STATEMENT OF FAITH

At Calvary La Semilla, we believe the Christian faith must be firmly rooted in the Word of God and lived out in a practical, life transforming way. This Statement of Faith clearly and biblically explains what we believe, why we believe it, and how these truths shape who we are as a Christian church. It is written especially for first-time visitors, new believers, and anyone seeking to understand our doctrine, vision, and biblical foundation within the Calvary Chapel.

1

THE BIBLE: OUR FINAL AUTHORITY

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, without error and completely trustworthy. Scripture is the supreme authority for the life of the believer and for the church. Everything we teach, believe, and practice must be aligned with it. (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:21; John 10:35)

2

ONE TRUE GOD: FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in one eternal and sovereign God, who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This biblical truth is known as the Trinity. God created all things, sustains them, and rules over them according to His will. All things were created by Him and for Him. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Colossians 1:16)

3

JESUS CHRIST: GOD INCARNATE AND THE ONLY SAVIOR

We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross in our place. Jesus rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. After His ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower believers to carry the gospel to the world. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Hebrews 2:9)

4

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS WORK IN US

We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He transforms the heart, dwells in believers, and empowers us to live a holy life and to be witnesses of Jesus. The Holy Spirit equips the church with spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ and to glorify God. (John 14:16–17; Acts 1:8; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12)

5

THE HUMAN NEED FOR A SAVIOR

We believe that all human beings have sinned and are separated from God. As a result, every person needs a Savior. Salvation cannot be earned through works, religion, or human effort. (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23)

6

SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

We believe that salvation is a gift from God, received solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. When a person repents and trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior, they are born again, forgiven, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and adopted as a son or daughter of God, with the promise of eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9; Acts 4:12)

7

JESUS CHRIST: THE CHURCH: THE BODY OF CHRIST

We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ, made up of redeemed men and women from every tribe, language, people, and nation. Each local congregation, including ours, is a visible expression of this universal church. We also believe in the spiritual unity of all who follow Jesus. (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Revelation 5:9; Acts 2:42–47)

8

WORSHIP: SPIRITUAL, INSPIRING, INTELLIGENT, AND FRUITFUL

We believe that worship should reflect the character and revelation of God, transforming our lives and drawing us closer to Him.

  • Spiritual: True worship is the work of the Holy Spirit. We depend on His guidance to direct every expression of worship, recognizing that without Him we cannot worship in truth. (John 4:24)

  • Inspiring: Worship should move the heart toward God. Music holds an important place as a biblical expression of praise and reverence. (Psalm 96:1–2)

  • Intelligent: God must be worshiped with understanding. Faithful teaching of the Word is central in our services, instructing us to honor God properly. (Colossians 3:16)

  • Fruitful: Genuine worship transforms the worshiper. The visible fruit of a life that worships God is love—the highest evidence of authentic worship. (Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:7)

9

GOD THE FATHER: TRANSCENDENT CREATOR AND PERSONALLY NEAR

We believe that God the Father is the transcendent person and sovereign Creator of all things. As the first person of the Trinity, He created everything with power and wisdom, governing all things according to His perfect will. God is holy and eternal, yet He is also near to His children, who are adopted through Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:1; Psalms 33:6, 9; Ephesians 1:11; Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 6:3; Psalms 90:2; Romans 8:15–16; James 4:8)

10

THE RESURRECTION AND FINAL JUDGMENT

We believe in the resurrection of all human beings. Believers will be raised to eternal life in the presence of God, while unbelievers will be raised for judgment and eternal condemnation, separated from Him forever. (Daniel 12:2; John 5:25–29; Revelation 21–22)

11

SYSTEMATIC TEACHING OF GOD’S WORD

We believe in teaching the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book, with the purpose of communicating all of God’s counsel. Our goal is for each person to apply God’s Word to their life and grow in spiritual maturity in Christ. (Ephesians 4:11–12; 2 Timothy 3:16–17)

12

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY

We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Scripture are still active today, as long as they are exercised under the guidance of God’s Word. As believers, we should desire the best gifts and use them in love to build up the entire Body of Christ. (Romans 8:13–14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19–20; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; John 14:16–17; John 16:7–11; Titus 3:5–6; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12–14; 1 Peter 4:10–11)