. This God is understood to be Spirit, light, love, and truth; eternal, almighty, infallible, and unchangeable, infinitely wise, just, and holy. This one God eternally exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
Core Doctrinal Tenets
The beliefs of Calvary Chapel are rooted deeply in biblical interpretation, guiding their worship, teaching, and fellowship.
1. The Nature of God
Calvary Chapel maintains a Trinitarian view of God, affirming the co-equality and co-eternity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons within one divine being. This God is sovereign over all creation and actively involved in the lives of His people.
2. The Authority of Scripture
The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is regarded as the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. It is considered the final authority for faith and life, providing complete and sufficient revelation for Christian doctrine and practice. This belief underpins Calvary Chapel's characteristic method of expository teaching, where pastors teach systematically through books of the Bible, verse by verse.
3. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is believed to be the Son of God, fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Key aspects of His work include:
- His sinless life: Lived perfectly obedient to God the Father.
- His atoning death: Sacrificed on the cross as a substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity.
- His bodily resurrection: Conquering death and demonstrating His deity.
- His ascension to heaven: Where He intercedes for believers at the right hand of God.
- His literal return: To judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom.
4. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is recognized as the third person of the Trinity, indwelling all believers at the moment of conversion. His work includes:
- Conviction: Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
- Regeneration: Giving new life to those who believe.
- Empowerment: Equipping believers for Christian life and service.
- Spiritual Gifts: While believing in the present-day reality of spiritual gifts (such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues), Calvary Chapel emphasizes their use in an orderly, edifying manner, avoiding excess or sensationalism. They often discourage disruptive or unbiblical practices.
5. Humanity and Salvation
- Original Sin: Humanity is believed to be created in the image of God but fell from grace through the sin of Adam, resulting in spiritual death and a sin nature.
- Salvation by Grace Through Faith: Salvation is understood as a gift from God, received solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice, not by human works or merit. This faith results in justification, regeneration, and adoption into God's family.
- Eternal Security: Believers, once genuinely saved, are eternally secure in their salvation.
Distinctive Emphases of Calvary Chapel
While sharing many core beliefs with other evangelical denominations, Calvary Chapel has several distinguishing characteristics:
| Area | Calvary Chapel Approach |
|---|---|
| Teaching Style | Expository: Systematic, verse-by-verse teaching through the entire Bible. |
| Worship | Contemporary worship music, often featuring praise bands, emphasizing an intimate atmosphere. |
| Spiritual Gifts | Non-cessationist but cautious: Believes spiritual gifts are for today but emphasizes order, biblical purpose, and avoids sensationalism. |
| Eschatology | Pre-Tribulation, Pre-Millennial: Belief in a literal Rapture of the Church before a seven-year Great Tribulation, followed by Christ's thousand-year reign on Earth. |
| Church Polity | Simplicity: Typically led by a senior pastor with a less formalized denominational structure, often prioritizing fellowship and outreach over elaborate programs. |
These beliefs shape the practical outworking of ministry within Calvary Chapel churches, fostering environments focused on understanding Scripture, authentic worship, and evangelism. Their approach seeks to maintain a balance between sound doctrine and a vibrant, Spirit-filled walk.
